Long time fans of the animated television series Space Battleship Yamato will be familiar with both versions, the english dub (Star Blazers) and the Japanese original. When seen side-by-side, the differences can be found. And the script revisions helped make this saga successful for Western audiences. The films that followed afterwards began as a compressed versions of the series until Yamato: New Voyage (1979) was made.
As a space opera, the drama between various characters made this series a compelling watch. To see them lose loved ones to war and face insurmountable challenges made for a very different type of 70’s cartoon. A few sacrifices were even made along the way for those who have seen the original Japanese version. Not many animations from that decade had internal monologues to tell viewers what each character was thinking of. Even the next imported saga, which was dubbed Robotech, took a few cues from this series. Without the seminal flagship, Macross wouldn’t have been what it is today. Even Irresponsible Captain Tylor takes on a few passing characteristics when it concerns two sake guzzling physicians who have a pet cat (by the second series).
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It’s here! And for many fans who have waited months to see a full length trailer, the time is now. And I must say what one sees looks very good. Could this film be the blockbuster hit of the summer for Japan? Will we see this film given a limited release in North America? One can only hope.