Gundam Build Divers: Re:RISE Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Gundam Build Divers: Re:RISE Blu-ray Movie Review

Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is an action-packed adventure anime set in the ever-expansive Gundam anime universe. Created by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino, Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is a uncharted territory sequel with more excitement for fans of the franchise. The anime series was first broadcast on Tokyo MX and had a streaming debut on YouTube. The animation is produced by Sunrise Beyond (AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline, Dropout Idol Fruit Tart). Fans of the epic franchise will be excited to delve in to a new chapter of the anime saga.

Time flies when one is having fun. Two years after the events of the Build Divers facing off against the Second Coalition of Volunteers, things are becoming complicated again! GBN (otherwise known as Gunpla Battle Nexus) encounters some new and exciting terrain with system upgrades allowing a sensory experience that is unlike anything that came before. Hiroto Kuga (Chiaki Kobayashi) is a compelling hero and takes on the role of dimension explorer – and the events that unfold bring Hiroto in to new and unexpected terrain.

Kazami Torimachi (Masaaki Mizunaka), on the other hand, is more of an outsider. May (Mai Fuchigami) prefers to “go-it-alone” solo. Parviz (Mayu Minami) is new to the game at hand and as such brings plenty of novice roleplay to the table. Yet the new team of GBN is formed and the missions at hand will bring plenty of surprises for everyone involved!

The animation is one of the most outstanding elements of the production. There is something unique about the animation style used for Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise. The characters are certainly distinct throughout the animation and there is plenty to appreciate about the efforts of the animators. The production scale is certainly even more ambitious as a result.

The character designs by Shuri Toida (Log Horizon) are one of the more distinct and unique elements on display. The character designs certainly fit the bill and are a good match for the design of the program. Plenty of elements at play with the character designs and the techniques used for the animation (as it manages to imbue some unique creativity in to the Gundam franchise on the whole). The series has an upbeat aesthetic that is sometimes quite different visually when comparing the program to the more grounded or realistic Gundam anime programs.

The series features an abundance of mecha designs by Humikane Shimada, Ippei Gyōbu, Junya Ishigaki, Kanetake Ebikawa, Kenji Teraoka, Kunio Okawara, Shinya Terashima, and Takayuki Yanase. These are distinct mecha designs and the results certainly feel more creative for the saga than one might be expecting to find (given how many other Gundam series have already come along and perfected excelling in Gundam builds). The designs certainly are visually creative and exciting to see unfold. Something about these designs simply works wonders and fits the material well. A solid effort from everyone involved.

The score composed by Hideakira Kimura (Cerberus, Gundam Build Divers) is one of the most excellent elements of the production. The score is upbeat and the up-tempo elements keep the energy of the action exciting. Fans will appreciate the way Kumura finds a score tonal balance that fits the mecha elements of the series well. The music certainly fits the action sequences and works well within the production framework.

The action direction by Masami Obari will keep audiences returning for more. The action scenes are expertly crafted. There are plenty of exciting and fast-paced action scenes. The Gundam action is a noteworthy element of the production and a solid enough reason for fans to return to the fold.

Written by Yasuyuki Mutō (Deadman Wonderland, Sengoku Basara - Samurai Kings), Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is a compelling entry in the saga. Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise explores some new characters and their experiences in the Gundam universe. These elements make the series an interesting, effective, and compelling addition to the franchise.

Directed by Shinya Watada (Gundam Build Divers, Mobile Suit Gundam AGE Memory of Eden), Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is worth checking out for any Gundam devotees. The action-packed mayhem finds the right balance of adrenaline and fun to keep audiences thrilled. The Gundam formula works well. Something about the saga simply clicks together: Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is a fun addition to the storytelling universe and director Watada finds a nice balance of energetic action-packed sequencing and visually dramatic moments to keep the series compelling.

Gundam Build Divers: Re:RISE Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Right Stuf and Sunrise Entertainment, Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The presentation on the release is outstanding. There is a lot to appreciate about the high-quality presentation. The encoding is excellent (with superb color reproduction). Colors are vivid and bright. The animation looks nice and crisp on the release. Action scenes are well encoded and are capably handed by the presentation. The results simply soar and audiences will be thrilled with the results.

Gundam Build Divers: Re:RISE Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a selection of lossless audio options: English uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo and Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo (with English subtitles). The lossless,  high resolution audio presentations are a nice addition to the release. Either option provides fans with a high quality sound presentation that far excels anything streaming services could offer to viewers. The Blu-ray discs are so much better and with a more detailed audio soundstage. A nice lossless sound-mix and one that capably handles the score. The stereo audio imaging is handled well too.

Gundam Build Divers: Re:RISE Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 2:

Clean Opening 1 (HD, 1:32)

Clean Ending 1 (HD, 1:33)

Disc 4:

Gundam Build Divers Battlogue (HD, 10:40)

"Heartfelt" (Spira Spica) Special Promotional Video (HD, 2:22)

Clean Openings 2A and 2B (HD, 1:32)

Clean Ending 2 (HD, 1:32)

Promotional Video Collection (HD, 5:34)

Episode 1 – 2 Digest (HD, 10:34)

Episode 1 – 7 Digest (HD, 12:32)

Episode 8 – 13 Digest (HD, 12:00)

Gundam Build Divers: Re:RISE Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise offers action-anime fans more exciting and entertaining action-packed fun for fans of the long running franchise. The series has a lot of fun with the storytelling universe. The nice animation is certainly a key selling point to the series (with great mecha builds) and the action scenes manage to bring these components to the forefront as well. The art style is excellent and works well within the production foundation. The Blu-ray release features a superb video and audio presentation alongside a surprisingly solid supplemental package. Fans of Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise will certainly wish to add the release to their collection. Recommended.