One of the early shows that helped to build an audience for anime in America, Battle of the Planets began in Japan as Science Ninja Team Gatchaman in 1972-74. For its 1978 U.S. release, the 105 episodes were cut to 85. Much of the violence was excised and new animation, featuring the R2-D2-esque robot 7-Zark-7 and his robo-pooch 1-Rover-1, was created to bridge the gaps. Turner Broadcasting acquired the property in 1986 and recut it into 85 different episodes. The resulting G-Force included more violence, yet it wasn’t shown in its entirety in the U.S. until it aired on the Cartoon Network in 1995. This release includes all three versions, enabling viewers to compare and contrast.
In episode 1, five highly trained teenagers–incongruously clad in bird suits–tackle a giant biomorphic enemy vessel. The group executes the commands of their brilliant scientist-leader in the virtually identical Gatchaman and G-Force. When they take on the bad guys, the punches, kicks, and yo-yo weapons connect forcefully; to escape, they convert their ship, the God-Phoenix, to “Firebird Mode,” an avian cloud of glowing plasma. In Battle, the quintet takes orders from the dithering, Hanna-Barbera-style Zark. The hand-to-hand combat is heavily censored and the heroes somehow turn themselves into a “Fiery Phoenix.” It’s campy and silly, rather than exciting. Unrated; suitable for ages 10 up. –Charles Solomon
Buy “Battle of the Planets, Vol. 1″ For Only $57.02
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April 28, 2010
#1
If you like the classic anime then these are the DVDs to get. Ydo not just get Battle of the Planets version but also the Gatchaman & G-Force. ALL THREE SERIES!!!! I can’t understand how anyone can complain. Definitely one of the few classic series done right the first time.
I tried to be more brief than the other long winded brief guy below.
April 28, 2010
#2
Finally…..Battle of the Planets on DVD. Ah, life is indeed good. I haven’t seen the original episode in 15+ years and I’m salivating just thinking about it. Sure, it was originally Gatchaman. However THIS was the show WE grew up on. With spectacular animation, incredible music, and emotional plots to boot Battle of the Planets created a lasting legacy now realized in the ultimate DVD format. I hope Rhino does it justice.
April 28, 2010
#3
I tell you besides DBZ G-Force is my all time favorite cartoon. It str8 brought back alot of my memories while I was little getting up in the morning getting ready for school. G-Force was the cartoon that made me fantasize about being a superhero. Then they brought back in 1994 on Cartoon Network. Then all of sudden it went off the air. G-Force is a cartoon I’ll show my kids.
April 28, 2010
#4
The first volume of Battle of The Planets, a classic Japanese cartoon that appeared on American television in the late 70′s and early 80′s. The G-Force is five teenagers who don bird costumes and fight evil. There major weapon is the ability to join together and form a fiery Phoenix. The cartoon has some cool animation and storylines, but the fact they only put two episodes per DVD is fairly weak.
April 28, 2010
#5
it’s great to have these shows on dvd & video , it was good to see mark & company back in the action after it seems like 20 year absent & i wondered why they did’nt do it sooner geez the pet peeve i’ve got is the butchered bonus battle of the planets retitled g-force on the dvd come on fellas & gals i felt like i was having my teeth pulled just induring it yuck get it together. besides that i’m delighted with volume one& two. 7zark7 & one rover one are funny come on where’s the next volume of battle of the planets i’m hungry for more jason , mark , tiny & kehop & princess keep the memory flowing thanks a fan this great stuff.