undefined

Product Description ------------------- Fans of the ground-breaking Mass Effect franchise can't afford to miss this stunning motion picture experience born of an epic collaboration between legendary BioWare and the visionary Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell, Kill Bill: Vol.1). Mass Effect: Paragon Lost, prequel to the best-selling Mass Effect 3, follows the early career of Alliance Marine, James Vega (Freddie Prinze Jr.) as he leads an elite Special Forces squad into battle against a mysterious alien threat known as the Collectors. Stationed at a colony in a remote star system, Vega and his troops must protect the colonists from the alien invaders bent on abducting humans for unknown purposes. Outmanned and outned, Vega must rally his squad to defend the colony at all costs –even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. Bonus Content: * All Doors Open: A Look Inside Electronic Arts * An Inside Look at the Mass Effect Universe * Directing Effect * U.S. Trailer * Previews .com ---- The feature Mass Effect: Paragon Lost (2012) presents the backstory of James Vega, one of the characters in the long-running Mass Effect video game series. When their commander is killed in action, Vega has to lead a squad of Alliance Marines into battle against a force of evil reptilian Krogans on the planet of Fehl Prime. After their daring attack carries the day, things are peaceful for two years, then the even nastier Collectors arrive. Most of the film is devoted to the battle that pits Vega and his surviving squad members against the insectlike Collectors. The film concludes with Vega leading another charge somewhat later, setting up a possible sequel. Mass Effect: Paragon Lost plays like an animated reworking of a minor Sylvester Stallone or Steven Seagal movie. The heroes alternate between noble posturing and devil-may-care throwaway lines like, "Let's dance!" as they charge into battle. Freddie Prinze Jr. reprises his role from the game, but Vega isn't a very articulate fellow. He listens while the other characters try to fill in the gaps in the complicated but well-worn plot. The flashy, constantly moving CG spaceships and special effects make the minimal animation of the drawn characters look even stiffer. Director Atsushi Takeuchi uses rapid cutting to infuse some energy into the combat sequences, but they're badly staged and it's hard to tell whether the heroes are advancing or retreating. Mass Effect: Paragon Lost may appeal to devotees of the games, but viewers unfamiliar with that universe will quickly lose interest. (Rated TV MA: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, alcohol use, profanity) --Charles Solomon