Gate Keepers 21 - Invader Hunters (Vol. 1)

Gate Keepers 21 - Invader Hunters (Vol. 1)

Gate Keepers 21 - Invader Hunters (Vol. 1)
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DVD Cover Information

Actor: Alyss Henderson, Barbara Goodson, Dave Mallow, Sherry Lynn, Wendee Lee
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; Japanese (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: Animated, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 75 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-04-22
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Geneon [Pioneer]

Movie Reviews of Gate Keepers 21 - Invader Hunters (Vol. 1)

Movie Review: Better than the original
Summary: 5 Stars

Gate Keepers 21 (2002) is a 6-part OVA sequel to the original Gate Keepers 24-part TV series (2000). The original was set in 1969, and the sequel in 2001. Gate Keepers are those rare individuals who can open transdimensional portals, called gates; they use the resulting gate energy to fight alien invaders. Gate Keepers are coordinated by the AEGIS Network. The main character in GK21, Ayane, is the daughter of the main character of the original series, Shun Ukiya - though she prefers to use her mother's maiden name, Isuzu. Numerous other points are carried over from the original series, the main setting, for example, is still Tategami Highschool.

Earth has been invaded by aliens with the ability to control humans, draining people of their humanity and individuality, turning them into invader foot soldiers. By 2001, invaders have penetrated every level of human society, forcing the once powerful AEGIS Network into the shadows. Widespread greed and corruption among humans are outward signs of invader success.

The tone of GK21 is downbeat overall, as if the AEGIS operatives know they are heading toward an ultimate confrontation, with slim chance of success. The main character, Ayane, is an unpopular nerdy girl, openly critical of other girls' interest in boys and leisure activities. Her partner, the newly-recruited Miu Manaduru, is a shy, though popular girl who finds fighting invaders exciting at first - until she discovers the invaders she killed were once human. This sets the tone for the conflict between the two girls: Miu wants Ayane's acceptance, but Ayane thinks Miu is useless and undependable because she now refuses to fight invaders. Ultimately, both girls come to realize it is our differences, rather than our similarities, that make humans strong. We also learn why gate keepers tend to be young - there is a price to be paid for opening gates.

Visually, GK21 is low key. Colors are muted (the school uniform, for instance, is gray), and images are less cartoonish than the original series. The sound, however, is spectacular in Dolby 5.1. On a well-adjusted system, you are immersed in a rich sound field so realistic I sometimes found myself pausing the player to see whether sounds were from the film, or real airplane and traffic noises.

The six episodes of GK21 are more tightly-focused and coherent than the original series, with a serious, adult point of view. Though low key and gritty throughout, Gate Keepers 21 ends on a hopeful note as Ayane visits the Ukiya family shrine to honor the father she had always resented. Highly recommended.

Summary of Gate Keepers 21 - Invader Hunters (Vol. 1)

Old enemies return... Ayane Isuzu, a high school student, also works as an invader hunter for the AEGIS Network run by the mysterious tycoon, Reiji Kageyama. Ayane attempts to recruit her classmate Miyu, but once Miyu discovers that the Invaders are humans, she tries to go back to living a normal life... Meanwhile, relentless attack by the invaders led by the mysterious Ghost Girl and the revived Kaiser Kikai continues... Why is Ayane reluctant to use her gate- a legacy of her father, Shun Ukiya? A continuation of the hit series Gate Keepers featuring animation by Gonzo (Hellsing, Vandread, Gate Keepers, Blue Submarine No.6) and character designs by Keiji Goto (Gate Keepers, Nadesico). DVD Extras: 5.1 Japanese and English Dialog, credit less opening and a reversible cover!
In the Gatekeepers TV series (2000), irrepressible Shun and his gang of psychics fought the Invaders, biological experiments that fed on human greed, in 1969. This new OAV set in 2001 focuses on scornful, alienated Ayane. She's not a natural Gatekeeper, but relies on technology in her battles with the Invaders. She recruits Miu, a girl in her school who is a Gatekeeper. Despite her abilities, Miu whines and screams; Ayane dismisses her as a "useless twit." The only returning character is Yukino, the kimono-clad psychic of the snows--who's mocked by a sinister, ballerina-like blonde linked to the Invaders. Shun and the gang fought to defend the people they loved. Ayane earns a bounty on the crystals that remain when Invaders are destroyed, and wishes the people in Tokyo would disappear: hardly a likeable heroine. (Rated 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery, minor profanity) --Charles Solomon

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