Legends: The Duel

The Duel is really fun. As is typical with anime and Asian film the protagonist does not reach a pleasant end but the film has an intense amount of action that is satisfying and fun to watch although a bit unrealistic. It also gives some depth to the Covenant race of Elites making it clearer why they descented in Halo 2. The artwork is a bit confusing but a nice mix of anime and computer technology. Much of the design is very Asian in style which does not exactly clash with franchise but it does seem a bit out of place. Overall, a fun film to watch.

Legends: Homecoming

Homecoming is not my favorite of the Legends short film. I can understand that it was created as anime and fits with a lot of asian film traditions, and honestly I don't have a problem if (SPOILER ALERT) the hero dies. That can sometimes make the plot more meaningful, but in this case everyone dies which only makes the protagonist's sacrifice completely useless. It makes her choice to not kill her clone and return to the UNSC altogether meaningless, because her death served no purpose.

On a brighter side the cinematic tropes used are well done. The editing back and forth between her reality and her past is well done and doesn't seem choppy. The character development is also moving (though eventually useless). The animation is clean and consistent with most good anime. The music, though not original to the short film, is well placed and sufficiently moving. Overall, a good film, but it might make you mad.

Legends: The Package

The Package is easily the best short film in this collection. It's made in 3D and gives the same exhilarating rush you get from the games. The only small problem is that the writing is a bit melodramatic and simplistic. But the film easily makes up for it in the action, choreography, staging, and lighting. The action is very well staged with pauses in all the right places making the pacing a perfect mix of start and stop action. It also feels very much like the game with a couple of first-person POV shots thrown in to make things recognizable. The animation is clean and well lit with a classic "Halo" look to it. Definitely one of the best.

Legends: The Babysitter

The Babysitter is one of my personal favorites in this collection, I think, more than any other it is able to look into the characters, where they are not so black and white. The action is exciting and the result is a satisfying ending. The animation is beautiful and one of the most pleasant to see on a big screen (the blu-ray is worth it). It is made in a similar animation style to the others, but many of the colors are more vibrant and the design is detailed enough to not appear rushed. Overall, a great film.