Space Battleship Yamato [Blu-ray] [2010]

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• Rated 4 out of 5 stars

  It's Star Blazers!

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  This is a great tale of a heroic crew fighting against nearly insurmountable odds against an evil enemy bent on the destruction of Earth. It's 100% based on and pays amazing tribute to the old anime it is based on, which in America came to us as Star Blazers back in the 70's and has been replicated numerous times in animated movies and series since. The picture is great on this Blu Ray, the special effects are excellent, and the casting is fantastic. The ship designs, the costumes, the bridge design--all kinds of little details--are inspired heavily by or are ripped right out of the original anime. The story is altered in some ways towards the end, but it creates a self-contained story (which actually was the original intent when the anime was created, goes the scuttlebutt). The English dub is passable, but not epic, and the only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars. If you can do subtitles, might enjoy the Japanese dialogue more. If you aren't familiar with Star Blazers or the original Japanese version, Space Battleship Yamato, then this might not be quite as exciting for you, but it's still a great sci fi flick--and it might suck you in and make you a new fan. If you are a fan of the original cartoon, then you are in for a huge amount of satisfying space battleship nostalgia. Just seeing the trailers was exhilarating, and the movie itself did not disappoint. It's really amazing that this film is so satisfying, because I don't think the budget was all that huge. I'd say if you liked the effects on something like Battlestar Galactica, the reboot, then you'll find this works. If you are a fan of the old cartoon, you should check out the reboot, Yamato 2199, too. I personally like the new 2199 anime better than this movie, actually, but it's much longer and even closer to the original (right down to the incidental music and sound effects and tech designs), and it looks amazing (the original Star Blazers was never remastered for distribution in America in all these years and shows its age somewhat) and takes things in a few new directions (all satisfying). If you can't get 2199 (or prefer live action to animated action), then this will hold you over, for sure, and I recommend them both. If you're a fan of the original, you really will enjoy this movie, and if you're just looking for some new sci fi that's original and epic, this should fit the bill.

  Posted 10 years ago by SolidIronSun

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Our Star Blazers! Battleship Yamato

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  Had to buy this Japanese video. Reminded me of my youth coming home from school. I believe this movie remake was based on the original cartoon series out of Japan circa 1979. "Man's last great hope for survival, The quest for Iscandar". This movie is great if you liked the Godzilla movies of old with updated CGI special effects. Japanese with English subtitles and acting is an improvement over other Asian dubbed movies. A bit melodramatic in some areas, but you gotta love the classic Japan style. A must have for any young SciFi Animi lover or Japan file. An homage to the old Battlestar Galactica and Top Gun genre.

  Posted 10 years ago by HonestInjun98765

• Rated 4 out of 5 stars

  Good live action version of beloved childhood anim

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  This is a pretty good rendition of the late 70's "Starblazers". Probably should be done as a tv series on Netflix to be able to get the full story line in. That being said it is a decent screenplay that brings in all the key elements of the series and their characters. The FX are good and so is the acting for what it is. Music is very good. The Gamalans are somewhat cheesy and one scene looked cheaply done. Still a good overall entertainment.

  Posted 10 years ago by Ellesar