Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter Blu-ray Movie Review

Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter is an energetic continuation of the original Japanese anime. The OVA serves as a sequel arc to the original Armored Trooper Votoms series. The arc also follows the events of Armored Trooper Votoms: Shining Heresy. Full of action and adventure, the OVA follows the saga origins while charging forward for the next chapter. Featuring animation by Sunrise (Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam) and created by Ryousuke Takahashi, Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter is based on the original concept from Hajime Yatate. Produced by Ken Ookawara (Living for the Day After Tomorrow, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin) and Takanori Tsukada (Armored Trooper Votoms Case;Irvine, Armored Trooper Votoms: Alone Again), Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter delivers something special for fans of the original.

25 years following their original adventures, Bouleuse Gotho (Kousei Tomita) decides it is time to relive some past memories with Coconna Vartla (Yōko Kawanami) and Vanilla Bartler (Shigeru Chiba). Taking the trip down memory lane, Gotho, Coconna, and Vanilla set out on a special tour of the original places they had been 25 years ago. Reliving the memories of their time spent 25 years ago (recalling the series original run), the trio find themselves meeting old friends for new reunions and even find something as unexpected as could be: a prophecy.

The animation is a highlight of Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter. The OVA arc has some outstanding character designs. The designs for the characters are by Norio Shioyama (Panzer World Galient, Ronin Warriors: Legend of the Inferno Armor). The character art is distinct and creative. The series has impressive mecha designs by Kunio Okawara (After War Gundam X, Brave King GaoGaiGar Final) as well.

Another great component of the OVA art is found in the solid art direction of Masanobu Nomura (Blue Drop, Hyperdimension Neptunia). The stylistic elements are impressive and well realized. The chief animation direction by Kazuyoshi Takeuchi (Flag, Golgo 13) is worthwhile as well and makes a big difference on the production. Takeuchi brings out the best from the animators involved on the OVA series. These elements are certainly key to the success of the animation.

The cinematography by Kentaro Takahashi (Yu Yu Hakusho, Oban Star-Racers) provides a bright and colorful aesthetic during many key sequences while also providing a more grim backdrop for some action scenes and moments of war. The chaos of war is highlighted well by the cinematography.

The score composed by Hiroki Inui (Armor Hunter Mellowlink) and Yasuaki Maejima (Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files) is an enjoyable aspect of the OVA. The score is enjoyable to listen to and adds something special to the experience. A nice score by Inui.

Written by Fuyunori Gobu (Armored Trooper Votoms, Fighting General Daimos), Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter is an effective continuation of the original series. The OVA picks up the storytelling threads of the original anime saga and brings the characters to new resolutions. Fans of Armored Trooper Votoms will certainly appreciate being able to revisit the world that started it all and see where the path diverges to.

Directed by Ryousuke Takahashi (Blue Gender, Knight of the Iron Dragon), Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter is a worthwhile sequel OVA. The OVA is ambitious and has excellent production merits. These elements are enhanced by the solid direction of Takahashi. A good OVA after so many years following the release of the original.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Sentai Filmworks, Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. This is a worthwhile high-definition presentation. Colors are excellent and clarity is superb. The image is a bit softer than some modern productions but this seems to be source-related.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio. The release does not provide an English dub option. The lossless Japanese audio does impress with good dialogue clarity and the soundtrack is well preserved for the presentation.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There are no extras for the Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter OVA.

Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Armored Trooper Votoms: Phantom Chapter is an entertaining sequel OVA (following in the footsteps of the original Armored Trooper Votoms). Fans of the original will certainly wish to indulge and check out the new installment. Recommended.