Argevollen: Collection 1 (2014/Sentai Blu-ray)

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

The countries Arandas and Ingelmia have been at war for a long time, using mechs and natural defenses. Tokimune is in the army and suddenly finds himself the pilot of Argevollen, a prototype mecha. As the war intensifies it soon become apparent Argevollen is a turning point in the war ...but for which side? Tokimune joined the army to find out the truth behind his sister's death and the man who caused it, but what he found was Argevollen and Jaime.

In Argevollen: Collection 1 (2014), Argevollen is a top secret prototype mecha which can move by human thought ...and Tokimune accidentally enters and imprints on Argevollen ...and can only piloted by him afterwards. Jaime is the reluctant civilian contractor who is the only one who can activate Argevollen, but then she cares more about her 'Argevollen' than Tokimune naive ideas. Little do they both know the Jaime's company and both sides of the military brass are developing a new generation mechs for the war and the last thing the company/governments/military brasses wants is to the war to end.

This was your typical mecha anime where protagonist is a young boy who suddenly finds himself in a powerful deus ex machina in the middle of a war, but better than usual. As the learns how to pilot the robot, he becomes the unlikely hero of the war.

The 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image again (as per Sentais better TV anime releases) offers a more than impressive presentation from episode to episode throughout, while the lossless Japanese DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo is yet again warm, rich and even has nice Pro Logic surrounds. Extras include clean opening and closing animations and trailers.

Episodes include...

The Encounter - Tokimune encounters prototype mecha Argevollen and becomes it's exclusive pilot while rescuing a civilian transport.

Awaken - While escaping through the mines Argevollen must cover their rear escape route.

One Man Army - Tokimune encounters an enemy ace, Richthofen and realize there is a vast difference between having a super mecha and being a good pilot.

Return Home - After making back from the front line, the Military has to decide if they want Tokimune and Argevollen as an army unit.

Surprise Attack - Both armies begin preparing for battle.

Run, Jaime! - Argevollion deactivates in the middle of a battle, and Jaime realizes people die a war because of her decisions/cowardice.

Bellhals - Unit 8 goes for some R&R as they go for resupply in the tourist resort island Bellhals.

Rematch - Tokimune re-counters Richthofen.

The Promise - Tokimune attacks an enemy supply base, unknowingly he kills Richthofen's best friend.

The Edge of Absence - While Unit 8 is going for some R&R the town gets attacked.

Rage - Tokimune finds out his own commander, Captain Ukyo was involved with his sister death ....which he could of prevented, but he choose not to.

Reika Nanjo - Tokimune discovers his sister was a guinea pig and killed in developing 'his' Argevollen.

- Ricky Chiang