From Central Park media comes THE HUMANOID, one of the earliest animes of the "sexy girl robot" sub-genre. According to the box hype, parts were even shown during Madonna's "Drowned World" tour several years ago. So let's have a little look-see, shall we?

The opening crawl informs us that we are seeing the world Lazeria, where humans and a race called Megalosians live in peace. The Megalosian princess, Ignasia, has been exiled here after a coup on her native planet. A supply ship from Earth is approaching, piloted by coffee addict Alan and his young assistant Eric. Eric is anxious to land on Lazeria because his girlfriend Sheri, granddaughter of human leader Dr. Watson, is waiting for him there. On the surface, Watson discusses disturbing news about the planet's governor Proud with Ignasia's guardian Liberia. It seems Lazeria's leader has been acting a mite suspicious lately. When Al's ship enters the atmosphere, it passes over some ruins in the jungle. The ship's systems go haywire, so Al and Eric are forced to eject ion the escape pod.

Unfortunately, fighters sent from the ruins attack the pod! What's going on there? Their pod is destroyed, but Al and Eric escape and make their way to the city on foot. When they finally reach Watson's home, the only being there is the doctor's new mechanical humanoid, Antoinette. She has been created by Watson to be in harmony with his adopted world. Antoinette has many questions for Al, especially when she observes Eric courting Sheri. What is this emotion humans call love? Meanwhile, Proud coerces a vital piece of the mystery called Exion from Liberia. However, Watson holds the second piece of the puzzle. Proud will stop at nothing to get it, even if it results in the destructions of Lazeria. Can Antoinette and the humans stop mad Proud's schemes, or is the world doomed?

THE HUMANIOD certainly packs a lot in a story that runs less than an hour. Instead of just fitting the characters into stereotypical roles, they are given enough time to develop their own uniqueness, which definitely makes them connect with the viewer. The storyline is complex enough, but never confusing or overwhelming. It's just right for the time allotted. The only drawback is Antoinette; she suddenly goes from an analytical robot to an android with a soul very quickly. It's probably due to the time constraints, but it's only a small quibble.

The animation itself can be considered standard for the time, with only limited movements against mainly static backgrounds, but it's drawn very well and the landscapes are very detailed. The picture quality is very clear and clean, as is the sound (sorry audiophiles, stereo only) I do like the running 'coffee' motif used throughout as well. Very clever.

This DVD of THE HUMANOID includes only a few extras. There are the usual art gallery and previews of other anime, but then there's the 'fun facts' video. This is a version of the program with 'pop-up' facts about everything from production notes and insights to information about the coffee served and other such trivia. It's well worth watching THE HUMANOID a second time with this mode engaged.

All in all, THE HUMANOID is an enjoyable DVD for everyone to watch. So go brew up a pot o' coffee and see if Al, Eric and Antoinette can save their world from annihilation, or at least a bad cup of java.

For more info, visit Central Park Media online right here!