Orguss 02

Two hundred years after a "space-time oscillation bomb" accidentally created a patchwork Earth with elements of several alien cultures, the world has largely returned to normal. But some artifacts of other worlds remain, including giant robots called Decimators that are being used in a conflict between the Earth's two main powers, Zafran and Revillia. This six-episode series, complete on this disc, is a sequel to the original Orguss TV series, only half of which was ever translated and released in the U.S. (a decade ago, by the now-defunct U.S. Renditions), but Orguss 02 stands fine on its own. The story follows a young Revillian solider named Lean, who escapes from Zafran territory with the help of Nataruma, a mysterious fugitive woman. Also involved are the mercenary Revillian Lieutenant Manning, who discovers that the Zafrans have found a giant Decimator with which they intend to attack Revillia; the Revillian king's "mentally deficient" eldest son, who is actually pulling an I, Claudius; and an ancient robot named "the Colonel," who intends to save the world from destruction and needs Nataruma's help. Boasting good animation, excellent robot battle scenes, and a solid English dub (the original Japanese is also available), this disc--accurately rated 13-up--is recommended. Aud: P. (S. Raiteri)