Hi all! And not good news. Imagi has closed down their L.A. offices "...in order to safeguard working capital." The report on HotStocked.com reads as follows: "Imagi International Holdings Ltd (OTCBB: IINHY, IINHY message board) has announced large scale review of operations which has mostly negative effect towards the staff. The company has cut off their US subsidiaries from any funding, the working contracts for 30 employees were terminated and the Los Angeles based office closed. The company was left with only a few important staff members being utilized as consultants and has transferred the functions of the closed office to other contractors. The latest report was a third notice related to the still ongoing discussions with potential investors, as the company seeks to secure more working capital. Upon continuing negotiations management issued several warnings that the investment will likely come under unfavorable conditions - such as outstanding stock dilution, issuance of preferred securities or even a change in major share ownership. Imagi is seeking investment of somewhat $30 million. All the potential capital increase opportunities will still be subject to shareholders' approval, so heavily unfavorable term might not pass in the end. The proceeds should be used for continued creation of CG animation movie the company is currently making. With their US office closed the company still has two more in Hong Kong and Tokyo as well as continues trading under the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Their stock is poorly traded in both the exchanges." James

Hmmmm, so they say the proceeds should be used to continue creation of their latest movie ..... so what is their latest movie they are making? I thought once they were done it was going to be Gatchaman. Have they leaped over this film and moved onto another one? (I m not being hopeful that it is Gatchaman that they are making, I am just wondering if anyone knows or has announced what IMAGI is working on now.) BTW: thank you for keeping us updated James.

Great, now we're not gonna get the Gatchaman movie now.

oh, the gloom, despair...and agony...this is awful news. I expect to hear that Imagi has completely gone under next. If they had only done Gatchaman before Astroboy...*sigh*

Hi all!

Hmmmm, so they say the proceeds should be used to continue creation of their latest movie ..... so what is their latest movie they are making?

The last official word from the studio was that Gatchaman would be their next movie. I have no idea if this remains true given the current circumstances.

Great, now we're not gonna get the Gatchaman movie now.

Even if Imagi goes under, Nikkatsu still has the rights for a live action Gatchaman movie. At this point, nothing is happening on that front, but Nikkatsu still has Gatchaman listed as an upcoming film (With no release date) on their website, so it hasn't been abandoned. James

Oh no! Yet more bad news from Imagi... I'm really not holding out too much hope these days for ever seeing their Gatchaman movie completed. Now, I think I heard somewhere (here?) that the Nikkatsu's live-action Yatterman movie did well in Japan. If they make a Gatchaman one, that would be something (especially if it gets released on DVD with English subtitles, though that's probably not so likely). Watching the trailer for Yatterman, even though it's more campy and humorous in tone, I can see some potential for a good Gatchaman live action movie being made like this. http://www.moviestrailer.org/yatterman-movie-trailer.html

Hi all!

Now, I think I heard somewhere (here?) that the Nikkatsu's live-action Yatterman movie did well in Japan.

Yes, it did. It was number 1 in the Japanese box office for several weeks in a row.

If they make a Gatchaman one, that would be something (especially if it gets released on DVD with English subtitles, though that's probably not so likely).

Maybe, maybe not. The title is a known enough quantity that it's possible that someone would pick it up for a U.S. release (As happened with the live action Casshern movie). If not, it is almost certain that fansub versions of the film would be available, as they are for the live-action Yatterman.

Watching the trailer for Yatterman, even though it's more campy and humorous in tone, I can see some potential for a good Gatchaman live action movie being made like this.

I agree. If they can get a Director who cares enough about the original series as they did with Yatterman, then I can see the potential for the film to be very well done. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan

Watching the trailer for Yatterman, even though it's more campy and humorous in tone, I can see some potential for a good Gatchaman live action movie being made like this.

I agree. If they can get a Director who cares enough about the original series as they did with Yatterman, then I can see the potential for the film to be very well done.

More bad news but still some hope! I don't see why shouldn't a Gatchaman live action movie be produced. Many movies inspired and based upon popular anime series have already been produced successfully as already said. Gatchaman must be one of the best ever! James, I hope that what you said about a Director caring to abide with the original series will prevail if ever there's a chance for a live action movie of Gatchaman. In the movie "Casshern" the story was twisted a bit from the original but maybe this had to be done in order to crop a whole series in one movie and to make more sense. I so like to find the original roots in what I see and be able to recognize that aspect that had hooked me up in the past. Thanks, James and LB for the info.

Originally posted by tatsunokofan

If they make a Gatchaman one, that would be something (especially if it gets released on DVD with English subtitles, though that's probably not so likely).

Maybe, maybe not. The title is a known enough quantity that it's possible that someone would pick it up for a U.S. release (As happened with the live action Casshern movie). If not, it is almost certain that fansub versions of the film would be available, as they are for the live-action Yatterman.

Watching the trailer for Yatterman, even though it's more campy and humorous in tone, I can see some potential for a good Gatchaman live action movie being made like this.

I agree. If they can get a Director who cares enough about the original series as they did with Yatterman, then I can see the potential for the film to be very well done.

With Imagi's fortune's looking so bleak, I think perhaps I'd better pin my hopes of a Gatchaman movie on Nikkatsu instead!

I agree that this is grim news, but it is grim for Imagi, not necessarily for the status of the Gatchaman movie at Imagi. But I think it's clear that if Imagi doesn't get this funding, then their Gatchaman movie won't be produced.

I just thought I'd point out, according to ANN they say the film's going to be in 3D. Minor detail I know... http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-01-27/imagi-animation-studio-closes-los-angeles-office

Originally posted by Cain Highwind I just thought I'd point out, according to ANN they say the film's going to be in 3D. Minor detail I know... http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-01-27/imagi-animation-studio-closes-los-angeles-office

Imagi's previous two films were also in 3D.

Hi all!

Imagi's previous two films were also in 3D.

Not quite. Their films were in CG, but that is not the same thing as the film being in 3D, where one wears the glasses to see the illusion of depth. James

Ugh, I hate 3D. IT gives me headaches...

I am hoping they are only offering 3d as one option. Besides I can't see them selling DVD's for home entertainment in 3D. What would happen when people lose (misplace) their glasses? And how do they decide if they should sell a package with 2, 4 or 8 pairs of glasses so enough people can watch at the same time. No I think it will be like Avatar, some theatres will be in 3D and some "regular" I just hope my theatre chooses the regular way, seeing as I got a headache and the spins when I watched the 3D version of Avatar.

Hi all! You might want to take a look at Felix Ip's latest blog entry. The title of it pretty much says it all. The End of Imagi James

Cloud shakes head in shock .... wait a minute, does this mean Imagi is Closing for good all around the World? I thought it was only shutting down in the States .... It was going to continue in Hong Kong (or where ever it originated.)

The Imagi site sggests that the HK office is remaining open it also lists Gatchaman as being done in "stereophonic 3D" Imagi Gatchaman News showing as release late 2011

Thank you. That is what I THOUGHT but that announcement does not make it clear. At least not to me in my work hazed muddled mind.

Hi all!

The Imagi site sggests that the HK office is remaining open it also lists Gatchaman as being done in "stereophonic 3D"

That was the hope when Imagi shut down their L.A. office last week and layed off 30 people who worked there, not to mention the 100 members of the Hong Kong staff they let go in mid-December. This post from Felix is regarding the main Hong Kong office (And apparently the company) shutting down completely as of February 6th, putting the 300+ people who work there out of work. Somehow I'm not surprised that the departing staff was in no hurry to update the company website as they were packing up their desks. I've tried to find some independent confirmation of this news, but have so far had no luck. If someone else finds some, I'd appreciate seeing it. Regardless, the comments by Felix and by some of the now-unemployed former Imagi staff leave little doubt that the studio has shut down. James

Not good news, but not surprising. Has Tatsunoko (hope I spelled that right) thought about creatiing a new Gatchaman series? Their Karas was odd but had great graphics.

Hi all!

Has Tatsunoko (hope I spelled that right) thought about creatiing a new Gatchaman series? Their Karas was odd but had great graphics.

Tatsunoko has put together several proposals for a Gatchaman remake over the years, but these have not gone anywhere due to a lack of sponsorship. Their recent success with the Yatterman remake did fuel hopes that Gatchaman might come next, but they're doing a Honeybee Hutch movie instead, in part to capitalize on this being the 40th anniversary for that series. And no worries, you did spell Tatsunoko correctly. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Hi all!

The Imagi site sggests that the HK office is remaining open it also lists Gatchaman as being done in "stereophonic 3D"

That was the hope when Imagi shut down their L.A. office last week and layed off 30 people who worked there, not to mention the 100 members of the Hong Kong staff they let go in mid-December. This post from Felix is regarding the main Hong Kong office (And apparently the company) shutting down completely as of February 6th, putting the 300+ people who work there out of work. Somehow I'm not surprised that the departing staff was in no hurry to update the company website as they were packing up their desks. I've tried to find some independent confirmation of this news, but have so far had no luck. If someone else finds some, I'd appreciate seeing it. Regardless, the comments by Felix and by some of the now-unemployed former Imagi staff leave little doubt that the studio has shut down. James

Like you I have not seen anything independent, The last update on their site was a financial return posted on 4th Feb this year. The one before that mentioned potential investors and that was dated 2nd Feb. Do you know if Imagi own the rights to Astro Boy? Only ask because there is talk about the character being the 2018/22 world cup mascot for Japan's bid and wondered if theat would generate some funding. (Yep grasping at straws here but want Gatchaman to be made!)

Hi all!

Do you know if Imagi own the rights to Astro Boy?

No, they do not. Astro Boy is owned by Tezuka Productions, the studio founded by Astro Boy's creator, Osamu Tezuka. Imagi licensed the rights to create a CG Astro Boy film from Tezuka Productions, the same as they did for Gatchaman from Tatsunoko, but they do not own the rights to either property. James

Sigh.... Given recent news about Imagi, I can't say this is unexpected, but it sure is disappointing. I guess I really will start keeping an eye on Nikkatsu now to see if they do a live action Gatchaman movie.

None of this is looking very good. I guess we can always hope that someone else might pick up the Gatchaman rights from Imagi... cheap!

Someone on replying on Felix Ip's blog provided some links to a few news articles. http://felixip.blogspot.com/2010/02/good-bye-imagi.html I ran one of them, from sina.com.hk, through "google translate." I really feel bad for all the Imagi employees, in Hong Kong and LA. ---------- Hundreds of staff are facing redundancy Imagi 2010-02-06 2010-02-06 Imagi employees to pack a lot of personal belongings yesterday, after standing in the buildings where the company's office door, waiting for the arrival of on-call pickup trucks, during which many of my colleagues to meet, they will say "on Wednesday, see" The day will have the final arrangements. Imagi concentrate produced "Ah Boy", the box office performance is only a general, making the company severe financial hardship, is now negotiating with investors selling. Subsidiary scheme be wound up paving the way for foreign capital Ming Pao in Hong Kong selling products under negotiation animation production company Imagi International (0585), heard that the plan to its main subsidiary company winding-up may be hundreds of people laid off in the short term, in order to pave the way for the introduction of new shareholders and funds. Hundreds of the affected staff have been notified yesterday and to day, picking up personal belongings to leave. Near the company's management reported that employees on leave today, next Wednesday there will be the final arrangements for notification. Holds 34.61% stake in Imagi Hong Jinbiao major shareholder, yesterday told the newspaper inquiries may be reluctant to comment on the winding up, only saying, "You should ask the company." Then he hung up. This newspaper could not be contacted Imagi other management queries. Staff lay-off notice yesterday afternoon to pack personal belongings Our reporter yesterday evening at Chai Wan Imagi headquarters, employees have seen Imagi with boxes of personal belongings to leave. 7 to 8 in the evening time, there have been more than 40 staff members had to leave the Imagi, which declined to disclose the name of staff, said yesterday afternoon about four or five when the supervisors were told to suspend work next Monday, two do not go to work, to Wednesday was back to the company, the staff now can pick up personal items before leaving, as compensation, has no specific information. Some employees noted that there is no wages problem. Although there are individual employees depression, verge of tears, but most of the staff, has demonstrated a more adaptable, stating that "we are still young." Outlook not too worried. Intended to make the announcement Tuesday at once, and those who had entered into an exclusive agreement to vote, and has received 3.5 million yuan, "Earnest Money" and promised investors "exclusive" period, the investor may conduct due diligence review of the company. If the agreement between the parties, meaning horse may be the issue of new shares, and investors will become the company's controlling shareholder, and that significant dilution of existing shareholders of the company's stake in the company selling in disguise. Survival of a critical moment in the coming week Close to Italy, said people familiar with the horse, a subsidiary of Imagi is considering liquidation, but there is no final decision, the final program would depend on the outcome of consultations with the investor capital injection. He said that the consultations Imagi has not stopped the introduction of investors, potential investors will have the sincerity, the current depends on the two sides can reach a consensus on a number of conditions in the next few days to a week, is a critical moment, should be more clearly Imagi Production Limited. According to Imagi Annual Report showed that in Hong Kong, Imagi's principal subsidiary responsible for producing computer animation company Imagi Production Limited. Another source said that a subsidiary of Imagi nearly 400 employees, was not all be laid off, some only be asked to leave the group if the successful introduction of new investors, I believe should be reinstated. He said that earlier investment in the film Imagi income poor, so that the Group's operating problems, if not to attract new investors to join or sale of assets, you may want to Brokeback warriors will be a subsidiary of liquidation salvation.

So it sounds like they're still shopping around for funding... but yeah, doesn't look good. Thanks for posting this, LB.

Hi all!

So it sounds like they're still shopping around for funding... but yeah, doesn't look good.

That's what it sounds like to me too. If I'm reading things correctly, it looks as though they have until the end of the week to either find an investor to pump funds into them or someone to buy the company outright, or they'll have to shut down entirely and sell their assets to pay off their debts. Reading some of the other articles linked to in Felix's blog, or at least rough translations of them, it appears that the 300 staff members at Imagi were let go without any payment for the current wages they are owed, as well as no severance package. Normally, for an immediate layoff such as this, they are supposed to be given the equivalent of 3 months pay to tide them over while they look for new employment. If the employees wish to seek their lost wages, they'll have to apply for them through an insolvency fund This will take time to process, and will delayed even further by the start of Chinese New Year celebrations this week. It's all very sad to think about, and I wish all of those who were let go the best of luck in quickly landing on their feet. James

They need to get in contact with Gallactor...

Originally posted by Tengu They need to get in contact with Gallactor...

I can't help but think that if Galactor invested in Imagi, the Gatchaman movie would suddenly have Katse as the main character and the Science Ninjas as the villains-to-be-defeated.

That's an interesting twist. Uh-oh. Plot bunnies....

Y'know, that would be interesting, fic-wise. A Gatchaman story or two told from the Galactor point of view. Something to join TJ's 'It's Not Easy Being Green'.

Or an "Alternate Reality" a la Star Trek's "Mirror, Mirror".

I think there was a fic with that. I'm trying to remember... Red Impulse was the one that ended up in the alternate dimension and was horrifed to find his son and the team were evil and regularly killing innocent people. Does anyone remember that?

Well if you really want alternate reality, then this is a great one! http://gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=220

[unrecoverable text]

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Well if you really want alternate reality, then this is a great one! http://gatchfanfic.com/viewstory.php?sid=220

I remember that one. It's a fun read.

Originally posted by tatsunokofan But Imagi said it will continue to develop movie ideas and outsource the actual animation work to mainland China and other countries, where costs are lower. James

I guess that's a good sign. There might be hope yet.

Nope, no hope

FWIW, it sounds like Imagi wants to stay alive, and that it wants to make more films. I think there *is* still hope... but not a lot. I suspect there's a better chance of Imagi selling off their Gatchaman rights and someone else doing the movie, especially with Tatsunoko vs. Capcom doing well right now. And I didn't know that Imagi used to manufacture CHristmas trees! Scary....

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I suspect there's a better chance of Imagi selling off their Gatchaman rights and someone else doing the movie, especially with Tatsunoko vs. Capcom doing well right now.

I think that that's the most realistic prospect! I'm sure that some new interest in the Tatsunoko characters is arising due to the game. There's nothing left for us to forget the movie for some time and cross our fingers at the same time with the hope that, in some part of the future, we'll be able to raise our hopes again!

Well, we've only waited 37 years - what's a few more?

Originally posted by green Well, we've only waited 37 years - what's a few more?

Well, technically there was a Gatchaman movie in 1978, so it's only been 32 years.

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter Y'know, that would be interesting, fic-wise. A Gatchaman story or two told from the Galactor point of view. Something to join TJ's 'It's Not Easy Being Green'.

Here is another story told after Galactor has won the war.... Ashes

Hi all! I wish I'd known about this when it could still have done some good, but apparently over the last couple of days, the liquidation firm Brian Testo & Associates held an auction to clear out Imagi's L.A. offices, an auction which ended yesterday. The vast majority of the items that were sold were standard office furniture, desks, cubicle walls, a number of computers, printers, DVD players, monitors, and the like. Hidden among the items were more iteresting things, like the large Astro Boy in a tube that was displayed in the Imagi booth durring the 2008 Comic Con. There were also a scattering of Gatchaman-related items, including piles of promotional and concept artwork that we've never seen before. Here's what they had: Now, from the look of things, the vast majority of these items were actually "removed from the sale due to licensing claims," and as such did not sell. The only items that were sold were the two Joe posters, the Firebird poster, and the lot of hats, watches, and other promo gear. If you wish to look through the auction site yourself, it can be found here: Imagi Auction You can find the Gatchaman items by searching for Gatchaman or Removed From Sale. James

I noticed some copies of Alex Ross's work in there. Makes me wonder about the planning meetings. Hm. Now, what?

Oh ... sigh ... that's the official end of it then, eh?

I only hope that somehow that concept art does get released at some point. But I agree with SJ - looks like it's over for Gatchaman movie.

Wow, that looks great! Too bad they weren't for sale... Thanks for sharing with us, James!

Oh, I just want to cry...very interesting pics, James!

Thanks for posting this, James! Even now, it's still interesting to see some more of their concept art. I'm guessing this is Joe's, Jinpei's and Jun's vehicles. Very interesting that Jun's bike seems to only have one large wheel.

Hi all!

Very interesting that Jun's bike seems to only have one large wheel.

I suspect that it, like so much of Imagi's designs, was inspired by the OAVs, where Jun rode a one-wheeled bike. Even Joe and Jinpei's vehicles feel like variations of their OAV vehicles. Heaven forbid that they be forced to try to make things look like they were inspired by that icky 1970s TV show when the OAVs and the NTT commercials were so kewl! The TV show look was just so...old! James

Thanks for sharing, James! This does leave a sad note, though!

Man, this sucks! I can't believe the movie isn't happening now! I was really looking forward to seeing it too expecting it to be one of the best action films I've seen in years.

Wow... It looks like they were farther along with the pre-production than I thought. There was a lot more designs/promo material than I thought there would be! How sad. Even if someone else did pick-up the rights, it looks like they'd have to start over from scratch.

Just having another look - in the sketches for the OAV vehicles - interesting to see that the sketch of Jun on the bike that she's wearing the original birdstyle..

Hi everyone! Gee It's been a long time since I logged in here, but anyways, here's some news on my part. I recently talked to Felix Ip about James' images and the auction. I asked him if he can show us the same images but in better quality. He said he will, but only after resolving something about the rights, licensing and financial issues. He's currently worried about the movie being picked up by a party who might ruin it due to lack of Gatchaman knowledge. He also promised us fans that once all catastrophe is all over, he'll let us know immediately. PS: James' images, according to Felix, were the recent designs for the movie.

Wait, so what you're saying is that Felix Ip said the movie is NOT cancelled?

What it means is that the idea for making the movie - with a lot of pre-production legwork - is out there. Nobody has picked up the option of making the movie. It's never actually been cancelled - the studio to make it went bust and so it was shelved and remains so. There are literally thousands of movies whose ideas have been shelved until somebody picks up the option to make it. Unfoftunately, animated movies like Gatchaman don't really have a good track record for box office, and tht is the main reason that any studio will make it.

I believe Maddy is right... the rights to make the movie are still a viable property, and I keep hoping someone else will pick them up!

At least there's always hope! Hopefully, if some day the movie does see the light, we'll be there to savor it to the full!

Thank you James for posting the images. I think what I am gathering from them is they were going very much based on the OAV movies rather than the Gatch series we would much prefer to see. Although I am not against updating the vehicles and costumes, I just wonder what else they were taking from the OAV's.

Hi everyone! I recently talked to Felix, and with his permission, I present you this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL_3EMkERHs

Plus a few screencaps from the link:

What the? They look like.....I don't know what. And I ain't diggin' that techno music in the trailer either. I think I'm having second thoughts about the film now. Also the Galactors look like rejected designs for Robocop.

Originally posted by AllentownDarkWater What the? They look like.....I don't know what. And I ain't diggin' that techno music in the trailer either. I think I'm having second thoughts about the film now. Also the Galactors look like rejected designs for Robocop.

This was done in 2006, before the designs made by Patrick Awa. It's not the finalized product yet.

Originally posted by FangJoker

Originally posted by AllentownDarkWater What the? They look like.....I don't know what. And I ain't diggin' that techno music in the trailer either. I think I'm having second thoughts about the film now. Also the Galactors look like rejected designs for Robocop.

This was done in 2006, before the designs made by Patrick Awa. It's not the finalized product yet.

Oh, well I'm glad they didn't stick with those designs.

Originally posted by FangJoker This was done in 2006, before the designs made by Patrick Awa. It's not the finalized product yet.

It must be the same clip that I read about here back in 2007: http://www.butterboom.com/2007/03/22/imagi-unveils-gatchaman/ Very interesting to finally see it, even if nothing ever really came of it -thanks for posting this!

Thanks for sharing this! The part with Ken diving off the building reminds me of the NTT commercials.

Thanks so much for sharing that! It was really fun to watch! I'm still really sad about the movie being shelved, though...

Thank you for sharing that link and information with us. As TJ says it is very reminiscent of the NTT commercial.

The trailer looks pretty slick, not too fond of those doll like faces (yes i know it's just an early teaser and all, I was just sayign my thoughts) But if this was an indication of the final movie, I'd watch it Oh and am I the only one who got an NTT Commercial vibe from some parts, like Ken diving from the building and transforming?

I agree ... Ken's diving reminds me a lot of the NTT commercials ... even the part when he's crouched and holding his masked head down. As for the doll-like faces ... some of you may know how I think about them! Not so keen to see something like that!

It does have the same feel - is it possible that NTT used Imagi to do the commercials and that's why?

Originally posted by green It does have the same feel - is it possible that NTT used Imagi to do the commercials and that's why?

:pounds: Good one, Green! *snicker*

Hi all!

It does have the same feel - is it possible that NTT used Imagi to do the commercials and that's why?

No, the NTT spots were done entirely in Japan, without any involvement from Hong Kong-based Imagi. Besides, Imagi had barely been founded in 2000, which was when the NTT spots were produced. Instead, Imagi was "inspired" (*Ahem*) by the NTT spots for their work. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Hi all!

It does have the same feel - is it possible that NTT used Imagi to do the commercials and that's why?

No, the NTT spots were done entirely in Japan, without any involvement from Hong Kong-based Imagi. Besides, Imagi had barely been founded in 2000, which was when the NTT spots were produced. Instead, Imagi was "inspired" (*Ahem*) by the NTT spots for their work. James

True. Felix did say on his blog that they tried incorporating the feel of the NTT commercials in the film during its earlier stages.

Thanks for sharing. The direction of the trailer was pretty slick, but I can't say that I enjoyed the art direction as much. It was a good thing they were going a different direction with the designs. Either way it's still sad that we'll never see the movie.

Felix recently posted the trailer on his blog. He himself didn't like the outcome, and went on about the recent redesigns saying he liked them. Now I'm only hoping Todd Uyenami and Patrick Awa (concept and character designers of the movie) will eventually share some official art of the current Gatchaman team with us. Patrick said that currently, all art and stuff involved with the movie is to remain anonymous until issues are resolved.

Ick .... thanks for sharing the link, but yuck... :shudder: Awful... Wayyyy too much arrogance in that, and they just don't look anything like the team I know. Not a purest at all, but, shit ... that was horrible.

IMO, designers should start with the original, and work from that. About the only vehicles that really need modernizing are Jinpei's helicobuggy (it's sort of goofy-looking) and Ken's transmuted jet (because it does look more cute than badass). Although: how does Jun steer her motorcycle after she's transmuted? (And how did Koji steer his?) Fixed front wheel -- not good.

Totally, UW ... totally agree with you on that!!

Does anybody either have or have access to the recent trailer in decent resolution? I've only been able to find the one recorded from the monitor.

Originally posted by FangJoker Hi everyone! I recently talked to Felix, and with his permission, I present you this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL_3EMkERHs

How do I put this? I like the action of the video, but not how they look (except for the Phoenix). It reminds me too much of the CGI they used in the TMNT movie they did. Glad this is old.

Originally posted by Askura Does anybody either have or have access to the recent trailer in decent resolution? I've only been able to find the one recorded from the monitor.

The recent trailer, according to Felix, was a mash-up pf the old trailer posted awhile back and some material they made using Patrick Awa and Todd Uyeminami's design.

Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I last came here with news and art. School can really draw you in... Anyway, I came by to present a couple of teasing shots from a video I found yesterday. I'll post the link of the video sometime later since Youtube's on the fritz right now... Enjoy these shots!

These are brilliant, FangJoker! You can really see the details of the characters and their uniforms. Thank you for sharing them!

Those are great. Like green I love the details, and in the image of the Owl he looks in half decent shape. Of course it is only a side view, so you can't tell much.

As promised, here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQn1X2aRfdc Enjoy~

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing these, Fangjoker! They look really nice!

OMG...I really love that trailer...Jinpei with the ice cream cone is priceless! How many times have we talked about them eating through their visors? Another thing I liked is that they backed off of the redesigns and went back to the original look...it's such a shame this movie went under... Even if it bombed...or was terrible...at least Gatchaman awareness would be raised...

Very cool looking video, Fangjoker, and I love how hi-res it is! I agree, CD, that the Owl looks good -much better than some earlier stills from Imagi that I'd seen, where he looked inhumanly hulking. There's quite a bit of difference in all their looks, from the other trailer I've seen. Clearly they made changes along the way. I like this look, in this video, better -more true to their birdstyles in the original series.

Speaking of under, I recently checked the Imagi site and Wikipedia's article on the movie. The Imagi site was recently redesigned along with teasers for Cat Tale and Gatchaman on their respective pages. The Wiki article, on the other hand, says the movie is scheduled for 2012 with an unconfirmed cast list. Could this foreshadow something? What do you guys think?

I just went to the Imagi website...and the teaser is posted there...it also looks like someone is investing in the company and I see something about reorganization... my hopes aren't too high...but I'd love to hold out hope that we'll eventually see a Gatch movie...

Thank you for the link to the video Fang. Yes a much better look to the characters than what we were seeing. Thank you for the comparison LB. I am loving the ending and the ice cream. Some one must have been listening to some of our comments. Still I am not going to allow my hopes to shine to bright until we hear official word. I am just not sure who I would believe or trust as "official."

My one complaint is a picky one: no glide action with the capes. Wing movement, so they looked more like birds. Otherwise, it looks good. Wonder what they did with Katse, the Devilstars, and Blackbirds? Joe looks appropriately psycho, doesn't he? Jinpei and the ice cream cone was a nice touch.

UW, I suspect we were not supposed to see any gliding in this scene. They were free falling, not gliding.

There were some moves that only made sense if they could glide. Their weapons were certainly powerful. I don't remember Ken's boomerang cutting off pieces of mecha, nor Joe being able to shoot one to death.

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter nor Joe being able to shoot one to death.

UW... It's Joe. The Condor. Do I really need to add the 'he can do anything'? Walks off sniggering like a demented puppy. Yeah - I went there.

Hey, Green, if he stood in the middle of the road and had a stare off with one, how many minutes until the goons either turn it around the other direction or just abandon it all together? Less than one, one, two, five? And why does every one seem to think that Joe and Jason are psychos? Stubborn, determined, stubborn, defiant, and stubborn, I'll give you. But neither character has never hurt anyone unless it was in the name of stopping Galactor/Spectra. If just happened to enjoy it or went straight to the point of the matter, that just means he's happy with his job and he doesn't like to beat around the bush. He's not at all psychotic.

Ame - the mecha wouldn't go down any road that had the Condor standing in the middle of it *snort* And the goons would abandon ship on just the possibility he was in the area. IMHO would say that Joe/Jason has definite sociopathetic (sp?) traits that he keeps under control rather well. Especially Joe because of his background. Those traits are turned into and added to the natural stubbornness, determination and defiance that define him - which is a plus, not a negative, since he has an outlet for them. In other words, it's just as well he's on our side! Galactor/Spectra would have turned those traits into true psychoticness (again with the sp? Still looking for spell check on this thing!) and that's a scary thought!

ITA with Ame -G-2's are not psychos. Determined, strong, clever on occasion, and very bone-headed at times, but not psychos. Thanks goodness the Purple Villains didn't keep ahold of them.

Originally posted by green

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter nor Joe being able to shoot one to death.

UW... It's Joe. The Condor. Do I really need to add the 'he can do anything'? Walks off sniggering like a demented puppy. Yeah - I went there.

Oh, Green! You always manage to make me at how much you're prompt to defend the Condor by all means and at any time!! You're the best of all loyal Condor fans! I too agree regarding any Condor not being a psycho! It's just an image that has been attributed to him by fans over the years, but, whoever sees the episodes in depth will surely notice the opposite under his facade! He could even be kinder than all the other SNT members, sometimes! Thanks a lot for the fabulous shots and video, Fang! They're really awesome! And, I concur with you, CD! I will try not to let my hopes go any higher ... it will be a pity in case we were to be let down another time! Better be happier when the real event, that is the make of the movie, turns to reality!

Originally posted by amethystAnd why does every one seem to think that Joe and Jason are psychos? Stubborn, determined, stubborn, defiant, and stubborn, I'll give you. But neither character has never hurt anyone unless it was in the name of stopping Galactor/Spectra. If just happened to enjoy it or went straight to the point of the matter, that just means he's happy with his job and he doesn't like to beat around the bush. He's not at all psychotic.

Ohhh, good I see I am not the only one who thought that was not true. I did not want to voice my thought feeling like the only one. Not being completely aware of the difference between sociopath and psychopath I am not so sure I can agree with Green, but I did read a story over on the Gatchaman Archives where Joe was saying exactly what Green said. Refuting he was a psychopath, but claiming he was a sociopath.

From my understanding of the terms, sociopaths have what we could call, for the want of the real term that I just can't seem to remember at this moment, 'anti-social' tendencies and psychopaths are out and out anti-social... It's the level of tendencies that get the two mixing and matching at will and confuses people. If I can (and I certainly will ) use Joe as an example... His determination to destroy Galactor. It's for personal reasons for the most part. He does what he has to do in the name of protecting humanity, but deep down he's doing it because he has a need for justice and revenge (that's the sociopath bit)... He can walk away from killing a bunch of goons with no remorse over his actions - because in his eyes, they deserved it and it was better them than him, his team mates or innocent third parties. When innocents do get hurt or killed, he cares - and takes it personally. If he was psychotic, he would do it because he enjoyed it. There would be no reason other than that - and he wouldn't care about innocent victims. If you compare Joe to Ken, it might make it easier to understand... Ken does the same things - out of duty and for the safety of the planet - but does feel remorse over goons. He knows it's them or him, but he does his best (usually) to limit the collateral damage. When innocent victims are involved, Ken gets angry because Galactor is evil and doesn't care who they kill. He rarely takes it personally because he knows exactly who's to blame. Does that make sense? I'm tired since I'm heading towards 19 hours of no sleep, so I can imagine it's more than a little confusing... So, a re-cap... Ken - normal. Joe - sociopath. Sosai X - psychopath. Yeah, just realised that the comparison between the three pretty much answers the question *sigh*

Thanks Green, I think that makes it clear, but if it came to me explaining it in a day (or months) time I will probably be confused again. Some times I have a hard time remembering fact that really do not relate to me in any way. Especially if I am not constantly using them. That is why I had such a hard time memorizing dates and equations in school. I did not see the need for them so would let them slip for things that interested me more, usually things that the teacher figured were not important and never had on their tests.

Originally posted by green From my understanding of the terms, sociopaths have what we could call, for the want of the real term that I just can't seem to remember at this moment, 'anti-social' tendencies and psychopaths are out and out anti-social... It's the level of tendencies that get the two mixing and matching at will and confuses people. If I can (and I certainly will ) use Joe as an example... His determination to destroy Galactor. It's for personal reasons for the most part. He does what he has to do in the name of protecting humanity, but deep down he's doing it because he has a need for justice and revenge (that's the sociopath bit)... He can walk away from killing a bunch of goons with no remorse over his actions - because in his eyes, they deserved it and it was better them than him, his team mates or innocent third parties. When innocents do get hurt or killed, he cares - and takes it personally. If he was psychotic, he would do it because he enjoyed it. There would be no reason other than that - and he wouldn't care about innocent victims. If you compare Joe to Ken, it might make it easier to understand... Ken does the same things - out of duty and for the safety of the planet - but does feel remorse over goons. He knows it's them or him, but he does his best (usually) to limit the collateral damage. When innocent victims are involved, Ken gets angry because Galactor is evil and doesn't care who they kill. He rarely takes it personally because he knows exactly who's to blame. Does that make sense? I'm tired since I'm heading towards 19 hours of no sleep, so I can imagine it's more than a little confusing... So, a re-cap... Ken - normal. Joe - sociopath. Sosai X - psychopath. Yeah, just realised that the comparison between the three pretty much answers the question *sigh*

That was a perfect explanation, Green! If 19 hours of no sleep has this effect on you, I don't know what more hours can do!!!! ... but, I honestly do not wish to know as you need to have more sleep not less!! ... and I so need some too!! Now, I have to switch off as I'm going for a very longed for vacation, hoping that nothing goes wrong, for a change! Will hopefully join in next week! In the meantime, we could think under which category of the above we may fit in!!!

From the Wiki: "Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD or APD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood." To be diagnosed, an individual must be age 18 or older, as well as have a documented history of a conduct disorder before the age of 15. People having antisocial personality disorder are sometimes referred to as "sociopaths" and "psychopaths." .....The official stance of the American Psychiatric Association as presented in the DSM-IV-TR is that "psychopathy" and "sociopathy" are obsolete synonyms for antisocial personality disorder." I don't believe either Joe or Ken exhibit the lack of empathy characterized in these disorders, or the manipulative and self-aggrandizing actions that are found in the psychopath. If you're going to assign some labels, I'd be digging more into the war trauma and stress areas to define what's going on with them, not the "anti-social" behaviour area.

I think Joe (and Ken) certainly have issues, but but I don't know enough about psychology to go much further than that. Joe laughing while shooting in this new Imagi video reminded me of the NTT commercial from way back -in fact the whole video seems like it might have been influenced a bit by it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UroGWIY-iKo

Lyon, you've hit it right one in my opinion. If he can control feeling's and actions to a reasonable degree, if he thinks about how is actions affect others, if actions are a choice rather than compulsion (control of behavior) than neither apply. Plus, usually -- at least in what I have seen, if he were truely psychotic/sociopath/ASPD, the behaviors would not stop at Galactor. (For what it's worth, my own experience with psychology is limited to a few CC classes, a lot of personal reading/research to help my son, and a fondness for pyschological criticism in literature -- any read "The Yellow Wallpaper" or "A Rose for Emily"?) Candi, I knew we had to be able to agree on something!

I love the new footage. We can still hope it'll comr about.

The Yellow Wallpaper! I read it when I was in high school and found it again a couple of decades later. Still an impressive depiction of a descent into delusional something-or-other. The author had had a bout with post-partum depression, and I suspect she used it in writing that little gem. (The Stupid Victorian Husband in the story really deserved to be crawled over, IMO. This is what happens when you pat your wife on the head and treat her like a child.)

Lyon, I should have prefaced my post with IMHO. My opinion, not labels - so I will apologise for that. However, my opinion is based on a lecture I attended in my second year of university as part of the compulsory psychology component of my course. I remember it well, even though it was 15 or so years ago. The lecturer was a guest speaker, and by far the best we that we had in the two years. He made things easy by using examples we could relate to... And he was funny as hell to boot! He used two soldiers to define 'normal' (yes, with the quotation marks!) and 'sociopath'. The first would be the one who did a tour of duty because they were sent. The second would sign up for a second tour of duty because the military action or war had become personal and 'necessary' to them. He was very careful to explain that sociopathic (where is the damn spell check??) tendenancies aren't all bad as they often relate to survival and even love. At no time did he mention a lack of empathy as defining someone with sociopathic tendenancies... To define 'pyschopath' he used Martin Bryant - the man who shot something like 32 people in Port Arthur, Tasmania. He did definitely mention the lack of empathy when discussing this guy! Bryant chased a 6 year old child around a tree playing 'peek-a-boo' with her after he had shot and killed her mother and three year old sister in front of her.... And then killed her. Witnesses say he was laughing the whole time!! *shakes self* Anyway... As I was saying. My opinion is based on definitions I learned fifteen years ago. In the world of psychology and the like, that's a long time for a definition since so much of the discipline is subjected to fluid trends and beliefs. Freud versus Jung, for example. It also depends on where you learn them too. I'm in Australia, went to an Australian University and the guest speaker was also an Australian psychologist. Wikipedia cites an American text. Just as we all speak English there are differences in our languages, some subtle and some not - and those differences may well show up in a field that is quite often subjective and not objective.

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Another teaser for the film, made back in 2007. Some of Springie's shots from the trailer are from here, as well as the early screenshots Felix shared with us back in 2007-2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyJRm9Y_v8M

Thank you Fang. I saw that over on Twitch the other day. For anyone interested you could try here. It fact you will find several different clips and trailers all in that link. Many have been shown here before. http://twitchfilm.net/news/2010/07/gatchaman-is-not-dead-first-teaser-says-yes.php I know I recognize the background music (from this latest clip) from another movie. Any enthusiastic movie watchers out there who could identify which movie?

Hi all! It's nice that all these old teasers, trailers, and test footage is showing up. I wonder when the teaser that Imagi showed at Anime Expo and Comic Con last year will finally turn up? James

You mean this one James? A fan copied one. (Or do you mean the actual trailer FROM Imagi not copied on someones cellphone.) It is not a good showing since it is off set and there is a lot of background noise. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqxIS-oyXwQ

Hi all! I meant the actual video, not a video of the video. Something nice and clean. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Hi all! I meant the actual video, not a video of the video. Something nice and clean. James

I wondered if that was what you meant. You said it much clearer than I did though. You are correct, it is interesting that that has not come to life (light) yet.

Originally posted by clouddancer I know I recognize the background music (from this latest clip) from another movie. Any enthusiastic movie watchers out there who could identify which movie?

The music does sound like something that I ought to recognize, but I can't place it either. That twitch link is very handy! Lots of clips in one place.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by clouddancer I know I recognize the background music (from this latest clip) from another movie. Any enthusiastic movie watchers out there who could identify which movie?

The music does sound like something that I ought to recognize, but I can't place it either. That twitch link is very handy! Lots of clips in one place.

That is what I liked about the site as well.

Thank you so much for posting this, Fangjoker! I like this trailer much better, and if this were actually being released, I would be so excited!!!! In any case, I'm crossing my fingers for an Imagi re-org, but don't know how likely that it. Still, I *really* appreciate the updates! Thank you!

I swear by Leader X if I win the power ball, I will invest on the movie....will be awsome see my name on it as the producer $$$$$$$

Late to the party here, but yeah the teaser does look good. I thought some of the movement looked a wee bit stiff (namely when they're jumpiong off the building to dive), but otherwise good (I like the character models) Hope this project can see the light of day eventually.

That bottom vid there... is that Jinpei whupping Joe's butt in there? On the 0:10 to 0:16ish mark?

Originally posted by Askura That bottom vid there... is that Jinpei whupping Joe's butt in there? On the 0:10 to 0:16ish mark?

That's what I thought, too, Ste!! Totally awesome ...

Our prayers must've been heard, coz I just came across the site a few days ago and Imagi's back from the grave and is currently resuming production of the Gatchaman film.

Yes, we saw that! And I love how the trailers are up as well!

Yes...I am trying to be optimistic about the movie's chances...but I know that we could very easily be let down again. They do seem like they are determined to finish the movie, though...

Prayers ... more prayers!!

The harried head of Imagi glowered at the young man hovering in the doorway. "What is it, now?" "Sir, there's a bunch of ladies -- and a couple of men -- here who want to speak to you about the Gatchaman movie." (Japanese equivalent of 'Oh, dear God, why me?' uttered.) "Actually, their ideas are pretty good, sir." (More Japanese wibbling.) "Sir, they aren't going away. And one of them is talking about sharp pointy things." "Will they go away if I talk to them?" "There's a good chance of it." "Very well." Two hours later: Maddy - We're writing the script!? (Starts panicking.) UW - My brain just froze up. All the ideas went bye-bye. Tatsunokofan - We did it to ourselves. (Group wibbles follow, after which pens and paper are purchased, laptops warmed up, and TB, Springie, and the other artists are given art supplies. Local food delivery places are made very happy. People passing by the room hear giggles, arguments, exclamations of various sorts.)

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I hate vague announcements. I wonder if that means Gatchaman is still in the works or done for?

I would love to see a Gatchaman movie. I have sort of followed it. I'm learning a lot just by reading this thread. In the end I suppose that the Gatchaman movie has a better chance than Quantum Leap.

Dragonsbain I believe at the moment the Quantum Leap movie is on track to be released early next year. Where as Gatchaman is not even in the works. Thus, I believe QL has a better chance of existing than Gatchaman. Thank you for posting this Yul. I just wish I could feel some enthusiasm about this news, but am very uncertain of the exact meaning of this story.

I'm not certain what it means either. What financial/impairment losses due to Gatchaman? Do they mean the money they spent on test footage and development personnel? That's not a loss... that's R&D, and should have been expensed ages ago. 'Impairment' makes it sound like they were categorizing the Gatchaman rights as an asset and they have reduced the value of that asset. I'm not sure why they would do this (either holding the rights as an asset to begin with, or reducing the value of those rights if they did). Now an impairment loss on AstroBoy makes sense, because that movie was released and is done... meaning that if they had the rights to Astroboy as an asset, whatever value that asset was going to bring has already been obtained. Sorry... it's the accountant in me, you know...

Thank you TJ, that might explain some of the misunderstanding and the rest ... well, I wonder if it is a poor (or sloppy) translation problem. And the impairment loss is meant to apply to the Astroboy movie. I guess there would be "some" loss on the Gatchaman movie since there had been people hired to work on the writing, and developing of the storyline (along with several different directors) who all would have been paid some salary while they worked. If Imagi feels the need to start from the beginning again then all that time and money would be considered a "loss."

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Sorry... it's the accountant in me, you know...

If it sounds confusing to you, then I don't have a chance of figuring out what it means! I agree, maybe it's an awkward translation? Hopefully, some sort of further clarification will be forthcoming from Imagi vis a vis the Gatchaman movie, but phrases like "wiping the slate clean" don't sound very promising for them making the movie now.

Unless they plan to restart the whole damn thing, rather than trying to salvage any of the work that's already been done. I still think the best thing would be to go back to the original series. The first one. Figure out which stories they want to tell. Taking on Galactor can easily cover three entire movies. Do they want a trilogy (in which each film becomes a 'chapter'), or three movies which could each stand alone, yet make a whole? And avoid the modern temptation to have one character dominate the film. Gatchaman is an ensemble show. If they want a through-line of Joe's development as a character, they can do it without sacrificing the team relationship.

Thanks CD. I did not know that the QL movie was a go. Just a thought. What are they supposed to base the movie on? Remake the Turtle King, just do it live? Or same characters, same story starting in 2031? The original series started in 2001.

At least I'm not the only one who didn't understand well, or fully, that announcement! It's very vague! Lately I'm not leaving anything refuel my high hopes again! Not after so many delusions! At this stage, like Dirk I too think there are really very low hopes for such a movie to make it! But, there's always that teeny tiny voice telling me not to completely let go, my wishing to perhaps someday be really able to rejoice for the happening of such a miracle! Until then, if ever possible, I'm just trying to not think about it, even though that "wiping the slate clean" expression got me pondering about its meaning a bit! Part of me wishes it to mean that they'll start all over again, as UW said, "wiping" their history of losses clean! I'm trying to ignore the other possible meaning of them getting rid of any past-planned, and already attempted projects! Only time will tell us, and one thing is most probable! If ever the making of the movie will come forth, cinemas will have a big, white-haired audience!

Originally posted by clouddancer I guess there would be "some" loss on the Gatchaman movie since there had been people hired to work on the writing, and developing of the storyline (along with several different directors) who all would have been paid some salary while they worked. If Imagi feels the need to start from the beginning again then all that time and money would be considered a "loss."

But see, in accounting, 'loss' and 'expense' are two different things. You are right that they spent money on salaries and such to develop the things they did on Gatchaman, however under US accounting rules these costs would have been expensed as they were incurred. The work took place in the US/Los Angeles, so I was assuming they used American GAAP. Now since this is from Hong Kong, they might be using international accounting rules (IFRS). That would allow development costs to be capitalized if they had established 'technological feasibility'... I'm not sure they had really gotten to that stage with Gatchaman, but then, I wasn't on their audit team. In 'English', once they are pretty far along in the work,the international accounting rules allow them to call the salaries of people working on the project an asset. So if they did this, then it would make sense to devalue this asset now and call it a 'loss'. If THAT'S the case, then that's a very bad implication for the movie, because it means that they're not expecting any future revenue from the Gatchaman rights. And the only reason for that is if they weren't going to pursue the project.

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A Gatch movie might stand a chance in Japan. Then it can make its way here. Just don't let Hollywood near it. They're doing (according to Cracked) a version of Akira that craps all over the source material. It might as well get a new name.

I read that somewhere, too. I vaguely remember it.

I agree, keep Hollywood away from the making of Gatchaman. Look at their portrayals and adaptions of books and historical events, (Troy, Tarzan, Pearl Harbour, Alexander, Willy Wonker remake) they make them big , flashy, throw in special effect, and re-write the story and often histroy , and worst, people think its correct because it's on the big screen (historians must have a collective groan each time they bring out a new movie and as for what they did to Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan...sigh..some things are perfect as they are and should be left alone to stand on their own) Let it be made in Japan..BOTP, Eagle Riders were not the same as Gatchaman, the rawness, violence and portrayal of characters was missing (they are all good, don't get me wrong, I love all the portrayals, but the feeling and connection of the producers of these adaptions were not there) Even if the movie does not get to the big screen and goes straight to anime DVD sales, I will be standing in line for my copy and googling for any merchandise, plus they may do a release of other BOTP products and I will be able to get the ones I'm missing and complete my collection.. My fingers are still crossed.

Since 2012 is the 40th anniversary, will anything be done, I wonder. That is so hard to believe. 40 years. If time was real, they'd all be pushing 60. There are so many good sci fi series on TV now. I'd love to see Sci Fi, TNT, or one of the cable networks create a live action BotP series. I think it could be done and the US market would be more tuned to it than Gatchaman.

I recall an awesome cartoon done for the 30th anniversary, where Jun was screeching about being 30, and Ken was whispering that she was actually 46, since she was 16 when the show began... Did Dinzumo do that one? I can't find it...

I never saw thay, although I'd love to.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I recall an awesome cartoon done for the 30th anniversary, where Jun was screeching about being 30, and Ken was whispering that she was actually 46, since she was 16 when the show began... Did Dinzumo do that one? I can't find it...

Indeed she did! I'll post it as soon as Monday.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I recall an awesome cartoon done for the 30th anniversary, where Jun was screeching about being 30, and Ken was whispering that she was actually 46, since she was 16 when the show began... Did Dinzumo do that one? I can't find it...

That would make Ken a brave, brave man....

Yay! Thanks Boeke! I even went through the Home of the White Shadow (on Wayback Machine) and couldn't find it...

That's business for you.

This is what we'd all pretty much concluded back in June, that they'd written off the movie completely. I think it was more than four years ago that I first heard about Imagi's plans for a Gatch movie. Makes me wonder how many other movies, unbeknownst to me, perish in "development hell" instead of hitting the screens. If I hadn't been so interested in Gatchaman, I might never have known anything at all about this one. I'm guessing that the likeliest chance for a Gatchaman movie now would be the live-action one that Nikkatsu (supposedly) has plans to make... some day.

Yup, its all for the Chinese market these days.

They might have been better off playing BotP on Cartoon Network itself. Not many viewers for Boomerang in general. A 'nostalgia block' on the Network would be a much better idea (if they would return to their roots and stop mucking about). The death of the animated movie is probably a blessing. Given what folks posted here, the Gatch movie would have been a mess. They threw out the team dynamic to focus on Joe, and completely rewrote the origins of him and the team. (Never mind what they did to Nambu's hair.)

I think Tatsunoko has something planned for Gatchaman's 40th anniversary, but I'm not sure how 'big' it's going to be.

I really hoped that the movie would fly...so sad, isn't it? I stumbled across some official looking old stuff on Photobucket...not much, but fun to look at behind the scenes concepts, anyway...especially since it's all we have...

I haven't seen those before! Thanks so much for sharing with us, Springie!

I hadn't seen them. either. I'm sorry its over, but better over than horrible.

Neat finds, Springie -especially the Jun profile! Interesting to see that she's 19 instead of 16, "living alone" (where's Jinpei?) and bar tending, as opposed to running her own, albeit small, place.

Makes you wonder what they had on the rest of the team, what was different.

That is a great find Springie! I am glad you posted it. It is a very interesting read about Jun.

Hi everyone. It's been way too long since I last posted here. Anyway, I stumbled across this earlier today. Really sweet concept art compiled in an artbook of sorts. Really expensive, though, but I think some of you might manage to snag this. If any of you do, would you mind posting scans of the artworks? Many thanks! Here's the link to the said artbook: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gatchaman-Concept-Art-Book-New-Feature-Film-Anime-/260732747440#ht_500wt_949

Thanks Springie!

Originally posted by FangJoker Hi everyone. It's been way too long since I last posted here. Anyway, I stumbled across this earlier today. Really sweet concept art compiled in an artbook of sorts. Really expensive, though, but I think some of you might manage to snag this. If any of you do, would you mind posting scans of the artworks? Many thanks! Here's the link to the said artbook: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gatchaman-Concept-Art-Book-New-Feature-Film-Anime-/260732747440#ht_500wt_949

Definitely expensive! I won't be buying it any time soon. The one pic shown is interesting though. But I can't say I'm all that keen on how any of the main characters look, except maybe Berg Katse -he looks quite sinister and evil. In the upper right corner, I'm wondering if those were concepts for the look of the birdstyles that Ken or Joe could have had. Rather too goth/medieval for Gatchaman, I think!

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by FangJoker Hi everyone. It's been way too long since I last posted here. Anyway, I stumbled across this earlier today. Really sweet concept art compiled in an artbook of sorts. Really expensive, though, but I think some of you might manage to snag this. If any of you do, would you mind posting scans of the artworks? Many thanks! Here's the link to the said artbook: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gatchaman-Concept-Art-Book-New-Feature-Film-Anime-/260732747440#ht_500wt_949

Definitely expensive! I won't be buying it any time soon. The one pic shown is interesting though. But I can't say I'm all that keen on how any of the main characters look, except maybe Berg Katse -he looks quite sinister and evil. In the upper right corner, I'm wondering if those were concepts for the look of the birdstyles that Ken or Joe could have had. Rather too goth/medieval for Gatchaman, I think!

I think those might be the Black Birds...

At least Joe had a shirt. Not that I minded seeing OAV Joes's chest, but no one runs around like that.

This is a little off topic, but speaking of the Blackbirds - what came first, Birdstyle or Blackbirds? I often wondered if the Blackbirds were created to take on/immitate the Birdstyles or if they had a common origin, destined to do battle? In BotP, we could assume Wade probably gave Spectra the info. The first time they came into contact with them, shouldn't the team have been wondering if it was to immitate them or mock them?

If you look closely at the third picture along the bottom it says Ken on it. To me, he looks a little "dark" skinned in that image. Thanks FangJoker for the link.

Originally posted by FangJoker I think those might be the Black Birds...

Ah, that would make more sense!

Originally posted by Becky Rock I often wondered if the Blackbirds were created to take on/immitate the Birdstyles or if they had a common origin, destined to do battle? In BotP, we could assume Wade probably gave Spectra the info. The first time they came into contact with them, shouldn't the team have been wondering if it was to immitate them or mock them?

I've generally assumed that the Blackbirds were developed after the Science Ninja Team, and were Galactor's attempt to imitate and compete directly with them -and the bird theme they both have in common can't be a coincidence. In BOTP, it does make sense that Don Wade might have given Spectra the idea of creating their own elite squad to mock/imitate G-Force (though the Blackbirds are never shown as having any "transmuting" abilities, but Don might not have known how all that specific technology worked). In fact, I'm kind of surprised that Don wasn't himself a Blackbird. It's rather a shame that the BOTP people didn't get the Gatch ep. 56 "The Bitter Bird Missile" and depict Koji as another ex-G-Force member (with a romantic past with Princess) who'd defected to Galactor. Koji, after all, was a Captain in the Blackbirds.

Originally posted by clouddancer If you look closely at the third picture along the bottom it says Ken on it. To me, he looks a little "dark" skinned in that image.

Yeah, especially compared to the pic of Joe right beside him. But Ken looked the same as in the original series in the Imagi trailers we saw... I wonder if, at some point, the Imagi people were contemplating changing up Ken's ethnicity -as they did with Dr. Nambu- and then decided not to?

WOW! loving the art work and concepts (except Ryu stomach and the price) Maybe we will get lucky and the pictures will turn up on the internet

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by FangJoker I think those might be the Black Birds...

Ah, that would make more sense!

Originally posted by Becky Rock I often wondered if the Blackbirds were created to take on/immitate the Birdstyles or if they had a common origin, destined to do battle? In BotP, we could assume Wade probably gave Spectra the info. The first time they came into contact with them, shouldn't the team have been wondering if it was to immitate them or mock them?

I've generally assumed that the Blackbirds were developed after the Science Ninja Team, and were Galactor's attempt to imitate and compete directly with them -and the bird theme they both have in common can't be a coincidence. In BOTP, it does make sense that Don Wade might have given Spectra the idea of creating their own elite squad to mock/imitate G-Force (though the Blackbirds are never shown as having any "transmuting" abilities, but Don might not have known how all that specific technology worked). In fact, I'm kind of surprised that Don wasn't himself a Blackbird. It's rather a shame that the BOTP people didn't get the Gatch ep. 56 "The Bitter Bird Missile" and depict Koji as another ex-G-Force member (with a romantic past with Princess) who'd defected to Galactor. Koji, after all, was a Captain in the Blackbirds.

Originally posted by clouddancer If you look closely at the third picture along the bottom it says Ken on it. To me, he looks a little "dark" skinned in that image.

Yeah, especially compared to the pic of Joe right beside him. But Ken looked the same as in the original series in the Imagi trailers we saw... I wonder if, at some point, the Imagi people were contemplating changing up Ken's ethnicity -as they did with Dr. Nambu- and then decided not to?

I seem to remember something being mentioned about Mark swearing one of the Blackbirds he'd faced sounded like Wade. That could just have been in a fic. $999.00 is expensive, but it also included the option of a bid. I wonder how far below the $999 the owner would go?

Originally posted by clouddancer If you look closely at the third picture along the bottom it says Ken on it. To me, he looks a little "dark" skinned in that image.

Well - considering Dr. Nambu's makeover - I'm not so certian it would be inconsistent... but glad it didn't get beyond concept!

Thanks FangJoker for the link.

Ditto Ditto...

Originally posted by Reboekah

Originally posted by clouddancer If you look closely at the third picture along the bottom it says Ken on it. To me, he looks a little "dark" skinned in that image.

Well - considering Dr. Nambu's makeover - I'm not so certian it would be inconsistent... but glad it didn't get beyond concept!

I could have handled Nambu's makeover, in fact I think it made sense as a way of introducing more "ethnicities" but I really could not have dealt with that change to Ken. As LB says it surprised me to see that change when the trailers did not show him as such. I like this discussion on Blackbirds, seeing as what LB has been mentioning is fairly close to how I see events happening in my AU. With Don being removed from the G-Force program after seeing an early/basic model of the Birdstyle and then he turns to Spectra where he reveals what he knows. By the time the team first meet the Blackbirds, their Birdstyles have been "up-graded" several times and also learned how to "transmute".

Originally posted by Becky Rock $999.00 is expensive, but it also included the option of a bid. I wonder how far below the $999 the owner would go?

It looks like it's been listed on Ebay at least since February and the "Buy it now" price was revised in April (mostly likely lowered) so it doesn't seem like the seller's having much luck.

Originally posted by Becky Rock I seem to remember something being mentioned about Mark swearing one of the Blackbirds he'd faced sounded like Wade. That could just have been in a fic.

Probably a fic -but it's a cool idea!

Originally posted by clouddancer With Don being removed from the G-Force program after seeing an early/basic model of the Birdstyle and then he turns to Spectra where he reveals what he knows.

Yes, there's more fun to be had with fics and AU, being able to expand upon or rework canon! With his G-Force background (that I would assume involved combat/weapons skills) it sure makes sense that Spectra would want all the intel Don had on that. I guess we must assume though, that they decided his Chemistry talent was his most useful skill for Spectra -if they gave him a gun loaded only with blanks, they surely wouldn't have trusted him enough to put him in an armed combat role, as a Black Bird. As much as I like the idea of Black Bird Don, canon Don in "G-Force Defector" could only do what the Gatch character Mekkal did, more or less, and Mekkal sure didn't seem like much of a fighter -he was getting thoroughly clobbered by Joe before his vision started to blur.

Wade also seemed like a big wimp. Yeah, he pulled a gun on Jason, but being a former G-Forcer, you'd think he'd have physically attacked Jason, unless he already new Jason could kick his butt from previous training.

I found more concept images here... http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Y_Y_rSBObY/THFg7Z0dozI/AAAAAAAABGg/HMMfCH7XVE4/s1600/Gatchaman-Casual.jpg http://ws.elance.com/file/GATCHAMAN_TEASER_CONCEPT.jpg?crypted=Y3R4JTNEcG9ydGZvbGlvJTI2ZmlkJTNEMjk4NjExMTElMjZyaWQlM0QtMSUyNnBpZCUzRDMwNDQ5NjQ= http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blnTQqKM4Gs/TZwUOyiiiSI/AAAAAAAAAqc/VLDzAMgrpHs/s1600/bike1.jpg

There definitely were a lot of different ideas of how things might look! I've seen that first image before, I think -have it in my head the artist is a "Tommy Tejada"? Different look from the civvies images in the page from the books for sale on ebay.

Thank you for the links to the different concepts. A much different look to the civvies design from the last link you posted, but I really do not like the look the artist gave to the people.

WOw, those are great! Thanks for sharing with us, Fangjoker! I love the images of Jun's bike!

That first link is to mutants. None of them look good. Ryu is a monster. The second looks as if someone actually consulted the original series. Like the bike.

Ken is standing like a male model from "Zoolander" posing on the cat walk, Ryu looks like he's overdose on steroids can't pull up the second one, has anyone got a better link? love the bike

This is the second pic.

Having another look at that picture you posted LB, do you think that is Katse in the middle of the picture, on the building behind the team?

Hey, I think you're right! I never noticed that at all.

For some reason it popped out at me this time when I saw the picture. I did not notice it the first few times I looked.

The links aren't working for me. My lot in life the last few days.

Becky, are you cutting a pasting? Or are you trying to click on the link. I am able to cut and paste to get to the images and then still work. The links are not clickable - at least not for me, anyways.

Won't open with clicking. I'm assuming I'd have to hit Quote in order to cut and paste and it won't let me do it directly from the note.

Originally posted by FangJoker I found more concept images here... http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Y_Y_rSBObY/THFg7Z0dozI/AAAAAAAABGg/HMMfCH7XVE4/s1600/Gatchaman-Casual.jpg http://ws.elance.com/file/GATCHAMAN_TEASER_CONCEPT.jpg?%20crypted=Y3R4JTNEcG9ydGZvbGlvJTI2ZmlkJTNEMjk4NjExMTElMjZyaWQlM0QtMSUyNnBpZCUzRDMwNDQ5NjQ= http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blnTQqKM4Gs/TZwUOyiiiSI/AAAAAAAAAqc/VLDzAMgrpHs/s1600/bike1.jpg

It might be that the links need URL tags. They should be clickable now here.

Oowww, loving this poster! Especially the G5 symbol at the top of poster, Big thanks for the post Iborgia88

Originally posted by clouddancer Becky, are you cutting a pasting? Or are you trying to click on the link. I am able to cut and paste to get to the images and then still work. The links are not clickable - at least not for me, anyways.

This has been a bug in the site forever. If you post a link then the site tries to put [URL] tages around it. But for some reason, they only want super short links, so the 'clickable' part of the link is usually cut off. So if you see a link that looks 'half clickable' then you have to copy and paste the entire link into a new window/tab.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by FangJoker I found more concept images here... http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Y_Y_rSBObY/THFg7Z0dozI/AAAAAAAABGg/HMMfCH7XVE4/s1600/Gatchaman-Casual.jpg http://ws.elance.com/file/GATCHAMAN_TEASER_CONCEPT.jpg?crypted=Y3R4JTNEcG9ydGZvbGlvJTI2ZmlkJTNEMjk4NjExMTElMjZyaWQlM0QtMSUyNnBpZCUzRDMwNDQ5NjQ= http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blnTQqKM4Gs/TZwUOyiiiSI/AAAAAAAAAqc/VLDzAMgrpHs/s1600/bike1.jpg

It might be that the links need URL tags. They should be clickable now here.

Thanks LB. The second one said it couldn't be found. The first one looked more manga and almost grunge. Didn't like it. The motorcycle was interesting.

Sorry everyone. The characters look horrible. I don't believe I'm going to say this but, " I'm very glad that this version of the movie never got made." The characters look like a cross between Goth and Corraline. Not a good one,either.

Coraline... I do see some resemblance there! Have you seen this? You can get a better idea of what the characters would have looked like (and at 0.26, acted like -in Joe's case I was not impressed) in this clip of (unfinished) footage. http://d.hatena.ne.jp/video/niconico/sm10800448 Discussed in this thread here: http://www.gatchamania.net/thread.php?threadid=3179 I think it was what put me off the movie more than how anyone looked, when it became apparent how much they were messing with the canon origin of the team and (to me) turning Joe into someone I didn't much like! This clip doesn't have the later version of their birdstyles though. They probably would have looked like this (which I thought was an improvement). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQn1X2aRfdc

I can't get the first link to work, at least all I get is a blank screen with the "timer" running - no images. But if it is a video I am thinking about, I have to agree with you that I did not like the direction they appeared to be going with Joe.

It took a couple tries, but I fnally got the first one working. I didn't care for their appearances and I know it was concept, but the look sucked. I liked the last one: their birdstyles, the action, even Jinpei trying to eat ice cream through his visor. Doesn't do much good liking, though, when its over.

Parts of the first one looked more like concept footage. What I heard of the dialogue did suggest they were changing the team's origin. Although 'Doctor Superfly' did sound like the sort of snarky thing Joe would say -- just not about the man who raised him. Notice they went with the leather-jacket-and-no-shirt Joe in the brief restaurant scene? (Let's not get into Jinpei.) I like the costumes in the teaser. You can see the originals in them. Still think Jun should be upgraded from a sleeveless minidress. Although a Galactor mech doesn't look like such a threat if they can take it down with their hand-weapons.