Rideback the Complete Series DVD/Blu-ray
By Chris Zimmerman
July 25, 2011 - 10:06
$64.98 US
Starring: Alexis Tipton, Bryan Massey, Chris Burnett
Directed by: Terri Doty
Produced by: Madhouse
Running Time: 300 minutes
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Distributors: Funimation Entertainment
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Rideback began life as a manga of the same name written and illustrated by Tetsuro Kasahara. It was adapted for television by the popular studio Madhouse into a twelve episode series that ran from January 2009 to March 2009. Funimation brought the series Stateside and has opted to give it the Blu-ray combo pack treatment.
The series transports viewers to the nearby future in the year of 2025. A group known as the GGP has arisen with aspirations of world domination. The group launches an all out assault on the world’s governments using a motorcycle robot hybrid termed Ridebacksand immediately claim victory. Skipping ahead a few years and the GGP is the strongest power in the world, with Ridebacks being used for more than fighting but also racing as well.
Enter Rin Ogata, a prodigious ballerina whose career is cut short when an ankle injury forces her out of the spotlight. Depressed and low on running low on hope, Rin accidently stumbles into a Rideback centric club. The machine resonates with her on an emotional level and she soon finds that she has a natural talent for riding.
Meanwhile, on the political side of things, the GGP sets its sights on Japan with the intention of overthrowing the government and installing itself in its place. Before long Rin and her Rideback are dragged into the conflict.
The series wastes little time in depositing audiences into the thick of things, since it has only twelve episodes to spare. Sadly, there are places where nothing significant to the plot is given screen time, creating moments of “dead space” that could have been better utilized fleshing out the story. Thankfully the characters are suitably developed beyond what should be expected when taking into consideration the meager length of the show.
Being that this is a Madhouse production, the animation and technical design is first rate. There are minor dips in quality found in the middle portion of the series, but the quality is solid for the majority of the series’ run.
Funimation provides the usual assortment of trailers along with clean animations. Also featured are a pair of audio commentaries that are light on information but a fun listen none-the-less.
For what it is, Rideback is fun series that stumbles through its length to support a fascinating concept. Sadly, it’s as though the producers didn’t know where to go beyond envisioning a beginning. The ending is rather weak and detracts from the series in a major way. Ultimately the series is deserving of a rental but its disjointed pacing and questionable ending earn it only a slight recommendation.
C+
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Rideback the Complete Series DVD/Blu-ray