Steins;Gate Part 1 Blu-ray Review

Directors: Hiroshi Hamasaki, Takuya Sato

Starring: Mamoru Miyano, J. Michael Tatum, Asami Imai, Trina Nishimura, Kana Hanazawa, Jackie Ross, Tomokazu Seki, Tyson Rinehart, Yukari Tamura, Cherami Leigh, Yo Kobayashi, Lindsay Seidel, Saori Goto, Jessica Cavanagh,

 Running Time: 325 minutes

Certificate: 15

STEINS;GATE may have many viewers approaching it with a certain amount of trepidation, being that it takes place in the same universe as the disappointing CHAOS;HEAD. But hopefully many viewers can put that thought aside, as we have a show that is wildly different in tone and execution. STEINS;GATE follows a self-proclaimed mad scientist, Rintaro Okabe (Miyano/Tatum). From the opening moments of the show it’s a confusing and nonsensical mess, which is a good thing because this show is all about time-travel. At first, the show uses the confounding plot twists as a source of comedy. The audience are more aware of the time travel than the characters at first. Why? Because even though its effects are clearly visible, they haven’t even invented time travel yet. This means that some characters that are yet to meet believe they have met before, and people that seem dead are actually alive.

Once you power your way through the first few episodes, a task that will easier for some than it is for others, the loose strands begin to become connected in a cute little character study. Okabe eventually discovers that he has inadvertently invented a time machine microwave that has the ability to send text messages back in time. The fact that only messages can be sent back in time is an interesting restraint which means that adventures back in time are not overshadowing characters. As messages are sent back Okabe waits to see the changes made to his timeline, the only problem is Okabe is the only one to notice any changes.

Okabe is joined by a series of cute girls that come to work on his project, without just being some eye candy to be ogled. They come and help because they are interested in the project and not because they are all in love with Okabe. Teh dynamics between the team are what leads to a lot of the lighthearted and endearing comedic moments. Okabe himself may be annoying at times, but eventually his character grows on you thanks to his forced eccentricities. Okabe wants to be off the wall and considered weird, rather than letting it flow naturally. Every now and again we see his true human nature poking its head out, making Okabe a bit more intriguing than your run of the mill nutball.

STEINS;GATE is being hailed as a masterpiece by some, and although that may not be clear in this collection of the first 12 episodes, the final episode sucker punches you with an emotionally crushing cliff hanger which hints towards a more serious tone to come. For now we have a likable and fascinating show that explores time-travel through trial and error. We are lost and perplexed because that is exactly what the characters are at this time. Filled with references to all your time-travel favourites, STEINS;GATE is a promising show with gorgeous animation and understated colours.

STEINS;GATE Part 1 is released on Blu-ray and DVD on 15th July via Manga Entertainment.

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