Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: Emily Neves, David Wald,James Faulkner,Andy McAvin, Deke Anderson
Director: Frank O’Connor and Joseph Chou
Rated: PG-13
Time: 119 mins.
Back Cover
This sweeping science-fiction saga delves into the rich Halo universe with seven exciting stories (told in eight parts) focused on Master Chief’s mysterious origins, the Spartans’ advanced combat capabilities and the tense rivalry between Spartans and Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs). Created in collaboration with some of the world’s leading animators from Japan, Halo Legends draws you into the center of humankind’s ongoing battles with the Covenant, dynamically depicted in cutting-edge animation styles that deliver breathtaking visuals and gripping adventure. Go beyond the game – and join the roll call of Halo Legends.
Review
Halo-ites! Unite!
This is an extension of the Halo VideoGame Universe that any Halo fan of more than a casual passing interest will be happy to dive into.
Neophytes best beware. For, like the LOTR movie followups to the Fellowship of the Ring, this set assumes the viewer has more than a passing acquaintance with the Halo franchise.
Following in the vein of the Animatrix DVD release for the Matrix and the recent Batman:Gotham Knight release, Halo:Legends employs five Japanese production houses in various anime styles to fill in the backstory of Halo.
The subject matter of the short ranges from the epic scale as with the two part ‘Origins’, which explains the backstory of the Halo universe to the micro where the ongoing conflict between mankind, the Convenant, and the Flood is played out in character studies. War is hell even in videogames and the future universe of Halo is no different. The cost in lives, those involved or innocent bystanders, is high. While not all episodes are bleak, the overall tone of these shorts definitely swings to the somber side.
My personal favorite was ‘The Duel.’ Done in an animated Monet painting style the affect is quite striking. Even the more so as it gives background on the society of the Covenant races which borrows heavily from the Akira Kurosawa Samurai movies. An unexpected surprise and highly worth watching the disc for even if only to watch this one short.
Crave Factor – 8
Video
Presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen the image, as expected, is clear and free of any defects. Image quality is steady throughout with the color palette varying only because of the artistic intent employed in each segment.
Crave Factor – 9
Audio
The Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track (640kbps) is no slouch but there is no mistaking this is a direct to video release. With no lossless audio tracks included everything about the audio on the release makes it clear that it never graced a local cineplex. There is a noticeable lack of punch to the directionality, use of surrounds, and LFE that belie the roots of this project.
Certainly what is presented is quite capable. It just lacks that extra clarity and dynamics of a true theatrical presentation.
Crave Factor – 7
Extras
Four hours of extras is a hefty bag of goodies that will appeal to the diehards only but full marks to those involved in their inclusion. A bonus point for all the extras, except the trailers, for being in HD.
- The Making of Halo Legends – an introduction to Halo Legends followed by a making of segement for each episode.
- Halo: The Story So Far – Overview of Halo Universe Up Until the End of Halo 3 (narrated by Frank O’Connor)
- Commentary by Directors Frank O’Connor and Joseph Chou
- Special Feature Exclusive to Blu-ray
- Halo:Gaming Evolved – Explaining the Halo Phenomenon from its Inception as an Xbox video Game to a Present Day Entertainment Franchise.
- Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths Trailer (SD, 1 minute)
- Halo: Reach Videogame Teaser Trailer (HD, 1 minute)
Crave Factor – 9
Menu & Packaging
A standard Amray case. No booklet is enclosed.
Crave Factor – 7
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The seven stories, bolstered by an impressive collection of extras, definitely succeed in making the Halo universe more layered which makes this a disc worthy of viewing.
