HALO, and its sequels, is one of the most popular videogames around, having sold over 27 million copies in its various iterations. A lot of its success can be put down to the fully developed universe and its rich, detailed history, and not just for its exceptional game-play. Despite this, Peter Jackson’s efforts to make HALO into a live action movie never materialised (although it did lead to DISTRICT 9 as a consequence). What makes this strange is the number of other lesser videogames that have been made into (financially) successful movies. However, this has been remedied to some extent with the DVD/Blu-ray release of HALO LEGENDS, seven original stories from the Halo universe, produced by 343 Industries, in a similar vein to THE ANIMATRIX, with the help of some of Japan’s most innovative and influential anime studios, including Studio 4°C and Production I.G.
Each episode is set in the 26th Century of the Halo universe. The eight chapters have been mastered by a highly celebrated Japanese anime studio, each exploring the mystery and action of the Halo universe. A stunning range of visual styles shed new light and epic perspective on Halo lore.
The Babysitter (Studio 4°C, produced by Eiko Tanaka and directed by Toshiyuki Kanno): A squad of four Drop Ship Troopers is sent into a Covenant zone under the cover of a meteor shower to eliminate a Prophet.
The Duel (Production I.G, produced by Mitsuhisa Ishikawa and directed by Hiroshi Yamazaki, with creative supervision by Mamoru Oshii) follows an Arbiter named Fal who does not want to follow the Covenant religion.
The Package (Casio Entertainment, with Shinji Aramaki acting as Creative Director, and written by Dai Sato): a two-part all CGI-film taking place during a SPARTAN-II raid on a Covenant CCS-class Battlecruiser using the Booster Frames.
Origins (Studio 4°C, directed by Hideki Futamura): a two-part look at the history of the Halo universe.
Homecoming (Production I.G and directed by Koichi Mashimo and Koji Sawai): focussing on the tragedies involving the SPARTAN-II recruitment in 2517
Prototype (Studio Bones, Directed by Tomoki Kyoda Yasushi Muraki, featuring production designs by Shinji Aramaki): a Marine is sent to a distant planet to destroy a prototype powered armour.
Odd One Out (Toei Animation company and directed by Daisuke Nishio): a parody story of Halo universe and canon.
HALO LEGENDS will be released in three formats: 1-disc DVD, 2-disc Special Edition DVD and limited edition Blu-Ray steel book’ . The 2-disc Special Edition contains several hours of incredible bonus features, including audio commentary with directors Frank O’Connor and Joseph Chou, “The Making of Halo Legends,” and “Halo: Gaming Evolved” which explains the Halo phenomenon from its inception as an Xbox video game to a present day entertainment franchise. The HALO LEGENDS Blu-Ray is loaded with bonus material, including all the great extras from the 2-disc Special Edition as well as “Halo: The Story so Far,” an overview of the Halo universe up until the end of Halo 3.
HALO LEGENDS is released on 15 February through Warner Bros and is available from Play and all good retailers.
We have three copies of HALO LEGENDS on Blu-ray to give away, courtesy of Warner Bros. Click on the link below to enter the competition, which closes on 28 February 2010.