Search - Gate Keepers - Infiltration (Vol. 3) on DVD

From 'Derivative' to 'Dark'...

Carl Malmstrom | Monument, CO USA | 02/11/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gate Keepers started off as your typical "high school students save Tokyo and the world" plot with two real exceptions: the show takes place in 1969 and it's awfully stylish. However, in this, the third volume of the series, it takes a turn into darker, more introspective territory.While two new members of the Gate Keepers team are introduced, we also get more background on the invaders that, while answering a few questions, raises a lot more. The first episode on the disc (No. 7 for the series) brings us a new hotshot Gate Keeper from Shanghai and a look at Invader plans to disrupt air travel at Haneda, the main airport in Japan before Narita was built. The second episode begins to delve into the background of the Invaders and how they infiltrate the world as one of the character's high school teachers turns out to be an invader - although one with an identity crisis. Ending somewhat tragically, but with the unveiling of another Gate Keeper, it leads into the third episode which features a crisis of faith for Ukiya, the team captain, and the introduction of a Gate Keeper fighting for the invaders.Technically, the disc continues Pioneer's usual high standards with excellent video and audio. The extras are in line with the rest of the series: alternate endings for the episodes, a profile of some of the different AEGIS ID cards (in both Japanese and English), a line art gallery, and the external extras of a reversible cover and a physical ID card - this one of Kurogane, the Gate Keeper introduced in the middle episode.On the whole, I am finding myself much more impressed with this series as it progresses. It continues to try to win you over with its sheer exuberance and style, but also starts delving into darker, moodier territory both with the Invaders and in regards to interteam relationships. Its careful method of paying close attention to the time frame of the series (using a background of things like the Apollo landing and the introduction of jumbo jets) is winning me over as well. I'm well hooked now, and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what this series will bring as Pioneer continues to release discs."