Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Armored Trooper Votoms: Case;Irvine Blu-ray Movie Review

Case; Irvine is another exciting chapter in the Armored Trooper Votoms saga. The spin-off OVA is an interesting segment in the series. The animation for Case; Irvine is by acclaimed production studio Sunrise (Mobile Suit Gundam, Turn A Gundam). Created by Hajime Yatate and Ryousuke Takahashi, Armored Trooper Votoms: Case; Irvine brings more adventure to the series. Produced by Kiyoshi Sugiyama (Spirit of Wonder) and Shunsuke Ikuchi (ClassicaLoid), fans won’t want to miss  this installment.

Irvine (Daisuke Hirakawa) lives a simple life as an Armored Trooper (AT) repair man. Working repairs for armored troopers, Irving does whatever he can to earn a simple living. The life of a repair mechanic doesn’t pay as well as he dreams and life is sometimes a struggle.

In order to get by, Irvine makes an unwise decision to illegally participate in Armored Trooper matches – where he rigs games and he intentionally loses them in order to get some extra money on the side. Yet a life of losing might not ultimately be his calling: Irvine has real talent with Armored Troopers and before long some fighters begin to want to face-off against Irvine with real matches – no rigging involved.

The animation is outstanding on this OVA episode. The animation features exceptional art direction by Yasutada Kato (Case Closed, Midori Days). There is a lot to appreciate about the art style and everything involved in the production. The background art is highly detailed here as are the mecha designs, which are from designer Kenji Teraoka (Bodacious Space Pirates, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex) and Kunio Okawara (Gundam Build Divers, Brave King GaoGaiGar Final). The characters were well designed by Hirokazu Hisayuki (Gear Fighter Dendoh, My-HiME) and have a distinct style when compared to the other OVAs for Armored Trooper Votoms.

The cinematography by Hidekatsu Ooishi (Zone of the Enders: Idolo, Phi-Brain - Puzzle of God) shines and rewards audiences with a lush looking production. The cinematographic approach is gritty compared to some other installments in the Armored Trooper Votoms storytelling universe and it works well here (providing a lot to appreciate).

The score composed by Yoshihiro Ike (Cobra The Animation, Rage of Bahamut: Genesis) was a highlight. The music was enjoyable and well-integrated in to the production. The score certainly helps to provide action scenes with more energy and style. A nice approach by Ike.

Written by Takuya Satō (Diamond Daydreams, Kase-san and Morning Glories), Case; Irvine is a strong story. The lead character of Irvine is compelling and makes the OVA all the more engaging as a story. While the story has fewer threads connecting to the main AT saga, what is provided here is fun and satisfying. A solid script by Sato.

Directed by Shishō Igarashi (Aikatsu on Parade!, Unlimited Psychic Squad), Case; Irvine is well worth seeing. The OVA episode offers plenty of charm and entertainment value. The production was well mounted and effectively explored by Igarashi. Armored Trooper Votoms fans won’t want to miss it.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Case;Irvine Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sentai Filmworks, Case; Irvine is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The presentation is generally solid and offers a nice high definition presentation. Colors "pop" and the image has good clarity. The image is a bit soft compared to most modern anime productions but still looks fine (and the softness is likely source related).

Armored Trooper Votoms: Case;Irvine Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio (with English subtitles). The lossless audio sounds crisp and engaging. The release does not provide a English dub option. The Japanese audio sounds great, though.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Case;Irvine Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There are no Case; Irvine specific bonuses included alongside the OVA episode.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Case;Irvine Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Case; Irvine is an entertaining and engaging installment in the storytelling universe of Armored Trooper Votoms. The OVA is an excellent episode and it offers fans an engaging experience. The arc is quite interesting in the Armored Trooper Votoms saga. Recommended.