Deep within the confusing backstory-mythology and pantheon of weird characters (including talking pandas) in Gatchaman Crowds: Insight, there are some sharp observations about mob mentalities, politics, and even a rare acknowledgement of Japanese war guilt. This follow-up series to Gatchaman Crowds takes place in a Japan that is being defended against alien invasion by a sentai superhero team collectively known as Gatchaman, who are also celebrity superstars. The Gatchaman welcome Gelsadra, a friendly red-faced humanoid alien, and thanks to the invention of a smartphone app that permits instant voting for anybody, the ever-positive Gelsadra takes over as Japan's prime minister in a surprise landslide. But his naïve, idealistic agenda—plus a parasitic life form that he's brought with him—threaten the nation with mindless conformity. The titular “crowds” are another life form in this series that bears almost no resemblance to the original vintage 1970s Gatchaman (outside of a few character references). Compiling all 13 episodes from 2015 in separate dual-language DVD and Blu-ray editions, rated TV-14, this is a strong optional purchase. (C. Cassady)
Gatchaman Crowds—Insight: Complete Collection
(2015) 325 min. DVD: 3 discs, $59.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $69.98. Sentai Filmworks (avail. from most distributors). Volume 32, Issue 2
Gatchaman Crowds—Insight: Complete Collection
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