Guyver - Bioboosted Armor - Complete Collection [2005] [DVD]

This modern remake of the classic series expands on the original storyline and takes you much deeper into the world of Chronos and the origins of the Guyver. While the original series (containing just 12 episodes) was good, it was very much an unfinished project that left a lot of questions unanswered.

When you watch this new adaptation any prior knowledge of the original series isn't essential (unless you feel the need to compare them) as this 2005 series covers everything and more. If you have seen the original series though, you will definitely notice similar styles in the artwork.

There are three "Bio-Boosted" suits called Guyver units that enhance the users ability beyond any feasable human limits, and a global corporation called Chronos that are doing all they can to obtain the units. Chronos are a mysterious organisation that has knowledge and technology more advanced than the rest of the world and they use this to create beings called Zoanoids. Zoanoids are monsters that have been experimented on and there are several forms each containing unique attributes.

The basis of the entire series follows the path that Sho, who possesses Guyver 1, and his friends have to take in order to survive wave after wave of attacks from Chronos. There is plenty of action and, certainly in this version, a lot of character insight and development. Like the original, there is also a lot of gore, though that isn't a defining feature of the series.

This series is very good, and certainly worth spending the money on if you're an anime fan. Even more so if you were a fan of the original series! However, I can only give it 4 stars because as much as they improved on the original, it has picked up the same fundamental flaw... there isn't a proper ending. I say this because the way it ends there is the possibility for a second series to take the story to the next level as the final episode suggests. But unfortunately, they didn't make any more and once again it's left unfinished.

The Guyver is a long running series of mangas that was originally adapted into a good yet flawed 12 episode anime series in the 80s. Now, 20 years later, Guyver is back on our screens with a brand new and even better adaptation of the brilliant sci-fi story.

For starters I have to say that the original Guyver series was the first anime I ever watched (I still have the single episode video tapes somewhere) so I was ecstatic (to say the least) when this 7 disc DVD set came through my letterbox.

The Guyver tells the story of Sho Fukamachi, a normal everyday teenager who happens to come across something known as a Guyver unit. To his surprise and horror, this mysterious unit takes over Sho's body and transforms him into the Guyver, A bio weapon with unbelievable power.
With his newfound powers, Sho must protect the people he cares about from the sinister Chronos Corporation and their army of monsters (known as Zoanoids) who will stop at nothing to retrieve the Guyver for their own devices and eliminate anyone who knows of it's existence.

What ensues is an action packed and violent sci-fi anime that improves on the old series in pretty much every way. And when I mean violent, I'm not not kidding...be prepared for blood and guts galore as limbs and body parts fly all over the place. However, it is not over to top gore, but the DVD set is still well deserving of it's 15 certificate.
As this version of the Guyver series is longer than the older one, it is much more in depth and contains a lot more characterisation and better paced story-line. Making this a must have for fans of Guyver.

I particularly like the way that the creators have kept the animation really authentic to the style and the feel of the original story. First off, there is very, very little CGI effects, as well as some of the character designs look reminiscant to the original anime series and the most noticeable thing is the bland and blurry(ish) background art which was common in the 80s. Newcomers to the Guyver may be put off by this, but long time fans (like myself) will feel perfectly at home and find it very nostalgic. However, don't think that the animation is going to be rubbish because it's not. I'd say it looks like a modern take on the classic artwork, if you get what I mean.

The voice acting in this anime was average, though it had one of my favourite voice actors; Chris Patton(Full Metal Panic, Gantz, The Wallflower), playing the lead role of Sho Fukamachi. Other notable voice actors here are Luci Christian (from full metal panic and Appleseed Deux Machina) and Kira Vincent Davis (from Najica, Azumanga Daioh and Elfen Lied)
The music was pretty good (especially the opening and ending theme songs) however it justs doesn't beat the retro music from the 80s series.

If you are a fan of the Guyver, then this boxset is an essential purchase, however, if you are new to the franchise, it will be a bit of a gamble as there are far better shonen and action animes out there. Furthermore, this boxset is pretty expensive and is going for about 60 quid on most sites. The Guyver isn't a life changing series, but is still incredibly enjoyable and is even better if you fancy chilling out and revisiting the good old (anime) days.

so yeh its looks prettier but proceeds at a slower pace than the original due to the fact its double the amount of episodes.

this is both good & bad, gives a lot more time to meat things out but when i watch it i have the original burned into my memory so i keep comparing the whole time.

all in all its a decent series not as immediate as the original 12, guess thats why i am only giving this 3 stars, it doesnt make me sit up and watch intently, some episodes seem like fillers and therefore make this version guyver rather ordinary instead of special like the original.

purchase this if you are a guyver completist.

newcomers you wont see why some of adore guyver so much based on this new series.