 "Outstanding!" | 2008-07-17 |
| - Reviewed By russianwarrior |
The Star Blazers Quest for Iscandar series is a faithful adaptation of the original. The bonus features showing the different ships and the cut scene from the Japanese series were very good.
Minor points that have been brought up by others:
1) The series hasn't been digitally cleaned up. That would have been nice, but it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the program.
2) The episodes don't have the part with Wildstar introducing scenes from the next episode. It doesn't seem to be that great a loss, but one does wonder why they did it.
Even so, the series is a wonderful addition to any anime collection! |
| |
 "Have I changed or the series?" | 2007-11-23 |
| - Reviewed By ran5 |
I remember being enthralled with this series when it came on TV years ago; it was the one show that my son and I would not miss. We awaited each new installment with great anticipation.
So we decided to purchase this series of discs when they were offered; they (the discs) were expensive, but, you know those good memories...sometimes have a way of clouding judgements.
And with the result...
What a disappointment; what a bore! Have I changed that much with time? I fail to understand how this series could have, at one time, enamoured me so much. Now, this childish, immature cartoon series, that I once thought was so great, has me shaking my head in disbelief.
One of the other reviewers, seemed to indicate that something had been left out; maybe so, because something seems different. But then, maybe it's me. In any event, a major letdown! 2 Stars...1 Star (because it's the least available) plus 1 Star for the memories.
|
| |
 "What Great Memories" | 2007-08-25 |
| - Reviewed By User: A8SEYABEO2B6S |
I just received my copies of series 1 and 2 and started watching 1 and it felt like I was sitting there with of all people, my older sister who turned me on to the show in 1982. Her day was not complete until she watched Geberal Hospital at 3 and than Star Blazers at 4pm. She would tell me its like a soap opera for guys but there is something that has me hooked and I think you will like it, she was right.
As I watch at an older age I like it even more, the emotional rollercoaster you are taken on makes me wonder if the producers of another great show 24 watched Star Blazers at some point.
Some of the reviews I have read had great insite into the show and its quality. The DVDs are not too bad considering that years ago people watched on black and white tvs and sometimes no cable its an improvement.
JIm Kelly |
| |
 "Star Blazers deserves better! A more technical review." | 2007-04-08 |
| - Reviewed By dread2200 |
Star Blazers, ah the memories of rushing home from school in the early 80's to catch the next adventure of the Star Force's journey to Iscandar. Knowing the opening and closing themes word for word and even being able to recite the narrator's form intro at the start of every episode (In the year 2199, Earth is under severe attack from the mysterious planet Gamilon...)
So why only the 3 star review? Voyager Entertainment Inc.'s (VEI) horrible handing of the series they unfortunately have the rights to... When they initially acquired the rights from Kidmark they cleaned up the picture and made it more watchable. That was a good thing, for 1994... But for a 2001 DVD release it's unacceptable... Especially for what they charge.
In 1995 I collected VEI's VHS release of this series in the 13 individual volumes (2 eps per volume). What I didn't like about them (I'll use volume 1 as an example) was that they would use the opening theme, show episode 1, then it would just roll into episode 2, and then the ending theme. Back then VEI also offered a more economical 6 volume box set. In doing so some of the opening recaps were cut as they would string 5 episodes together almost like a movie. Example; volume 1 of the box set would go; opening theme, episode 1,2,3,4,5, ending theme. This six volume VHS box set is important in this review because it is THIS very set that VEI "shoveled" onto DVD. Yes, they used the old VHS box set masters for this DVD release. There was actually more on the individually sold 2-episode volumes that they released 12 years ago on VHS! Now, on the DVD it seems like you can choose an individual episode and watch it that way (with opening and ending themes). Nope, if you choose episode 1 it will automatically go to episode 2 without opening and ending themes. The going theme for VEI (other than VHS masters shovelware) seems to be treating each VOLUME (whether it has 2 episodes or 5) as one whole smashed together episode. Now? Each disc is treated the same way, as one episode. Very sloppy and very disappointing.
I would've also liked to have seen the commercial bumpers and the "Stay tuned for scenes to the next Star Blazers!" in Derek Wildstar's voice. Not vital but goes with the nostalgia that makes this series so special to us fans. They did this for Robotech and the Transformers. Why not Star Blazers?
The extras are nice but be aware that a lot of the last names for a lot of the characters were made up years after the show was off the air. Names like "Nova Forrester, Dashell Jordan, Abraham Avatar." These characters among others never had last names in the series as we saw it on TV years ago. It was just "Nova, Dash, Captain Avatar, Eager, Conroy, etc." I'm not bashing the invented names but just be aware that they were made up by fans that did a comic for VEI back in 1995-96. On the deleted scene of the sinking of the original battleship Yamato, the scene that was used here is from the Space Battleship Yamato movie and NOT the TV series which was a longer scene.
I see a lot of reviews saying they would've prefered to have the original Japanese episodes on here as well. I couldn't agree more... But the fact is, VEI only owns the rights to Star Blazers NOT the original Japanese TV series. They have the rights to distribute the Yamato films but not the TV series. The other problem is that Star Blazers was heavily edited for time and violence. The episodes would not be compatible for a dual language track. Our best bet for seeing Yamato TV with English subtitles other than illegal bootlegs is for a domestic anime company like AnimEigo or ADV to get the licensing rights. And for Star Blazers to get the proper remastering it deserves? A good anime company would have to buy it from VEI. Unfortunately I just don't see that happening. They've had the rights for 14 years now and still can't get it right.
|
| |
| "Am I Missing Something Here???" | 2007-03-15 |
| - Reviewed By mesajoyce |
I'm giving the set three stars based on how much I enjoyed watching Star Blazers as a kid - being 37 years old, I have a lot of pleasant nostalgia for the show - and NOT on the product itself (box art, bonus features, quality of the discs, etc) because I'm not going to buy THIS set. So why am I even writing a review for something I don't even have?
Every early anime that I know of that was shown in early-80's America is out on DVD now - most notably Gatchaman (edited and packaged as both G-Force & Battle Of The Planets) and Voltron. These old shows have been packaged onto DVD's not only completely unedited, but also with the option to watch the show in Japanese with subtitles - you know, the way it originally was. This gave me the option to not only relive old memories by seeing the English version, but also to hear the REAL voices of the characters, and see how different the dialogue was. While Gatchaman was the biggest surprise, seeing Voltron in Japanese was the biggest trip. Also, these shows cost next-to-nothing at a used DVD store, or even here at Amazon.
So why in the world - HOW in the world - could I possibly pay a HUNDRED dollars for edited English-only early anime? Deleted scenes??? Put the friggin' scenes BACK in the episodes and sell us non-wealthy fans unedited episodes! And there's just NO excuse for not having a Japanese soundtrack - every other anime does except for OLD stuff like Astro Boy, Speed Racer, and Gigantor. (And even Speed Racer has a Spanish track...)
I'd have left all of this alone, and not written this review, if not for that unbelievable price tag. It just seems wrong to me. Hopefully someday there'll be an 'ultimate' version - heck, a LOT of anime releases updated boxsets. 'Complete Collection', 'Ultimate Collection', then 'Anime Legends' collection in a thinpack... maybe, hopefully, someday that will happen for Star Blazers too. |
| |
| "Still the best - put up with the minor things..." | 2006-09-03 |
| - Reviewed By User: A20XF0ON6NTBJW |
Okay, people, stop griping about the small stuff. I mean, come on - how many people "hate" Star Trek because the Klingons changed foreheads? It's a cartoon, it's made up, we're called on to suspend our disbelief watching anything, so have a little mercy and forgive a couple mistakes. If you have so much pride or so little self-esteem that you need to point out a couple production flaws or the transfer rate, well, then your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
Okay, that being said...
I've always been hooked by a great story. Epic masterpieces are hard to find, especially on TV, and I was hooked by Starblazers immediately. Of course, at first you get into the Wave Motion Gun blasting things to bits and all the battles with Desslok and the Gamilons. I watched it in the mornings when I was a kid, and the last episode was on the first day of school. We were one of the first families to get a VCR, and I begged my mom to tape the last episode for me. You can imagine the suspense - a whole school day in (I think) 2nd grade waiting to see if they would save the earth with the Cosmo-DNA, and what happens but my mom taped the wrong channel. AAAAGGH! I had to wait a year for it to recycle and you better believe I saw it then.
(spoiler alert - this paragraph) I rewatched the series once I received it (now in my 30's) and realized how genius it really was. It has everything that good epic stories have to have - great character development, a death of a major character, struggles that really mean something, connections to anyone in the audience - you name it, Starblazers has it. I related to Wildstar - some things in his actions and his family are awfully familiar. I can relate to his struggles with not having anyone, and that makes it all the more special when Nova likes him for who he is. The episode where he doesn't have anyone to talk to at home really hits me; it's also probably when Nova realizes he's more than just a flashy guns-blazing type. Then you get episodes where the unlikely characters are the hero - IQ-9 protecting Nova on the "Bees" episode, Royster (I think that was his name - Sandor's helper) with the Wave Motion Gun idea for firing themselves out of the tube thing, and Nova being willing to give herself to save the ship (and earth) by activating the Cosmo-DNA, to name a few. That whole scene is as brilliant an example of writing as I've ever encountered, including any literature, TV, movies, etc. Sandor is forced to watch helplessly, and Wildstar has already tried to be the hero and can do nothing more; Nova does what she has to do and willingly gives herself for the crew and the earth. Stealing a little from the Bible, there's brilliant ending where Avatar sees earth "one more time" as he wished (Moses seeing the promised land but not going in), and, the sacrifice having proven successful, Nova comes out of her coma. It's such a great way to end the series.
I showed Starblazers to a couple friends who had never seen it; one stayed up all night and watched the whole series, and the other finished it over the course of a week, only because he didn't want to lose his job! He would come home from work and take over the TV. This is a man in his late 20s at the time. Five stars, no question. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll sing along. Buy it. |
| |
| "as I remember it" | 2006-08-25 |
| - Reviewed By User: A11OCXZP0MZ7PD |
I am pleased with the overall presentation. Having the original format gives it the feel of retro-realism. My only complaint is that the portion showing the sinking of the Yamato in WWII is corrupted and chops through the entire clip. The only recording flaw I have detected.
I had recollections of Deslock changing from fair skinned to blue skinned. Watching the episodes verified for me that he changed along with other characters to the unifying blue skin color between episode 10 & 11. No explanation for this change is given though (unless I missed it somewhere).
I look forward to viewing the Comet Empire in the near future. |
| |
| "This was the show that introduced me to anime!" | 2006-07-05 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1VCLTAGM5RLND |
| I'm really surprised this anime doesn't have a stronger following, this is one of the first animes that was brought to the US that had an actual ongoing storyline. It also is the anime that upped my expectations of cartoons, after the series, I was much more skeptical and demanding of how cartoons where done. Why won't Toonami show this series. This show is what really made anime into what it is today! |
| |
| "Our Star Blazers" | 2006-07-01 |
| - Reviewed By alivingdog |
I only caught a few episodes when Star Blazers, the English-dubbed version of Space Battleship Yamato was syndicated in 1979. But everything about it captivated me: the sound, the style, the characters, the story. Later I tried renting episodes on VHS but the cost was prohibitive. When Star Blazers began to be released on single DVDs, I could finally start collecting and watching the entire series.
The sound, the characters, the style and the story were quintessential anime, but even so Star Blazers stands out and holds up against many later, higher tech series. Like American TV cartoons, Star Blazers was limited animation, full theatrical animation being too expensive for a TV budget. But the studios made different choices. Hanna-Barbera and Filmation cartoons are famous for characters running repeatedly by the same house or barber pole; the action is used for the characters and the backgrounds are still.
But in anime the characters are often still or nearly so, while the backgrounds move. The background often becomes a character, setting the stage and sense. The characters' long motionless takes lend themselves to thinking and emotion. The backgrounds, often beautifully painted, provide atmosphere and depth. Shots are filmed at unique angles and from odd perspectives providing the feel of manga or a graphic novel.
For anyone collecting the series, this set includes the first six DVDs, each in its own case in a boxed set at considerable savings over the single discs. This story arc (Series I, parts I-VI) was known as The Quest for Iscandar. The second six DVDs (Serries II, Parts I-VI) now make up the boxed set of The Comet Empire. The third story arc (Series III, Parts I-VI) known as The Bolar Wars has been remastered for the boxed set release. Extras on The Quest for Iscandar discs include a tour of the Argo, deleted scenes and crew roster, an overview of the Gamilon empire, friends and enemies and equipment of the Star Force, and an interactive mission map of the trip to Iscandar.
Voyager Entertainment has also released the five Yamato films on five DVDs in a boxed set. Space Battleship Yamato: The Movie retells The Quest for Iscandar as a film; Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato: In the Name of Love retells the Comet Empire; Yamato: The New Voyage centers on a return trip to Iscandar; Be Forever Yamato features the young, Iscandar-era Wildstar; the newest entry to DVD is Final Yamato, also known as Space Battleship Yamato: The Final Battle.
As most viewers know, Yamato in the Japanese originals is the Argo in Star Blazers. As with Gatchaman, which arrived in the US variously as Battle of the Planets and G-Force, Star Blazers was the edited and somewhat rewritten version of Yamato. But now with all five Yamato films and all three Star Blazers series on DVD, both Baby Boomers and Gen-X viewers can relive the entire saga of Our Star Blazers. |
| |
| "better than most live action sci-fi, a must" | 2006-01-03 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1MK02HC440QT8 |
| i would rush home from school everyday to see this one of a kind show. i marvaled at the way it told the story of the starship argo and her crew. unlike most show aimed at kids this one didn't treat you like you were 5. people got hurt, sick, and died. it was the best show i had ever seen. it told a story and you had to follow it to get it,not like other kid shows of the time. you followed along with the crew as they grew and got to see them change as the voyage went along. this is a great way to help you spend time with your kids. my boys love the show and it helped them to ask questions about life , death, and manyother things.they have also learned that violance hurts more than the person it is inflicted on. just a cartoon,i don't think so. |
| |
