“For fans of the original “Gunbuster” series, will not want to miss any minute of the final DVD volume of “Gunbuster 2”. Not only is the animation fluid and beautiful during the battle sequences but an ending so fitting, original “Gunbuster” fans will feel complete with the overall storyline of “Gunbuster 2”.
ANIME SERIES: GUNBUSTER 2 Vol. 3
RELEASED BY: Bandai Visual (HONNEAMISE)
CATALOG#: BUDH0107
DVD INFORMATION: 62 minutes, 16:9 LB, Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0, English Subtitles
The real enemy, the Fluctuating Gravity Well, closes in on mankind! What will be the fate of the Sol System?!
Finally, Nono’s true self has been revealed. Sine the shocking Titan incident, the Topless have been placed under house arrest in the remotest part of the Sol System, their abilities sealed up. With their very existence denied, Lal’C and the other pilots are now at the mercy of fate.
But another catastrophe is closing in on the Sol System…. The time has come to launch the strongest fleet in the Space Force – and the Buster Machine #7!
What an amazing conclusion to the “Gunbuster 2” OAV series.
Without spoiling too much, I can’t explain how happy I was to see how the sequel ended. It was a feeling of happiness because it was a major way of bridging both the original series and “Gunbuster 2” together.
Episode 5 titled “Mover of Planets” takes place after the incident on Titan. With the way episode 4 ended in tragedy and also revealing what Nono really is, the episode starts off with the military no longer looking at the Topless as being their protectors against the Space Monsters.
Because of the way things ended so badly for the pilots, Nono has become the new defender of the Planet Earth to take on the Space Monsters. Is Nono ready and what about Lal’C and the other Topless now that they have been quarantined and deemed ineffective.
Episode 6 titled “The Story of Your Life” is simply a beautiful story that features Lal’C learning more about Nono’s life. Nono has disappeared and Lal’C has now become the hero to defend and destroy the Planet Earth. As we learned from the original “Gunbuster” of how destroying a planet was needed as resources to create Buster Machine #3 with the Planet Jupiter, this time, the Planet Earth is being sacrificed.
As for the DVD, the animation is just top-notch as the the battle against the Space Monsters continue and a lot of action scenes plus great sound via Digital 5.1 with sound being heard really well on the rears and overall, production value was definitely well done. Similar to past releases, there is no English dub. The Japanese voice acting is well done on this series.
In terms of special features, unfortunately there is no “DIEBUSTER TV” on this volume but there is the theatrical trailer for the “Gunbuster vs. Diebuster” film.
But included is the informative 20-page booklet featuring character profiles, Buster Machine and Space Monster profiles, interview with Yamazaki Takumi (Voice of Casio), interview with Sadamoto Yoshiyuki (Character Designer), Izuna Yoshitsune (Buster Machine Director), Okama (Future Visual Creator) and a very cool, informative interview with Tsurumaki Kazuya (Original Planner/Director) and Enokido Yoji (Screen Writer).
It’s very hard to review too much of this volume without spoiling it, so I’ll leave this as is.
I know that there are people who may have only seen the first episode or two of “Gunbuster 2″ but all I can say is watch it from beginning to the end, you won’t be disappointed. If you are a fan of the original “Gunbusterâ€, I can’t say how important it is to watch “Gunbuster 2″ and see how it ties into the original.
As for the DVD, I found the beauty of “Gunbuster 2″, you do get an appreciation for the series through the 20-page booklet included. Especially the interview with Tsurumaki and Enokido who discuss the finale episode
All in all, a beautiful anime and the way the series ends, you can’t help but be appreciative of the work the staff put into this series but most importantly, that the people behind the series, they understood how to make sure they stay faithful to the original anime series. Very awesome ending!
“Gunbuster 2″, this volume and the other two are just awesome. Sure, I do enjoy the original series much more because there was a big focus on character development and Noriko’s willingness to work hard and strive to be the best.
Highly recommended!
PLUS:
+ Two awesome OAV episodes full of action
+ Ending sure to satisfy fans of the original “Gunbuster” series
+ Wonderfully voice acted. Beautiful animation! And well planned storyline from beginning to end.
+ The 20-Page Booklet DVD insert was another awesome inclusion to really appreciate the anime.
NEGATIVES:
– No English dub for those who need that
– No DIEBUSTER TV on this volume similar two the two previous volumes. Just one special feature – the movie trailer