G-Force coming to the big screen

[SLYspyder]

Does anyone remember G-Force - Battle of the Planets - Gatchaman?

http://www.animatedbliss.com/FORUM/uploads/Isondill/71C_gatchamanv1.jpg

http://www.cinescape.com/multimedia/Master_Site/DVD/Master_SiteDVD279338.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0502/28/gatchaman.jpg

They're coming to the big screen and I'm so excited about that. I wish they went for live-action but whatever, they're doing CGI. Sigh, why does Princess's skirt have to be so short, it drives me crazy. Hope Voltron is next though.


http://www.superherohype.com/news.php?id=4396

[DarKush]

I'll withhold judgment until I see it. But I am glad they're going CGI. I think it might be too silly or Power Rangerish if they went live action.

I loved the G-Force cartoon, and I think an Incredibles type treatment would be a good way to bring it back.

BTW, cool pic. It really takes me back.

[Mrh7448]

I loved G-Force, I hope they do it justice. I think going CGI is probably a good idea.

[C-$]

I loved G-Force as a kid but I don't remember any of the storyline.

[3dman27]

i've recenly been watching gatchaman on anime network INDEMAND quite good i must say
can someone tell me how amany gatchaman eposide there were i saw the first 13 on anime indemand then they stopped do i have the complete series?

[houndsgate]

Excellent news :)

I'm not surprised they're doing it CGI - can you imagine trying to do the Pheonix where it goes into that fire mode? ;)

[Gogo Bananas]

I remember heated school yard debates over whether or not Zoltar was female when the elusive episode of his unmasking ran.

[Antonello Blueberry]

There's some pre-production art at the website of Imagi, that's producing the Gatchaman animated movie, right after the TMNT one that is being released.
http://www.imagi.com.hk/web/main.php
Go to OUR FILMS, then GATCHAMAN and see the stuff.

[crazy monkey]

CGI is okay, but I'd rather see a quality studio like Gonzo or the like do a nice blend of traditional and computer animation. I'm just worried that Hollywood is gonna skew this to the younger set like TMNT. Gatchaman deserves a full-blown anime revival, a new series, not just a movie or two.

But, I'll still see it!

-- END!

[WarBlade]

Wow... I was reminiscing about G-Force only a few days ago... weird. :wow: My childhood comes back to haunt me yet again!

Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Planets)

[Antonello Blueberry]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/31981

[3dman27]

nice artwork

[superkong 500]

Ha finaly g-force gets some respect, but still I would have prefered a live action film, and yes I think, no wait Iam sure it could work beautifully in life action. \The suits don't have to look power ranger like at all, they could go a much darker route visually which is what the original concept was about, the suits could be beautifull look realistic and cool as well without looking cheesy. But the only way i would accept a life action film would be if the director takes it completely serious and doesn't try to bright it up for younger audiences. It could be a hard edge pg-13 film, But since its a cgi feature i just hope that KM does justice to the characters and makes a decent film, but I know for sure it will be darker than TMNT was KM said in an interview that gatchaman would be a PG-13 and that he will push it as far as the rating allows it.

[xoku]

I hope the animation will at least be as impressive as those from the SMAP (Japanese boy band) animated promos from NTT back in 2000:

Segment 1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=po939EPW9t8

Segment 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMAH26aPwiM

[Gatchamanjp]

Gatchaman had 205 episodes. 105 for season #1. Gatchaman II, and Gatchaman Fighter had 100 episodes between them. In the USA Battle of the Planets and Turner Broadcasting's G-Force aired 85 episodes with major edits for violence. In the 1990's there was yet another name, Eagle Riders. I do not know for sure but, I think Eagle Riders was based on Gatchaman II. in 1994 there was a new original animated video or OAV with a revised Gatchaman. This is also available on DVD. So Far as of 2006 ADV released all 105 episodes of the original Gatchaman with a new english dub and more importantly no cuts. Hopefully Kevin Munroe's new cgi Gatchaman for Imagi Films will allow Gatchaman the franchise to experience a rebirth for a new generation.

[TheVileOne]

Well they are doing Gatchaman which is the original Japanese version, because I think that was the only one with the rights not locked up.

Thing is, can a Gatchaman movie work when it's a show that's existed in various forms? In other words the fanbase is pretty segmented. It's not like ninja turtles with TMNT struggling to get $50 million today.

Following an Incredibles template would be nice. The thing is, Munroe supposedly wants a PG-13 movie. Honestly, is there a market in the US for a PG-13 CG animated picture? I really don't think so.

Either way I look forward to see how it shapes up.

ADV putting out the original, true form of Gatchaman is totally awesome.

[Gotham22]

cool. Next a CGI Dragon Ball Z movie. hopefully one day.

[TheVileOne]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33008

News on the Gatchaman movie front. Do they really think they can get this movie released in a year if they are just now getting a writer?

New pictures from AICN as well:


http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/gm2.jpg

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/gm3.jpg

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/gm5.jpg

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/gm7.jpg

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/gmlogo.jpg

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/gm6.jpg

[TheVileOne]

http://www.chronicsite.com/gatchaman/index.html

This website is a great resource for all things Gatchaman. All three series as well as all info. regarding their American dubs and adaptation.

[3dman27]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33008

News on the Gatchaman movie front. Do they really think they can get this movie released in a year if they are just now getting a writer?

New pictures from AICN as well:

impressive:ninja:

[TheVileOne]

It looks like they've changed or added writers again. And this time it's Paul Dini:

Hong Kong (September 21, 2007)– Paul Dini has been signed to collaborate on the screenplay for Imagi Animation Studios’ upcoming CG-animated motion picture, Gatchaman. Announcement was made by Francis Kao, Co-CEO & Chief Creative Officer.

“We are excited to have Paul on our talented Gatchaman team,” said Kao. “His extensive background in animation and superhero comics will contribute greatly to this ambitious action movie.”

“The original series was one of the classics of early anime, and the film will be very true to the Japanese source material,” said Dini. “As a studio, Imagi is constantly breaking the boundaries of animated adventure. Not only are their action sequences amazing, but their characters are driven, complex and play for life-or-death stakes. It’s a great environment for a writer with a rather dark take on animation.”

Writer-producer Paul Dini’s career spans animation (Batman: The Animated Series), television (Lost) and comics (Detective, The World’s Greatest Superheroes). The winner of multiple Emmy, Eisner and Writers Guild of America Awards, Dini is also currently masterminding the DC Comics 2007 weekly series Countdown. His creations Jingle Belle and Mutant, Texas continue to appear frequently from Dark Horse, Oni Press and other publishers. Dini and his wife, magician Misty Lee, have also launched a popular series of Internet shorts featuring their puppet creation, Little Rashy.

Gatchaman is based on the successful Japanese franchise created in the early 1970s by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida. Aired in the U.S. as Battle of the Planets and G-Force, the TV series soon became one of the top syndicated shows.

Scheduled for release in early 2009, Gatchaman is a big, effects-rich movie set in a future world grappling with environmental and technological issues. The story focuses on five reluctant heroes whose remarkable genetic code makes them Earth’s only hope of defeating extra-terrestrial invaders.

Kevin Munroe (TMNT) is the director of Gatchaman, being produced by Lynne Southerland.

I like Dini doing this, but I'm confused how they can get this movie out next year. I don't see it happening.

[William_C]

I'm excited and supportive :D I cant wait to see more

[tyler-durden]

wait this is Gatchaman, I 've always known it as G-force

[Reptile]

It's had a few names

[TheVileOne]

Here's the quick tutorial:

-Originally released in Japan as Gatchaman, Gatchaman II, and Gatchaman F.

-First shown to American audiences in the late '70's as Battle of The Planets.

-Re-introduced to American viewers in the '80's as G-Force.

-Re-packaged again as The Eagle Riders in the '90's in the US.

-A few years ago, ADV released the original Gatchaman series in it's uncut form, with a new English dub more faithful to the original Japanese.

[3dman27]

thank you thevileone

[Frank]

I I can't wait for this. I pray to got they don't use the stupid ass Battle of the Planets names (Tiny, Keyop, Princess)

[tyler-durden]

what names do they usually use?

[TheVileOne]

Well if it's Gatchman then they need to use the Gatchman names:

-Ken Washio - The Eagle

-Joe Asakura - The Condor

-Jun - The Swan

-Jinpei - The Swallow

-Ryu - The Owl

In BOTP they were: Mark, Jason, Princess, Keyop, and Tiny respectively. The names are different in G-Force and Eagle Riders as well.

The confusing thing is, Kevin Munroe says they want to do a dark, gritty PG-13 version of Gatchaman. Thing is, American fans didn't grow up watching that version. They were most likely watching BOTP or G-Force, which were sanitized and very different. The characters were Americanized as well.

Gatchaman is the original Japanese version of the show which is only just now being shown to American viewers in it's uncensored form for the first time.

The problem with Gatchaman is that they are this super hero team, but they are very ****ed up. **** didn't start with Mark Millar and The Ultimates with the super hero teams, it was already in Gatchaman. The Science Ninja Team in Gatchaman was a pretty messed up group. All the American versions omitted the big secret for the villain Berg Katze as well.

[3dman27]

what secret?

[tyler-durden]

thank thevileone for that information

[TheVileOne]

If you really want to know:

Berg Katze turned out to be a trans-gender human that switched from being a man into a woman periodically.

[tyler-durden]

that's gross

[TheVileOne]

Joss Whedon wishes he could come up with stuff that gross and awesome on his overrated shows :p .

[tyler-durden]

I have no comment

[TheVileOne]

And for starters, you guys should go to a store and pick up Gatchaman, the original Gatchaman on DVD.

Ankle-locks, cursing, death, and abusive dads.

[tyler-durden]

sounds fun

[ANTOINE X]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33008

News on the Gatchaman movie front. Do they really think they can get this movie released in a year if they are just now getting a writer?

New pictures from AICN as well:


http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/gm2.jpg

nice!

[3dman27]

sounds fun
i've seen the first 12 eps via anime on demand they are good

[Frank]

The three part 94 OVA is good too.

[TheVileOne]

I've never gotten the chance to see the 94 OVA. But I hear it doesn't have much of a story at all.

I wouldn't mind seeing Gatchaman with the more modern animation.

For this new movie, I hope the designs look more like a 3D update of the originals and not look like the human characters in TMNT which were butt ugly designs.

[bullets]

this should be good

[TheVileOne]

http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/825/825713/gatchaman-20071008031841337.jpg

New teaser image on IGN for the movie with the Godphoenix in the background.

[tyler-durden]

I hope the thundercats teaser stuff is going to be this good.

[TheVileOne]

I heard Jeff Matsuda is the character designer for the movie. If that's true I'm a little disappointed. Paul Dini needs to call Bruce Timm and tell him to trace over all of Matsuda's silliness.

I mean did any of you guys ever watch The Batman or Jackie Chan? Character designs were terrible. They aren't Gatchaman.

[3dman27]

agreed there

[tyler-durden]

they're okay, I kind of like the batman and jackie chaan adventures was enjoyable, maybe not for gatchaman but maybe for thundercats

[Frank]

I've never gotten the chance to see the 94 OVA. But I hear it doesn't have much of a story at all.

I wouldn't mind seeing Gatchaman with the more modern animation.

For this new movie, I hope the designs look more like a 3D update of the originals and not look like the human characters in TMNT which were butt ugly designs.
They take some plot elements from the tv show. The animation and fight scenes are great for 1994. I found a vid on youtube with some of it.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LVS4hv41yOc
Haven't heard that song in a while.

[TheVileOne]

They take some plot elements from the tv show. The animation and fight scenes are great for 1994. I found a vid on youtube with some of it.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LVS4hv41yOc
Haven't heard that song in a while.

Thanks for the link Frank, great video. And holy crap a re-mix of the original theme!

Once again, I say here and now. If the movie does NOT have a version of the original theme in it, it is OFFICIALLY DEAD to me.

Also, I think the design in animation in the '94 OVA looks AWESOME. I wish they would make a new series with this style, just with more plot and character development.

One other thing I want to note. The '94 OVA's Godphoenix plane has a similar outline to the one in the poster for the new CG animated movie.

[3dman27]

i thought the science ninja teams ship was called theGOSPHENOIX thats what i heard when i watched the show on anime on demand

[TheVileOne]

You mean GODPHOENIX right? Or did they say it with an S?

[Frank]

Thanks for the link Frank, great video. And holy crap a re-mix of the original theme!

Once again, I say here and now. If the movie does NOT have a version of the original theme in it, it is OFFICIALLY DEAD to me.

Also, I think the design in animation in the '94 OVA looks AWESOME. I wish they would make a new series with this style, just with more plot and character development.

One other thing I want to note. The '94 OVA's Godphoenix plane has a similar outline to the one in the poster for the new CG animated movie.

I wouldn't be suprised if they borrowed stuff from the '94 OVA. They added chin pieces to the helmets for the movie just like in the OVA.

[TheVileOne]

Speaking of which, know anyone who sells the OVA's?

[3dman27]

You mean GODPHOENIX right? Or did they say it with an S?

like i said it soUnded MORElike GOSPHEONIX than GODPHEONIX to me

[TheVileOne]

I think Munroe not writing this movie is a good thing. And I hope Dini can come up with a better plot than the video game-lite stuff we got in TMNT.

TMNT wasn't a bad movie, but it definitely could've used some script polishing, and expanding the stronger ideas. The Ralph/Leo rivalry really worked the best.

The movie could push the Ken/Joe rivalry quite well. Since Joe is basically the rebellious hotshot. And Ken is the type to get physical if his comrades don't listen to his leadership.

The other thing is that Galactor's threats would you know KILL people, in terrible ways.

[Frank]

Speaking of which, know anyone who sells the OVA's?

Not off the top of my head. I got mine almost 10 years ago from a store here in philly that sold anime bootlegs on VHS lol.

[TheVileOne]

The OVA's were released and even dubbed in the US by Urban Vision (Vampire Hunter D, Ninja Scroll). Can't find them anywhere though.

[TheVileOne]

IESB talks with director Kevin Munroe:

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&%20task=view&%20id=3351&Itemid=99

Imagi Animation has released the first posters for their two next big animated projects, Gatchaman and Astroboy. Plus, Gatchaman director Kevin Munroe talks about the film.

Gatchaman and Astroboy are coming in 2009 from Imagi Animation. Gatchaman director Kevin Munroe recently talked about the making of the film.

He says about the challenges he has faced making this film, “The challenge is really just making an entertaining movie first. That doesn’t mean forgetting the property’s roots, but you have to make sure the film works and can stand on its own. And we’re not just making Gatchaman for contemporary youth, but also a broad audience, the same audience that enjoyed The Matrix and Batman Begins. Gatchaman’s characters are relevant because they are real, and don’t depend on a “timely” adaptation. Themes such as teen angst, family and faith transcend generations, and that’s what we’re looking at with Gatchaman.”

Story-wise, Munroe says, “We’re doing an original story of Gatchaman and Galactor’s first invasion of Earth. Adding a mythology to why they are, where the conflict of Katse and Galactor came from, and explaining Gatchaman’s super powers.”

OK well he did use the Japanese name from Gatchaman for Berg Katse, the main leader for Galactor and Sosai X. Just FYI, in Battle of The Planets he was called Zoltar, and in G-Force he was called Gallactor.

Also I don't get Munroe saying they are adding all that, because as far as I know everything he is talking about was revealed in the series.

Also, typically CG animated films that are marketed as more adult, darker, or more mature in the way he is suggesting don't really have a good track record or are very successful. Look at Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, which granted was a piece of crap and shared no familiarity with the much loved property.

There's Advent Children which was a ton of fun and was a true sequel to FF7. HOWEVER, had this movie been given a wide release in the US do you guys really think it would've made a ton of money?

Basically my prediction for this movie is that it would make even less than TMNT did in the US, which was about $55 million.

They are apparently set on making this movie Gatchaman, not G-Force, Battle of The Planets, and Eagle Riders. Gatchaman is the best and original version, but the popularity and nostalgia for this show is for the American versions. The fanbase is very segmented basically, and I think it will be more of a detriment to the movie than a benefit.

Warner Bros./Weinstein Co. to distribute Gatchaman feature:

Warner Bros. and the Weinstein Company to distribute Imagi Gatchaman movie

From a new press release from the Imagi Web site:

IMAGI ANIMATION STUDIOS ENTERS INTO GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
WITH WARNER BROS. PICTURES AND THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

Hong Kong (September 27, 2007) – Warner Bros. Pictures, The Weinstein Company and Imagi Animation Studios agreed upon principal terms for the worldwide distribution of the feature films Gatchaman and AstroBoy. The announcement was jointly made by Jeff Robinov, President, Production, Warner Bros. Pictures; Harvey Weinstein of The Weinstein Company; Imagi Co-CEOs Douglas Glen and Francis Kao; and brokered by The William Morris Agency.

The new pact builds on the success of TMNT, Imagi's first theatrical motion picture, also distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and The Weinstein Company. TMNT opened in March 2007 at the top of the U.S. box office.

"Imagi is breaking new ground with big action pictures done entirely in CG animation," said Robinov. "It's an exciting new genre, with the potential of attracting big mass market audiences."

"TMNT had the kind of beautifully choreographed action sequences you'd expect from Hong Kong animators," said Weinstein. "The next two films will confirm Imagi's reputation as the world's leading action hero animation studio."

"We are delighted to be allied with the marketing and distribution power of Warner Bros. Pictures and The Weinstein Company," said Glen. Added Kao, "We're making Hollywood-style movies with Hong Kong-style excitement and stories that are fusions of Western and Asian themes."

I didn't know TMNT was that successful. And while I liked TMNT, I only thought 1 or 2 action sequences in it were pretty good. I would hope in Gatchaman they will be better.

[3dman27]

i thought galactor was an orgaiazation like HYDRA not an individual

[TheVileOne]

Yup that's true. However in G-Force they named Berg Katze Gallactor in the G-Force version:

http://www.chronicsite.com/gatchaman/characters.html

The main Gatchaman villains and their names in all the series versions.

I like the idea that the all powerful villain, Sosai X is basically super-intelligent but acts like a child.

[xisaacx]

ugh i love the series, and the comic and got all the toys, i hope they dont ruin this **** .i mean its awesome they are making all these movies, but i dont want some people who just wanna jump on the bandwagon jocking something im a big fan of.

[TheVileOne]

Well you are a fan of Battle of the Planets not Gatchaman, which is different. They are doing Gatchaman, which is the original Japanese version of the series, not what became the comics and toys.

Also, Munroe said in the interview that the Gatchaman kids have super powers. I wanted to note that in the versions they NEVER had super powers. They were just extremely competent, well trained, and BA teens. Whatever powers or supernatural abilities they had came from their bird style suits.

Is Munroe hinting though in this version that Joe, Ken, Jun, Junpei, and Ryu will now have super powers though?

[Hypestyle]

hmm.. we'll see how it turns out.. I'm looking forward to it, though a part of me wants to see the BOTP version..

[TheVileOne]

You want 7 Lark 7?

[3dman27]

Well you are a fan of Battle of the Planets not Gatchaman, which is different. They are doing Gatchaman, which is the original Japanese version of the series, not what became the comics and toys.

Also, Munroe said in the interview that the Gatchaman kids have super powers. I wanted to note that in the versions they NEVER had super powers. They were just extremely competent, well trained, and BA teens. Whatever powers or supernatural abilities they had came from their bird style suits.

Is Munroe hinting though in this version that Joe, Ken, Jun, Junpei, and Ryu will now have super powers though?

maybe he meant the suits give them thir powers through nanotechnology

[TheVileOne]

I guess, his answer was a little vague. My first impression was that the kids have some sort of super powers without their suits now.

I always just liked the idea of the kids just being really talented, skilled, well-trained, even without the suits.

There are a lot of missions where they are separated or by themselves and they have to make due without their suits and they have little protection.

[kane9321]

I watched it when i was a kid..didnt like it that much though

[Glaken]

As someone who loved BOTP as a kid, I was sorely disappointed when I watched the same episodes as an adult UNTIL I watched the Gatchaman episodes directly translated. I fell in love again all over. It's so funny to see the differences in how watered down the American version was. I've got the DVD with the OVA on it too and it's great. I found it at Sam Goody's or FYE a couple of years ago. I'm stoked about this movie and can't wait to see more stuff from it. I just hope they have some GOOD action figures to support it too. The ones that came out a few years ago by Diamond were nice but I haven't been able to find the 2nd series and get Joe & Ryu (Jason & Tiny). I'd love to see them do it in a 3 3/4" scale with vehicles too. One problem being a Gatchaman fan in the US is that there is such a sparse availability of fan items and they are all import and VERY expensive. I hope they'll do it right.

Anyway, don't talk down BOTP too much, sure it's lame now, but it's kind of a bait & switch, see it as a kid and have fond memories, track down the real thing as an adult and appreciate it even more. I can't wait to see this version though.

Next up from my childhood... SPACE GIANTS!!!!!!

(I don't think there's any way to make that cool now)

[Red Mask]

maybe he meant the suits give them thir powers through nanotechnology

It was a combination of high-tech weapons and ninjitsu.

[TheVileOne]

As someone who loved BOTP as a kid, I was sorely disappointed when I watched the same episodes as an adult UNTIL I watched the Gatchaman episodes directly translated. I fell in love again all over. It's so funny to see the differences in how watered down the American version was. I've got the DVD with the OVA on it too and it's great. I found it at Sam Goody's or FYE a couple of years ago. I'm stoked about this movie and can't wait to see more stuff from it. I just hope they have some GOOD action figures to support it too. The ones that came out a few years ago by Diamond were nice but I haven't been able to find the 2nd series and get Joe & Ryu (Jason & Tiny). I'd love to see them do it in a 3 3/4" scale with vehicles too. One problem being a Gatchaman fan in the US is that there is such a sparse availability of fan items and they are all import and VERY expensive. I hope they'll do it right.

I totally agree with this. Seeing the original version uncut, plus the new dub by ADV was amazing. And the problem is most people in the US don't know this version.

I remember the Diamond figures as well, but those were for BOTP and made around the same time as Alex Ross did the modern comics.

Hot Toys, this company: www.gleassociates.com/employment.html has the license to produce toys and action figures for this movie, but I think they are 1/6 scale collectibles and not for the mass market. Hopefully someone like Mattel, Hasbro, or Marvel Toys will get the mass market license for Gatchaman.

Anyway, don't talk down BOTP too much, sure it's lame now, but it's kind of a bait & switch, see it as a kid and have fond memories, track down the real thing as an adult and appreciate it even more. I can't wait to see this version though.

I know. BOTP was revolutionary in making anime popular and accessibly in the US. And without BOTP we wouldn't be seeing the original Gatchaman versions we have now. So I'm thankful for that. And I'm happy that this new movie is going to be in the style of the original Gatchaman.

The problem is very few people in the US actually know Gatchaman, and darker PG-13 style animated movies and CG animated movies don't have a good track record of success.