Space Brothers: Collection 4 (2013/Sentai Blu-ray)

Picture: B+ Sound: B+ Extras: C Episodes: B+

Mutto is catching (with a vengeance) up to his little brother, Hibito on the moon, but disaster strikes when there is an accident on the moon. While the only help is from the moon base, NASA can only support them through information and their predictions. Back on Earth, Mutto faces his own challenges and dangers ...an incredibly strict military instructor.

Mutto has always lived in the shadow of his little brother, Hibito. Hibito is the golden boy of the family and became even more so when he became the first Japanese astronaut on the moon. As Mutto follows in his little brother's foot steps he realizes his path will be a very different one from his little brother. Now that Mutto is in the Astronaut program, he is training with astronauts all around the world. However among all the astronauts Mutto is the least qualified in terms of skills/brains department, but he brings something the others lack, flexibility and the ability to adapt.

In this fourth season of Space Brothers things finally get exciting when there is actually space travel and real danger. It reminds people of REAL dangers astronauts might have to face and experience in space. Probably one of the greatest danger and least taken into consideration is stress. It is ironic those who most well prepared are often the ones who are least prepared to adapt to unexpected changes. They are unwilling/incapable to think outside the box.

The 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image impresses often in each episode often throughout, while the lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo is warm, rich and has some Pro Logic surrounds. Extras include clean opening and closing animation and trailers.

Episodes this time are...

Lunar Illusions - On the moon without any landmarks or familiar items, distance and size become a problem.

Heaven and Hell - Hibito falls into a canyon, NASA scrambles for a rescue operation, but can they make it in time?

Eighty Minutes to Live - Hibito ruptures his oxygen tank and his air supply begins running low.

Hibito's Choice - As Hibito faces death, he decides to investigate a mysterious shining light.

Brian - Hibito discovers something left by his mentor and remembers the lessons he taught him.

Three Astronauts - With Hibito out of danger, he recalls the three astronauts who saved his life.

Five Blue Rangers - Mutto and his friends officially get their NASA jumpsuits.

Number One Restless Guy - Mutto and his friends head toward Huston to begin their 2 years of astronaut training.

The First Promise - Mutto remembers his teacher and his promise to reach space with his brother together.

Always Have a Pedometer in Your Heart - Mutto and company go for desert survival training.

Nitta the Leader - After falling behind, Nitta takes charge and vows to catch up to the other teams.

Nitta and Mutta - It's Mutta's turn to be leader, but Nitta realizes he forgot something and forces the team to go back.

Living Stone - Nitta tries to inspire/get his shut-in hikikomori brother to come out of his room.

- Ricky Chiang