Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Armored Trooper Votoms: Chirico's Return Blu-ray Movie Review

Chirico’s Return (also known by the alternative title of Alone Again) continues the Armored Trooper Votoms series. The OVA episode is a sequel OVA to the Armored Trooper Votoms: Shining Heresy installment. The special OVA episode also acts as a prequel to the Phantom Chapter storyline. A distinctive entry in the Armored Trooper Votoms saga.  

Created by Hajime Yatate, Chirico’s Return features animation produced by studio Sunrise (Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam). Produced by Ken Ookawara (Broken Blade, Burn The Witch) and Takanori Tsukada (Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Arc, Armored Trooper Votoms: Case;Irvine), Chirico’s Return is a worthwhile entry in the saga and one that viewers of Shining Heresy or the Phantom Chapter won’t want to miss out on.

Chirico Cuvie (Hozumi Gōda) and Gouto (Kousei Tomita) are reunited once more. The pair has an unexpected encounter and begin to recall old memories – rewinding time for the special moments once thought forgotten. After 30 years following the original events, Chirico and Gouto find new adventures await them in the lore of Armored Troopers. Meeting up in a colorful oasis town, Chirico and Gouto reawaken their dreams and never let go of their experiences with AT.

Under chief animation direction of Kazuyoshi Takeuchi (Golgo 13, Flag) and featuring art direction by Masanobu Nomura (Appleseed XIII, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners), Chirico’s Return is a beautifully animated installment. The animation has excellent production merits. The team of animators involved on the production did a superb job.

The character designs by Norio Shioyama (Fang of the Sun Dougram, Ronin Warriors: Gaiden) make a solid impression as well. The designs both fit the threshold established by the other installments (a comparison that is worthwhile) and also works as something distinct. The character designs aren’t exclusively what works on a design note: the mecha designs by Kunio Okawara (Gravion Zwei, The Brave Fighter Exkizer) are compelling and help the OVA to provide some strong mecha action as well.

The cinematography by Kentaro Takahashi (Golgo 13, Oban Star-Racers) is a highlight of the OVA episode. The cinematographic approach offers plenty of vibrant visuals and compelling imagery. Something about it simply works beautifully and makes a huge impression. Kudos to Takahashi.

The score composed by Hiroki Inui (Armored Trooper Votoms, Miss Machiko) and Tetsuro Oda (Mushibugyō, Dr. Ramune: Mysterious Disease Specialist) is effective at highlighting the action-packed mayhem as well as the drama. The quieter character-moments are well composed and have good score music. The action beats are fast paced and thrilling.

Written by Masashi Ikeda (Cluster Edge, Ronin Warriors: Legend of the Inferno Armor), Chirico’s Return is certainly a compelling OVA experience. The script brings back several key characters and viewers will be intrigued by the storyline. The OVA is interesting within the history of Armored Trooper Votoms and previous installments.

Directed by Kazuyoshi Takeuchi (Golgo 13, Thundercats) and Ryousuke Takahashi (Armored Trooper Votoms, Blue Gender), Chirico’s Return delivers the action-packed goods alongside a nice storyline. Director Takeuchi brings forth good production merits from the crew and the animators. This is a compelling and well directed OVA episode.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Chirico's Return Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sentai Filmworks, Chirico's Return is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentations is lush and colorful. The animation is a key highlight of the encode. The encoding is solid and capably handles the action sequencing. A solid presentation by Sentai Filmworks.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Chirico's Return Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio (with English subtitles). The lossless audio encoding is impressive and works well for the production. The presentation has solid dynamics. The dialogue clarity is good (and the score is well integrated). A solid audio encode.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Chirico's Return Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release doesn't provide any supplemental material for Chirico's Return.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Chirico's Return Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Chirico's Return is an engaging OVA episode. The episode works as a special outing the Armored Trooper Votoms franchise. Fans of the original (and especially viewers who appreciated OVA episode with the Phantom Chapter storyline), will want to check it out. A good episode for the saga. Recommended.