Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Robotech Blu-ray Movie Review

The classic anime in a complete collection set.

Reviewed by Neil Lumbard November 17, 2022

Robotech: The Collection is an entertaining action-packed fan-favorite anime gem. The series includes 85 episodes of adventurous thrills and exciting robotic fun. Created by Carl Macek, the series features animation by Tatsunoko Productions. The series is from production company Harmony Gold USA. Western audiences were introduced to anime with this powerhouse production. Produced by Carl Macek and Ahmed Agrama, Robotech became one of the most successful anime series of all time in North America with its exciting blend of action-packed fun and outstanding animation.

The Robotech series adapts three separate anime series with no connection from Japan. The original series that were licensed and adapted include Super Dimension Fortress Macross (Part 1), Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross (Part 2), and Genesis Climber MOSPEADA (Part 3). The series producers for the English-language adaptation selected series that could be retro- fitted to have interconnected storylines with the English dub being written to bridge the storylines together as something cohesive for audiences in the West.

The series revolves around gigantic mecha robots used to fight extraterrestrial beings from outer space. After remnants of an alien crash landing are discovered within the South Pacific, the new technology is used to prepare for future war against alien invaders. The heroes of the story must band together to fight off the impending invaders and save humanity. Total annihilation could be possible. Yet these unsung heroes use giant mecha warriors to fight an onslaught of villainous foes. Will the humans ultimately defeat the alien threat?

The second part of the saga revolves around the Robotech Masters. The Robotech Masters seek to find the surviving protoculture. Yet the path ahead is one full of danger and the possibility of war for those involved in the quest. As battle ensues over the technology, the Robotech Masters are thrust in to new situations in the chaos of the mythical “Flower of Life” – which holds the ultimate key to the powers of the protoculture. Will humanity survive to see a new stage of life?

The third part of the saga explores the next generation of heroes. As a group of rebel heroes find new roles to fulfill on planet Earth, the stakes are raised to new heights. As the planet is overtaken by the Invid, who draw their energy from the Flower of Life, the new rebels must face-off against them and fight for the survival of humanity. Can the planet be saved?

"Suit up."

The series became a household hit. The series is regarded as one of the first popular anime series ever released in North America. Before Pokemon hit airwaves and became a pop-culture phenomenon, the Robotech series was for many youths the first time that Japanese anime was ever introduced. The series is a cultural landmark for helping to shape anime fandom and for helping to make the unique animation form become more popular overseas.

The animation is exceptional and one of the reasons the series became a huge hit. Robotech is a beautiful looking production and the art style is superb. The background animation is detailed. Energizing robotic designs are a highlight of the production as well. The mecha designs are truly exceptional and deliver a sense of adventurous fun.

Featuring a story by Carl Macek, the English language adaptation is certainly full of compelling one-liners and the dubbing is excellent. The script is fun and creative and this is another reason for the success of Robotech. The production was more creative than audiences may have initially expected when it first aired.

Featuring music composed by Ulpio Minucci (Robotech: The Movie, Codename: Robotech), Robotech certainly benefits from an exciting original score. While the practice of replacing original Japanese soundtracks and scores with replacement music is taboo today, the practice was more common in Japanese anime decades ago. Italian composer Minucci provided a gem of as theme song and the soundtrack fit the genre well.

Directed by Robert V. Barron (Codename: Robotech, Macross: Boobytrap) and Ippei Kuri (Tekkaman Blade, The Legend of Hikari), Robotech is a crowd-pleasing action-adventure packing an epic punch. Audiences continue to enjoy Robotech for the old-school thrills it provides for the mecha genre. A colossal hit and one that ushered in a new era. A fun and well-directed experience, Robotech is a beloved classic.

Robotech Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Funimation, Robotech is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The series looks exceptional. Animation is top-notch and the encode is excellent. The release showcases plenty of grain. The presentation isn't prone to detrimental DNR (digital noise reduction). The release has plenty of scratches, dirt, and debris at the same though. Unfortunately, the print is not pristine. Even so, audiences will appreciate the naturally filmic appearance of the animation and the series has never looked better on home media before.

Robotech Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release includes an immersive English Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround sound track. The release does not provide the original Japanese language audio tracks from the original language versions (which would be impossible for the release to include given the unique context of the production and how it was edited). An entertaining dub and one that sounds crisp and easy to understand on the release. A solid audio encode.

Robotech Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Part 1:

Disc 5 –

Macross Opening Animation Version 1 (SD, 1:32)

Macross Closing Animation Version 1 (SD, 1:17)

Macross Opening Animation Version 2 (SD, 1:32)

Macross Closing Animation Version 2 (SD, 1:17)

Southern Cross Opening Animation (SD, 2:04)

Southern Cross Closing Animation (SD, 1:23)

Genesis Climber Mospeada Opening Animation (SD, 1:22)

Genesis Climber Mospeada Closing Animation (SD, 1:18)

Robotech Opening Animation (SD, 1:33)

Robotech Closing Animation (SD, 00:43)

Rare Promotional Reels (SD, 9:12)

Macross Original Pilot (SD, 25:11)

Macross Original Pilot (70 minute extended version) (SD, 1:07:32)

Macross Character Model Sheets (SD, 1:41) includes 33 slides.

Macross Character Bios includes a click-through guide to the characters from the Macross universe.

Macross Mecha Model Sheets (SD, 2:29) includes 49 illustrated slides.

Masters Characters (SD, 1:32) showcases 29 slides.

Masters Mecha (SD, 1:29) highlights 29 slides.

Masters Army Uniforms (SD, 1:20) features 26 slides.

Masters Backgrounds (SD, 00:31) showcases 10 slides.

Masters Early Pre-Production (SD, 1:08) includes 22 slides.

New Generation Characters & Mecha (SD, 1:44) includes 34 slides showcasing designs.

Part 2:

Disc 5 –

Robotech Music Videos (SD, 36:17)

Deleted Scenes:

First Contact (SD, 7:13)

Transformation (SD, 10:04)

Homecoming (SD, 12:19)

Battlefront (SD, 10:40)

War & Peace (SD, 10:05)

Final Conflict (SD, 7:08)

A New Threat (SD, 4:48)

"Robotech: The Inside Story" Documentary (SD, 14:45), featuring the original 1985 production crew.

Galaxy of the Stars (SD, 1:40)  – Harmony Gold Promotional Reel

Part 3:

Disc 4 –

Robotech Overview (SD, 3:08)

Mospeada Original Pilot – Part 1 (SD, 21:50)

Toy Commercials (SD, 6:33)

Video Game Presentations (SD, 9:40)

Prototype Toy Presentation (SD, 42:50)

Merchandise Gallery – Toys (SD, 7:35)

Miscellaneous Merchandise (SD, 2:09)

Doll Line Fashion Designs (SD, 1:40)

Activity Flyer (SD, 00:44)

ARCO Toys Sellsheet (SD, 00:44)

Robotech Novels Press Kit (SD, 00:37)

RDF Fan Club Packet (SD, 1:02)

International Clips (SD, 21:31) are available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.

Robotech Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Robotech is an entertaining action-anime classic. The series instilled a love of Japanese anime in Western audiences. The action- packed series is full to the brim with exhilarating excitement. This is certainly an impressive Blu-ray release with a strong video presentation and a solid lossless audio encode. The Blu-ray release is jam-packed with an assortment of bonus features and fans of the Robotech series won't be able to resist. Recommended.