New Getter Robo: Rude Awakenings, Vol. 1

New Getter Robo is the latest iteration of the franchise that introduced the “transforming robot” to the world in the 1970s, but knowledge of the earlier series is not necessary, since the story reboots from the beginning here. Dr. Saotome, inventor of the three aircraft that combine into the powerful Getter Robo, is battling against monstrous Oni (Japanese horned demons), and when average men prove incapable of piloting his machines, he seeks out three superhuman fighters for the job. Saotome's recruitment methods are hardly endearing (or ethical): he attacks and kidnaps the brash Ryoma, imprisons the crafty and psychotic Hayato, and tricks the narcoleptic, simpleminded monk Benkei. This well-animated show combines lots of combat action and a somewhat retro feel with seriously gory violence (earning the 16-up rating) and unappealing character designs (in addition, the English dub on this dual-language disc is peppered with added profanity). The four episodes compiled here (in this first of four discs) attempt to set up some mystery concerning the nature of the unexplained “Getter Rays” and the reason humans are turning into Oni, but the poor writing (including a couple of terrible jokes) works against the story. Not recommended. [Note: New Getter Robo, Vol. 2 is slated for release on May 31, with Vol. 3 debuting on July 26.] Aud: P. (S. Raiteri)