Search - Gatchaman Collection (Vols. 1-3) on DVD

Great trip down memory lane

Tone Ellis | 10/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this DVD because I'd been going through Battle of the Planets withdrawl. I haven't seen much of that American version of Gatchaman since the 70s, and could wait no longer for the soon-to-be-released Rhino DVDs, so I picked this up for some nostalgia.Although updated with 90s anime flair, this reworking of the 70s Gatchaman was made with the Gatch fanboy in mind. It is updated in look and pacing, but everything about the original show is here - from the costumes to the characters' personalities.Since it is based on Japan's Gatchaman, it is thankfully "missing" 7-Zark-7 and 1-Rover-1, whose sole purpose was to take up the space created by editing out the more violent scenes in the show (don't you love American morality?).The only big complaint I have is some of the new music is weak (especially the song that plays during the menus). Every now and then some of the old music from original Gatch plays, but it is so infrequent that one gets depressed when it stops.Until Rhino releases the original Battle of the Planet DVDs in late October '01, this is enjoyable viewing for those who fondly remember the original series."

Gatchaman OAVs - Get 'em... Again

mvaia | Chicago, IL USA | 07/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recently saw a pre-release copy of this collection and I'm sticking to my guns about this set. I remember when I first saw this on VHS, I commented that this was a fantastic installment in the Gatchaman line and I still maintain that position and then some. DVD just makes these flicks that much better. But before others start writing in to complain about the differences between this and the original series, remember that this is not meant to be compared. It is different all together and, for the most part, is an excellent addition to the Gatchaman line. Again, the story is excellent, the updates (costumes, vehicles, ...) are greatly improved, and the animation far surpasses anything Gatchaman to date. Anyone who says otherwise needs to pull themselves out of the '70's and realize that all things must eventually change and should count themselves lucky that in this particular instance it has done so for the better."

Gatchaman Returns!

cbusch71 | Largo, MD USA | 08/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I remember seeing this great series for the first time as a kid as most people have, in the form of "Battle of the Planets." Even though the show aired in the U.S. in 1978, the 1972 animation was still more advanced than anything on afternoon television at that time. Years later I had a chance to see the original Japanese series, and was surprised at the great difference. The sanitized U.S. version of Gatchaman couldn't hold a candle to the original. This DVD is a great way to experience this series the way it was meant to be. If you are looking for "7-Zark-7" and "1-Rover-1" look elsewhere. My only complaint (and my reason for four stars) is that more of the original musical score wasn't used in the revamped edition, if only for nostalgic effect. However, a tribute in the form of a music video at the end of the third episode makes up for that. Overall a great DVD for your collection."Fighting formation, Tornado Fighter!""

"Battle Of The Planets" grows up

Casey Snider | Norfolk, Virginia United States | 10/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the first anime creations to hit it big in the U.S., "Gatchaman" (alias "Battle of the Planets") set off a whole new wave of sci-fi cartoons in the late 1970's. It was heavily edited to remove the violence, gore, and death that were thought to be unsuitable for American children at the time, but even that failed to dim its appeal. In 1994 Tatsunoko Studios decided to give its classic creation a 90's flair with updated characters and new-style animation. The result is the "Gatchaman" trilogy. Mark, Jason, Princess et al. have reclaimed their original names (Ken, Joe, Jun, etc.) and gotten a whole new look in the process. Even the Phoenix has been updated! The look is spectacular, if rather sharp-edged, and the animation is seamless. But if you're expecting the innocence of the early "Gatchaman/BOTP", you're going to be disappointed; this version is definitely aimed at adults and older teens. The violence is back in full force, there's blood, gore, and destruction aplenty, and Joe and Jun both have brief nude scenes (no, not together). Of course, not everything has changed; the classic themes of courage and sacrifice still prevail, even if the ending is somewhat ambiguous (are they dead or hallucinating?). This is a splendid update of an anime classic, and a worthy addition to any anime collection"