The Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk, Part 1

Based on a 1984 arcade video game, this anime series focuses on a 60-floor structure that is home to the green demon Druaga, who supposedly guards the treasured Blue Crystal Rod. During a season known as the Summer of Anu, the evil creatures that dwell in the tower are temporarily weakened, thus allowing for the possibility of conquest, although the building's complex nature has long presented an insurmountable obstacle. Enter the armies of Uruk, who show up with the aim of capturing the edifice and killing Druaga, coupled with a swarm of wannabe-crusaders, including Jil, whose goofy personality and distinctive lack of heroic qualities make him a highly unlikely conqueror. An extremely lightweight entry, the series emphasizes character comedy and silly sight gags (most notably a trap that causes temporary gender switching). But the characters themselves lack real personality, and their monster-fighting escapades are often too fey to be taken seriously. To its credit, The Tower of Druaga does not indulge in tasteless violence and excess misogyny, but it doesn't compensate with any memorable degree of wit or style. Compiling all 12 episodes from the 2008 first season in a dual-language, two-disc set, rated TV-14, DVD extras include an alternate version of episode one, and audio commentary on episode five. Not recommended. [Note: The Tower of Druaga: The Sword of Uruk, Part 2 is also newly available.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)