Gate: Complete Collection (2015 - 2016/Sentai Blu-ray Set)

Picture: B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Episodes: A-

All that Itami wanted to do was be an otaku, but when a mysterious gate opens to another world he and the JSDF (Japanese Self Defense Force) are to explore this new world on the other side of the Gate. On the other side of the Gate they not only find people, but monsters, ogres, dragons and more. On each side of the gate the governments seeks to exploit the resource on the other side of the Gate, it is up to Itami to find a peaceful solution to prevent further war in Gate: Complete Collection (2015 - 2016).

After helping to save hundreds of people when a mysterious army comes out a mysterious gate to another world, Itami is recruited into the JSDF army to explore and recon this new world. With modern weapons, the JSDF is not only able to repel the attack but easily fight back against superior numbers and establish a beachhead in the new world. Itami befriends Tuka an Elf, Lelei a Sorceress and Rory a goth lolita Shinigami Death Demi Goddess. Together they  seek to open peace negotiations between the Special Region and human world, but peace is hard to seek when both governments are seeking ways to invade one another.

This was anime like the modern military in a dungeons and dragon world and what happens when more advance civilization encounters another. It is fill with fantasy, action, (as well a typical harem) and anime stereotypes. It basically tries to hit all the cliches in anime. The JSDF soldiers more or less become heroes in the new world defending the innocent from the greedy and corrupt governments.

The 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image across the shows look really good in playback and are very, very consistent, while the soundtrack choices are English and better Japanese DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo lossless tracks with Pro Logic-like surrounds. This is one of Sentais nicer sets. Extras include clean opening and closing animations, animated comic and trailers.

Episodes include...

JSDF Goes to Another World - A mysterious gate appears and Itami becomes a hero in helping to repel the attack and is promoted to the JSDF investigate this new world.

Two Forces - The JSDF enters the special region and destroys the armies of the Imperial Empire.

A Flame Dragon - Itami rescues survivors from a Fire Dragon and meets Tuka, Lelei and Rory.

To the Land of the Unknown - Itami visits the city of Italica to find it under attack by bandits.

Battle of Italica - Princess Pina's learns of the flames of war and that she is unable to save Italica.

Ride of the Battle Goddess - Itami and JSDF comes to Pina's rescue and saves Italica.

Princess' Decision - Itami is captured by Pina's subordinates who was unaware the cease fire between Pina and Itami's forces.

Japan, the Other Side of the Gate - Tuka, Lelei, Rory and Pina visits the human world, but mysterious groups seeks to destroy the fragile peace between the two worlds.

Night Battle on Hokone Mountain - Itami takes the girls to meet his ex-wife and the hot springs, only to discover foreign black ops troops from various countries are sent to capture them.

Hope and Despair - After the foreign agents plans fail and their plans are aired on public TV, foreign nations/leaders are forced to withdraw their men/spies/assassins. Pina returns to her world to begin peace talks.

A Visitor - 5 months has gone by, Itami continues to be a liaison to the Special Region. Yao, a Dark Elf seeks the JSDF to help fight the Flame Dragon.

Itami Might - The Japanese Government refused to help Yao, but she is told to find Itami and that he might be able to still help.

The Party Begins - The nobles, crime bosses begins to maneuver political positions with the JSDF after seeing their superior fire power.

The Great Quake at the Imperial Capital - Itami learns that Japanese Citizens are being held by the Empire against their will.

Tuka Luna Marceau - Itami helps Tuka get over her father's death and she must face the Fire Dragon once more.

The Flame Dragon Once Again - The JSDF foils another assassination. Itami arrive at Yao's village and the Fire Dragon appears once more.

The Battle - Itami, the Dark Elves, Lelei and Tuka fight and defeat the Fire Dragon, but they discover another demi-goddess wants Rory to be the wife of the Goddess of the Underworld.

Rondel, the City of Magic - Itami visits the city of magic. Peace talks were going well until the Emperor is poisoned.

The Dangerous Sisters - Itami discovers the gate opens every few centuries to connect worlds and why there are so many races there. They discover Zorzal is the one behind the plans to destroy the peace talks.

The Lovers - Itami and his friends continue to run from Zorzal's assassins.

The Dead Line - Zorzal has arrested Pina. Itami continues to foil assassinations and to capture the leader of assassins.

A Princess in Slave Clothes - With all the failed assassinations, Itami learns that Pina is being held as a prisoner by Zoral.

Paratroopers - Itami and the JSDF attacks the Imperial Capital to rescue Pina.

Thus They Fought - Pina is rescued, the Emperor recovers and Zorzal is exiled for his betrayal. Pina is made Crown Princess and peace resumes once more. Itami seeks to return to a normal life only to discover Lelei, Tuka and Rory now are following him where ever he goes.

- Ricky Chiang