Geneshaft: Orbit

In the 23rd century, mankind has genetically engineered a perfect, peaceful society that now finds itself threatened. While forces converge to destroy Earth, the crew of the Bilkis struggles to get the bugs out of a new weapon. Orbit, the third volume from director Kazuki Akane's (Escaflowne) Geneshaft series is disappointingly long on talk and short on action (not to mention somewhat inconsistent: it's understandable that every character in the series has a ‘complication' as a result of their altered DNA, but for a peaceful race, there is excessive violence on the part of the crew). More space opera than science fiction, sporting more flashback than flash, Orbit tantalizingly serves up some great animated scenes, and the computer-generated shots of the ships in space are excellent, but it's ultimately too little. Presented in both English and Japanese, and rated 13-up, Orbit's DVD extras include a Geneshaft glossary and character gallery that are almost required reading to understand the convoluted plot. Optional. Aud: P. (J. Halsall)