Reviewed By:

Evolver is a new Tokusatsu from an independent film company called West Power. It's direct to DVD and can be purchased at their website at:

http://jungle-scs.co.jp/en/evolver/index.htm  

Story: The Earth is invaded by aliens called Efreets. In response to this, the Japanese government form an elite group of men and women called Evolvers. Ancient artifacts that synchronized with the Evolvers' distinct DNA enables them to equip special suits and weapons as well has gain superhuman activities. Due to the galantry and sacrifice of the Evolvers, they were able to stem the initial invasion, but at the cost of one member and the leader's leg. The aliens, though beaten back, are not going to give up....

Review: Now before I give my two cents, bear in mind that this is an independent film on very limited
budget. The quality of the special effects is pretty sparse and basic CGI at best. The film is shot with
digital camcorders and looks really home made. The suits they wear, on the other hand, look great for a
cheaply made sci-fi show. Acting is pretty good, very natural and not at all exaggerated. The one that stood out among the characters was the girl who played Rei. Not just because she looks good, she gave a pretty good performance as an angst filled heroine with a chip on her shoulder. The action was pretty good, especially when Evolver-05 fights. This Toku doesn't hold back on the violence, for there is a good amount of blood and dead people. The villains are your run of the mill monster of the day, terrorizing the populace and killing at will. They are obviously made out of carved styrofoam, though they moved well enough giving the image of menace. They were pretty tough also, giving the Evolvers a hard time.

What really got me was the sound, though I blame the encoders of the DVD more than the actual film makers themselves. If you have surround sound, turn it off, for there will be annoying ambient sounds that can be heard since this is not in Digital Dolby. Screen resolution is full screen, and like I said before, digital camcorder quality.

All in all, it's good, for an independent Toku. It sends a message that with a little determination and
just a little bit of budget, a decent home made Tokusatsu can get done. From looking at the previews
for Volume 2 (due out on the 23rd of July), it gets better with more gunplay and more action. Bottom line
is, never judge a series from the first two episodes, since a lot of Toku started out real bad and ended up
real excellent. This show is very promising.

I give it a 3 out of 5 for now.