Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution 1

The classic 50-episode mecha anime series Eureka Seven has been reconfigured into a feature film trilogy. Viewers with no previous knowledge of the series may find much of the action confusing, while even die-hard fans might be a little surprised. This opening 2017 film begins with a half-hour sequence that wasn’t in the original series: military researcher Adroc Thurston and his two mecha pilots are involved in an experiment that spins dangerously out of control, forcing Adroc to sacrifice his life in order to save the world. This incident becomes known as the "Summer of Love," laying the foundation for the series’ focus on Renton, the teenage son of Adroc, who leaves his adoptive parents’ home to have his own adventures involving the female alien known as Eureka. The film slices and dices material from the series into its storyline, shuffling some aspects of the tale into a confusing new order while keeping the original 4:3 aspect ratio from the TV broadcast for the Renton-Eureka storyline—which is visually jarring after the stylish cinematic opening segment. Presented in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo edition, rated TV-14, extras include an interview with the filmmakers and music videos. Completist fans may appreciate this, but it is otherwise not a necessary purchase. (P. Hall)