Description:
Due to popular demand the second series of The
Big O has finally arrived! When last we saw of
Roger Smith and company – The stage was set for
the defense of Paradigm City against three
invading robots. >From the aftermath of this
battle, Roger Smith is plagued by self-doubt as
to who he is and the reality of the world he
lives in. New mysteries demand to be unraveled,
old enemies threaten to wreak havoc once again,
and more clues to the cataclysmic event that
happened forty years ago. It’s showtime!
Packaging:
Changing from the previous season’s covers,
Volume 1 features a collection of artwork
displaying shots from the episodes contained. It
looks quite stylish with the Big O logo in the
lower left corner, and the volume title on the
right. The binding shows the volume number as
well as a shot of Roger looking smug. The back
lists the episodes, displays some screenshots,
and lists the extras and crew members.
Menus:
Consistent with the previous season are the
menus, which once again feature the Big O’s view
screen. Various clips are in the background,
playing to the main Big O theme. A bit boring
after four other discs, but still effective.
Audio/Visual:
Audio and voices are as clear as ever, with the
music continuing to be wonderful. For the new
season, some rock tunes have been added to the
mix, but the overall feel is still the same.
Naturally, after three years, the style of
animation has changed somewhat. The designs are
a bit brighter and sleeker. All of the
characters and locations are still instantly
recognizable. Perfect transition to DVD quality.
Extras:
Slim pickings as far as extras go. The disc
again contains the clean OP as well as credits,
trailers and production sketches. The art is fun
to cycle through and some interesting designs
are revealed.
Content
(beware, contains
spoilers):
After three years, the series picks up right
where it left off, featuring Roger about to
confront the foreign invaders. During the
battle, he is transported to a mysterious new
city and he has become a helpless street urchin.
Perhaps the most confusing episode so far. The
episodes to follow go back to the formula of the
previous series, except containing more clues to
Paradigm City and the memories. We learn more
about Alex Rosewater and are introduced to a
shocking new character, Alan Gabriel. Many new
mysteries are revealed at the end of the disc
with Schwartzwald supposedly returning. And of
course, there are many more mecha fights in each
episode.
Conclusion:
I’m not quite sure how Bandai can justify
releasing this for thirty bucks MSRP, but you
should try to find it cheaper to get your
money’s worth. The story continues on, only
gaining speed, though the lack of extras or
otherwise polish hurts the release, though.
