Cybuster – The Divine Crusaders (Volume 3/Animé TV)

 

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

 

 

One of the more awkward combinations in recent Animé TV that we have seen is Cybuster, which we pick up on at the third DVD release.  They are military people who also have Transformer/Shogun giant robot monsters (like the title robomonster) they sometimes use, plus mercenaries are out to kill some of them.  Balcione is a new robot being built and the job is being rushed due to demand.  With the overdramatic title Divine Crusaders, the episodes are as follows:

 

11) Divine Crusaders

12) The Spirits Of The Wind & Of The Fire

13) The Army Of Prescion

14) A Wing In The Flame Of War

 

 

Though young ladies figure more prominently than they would have in the 1980s, we have seen all of this before, adding the remilitarized, animated 1980s G.I. Joe in for good measure.  This is an interesting work as a retro piece, but wears out very quickly.  I could see how younger fans might enjoy this, as it is recommended for ages 7 and up, but some parents might want to see it before letting ages 7 – 11 take a look.

 

The full frame 1.33 X 1 image is not bad, despite image limits, with good color.  Too bad the animation is not always good.  It could be said that some of it is intended to emulate those various 1980s cartoons, but is no improvement on them either.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has Pro Logic surrounds and that works for the battle scenes, something the shows it imitates cannot claim as much, though some of the animated G.I. Joe releases from the 1980s have 5.1 remixes.  You can read more about that elsewhere on this site.

 

The only extra is three previews for other Geneon Animé DVD product, which is even lower than the usually low offerings.  There is not even a bonus in the DVD case.  Try this one at your peril.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo