Hello everyone! I've missed being on the boards--my job and my family have been overwhelming lately. I found an article on Anime News Network that a Gatchaman Live-Action movie has been given the green light. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-04-10/cite-yatterman/cite-cite-gatchaman/cite-live-action-movies-green-lit

I think the live action film will be better (probably not by much) than the CGi one.

I think condorfan deserves a HUUUGE Welcome back and Huggle. Hon I can more than understand how job and family can be overwhelming at times, giving you no time or headspace for youself! So its great to see you back and even better to hear this news! I got on your link and found the news article onNikkatsu Corporation Exciting to hear theyve oked production but who knows when it will finally be released. Yamato is said to be released by 2008. hmmm. At least Nakkatsu will have some idea of what the Gatch audience climate will be like with the Imagi Cgi release of Gatchaman next year!! Either way I can wait, albeit a little nervously seeing how TMNT fared. I think there's a tentative cautious "lets wait and see" reaction from Gatchaman Fandoms at the moment. I mean can anyone still forgive the '94 Oav'sshudder) both Nikkatsu and Imagi I think will be making sure they listen to the fans this time, making sure theme and characterisation stays closer to cannon than the Oav. I wish Nikkatsu luck as it is a tall order to fulfil audience expectation that the actors selected are very VERY close to cannon resemblance and profile wise. It CAN be done , but look what happened with the live action movie of "Initial D" Great movie, the Dad was spot on in looks and character as was Itsumi Hell he was fun! ) but Ye Gods did they go wrong with the main character Takumi or what??!! Sheesh!!! this guy just couldnt pull it off for peanuts. such a wooden performance for my liking so out of character for "Takumi" His supposed "nonchalant" look passed off only as bored and BORINg! aaargh...At least the car scenes with the drifting down the mountain was ROCKING!! Oops where was I ? Ah yes, So overall, staying ever so hopeful both Imagi's next year and Nikkatsu's production will succeed. anyway you look at it I for one will be going to see them both when they come out!! Looking forward to them regardless of how they go!!!

I'll take acting ability, specifically act the part well, over looks. Even canon can't keep heights straight, let alone hair colour. Joe's got a paunch in that loading the Phoenix sequence. Ryu's got chicken-legs in another. Yep, go with body close enough to be recognized (and athletic), and beyond that go with acting ability. (Although, I do hope Joe and Ken look somewhat different, so we can easily tell them apart.)

I also hope they give them a slight different look... Heck even if they stick to cannon and make Ken look more like a golden boy, while Joe is more of an Outsider type!

I think, the more Gatchaman movies, the better! Anything to revive interest! I just hope that if they make a live-action one, that it's at least subtitled in English!!!!

And the voices are better than the voice over artists in the Gatchaman DVDs.

Now that all depends on which version you grew up with. Zoltar voice acting was positively evil and malevolent in BOTP but I nearly diied of shock hearing Berg Katse's squeaky voice and maniacal laugh! I just could not reconcile the difference in what I was hearing! ( bit like when I first heard Goku's high pitched sqeakiness in the original version of DBZ) Ah Casey Kasem made a teenage heart flip over with his heroic Mark characterisation tho I preferred Joe's baritone to Shnells nasal version of Jason. I dont know, I fear how so many revivals have been made of old shows yet the only real success from comic book to live action I can come up with was the Spiderman movies (looking forward to sequel 3! ) and of course Sin City!

Think nothing of it Condorfan we all need a break once in a while. Glad to hear some news from you,

I think there's a tentative cautious "lets wait and see" reaction from Gatchaman Fandoms at the moment. I mean can anyone still forgive the '94 Oav'sshudder)

Well....after the Top Cow BotP comics, the OAVs don't look as bad as they once did...

I wish Nikkatsu luck as it is a tall order to fulfil audience expectation that the actors selected are very VERY close to cannon resemblance and profile wise.

One thing to bear in mind is that this will be a Japanese production, done in Japan for a Japanese audience. Therefore the actors are almost certainly going to be Japanese, and will most likely be unknown to most Gatchaman fans outside of Japan. So, if they choose actors who resemble the characters, it will be from the Japanese perspective of what the characters should look like, which may not match the perspective of fans outside of Japan. Like CricketBeautiful said, I'd prefer they find people with the acting chops to pull the characters off instead of focusing strictly on their looks. If the live action Casshan movie is any indication, this is the most likely direction for them to take when it comes to casting anyway.

I just hope that if they make a live-action one, that it's at least subtitled in English!!!!

It's possible, at least for the home video release. While certainly not a common practice, including an English subtitle option with some Japanese films has been happening in the last few years, like with the above-mentioned Casshan movie. If not, then we'd better hope the film has a high enough profile to make it worthwhile for someone in Hong Kong to bootleg it and add subtitles. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan

I just hope that if they make a live-action one, that it's at least subtitled in English!!!!

It's possible, at least for the home video release. While certainly not a common practice, including an English subtitle option with some Japanese films has been happening in the last few years, like with the above-mentioned Casshan movie. If not, then we'd better hope the film has a high enough profile to make it worthwhile for someone in Hong Kong to bootleg it and add subtitles.

What you're saying sounds good, but I'm sooo frustrated by Gatch II and Gatch F. There are beautiful DVD box sets, just tempting me to purchase them, but they are 100% in Japanese, without even English subtitles... it's so frustrating!!!! I just hate to get my hopes up...

What you're saying sounds good, but I'm sooo frustrated by Gatch II and Gatch F. There are beautiful DVD box sets, just tempting me to purchase them, but they are 100% in Japanese, without even English subtitles... it's so frustrating!!!! I just hate to get my hopes up...

Well, I did say that the English subtitle option was being used on some movies, not TV series. I haven't heard about any Japanese TV series releases that have included the English subtitle option. And if you get tired of waiting for someone to subtitle Gatchaman II and Gatchaman Fighter, there is always the option of learning Japanese. Don't forget, in the early days of Gatchaman fandom, that was the only surefire way of getting any information, and helped form the foundation upon which what is now known about the series was built. James

Originally posted by imaqtz Now that all depends on which version you grew up with. Zoltar voice acting was positively evil and malevolent in BOTP but I nearly diied of shock hearing Berg Katse's squeaky voice and maniacal laugh! I just could not reconcile the difference in what I was hearing! ( bit like when I first heard Goku's high pitched sqeakiness in the original version of DBZ) Ah Casey Kasem made a teenage heart flip over with his heroic Mark characterisation tho I preferred Joe's baritone to Shnells nasal version of Jason. I dont know, I fear how so many revivals have been made of old shows yet the only real success from comic book to live action I can come up with was the Spiderman movies (looking forward to sequel 3! ) and of course Sin City!

I was talking about the Gatchaman DVDs and not the BOTP voice over artists as I grew up with them and it some how make's the funny bits funnier and the not so funny bits funny to me. I can't remember what the OAV voice over artists sounded like, so I can't compare them.

oookay, either Ive missed something major in my recent leave of abscence or Im going to ask the most incredibly stupid question for a gatchfan..but... what the heck are Gatchaman DVD's?? Last thing I remeber were the Topcow comics coming out couple of years ago, and now the Green light for Nikkatsu and talk of the Cgi by Imagi, Have I missed something??

ADV have recently released the original series dubbed into English. They have had fun with the scripts and they are an entertaining set. Available via Amazon et al. I'm not sure that smilie has anything to do with it but it's sort of sweet.

GASP!!!!!!! youre Kidding?! Where?! links? original as in japanese Gatchaman with english Dub??, why havent there been reviews? is it any good? worth grabbing my money and buying it right now? not crappy quality or bootleg?...omg so many questions...but so need to know as well as reviews of them, I live by reviews!!

Review here http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/gatchamanvol1to4.php also amazon reviews http://www.amazon.com/Gatchaman-Collectors-Box-Vols-1-2/dp/B00096S3OU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8589430-1015129?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1176647779&sr=8-1

only checked it out (dayum you were sooo fast with that link! ) ... first 35 episodes are out..very reasonable price and even tho I lean towards subs than dubs it sounds absolutely worth it!! Merry thankyou thankyou.! You are one in a million !

All 105 episodes are out! ADV is the company. Careful when you buy. Volume 1 has 9? eps, as does Volume 2. Collector's Box 1 has Volumes 1 and 2 and an extras. Which means Collector's Box 2 has Volumes 3 and 4. So be very, very careful. I started getting ADV's newsletter. Every few months they have an excuse for a sale. The first few Boxes (yes, boxes) go for $8, and the later ones for $28. The deal is well worth the wait. http://www.advfilms.com/ Cheers!

You definitely want to get the ADV sets! You'll be kicking yourself if you don't! And, as CricketBeautiful said, you'll want the box sets instead of the individual discs. Each of the nine box sets contains two of the individual volumes, as well as a third disc of bonus material. The bonus material might not be overly exciting to a lot of people (Made up mostly of interviews with the ADV voice actors, footage from the ADV voice actor auditions, a translation of the Gatchaman Ace Five Comics stories, and a selection of model sheet drawings), but I would not be surprised if this material isn't duplicated in the inevitable compilation sets that ADV will eventually put out (As they do for all of their shows). And if you wait for one of ADV's sales, you'll be able to get the nine box sets for a very, very good price. If you don't want to wait for a sale to see what their dub is like, someone has put up what I believe is the entire first episode of the ADV dub on You Tube, divided into 4~5 minute chunks. If you've got a high-speed connection, you can watch it that way. Just search under "Gatchaman," and you'll find them. Before you ask, ADV has shown no intention of following up with Gatchaman II and Gatchaman Fighter. It certainly wouldn't hurt to write them and letting them know that you'd like to see them pursue those series, but don't hold your breath. Another option would be suggesting those two series to Media Blasters. Why them? Well, that's mostly a guilt-by-association thing. You see, the U.S. rights for Gatchaman II and Gatchaman Fighter are currently being held by Disney (Who got them when they bought out Saban a few years back). Media Blasters has recently been able to work a deal with Disney to release another Tatsunoko series Saban brought over here, Teknoman. From that deal, Media Blasters has released all of the Saban Teknoman episodes, and are currently 2/3 of the way through releasing all of the original Tekkaman Blade episodes. As Media Blasters has already established a working relationship with Disney, they might be in a good position to get the rights to release Gatchaman II, Gatchaman Fighter, and even the Saban Eagle Riders episodes! So, if you're busy writing ADV to tell them that you'd like to see the sequel series, you might consider also sending a note to Media Blasters at: [EMAIL]info@media-blasters.com[/EMAIL] If you want to see what else they've done, you can visit their website at: http://www.media-blasters.com I hope this helps! James

Imi...I thik the ADV DVDS are definitely worth it..I have enjoyed them soooo much... I especially enjoy Joe's voice and Katse's insane comments...sooo funny!

O Imaqtz, you must get all 9 boxsets of the ADV Gatchaman release. Alex Ross's artwork is stunning, the production staff took care to give a faithful rendition while at the same time adding a touch of their own which, for the most part, worked, and in my opinion the VAs grew so well into their roles that by the fourth set I preferred the dub over the sub. I have every set and don't regret a single penny that I've spent. Unlike other DVDs that I grow weary of after a while, I've yet to get sick of these.

I too have SO enjoyed all 9 box sets... Must say that the further you get into them the better... story just gets more angsty is all.... Hope you find out how much fun it is to see them! BTW... Brian Jepsom does a WONDERFUL Condor.... IMHO I also think he could make a good Condor on film.... or in my

Originally posted by imaqtz only checked it out (dayum you were sooo fast with that link! ) ... first 35 episodes are out..very reasonable price and even tho I lean towards subs than dubs it sounds absolutely worth it!! Merry thankyou thankyou.! You are one in a million !

It will take you years to watch all 105 episodes but you will most certinly enjoying listening in Japanese and like me trying read all the subititles before they disappear. Nothing like it. Only 3 other things you will need Imi. These items are , and to wash down you will need or

I've watched all 105 episodes... didn't take that long Metalliant... maybe caused I skipped work to do it!!!

My wife and I also watched all 105 episodes, usually finishing one box set before the next one came out, so it certainly didn't take years to do it. Heck, even if you watched only 1 a week, as they did when the series first aired in Japan, it would only take 2 years. James

You mUST get the ADV sets! They are wonderful! I especially liked the voices for Leader X, Joe, Jinpei and Ryu. Ken and Jun could use a little work. Nambu and Katse were *okay*. But the dub is just wonderful! I hate feeling like I'm missing the action because I'm reading a subtitle on the bottom.

Omg...guys guys you have me sold!! Im stunned by the absolutely positive comments towards the ADV's!! Ill be weeping with impatience in a minute, from the sheer frustration of wanting them now now now!! And Tatsunokofan!! Im stunned! You absolute wealth of inside info!! ( you sure you arent half Galactan?, you possess sourcing abilities that would make Meridian Day whimper!) How do you get such comprehensive information? I had no idea about Disney's connection! thankyou for everyone's unanimously high recommendation of the ADV's!!

You know, I was at Disney in January, and everywhere I went, I kept asking people if Disney would release Eagle Riders, or allow ADV to dub Gatch II and F. But somehow, the guy running the DUmbo ride just wasn't impressed. I have to say though, we were in MGM, and there were huge lineups of kids to see the Power Rangers. I just kept wondering if in a couple of years it would be Gatch. It wouldn't take much. If the movie is successful, since Disney owns the rights they could just mkae up a couple of costumes and send people out in them. That's all they really did with the Power Rangers.

And Tatsunokofan!! Im stunned! You absolute wealth of inside info!! How do you get such comprehensive information?

Thank decades of obsessive interest in the show

I had no idea about Disney's connection!

It's not something that comes up all that often, thanks to Eagle Riders having nearly vanished from the face of the Earth. Sadly, Disney doesn't seem to have much interest in doing anything with the Saban library, aside from producing the latest versions of Power Rangers. Of course, that's what leaves thing open for an outside company to release the shows.

You know, I was at Disney in January, and everywhere I went, I kept asking people if Disney would release Eagle Riders, or allow ADV to dub Gatch II and F. But somehow, the guy running the Dumbo ride just wasn't impressed.

I have to say though, we were in MGM, and there were huge lineups of kids to see the Power Rangers. I just kept wondering if in a couple of years it would be Gatch. It wouldn't take much. If the movie is successful, since Disney owns the rights they could just mkae up a couple of costumes and send people out in them. That's all they really did with the Power Rangers.

While they certainly could if they wanted to, I wouldn't bet on it. Eagle Riders would have to take off for them to want to do that, since that is the version of the series that they own. And with the series not airing anywhere, I don't see that happening. If they tried to do it as a tie-in to the CG film, the movie Bird Styles are likely to be different than what appeared in the TV series. They could always make a deal with Imagi to do their versions of the characters, but it seems unlikely they would. James

They could always make a deal with Imagi to do their versions of the characters, but it seems unlikely they would.

oh if only they could think of how successful an enterprise it would be if they were to collaborate!We go into Gatch drought for years and suddenly there are going to be TWO movies produced within a year of each other? Its almost akin to seeing the same dress on two different celebrities at a red carpet event.! It would somehow demean their efforts vying for the same product and target market at the same time is it not? Surely then they might see the benefit of a collaborated effort?

It would somehow demean their efforts vying for the same product and target market at the same time is it not? Surely then they might see the benefit of a collaborated effort?

I assume by this you mean Imagi and Nikkatsu collaborating, not Disney and Imagi as I was referring to. Either way, I doubt it would happen. Yes, Imagi and Nikkatsu are indeed vying for much of the same target audience. With Imagi's film currently scheduled to come out first, they'll have the leg up in this race. If their film does well in Japan, and even if it bombs, it will make it harder for Nikkatsu to establish their own live-action Gatchaman film separate from the earlier CG counterpart. There will be plenty of comparisons between the two. One way this could be avoided would be if the Imagi film isn't given a Japanese release. I certainly don't know the ins and outs of their agreement with Tatsunoko, and it would seem unlikely that they'd agree to exclude Japan from their distribution network, but it is possible. That would certainly explain why Nikkatsu felt it would be all right to go ahead with a live-action Gatchaman film that would follow on the heels of the CG film. If the CG film didn't have a general Japanese release (I.E. One that doesn't count all of the copies that would be imported from overseas), then the live-action film wouldn't look at the CG film as competition. But hey, that's just speculation on my part. James

Well its quite a comprehensive and well thought out speculation. but like you said, who knows what agreements have been made with Tatsunoko. Im just crossing my fingers that both succeed! Its a new generation and tall order to re-introduce a 70's anime. Gatchfans will enjoy yet will inevitably scrutinise every minute detail , ensuring both films stay as close to cannon as possible, while newbies will hopefully get a glimpse of the magic that enthralled us Gatchfans 3 decades ago!

I assume by this you mean Imagi and Nikkatsu collaborating, not Disney and Imagi as I was referring to.

Its times like these when one is grateful that one's beetroot face cant be seen on screen. Gomen for the misinterpretation. *coughgrin*

Originally posted by imaqtz I think condorfan deserves a HUUUGE Welcome back and Huggle. Hon I can more than understand how job and family can be overwhelming at times, giving you no time or headspace for youself! So its great to see you back and even better to hear this news!

I just wanted to thank Imaqtz and Cep for their kind words. I know it sounds corny but sometimes you really need to hear that people care. Hugs to all the great people at gatchamania.net.

Yay! Groupglomps!

Hello from the back and beyond... I was wondering if perhaps that in the future a BOTP movie might be made either live action or CGI. Or even a new TV series would be cool---same characters, different storylines. A live action show could work if they don't do it like the Power Rangers shows with guys in foam costumes.

I just hope when they start doing updates they don't start changing tooo much about the looks of the team cause thats why we love em. Of all I like the Gatchaman or BOTP verions (minus one annoying robot). The Japanese are really masters at creating anime that works well....I just hope they do have more guys chasing our swan cause she's just the best and a not so dense Eagle in that area haha. I have all 105 of the first series (gatchaman)and want to see Gatch 2 and fighter have the done it in dub yet????After watching it I decided to sell my BOTP. The art work on the covers by Alex Ross is beautiful though! The few scenes they have posted about the movie look good.

Hello all!

I was wondering if perhaps that in the future a BOTP movie might be made either live action or CGI. Or even a new TV series would be cool---same characters, different storylines. A live action show could work if they don't do it like the Power Rangers shows with guys in foam costumes.

Sandy Frank had actually given some consideration to creating a new BotP series a few years back. Not the redo of the original series that didn't go anywhere beyond the pilot, but an original production created in North America that would have featured the BotP characters with new designs by Alex Ross. Doing this would have allowed Sandy Frank to have a brand new BotP that would have avoided any involvement with Tatsunoko. From a financial standpoint, I can see why they would have wanted this, but as a fan, I'm glad this notion faded away. James

I have all 105 of the first series (gatchaman)and want to see Gatch 2 and fighter have the done it in dub yet????

Nope, not yet. As I said in this thread back in mid-April, there aren't any plans for anyone to tackle the second and third series at this time. Regardless, don't let that stop you from contacting ADV and telling them that you'd like them to considering bringing the two series over, or contacting Media Blasters in hopes that they might use their established Disney connections to release both Eagle Riders and a dub of the second and third series. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Hello all!

I was wondering if perhaps that in the future a BOTP movie might be made either live action or CGI. Or even a new TV series would be cool---same characters, different storylines. A live action show could work if they don't do it like the Power Rangers shows with guys in foam costumes.

Sandy Frank had actually given some consideration to creating a new BotP series a few years back. Not the redo of the original series that didn't go anywhere beyond the pilot, but an original production created in North America that would have featured the BotP characters with new designs by Alex Ross. Doing this would have allowed Sandy Frank to have a brand new BotP that would have avoided any involvement with Tatsunoko. From a financial standpoint, I can see why they would have wanted this, but as a fan, I'm glad this notion faded away. James

I'm glad of that to in a way....Alex Ross designs are good though for characters The voices from BOTP are really good quality though can't fault them there...

What would be really cool is that if Alex Ross does a BOTP comic with him doing all the artwork--like his current Justice series he is doing for DC. I loved his work on the DVD's and the comic book covers.

I supoe you've all seen the site that they posted the snips of what they are doing with the amine version of it. Looks more space age but still I can't wait to see it. Looks like it's based in Japan Gatchaman style Go Ninjas....I always have been Fascinated with the Ninja culture so full of mystery!

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne I supoe you've all seen the site that they posted the snips of what they are doing with the amine version of it. Looks more space age but still I can't wait to see it. Looks like it's based in Japan Gatchaman style Go Ninjas....I always have been Fascinated with the Ninja culture so full of mystery!

Are you referring to the Imagi site or another one? I have only seen some preliminary artwork and not any character designs yet.

Yeah that would be the one.

The preliminary artwork looks promising. I also hope, Ebonyswanne, that the base the film more on the ninja aspect. It was always cool seeing their shadows fly around in the background in the series.

Yeah after all that is what Gatchaman was about.... There is a different feel from secret ninja, to something very military based you lose the mystery if you give them all crew cuts and a millitary uniform, I suppose I lived in a town with an army base right next to it for to long got over that a bit and you can see a difference. Culture is the word I'm looking for. I like the self discipline in martial arts, and the artistic skill (Karta's etc) to be the best it involves not just skill but everything that's why I get draw to things like the SNT I guess....... Yeah we want shadows!! 5 and then 1