Halo: Arms Race

Halo: Arms Race is a short video created in collaboration with Bungie Studios, Neill Blomkamp, WETA Workshop and Origami Digital LLC depicting the first real time images and video of the Halo series. Released on July 10, 2007 at Bungie.net only hours after the Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer, the video is intended primarily as an experiment to test Halo's real-world media potential as well as advertise for Halo 3. It runs for 1 minute 52 seconds. It has been confirmed as part one in a trilogy of short films, as said in the third Bungie podcast. It can be found in the Xbox Live Marketplace to download for free and also in Halo: Landfall. Halo: Arms Race, garnered a fair amount of attention when first released.

Synopsis
The video contains no dialog, instead narrating with text from a computer. It begins with the request from a UNSC Battle Group, Sol Defense Group 3/A-5 requesting repair and resupply. Once the request has been granted the video then goes on to show production of SRS99D-S2 AM Sniper Rifles, Marine and ODST helmets and suits, M12 Warthog LRVs, Dropship 77-Troop Carrier Pelicans, BR55HB SR Battle Rifles, and M6G Magnums on the assembly line and ready for action in a UNSC factory. It also shows several shots of what is assumed to be the conscription of UNSC Marines into a unit called S4/BAG/2/5 (including the addition of a barcode to the back of a marine's neck), and then the arming of the marines. A marine holding a BR55HB SR Battle Rifle stands on war stricken ground when an explosive detonates next to him, before ending with "Halo 3, Finish the Fight."

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Trivia

 * This video was merged with its two sequel videos in a 9 minute video called "Landfall" which is also the name of the first level on Halo 3.
 * The props used are thought to be from The Halo Movie.
 * The short videos were originally thought to be trailers, however this was cited as incorrect by Bungie.
 * Warthogs can be seen under construction.
 * The time this takes place is just before Master Chief hits Earth.
 * This is the first time were the bar codes on the back of a marines neck is seen.
 * Marines are seen getting their hair shaved and getting required shots.

Related Articles

 * Halo: Landfall
 * Halo: Combat
 * Halo: Last One Standing