Gravion Vol 1

Review Date: 2005 October 08 09:30

Reviewed by: Azure

Released by: ADV Films UK

Age Rating: 12

Region: 2 - UK

Volume 1 of 3

Length: 125 minutes

Subtitles: English

Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Japanese 2.0 Stereo

Summary

The earth faces an alien invasion- the only thing which can stand in it’s way is reclusive billionaire Sandman. His solution is to build Gravion – a really big giant robot, sound familiar? It should as the Japanese trailer says Gravion is " the true archetypal robot".

Review

It’s an interested concept; deliberately create a show, which taps into as many anime clichés as it can. Sandman’s staff is almost comprised of young women, and of course this means they wear maid outfits most of the time, even the ones that pilot the robot. Gravion itself is comprised of smaller ships that launch separately then unite, oh and its attacks are voice activated too.

The story is mainly told through the eyes of Eiji a young man looking for his sister, who he has believed has gone missing while working for Sandman. When he gets there he’s dragged into joining the team, it turns out he’s got what it takes to pilot the robot. Eiji himself is a curious mix part Generator Gawl’s Gawl, part DNAngels Dark, flitting from Geek to bishounen persona’s in an instant.Eiji lives in a state of confusion as he’s dragged from one event to another. He’s likable of nothing else, as he desperately tries to keep a sense of decency throughout his numerous adventures, difficult as it is in a house full of maids.


The opening theme is pure classic giant robot fare, and is catchy enough most of the music through is pretty unmemorable. The visuals are pretty average through most of the disc, not that anything particularly advanced is needed. Gravion is your absolutely typical giant robot show, a lot of fun but nothing particularly deep.

Rating: 6/10