Eric F
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Sep 5, 1999
- Messages
- 1,810
I finally got around to picking up the Roughnecks Zephyr DVD that came out a few months ago, so I thought I'd watch the whole series. First time around I stopped halfway, as I knew large parts of series were missing.
I've forgotten most of what I've seen, and forgotten how good this series is. I missed it the first time around because it was lumped in with the Sat morning kiddie set.
The story is much closer to the original book than the movie is, and the longer series gives time for the characters/plot to develop over time. The CGI animation is very good, and stands up well even after 5 years, and is suitable for the material being dealt with. There's not alot of gore so if you're squeemish you don't need to worry. I'd prefer if it was a bit more realistic, but I suppose some mucky-muck decided animation must be for kids, so it needed to be toned down. No matter, the story and voice acting more than makes up for it.
Roughnecks is one of the best Sci-Fi/action series ever produced. Animation allows the series to be set in exotic locations were live action series like Farscape could never go. Too bad the US studios are still confused that "animated" must mean for kids, because Roughnecks should have been a primetime show somewhere. It deserved a larger audience.
If you're a Heinlein fan, like smart Sci-Fi or just good ol' plain action, you owe yourself a viewing. I practically guarantee that once you see the first DVD you'll want the rest.
Now if only they'ld complete those last few episodes...
DVD Viewing order:
Pluto
Hydora
Tophet
Tesca
Zephyr
Klendathu
Homefront
I've forgotten most of what I've seen, and forgotten how good this series is. I missed it the first time around because it was lumped in with the Sat morning kiddie set.
The story is much closer to the original book than the movie is, and the longer series gives time for the characters/plot to develop over time. The CGI animation is very good, and stands up well even after 5 years, and is suitable for the material being dealt with. There's not alot of gore so if you're squeemish you don't need to worry. I'd prefer if it was a bit more realistic, but I suppose some mucky-muck decided animation must be for kids, so it needed to be toned down. No matter, the story and voice acting more than makes up for it.
Roughnecks is one of the best Sci-Fi/action series ever produced. Animation allows the series to be set in exotic locations were live action series like Farscape could never go. Too bad the US studios are still confused that "animated" must mean for kids, because Roughnecks should have been a primetime show somewhere. It deserved a larger audience.
If you're a Heinlein fan, like smart Sci-Fi or just good ol' plain action, you owe yourself a viewing. I practically guarantee that once you see the first DVD you'll want the rest.
Now if only they'ld complete those last few episodes...
DVD Viewing order:
Pluto
Hydora
Tophet
Tesca
Zephyr
Klendathu
Homefront