'Gunbuster' Blu-Ray Review: Probably The Best Anime Gainax Ever Made

Gunbuster, a 1988 OVA, transcends typical mecha anime. Initially appearing as a comedic take on Ace o Nerae, its high-school setting and calisthenics-in-mecha premise are deceptive. The story quickly evolves into a gripping hard sci-fi narrative about humanity's struggle against monstrous space creatures that see humankind as a galactic plague.

The narrative cleverly explores time dilation's impact, mirroring The Forever War, as protagonist Noriko Takaya remains young while her peers age. The terrifying space monsters, gestating within young stars before emerging as colossal insects, heighten the stakes.

Humanity's seemingly insurmountable odds are challenged by the appearance of the Gunbuster, a super-robot built with incredible engineering and seemingly invincible. Its dramatic entrance, rising from the Exelion starship, marks a turning point. However, the final two episodes showcase even greater feats, transforming a simple slice-of-life story into an epic saga.

Gunbuster's six episodes are a masterpiece of animation, surpassing even 1988's Gundam: Char's Counterattack and 1989's Gundam 0080 in visual quality. Kohei Tanaka's score perfectly complements the emotional isolation Noriko experiences and the intense battles for humanity's survival.

The production boasts an impressive roster of anime talent, including Masami Obari (key animation), Kazutaka Miyatake (battleship design), Koichi Ohata (mecha design), and the pervasive influence of Hideaki Anno. The interspersed science lessons cleverly blend playful antics with complex scientific explanations of concepts like warp drive.

This Blu-ray release is stunning, showcasing the animation's quality far beyond my childhood memories. The visual and audio are exceptional, including all the science lessons and bonus features on a single disc.

Gunbuster's remarkable accomplishment lies in its perfect balance. The numerous nerdy references (from Cutey Honey to Ideon, and the Eltreum's construction from giant model kit sprues) enhance the story without detracting from its poignant and impactful narrative.

While Evangelion and The Wings of Honneamise are significant works, Gunbuster stands as Gainax's finest achievement. Its journey from humble beginnings to a galactic-scale fight for survival is flawlessly executed.

If you haven't experienced Gunbuster, this Blu-ray is a must-have. It's a unique anime, a testament to a bygone era of animation excellence. Available from the Crunchyroll store for $29.96.

Disclosure: Crunchyroll provided this Blu-ray for review.

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