Customer Reviews

Giant Robo - Economy Pack

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Terrific show, but I need to address one of the posts below... I never bought this packaged set, but I have the indivdual DVDs from Anime Works. If you desire the Manga Dub of Giant Robo (and, really, why wouldn't you?) then you should know this: the DVDs contain a hidden track which has the Manga dub. It CANNOT be selected from the menus. Instead find the "audio" button on your DVD remote and push it until the Manga Dub begins.

Thanks!

On the surface, it seems like just another big robot cartoon. It's much more than that.

This Giant Robo was a 90's anime, an homage to the manga and live action television series of decades before, and I can confidently say it is one of the best anime series out there. With solid, even great animation for its time, an epic story, grand score, and strong characterizations, it is considered by many to be one of the best retro animes, and one of the best anime productions of all time. On a personal note, I can say that when I first sat down to watch this series I didn't expect much. What a pleasant surprise it was, so much so that Giant Robo became one of my favorite anime series and during a time where I had been exhausted with anime.

Believe me, even if that is overhyping the series, it is a bargain at its price for this economy pack (which includes four cases having the entire 7 episode series and the Ginrei specials, totalling nearly six hours, not including the extras).

Like the reviewer below me, i bought this set because a friend reccomended it. I was not expecting to like it much at all.

But once i started watching it, this was the best thing i had ever seen.

Each episode (40-60minutes a piece) was full of action and excitement. But it is also full of story, plot twists and it always keeps you ready for more.

This dvd set is well worth more than $20.

I don't even understand how this deal is possible. First of all, you get four DVDs for around $20. That is a ridiculous price already. Second of all, this is Giant Robo, one of the best animes of all time. And it even came with the Ginrei Special DVD which I wasn't even expecting. This is a phenomenal package for an unbelievably phenomenal price. I've never had such a good deal on this kind of quality DVDs before. Worth every penny and much more.

I enjoyed Giant Robo immensely back when Manga released it on VHS years ago. The story and characters are detailed and draw you in, and each character has hidden motivations and pasts that are revealed later in the series. In fact, if you watch it a second time, a lot of the details that you thought were insignificant the first time through take on a lot of significance.

That said, I was surprised to find that the series had been re-dubbed since the Manga release, using what I feel are inferior voice actors. In the Manga version, each of the characters had a distinct voice and accent that enhanced the personality. Lord Alberto had a more British, aristocratic accent. Chief Chujo had a deeper, more masculine voice, Genya had a crazier laugh, etc. In this version, I had a hard time telling a lot of the male voices apart, and a lot of them simply did not convey the emotion behind the dialog. Overall, I still recommend this set, especially since Manga never ended up releasing a DVD version of their dub.

I do have a warning: Although the main series is suitable for young teens, the bonus "Ginrei special" disc is definitely ADULT oriented. There is cartoon nudity, cursing, and sexual innuendo. The lower quality of the animation even makes it seem like some low rent studio created it.

Edit: I found that these discs do indeed include the Manga dubbed versions as a bonus feature. I would definitely recommend giving the alternate dub version a view.

When I first watched this series, I thought it was okay. But it grew on me at a terrific speed and now I'd consider it among the best animes I've seen. Be warned though, it is somewhat incomplete, but still excellent for what it is. The animation is incredible, the writing good and the characters (especially the badguys) are fascinating.

As I understand it the world of GIANT ROBO THE ANIMATION - THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL is a shared universe populated several characters from the collected works of mangaka Mitsuteru Yokoyama, whom is under-represented in the West while being highly regarded in Japan. Because Yokoyama's work was varied and included adaptations of classic Chinese works you'll see ancient Chinese warriors fight alongside giant robots and futuristic machines. If you are willing to go with this then you'll enjoy this series, especially for the sheer craziness that it delivers. Yet the story (told in an operatic, over-the-top way) is quite interesting and haunting. And the music is excellent as well, which is always a bonus. It's not really very subtle, but in this case its a selling point. A definite recommendation!

CLARIFICATION: When I said its incomplete I don't mean that there's an episode missing or unfinished. It's just that the producers and director made this series apparently planned several prequels (to which there are frequent allusions) as well as a sequel that would have had an incredible climax. Because the series had a long, delayed production and was not much of a success it seems that none of these sequels and prequels will get produced any time soon. It's kind of like George Lucas first making THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK instead of "NEW HOPE" and then never making any other Star Wars film. It's sad, but true.

I saw this on my vcr back in the day!!! it rocked!!! got it on dvd good price, nice box!!! it still rocks!!!
watch the original english dub in the extras menus... it is much more emotive than the new one!!!
Do not doubt it Giant robo is an amazing piece of art... and a great inspiration for artist like Joe Madureira as he once said!!!

Wether you love great animation, drama, sci-fi, or giant robots, Giant Robo is perfect. I am currently enrolled for my MFA in animation at SCAD and I can say that Giant Robo is what every lower budget big dreamer should strive for, and what every fan of perfection should own. This new economy pack has it all, including the original english voices as a bonus sound track (that's the best way to watch it, more personality) and comes with the special 4th instalment of aniamted spoofs and mini prequels to the main series. Giant Robo isn't simply a mini-series, it is an event, and now everyone can enjoy it.

Awesome collection / great value
finnally released in with a good quality transfer
+ has the original dub hidden
(select Audio while playing the movie)
Highly reccomend

The characters are cool even though some lack back stories. An awesome price! The only reason I didnt give this series 5 stars was that the end was lacking a bit.