Search - Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles - The Pluto Campaign on DVD

Roughnecks - the last best hope for SF animation

C. P. Halliday | Bristol, UK | 02/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Roughnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles can be described in so many ways; underappreciated, underpromoted and trapped in the ghetto of early morning TV. Thankfully, it can also be called revolutionary, daring, visually stunning, dynamic, moving, epic and intelligent. During its run on TV it recieved little attention due to its label as a "kiddie cartoon" and its awful timeslot. However, those that did pay attention to it realised they were watching something very special; an animated show with appeal for younger viewers, but that did not talk down to them or dilute the stories in any way. The characters of Roughnecks are very human, men and women who grow and develop as the series moves on and they face and defeat the challenges of living life during war-time. Instead of the gung-ho mockery of the movie, Roughnecks has a frequently somber tone, interspersed with high-octane action and not a little drama. It's brilliant and engrossing stuff, and your DVD or video tape will get plenty of wear and tear.One can't review the series without mentioning the incredible computer animation. Without a doubt the work done on Roughnecks has blazed a trail for the animators of the future to follow. The visual designs are brilliantly inventive, and the animation work is remarkably realistic. Of particular note are the characters faces, beautifully crafted works of art capable of silently displaying the most complex of emotions. They are the key to the heart of this show, which amidst all the flashes and bangs retains a warmth and humanity lacking from much of todays childrens fare.Fans of the original Heinlein novel will be pleased to note that the eponymous troopers wear powered armour, though the characterisations and bugs still take their cue from the recent movie (no bad thing in my opinion). Concerned parents will be happy to note that though there is on-screen violence, it is all aimed where it should be, at the bugs.So, give your eyes, ears and mind a treat and pick up Roughnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles. You won't regret it.Roughnecks Ho!"

The Best SCI-FI that was ever on TV!

R. Colin | Dallas, Texas USA | 01/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Roughnecks- The Starship Troopers Chronicles is the best Sci-Fi that has ever graced television. A much better adaptation of the Robert A. Heinlein novel than it's live action film predecessor in every way. (Although, purists have and will always complain.) Engaging storylines, wonderful characterization and computer animation- this is a series that will hold it's own for a long time to come. From Pluto to Hydora to a desolate asteroid and back to Earth and few stops on worlds in-between, the series a varied and fast paced. Written more for adults than children, you can expect a higher degree of violence and character introspection than what is normal for an animated series or an any episode of Star Trek. All in all, if you are even just a minor fan the live action movie or just a fan of great television- this series is very much worth your time and money! (It is worth noting that the series was never completed, perhaps it's release on DVD will remedy this.)"

An underappreciated treasure

Stephen Liverman | Perry Hall, Maryland USA | 01/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Roughnecks: Starship Trooper Chronicles" is probably the best science fiction program you have never seen. Due to an improbable series of marketing and scheduling problems, this outstanding show had only a brief run at early morning hours on a few stations. You may not have seen it, but believe me you want to! "Roughnecks" retells and expands Robert Heinlein's story of a group of young recruits facing life in the Mobile Infantry and combat against terrifying alien creatures called the "bugs". Though it borrows from the Paul Verhoven film, this computer animated series is far superior. The computer graphics are exceptional. The ships, bugs, characters, movement and facial expressions are very realistic. The animated series includes the spectacular suborbital drops that are the centerpiece of Heinlein's book. But surprisingly, I was most impressed with the stories and characters. While appropriate for children, the Roughnecks stories are complex and realistic enough to satisfy adults as well. If you love science fiction, computer animation, military stories, or all of the above, this DVD is a must for your collection."

Brilliant

Peter J. Brown | Perth, Western Australia Australia | 03/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Verhoeven must have had second thoughts after making the feature film, this CGI animated series picks up where the film left off. But, it gives it a wonderful dose of the book, which is what most people disliked about the film. Although there are still a lot of elements taken directly from the film, mainly the bugs, and the weaponry is still reminiscent of the film, it is a lot closer to the book (although not completely).Having said that I sat and watched all 5 episodes of the Pluto Campaign loving the fact I didn't have to sit through any commercials. The animation is brilliant, special effects, starship design, characters, all wonderfully captured in CGI. The stories are well written and very entertaining. After the DVD finished I was just disappointed more episodes of this wonderful series weren't available.I for one will be keeping my eyes peeled for the next installment of this series to come out on DVD.Give yourself a treat and get this DVD, wonderful stuff."