Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles Blu-ray Review

Encoded in AVC and averaging 25 Mbps, "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" sets a high standard in high-definition presentation. The 1080p transfer excels with its crisply defined character lineart and vividly clear candy-colored accents, notably in hair and eyes. Surreal highlights within the ship environments and the blurred illumination of the Invid queen mother showcase exceptional artificial lighting depiction. The series' intrinsic space setting demands significant black levels, and fortunately, The Shadow Chronicles delivers with deep blacks devoid of crush. Laser cannon explosions are captured with admirable precision, and whites contrast effectively without suffering from blooming. However, the out-of-place appearance of CG models alongside hand-animated elements occasionally detracts from the overall experience, though this is somewhat anticipated in direct-to-video features.

FUNimation’s Blu-ray effort for "The Shadow Chronicles" surpasses their previous outputs for titles like 'Dragon Ball Z' and 'Afro Samurai' by showcasing a rich, vibrant color palette. Primaries display an engaging pop, reinforced by a contrast level that offers clean whites and inky blacks. Detail quality is impressive, with sharp line-art, well-defined textures, and unparalleled clarity that surpasses the 2007 standard DVD in every aspect. Despite the film's stocky animation and minor production flaws, the video transfer remains technically proficient. Some issues do persist, such as periodic banding and minor aliasing, particularly evident around mouths and eyes, though these flaws are not significant enough to severely impact the viewing experience. Overall, "The Shadow Chronicles" benefits from FUNimation’s commendable effort in delivering a superior high-quality Blu-ray transfer.

"Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" excels in its audio presentation, providing two robust options: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track is especially noteworthy, providing an immersive experience during action-heavy scenes. Dialogue remains anchored to the center channel, ensuring clarity throughout the film. The soundstage is well-distributed, with significant use of the rear channels to capture ambient sounds, and the front channels maintaining clarity and openness. The low-frequency effects (LFE) add considerable depth, without becoming intrusive. However, the musical score can occasionally overshadow other elements, becoming somewhat overwhelming during intense sequences.

Despite some minor flaws, the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track remains highly engaging, effectively complementing the film's dynamic sound design. LFE support is solid and impactful, enhancing the sound effects without distortion. The rear speakers contribute to a voluminous and animated auditory experience, while dialogue is consistently clear and focused in the center channel. Heavy machinery and weapon discharges are rendered with impressive precision, while the musical score leverages every channel to create a grandiose audio landscape.

The soundfield offers a reasonably convincing sense of immersion, even if it does not achieve absolute realism. Some issues persist with scene prioritization; in particularly chaotic moments, dialogue can become muffled, and music can dominate the soundscape unexpectedly. Additionally, volume spikes are sometimes used to accentuate explosions and aggressive sound effects, which might disrupt immersion for some viewers. Despite these points, most of these issues are inherent to the original mix rather than the quality of the lossless audio track itself. Overall, the TrueHD audio stands out as a marked improvement over the standard Dolby Digital track on the DVD release and will likely satisfy fans seeking an enhanced auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" includes an ample collection of supplemental materials, originally featured in the 2-disc Collector's Edition DVD. Though presented in standard definition MPEG-2 with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, the extras offer a comprehensive insight into the Robotech universe, albeit repetitive at times. Key offerings include an Audio Commentary by director Tommy Yune, screenwriter Ford Riley, and composer Scott Glasgow. The substantial "Birth of a Sequel" featurette dives deep into the genesis and development of the movie. Other notable inclusions are deleted scenes, outtakes, animatics, and original trailers. Additionally, there are brief segments on the ill-fated "Robotech 3000" series and a variety of galleries and promotional materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Redundant discussions on the film's lineage and design.
• Birth of a Sequel: Detailed look at the film’s history and production.
• ?!PoN Animé Podcast: Interview with director Tommy Yune.
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes: Skippable content that does not add value.
• Split Screen Animatics: Early renderings and test footage.
• Original Score Music Video: Highlights musical themes from the film.
• Marketing Materials: Trailers and promotional spots.
• Robotech 3000 Promo and Bonus Short: Preview of the abandoned series.
• Galleries with Production Design: Various photo and image galleries.
• Previews: FUNimation trailers for other anime titles.

"Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" offers a compelling continuation of the original 1985 series, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Set in the year 2044 A.D., the film picks up where the series left off, involving human forces attempting to reclaim Earth from the alien Invid. With alliances formed with the mysterious Haydonites and the introduction of advanced Shadow technology, the fight intensifies, revealing darker layers to the narrative. The film successfully balances a complex storyline, multiple characters, and new threats, ensuring even those unacquainted with "Robotech" lore can readily engage with the plot.

However, the animation fails to meet the expectations of modern viewers. Movements often appear unnaturally stiff, and character faces sometimes look lifeless and marionette-like, detracting from the immersive quality of the film. While the original series wasn't known for groundbreaking animation, it did maintain a sense of heart and expressiveness that "The Shadow Chronicles" struggles to replicate.

Despite these drawbacks, "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" presents a gripping story and well-developed characters. The interplay between familiar elements and new threats feels organic, avoiding overly contrived plot devices. Though it's marred by subpar animation, the film still offers a thrilling standalone experience for newcomers and a satisfying continuation for series veterans.

While "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" may exhibit animation that at times leaves something to be desired in terms of production quality, it redresses the balance with a compelling narrative and action sequences that stay true to the spirit of the original series. For long-standing fans of Robotech, the film offers a sense of continuity by resolutely picking up where the series left off, even if some elements have aged or evolved. Newcomers will find the storyline accessible, with enough depth to draw them into the vast universe of Robotech.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation is robust; the video transfer is meticulously handled, delivering a clean and crisp visual experience despite the inherent limitations of the original animation quality. The TrueHD lossless audio track is notably aggressive, adding an immersive layer to the viewing experience, especially during action-packed scenes. Complemented by a strong supplemental package, including behind-the-scenes features and interviews, this release is comprehensive.

Conclusively, "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" maintains the enduring legacy of its franchise while attempting to bridge generational gaps between original fans and new audiences. Despite its shortcomings in animation quality, it compensates with a solid storyline, effective audio-visual presentation, and added content that enriches the overall package. Whether you're a devoted fan or a curious newcomer, this Blu-ray is a commendable entry into the Robotech saga. Highly recommended for purchase to enthusiasts and for rental to those unsure about committing.