Search - Roughnecks - The Starship Troopers Chronicles - The Tophet Campaign on DVD

Episode Guide

03/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought it would be helpful to let people know
what order to watch the series.
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"Roughnecks Starship Troopers Chronicles: The Pluto Campaign". Released: 03/13/01
First story arc, episodes 1~5.
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"Roughnecks Starship Troopers Chronicles: Hydora". Released: 02/15/02
Second story arc, episodes 6~10.
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"Roughnecks Starship Troopers Chronicles: Tophet". Released: 02/15/02
Third story arc, episodes 11~15.
-----------------"Roughnecks Starship Troopers Chronicles: Tesca Nemerosa". Released: 09/18/01
Fourth story arc, episodes 16~20."

More than one enemy

Stephen Liverman | Perry Hall, Maryland USA | 01/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Roughnecks discover that there are more enemies than bugs in the universe. During their ongoing war against the Arachnids, the Roughnecks spearhead a mission on Tophet, a world populated by seven-foot tall, methane-breathing "Skinnies", a sophisticated alien race. Our heroes are welcomed at first only to discover that the Skinnies are allied with the bugs and laying a trap for SICON. What follows are battles on this firey, volcanic world against the bugs and their allies. In the course of their adventures, the squad must rescue Razak, their leader and Higgins from deep in enemy territory; break in a new squadmate, a huge heavily-armed robot; and escape from a Skinnie prison. Eventually the Roughnecks discover that the Skinnies are being controlled by tiny bugs attached to their necks and are unwitting pawns in the war.
This series of episodes continues to display the first-rate CG animation and story-telling that distinguish the series. These episodes were animated by two different companies (Foundation Imaging and Flat Earth) and while both do a fine job, there is a slight difference in visual style between the two houses that you can notice from episode to episode.
Once again the series adheres more closely to the Heinlein original than the movie giving us the Skinnies first as enemies of Earth and finally as allies; it was great to see Heinlein's creation brought vividly to life. As we learn in the Tesca campaign, one of these aliens will become a valued members of the squad.
Sony has once again stocked this DVD full of extras that you won't find on most other animation releases, including commentary by the episode directors, computer animators, filmographies, and concept art. This DVD is a must for any lover of science fiction or CG animation."

CAUTION: Warrior bugs are bigger than they appear on your TV

Mr. Hook | Omaha, Nebraska United States | 02/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc contains episodes 11 thru 15 of Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles (40 episodes altogether). We are introduced to a new alien species called the Skinnies (a concept taken directly from Heinlein's novel) and the very survival of the Roughnecks squad may hinge on whether the Skinnies prove to be friend or foe. The CGI quality varies from episode to episode as there were two different animation studios involved in the production (Foundation Imaging and Flat Earth Productions). To understand how the two studios were able to collaborate and create one of the best CGI series of all time, this disc has an extensive Technical Commentary track which allows animators from both effects houses to weigh in. There is also a Filmmakers' Commentary to offer perspective from the Columbia/Tristar writers, directors, and the voice actor for my favorite character, T'Phai (voiced by Steve Staley).So in case you hadn't noticed, I am extremely satisfied with this DVD. The "CHAS" episode (ep. 13 where a cybernetic robot is assigned to the Roughnecks squad) is also a fan favorite which is essential Roughnecks viewing. So what are you waiting for? Go buy this DVD!"

ANOTHER great DVD in the series

Mr. Hook | 03/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Tophet campaign takes the Roughnecks to an alien desert planet. There they encounter more bugs, a race nicknamed the Skinnies and we get more insight into the characters and their relationships.Although the plot and characterization *could* always be deeper, compared to most tv and almost all animation on USA TV, the quality is extremely high.The animation, while a little rough in places, really starts to explore and expand the CGI medium. Some of the shots in this set are absolutely stunning!Rounding out the DVD are two sets of commentaries, one by the filmmakers and one by the technical people. Talk about replay value! I think this is outstanding and raises the bar for DVD production of an animated series.I also like how the series is arranged in 5 part story arcs (and all 5 parts per disc). Makes it great to watch! Highly recommended! The only problem with this is that Sony is releasing this series, like they did the TV series, are being released out of order. :b"