Search - Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos, Vol. 1 on DVD

Machine Robo vs. GoBots vs. Transformers

Daddy | NorCal | 08/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay wow, I never thought that I would find Machine Robo. It's never been released here in the United States, however I did rent this weekly through the Japanese rental stores in Japantown. So anyway, it was ironic that I could go into the stores and buy Machine Robo mecha toys under the brand name "GoBots". Yes this was the era that Transformers, GoBots, and Robotech dominated the airwaves. So what is Machine Robo? It's the actual anime that was made for the GoBot toys.



Ironically Cy-Kill is not a main character, and either is Leader-1. However, Jet and Drill are part of the main characters. They both speak and feel like Gobots, but definity this has more depth and story. The story takes place in a cybernetic world. Humans are actually droids and transforming Robots co-exist. The enemy actually is probably a different set of toys that never were released under GoBots brandname. But this is a low production television cartoon which took place during Macross or Voltron? hehe. So don't expect 3D graphics. Don't expect high quality japanese animation. Think back and expect Voltron or Shogun Warriors quality. But with the following of Robotech. I'm sure quality cannot replace the storyline or plots of these original Machine Robo classics.



The DVD is more or less subtitled, nothing more. The translations aren't as great as today's standards. You'll find words like "metal laster" in the second or third episode. Unforunately if you're Japanese you'll realize that the true translation is "metal luster" a oiled product that protects the robots from rust. Yes! The robots rust in this series. It's great! The DVD oddly also has sketches of Cy-Kill's mecha. They are exactly the same as the toy.



If you enjoy GoBots, Transformers, you'll love Machine Robo. Watch this DVD and watch the Machine Robo protect planet Cronos from the evil robots!"

Fantastic !!

K. Soo | Seoul, Korea | 02/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never forget this anime since i first seen this at 1987.
It is fantastic & powerful action anime of various machines.
I also satisfy display & sound q'lity of this DVD.
At many cases, disappointed code1 anime title (not incude japanese original sound, cutted, edited, changed credits..),
but it is perfect. I love it !! Of course, you should be keep in your mind it is came from 1986."

A good 80's anime for fans of Transformers and mecha genres

Marija | 05/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Machine Robo was a the precursor to its US incarnation Gobots. The story centers around Price Rom and Princess Reina Stol and their robotic comrades Jet, Drill, and Jim. They traverse the galaxy in their quest to avenge the death of Rom's father Kirai, at the hands of the Gylander aliens lead by the mysterious Lord Gadess.



The fact that the DVD is not dubbed in English and has subtitles is a good thing. In many instances, western studios have failed to successfully dub 80's animes in a believable way. Often times, the dubbing studio uses voice actors who can't capture the spirit of the original Japanese VAs. However, the subbing also is not without its faults in translation. The biggest error being that Reina is referred to as "Leina" throughout the entire three volumes of the series.



During the action sequences the animation seems choppy and out of sync. But that is the quality to expect from mid-80s animation. The sequence in which Rom transforms into the larger Blade Dragon and Vikung-Fu robots is also somewhat repetitive. I am thoroughly grateful that this series was finally released in the West and hope someday that the remainder can be put on sale. In the meantime, there's always searching for the laserdisc editions.



I also see some influences that Japanese Transformer animes ended up using in Masterforce and Zone. For instance, Rom seems very similar to the human hero of Masterforce, Ginrai and Lord Gadess is somewhat reminiscent to the villain Violenjigger in the Transformers OVA, Zone."