Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199

Note: This is a remake of the classic Battle Ship Yamato by Leiji Matsumoto which is one of the most revolutionary anime. Space Operas are very rare now a days in the anime industry. Just as the quality of mecha anime and it's audience has been downgrading and declining in favor of slice-of-life, ecchi and harem genres, space operas were always being overlooked at. After almost at least 40 years, one of the space opera classic during the 70's was given a chance to have a remake in order to introduce the series and gain a wider audience in today's anime community. But does the showitself succeed? Let's check it out: Story/Characters: Just as the title implies, the show is set during year 2199 and the once blue, green and thriving with life planet earth has been reduced to a radioactive wasteland because of the Garmillas aliens which forced the remaining population to hide underground. However, a friendly alien race from the planet Iscandar contacts the human race and gives them blue prints to build a powerful space battleship capable of retrieving a device to clean planet earth before humanity disappears. As they resurrect the long sunken ship yamato, they then applies the alien technology that they got from a messenger that came from Iscandar, transforming it into one of the most epic and greatest ship that will venture through the sea of stars to save their home planet. Enter Space Battle Ship Yamato. Now i know most of you will think that the premise is pretty similar to Macross but the latter was aired during the 80's specifically after the success of an another behemoth called Gundam while the original Yamato was aired during the 70's. So therefore Yamato was the one who influence Macross. As i already said from the synopsis, this is a light years journey to Iscandar from planet earth and it will take a year in order to get through Iscandar and they also must retrieve the device in immediately before planet earth is forever doomed. As such we will encounter many kinds of phenomenon and typical issues from this long journeys such as trust issues, food shortage and of course battling their enemies, the Garmillans as they opposed the ship to reach Iscandar. Tactics to fend off enemies were heavily used and while the tactics many not be that good as LoGH, it still managed to give the feeling of unpredictability of the battles, plausibility of the tactics that were used and you will always be in the edge of your seat with the epic space batles that were occurring in your screen and backing it by great animation and intense old school soundtrack. The series also dealt with mature themes such as racism, genocide and politics. There is also fanservice in this series. Oh, i didn't mention that? But don't worry the fanservice in this series is not like in your ecchi show where it's distracting. The fanservice actually have some subtility. For the most part. The characters were no slouch either. They were interesting and likable for the most part and the character interactions were well-written and probably the main forte of the characterization of the show. The way the Yamato crew interact is just fun to watch. Oh sure there are some characters like our main protagonist, Susumu Kodai who sometimes acts like an angsty teen and some characters do too but they don't exaggerate to the point that it become annoying. They still act accordingly to the situation and maturely to many situations. Many of the stuff that happens throughout their journey have challenged the Yamato's crew beliefs about the war and this anime is also not entirely black and white where humans are automatically good, and the garmillians are automatically bad. There are both good and bad people from each side and some good and bad decisions and deeds that both the Humans and Garmillians have made. Okay, maybe i'm saying the obvious but it's still worth pointing that out. The female cast are also strong individuals for the most part so don't worry about some very useless ass female characters that you mostly see. Overall, the story is great and the characters were interesting, likable and fun to watch to. If there are criticisms that i would give is that there are some more potential that the series overlooked. With a good world building that the show created, that show could have last in more than just 26 episodes and that is why some scenes in the series felt rushed, some characters are really lacking for being fleshed out and development, and there are some very questionable decisions during the end BUT it didn't really detract for my own personal enjoyment. The original Yamato is also only 26 episodes and most people would rage quit to a series which is over 30+ episodes anyway so 26 episodes is still fine as it's still be able to tell a great story in a series which the scale and world building is pretty big. Animation: The studios that brought to us the animation are studio Xebec and AIC. The animation, the crisp of the characters and design, heck even the CGI are just fucking stunning and beautiful. Although some might say differ about the CGI but i didn't really find any problem with it as it really works perfectly to the scenery of the series and the CGI only made the battles more epic and engaging. The director is Yutaka Izubuchi who is known for directing and creating RahXephon. He was also responsible for the character designs of Gundam Wing. Hideaki Anno worked on the story board. If you didn't know who he is then you're probably living in a cave. Akihiro Enomoto whom have worked as the key animator in Char's counterattack also worked on this anime. Anybody here whom have watched Char's counterattack knows that the battles there were simply one of the best mecha battle and the animation was just absolutely gorgeous. Akihiro also brought his forte into this series as the key animator in most episodes so therefore the battle scenes, as i mentioned before, were engaging, terrific and epic like Char's counterattack. It feels like real space ships are really battling it out. As most of the budget were used in the CGI and the battles, the character movements felt really poor in many episodes but you know what? Most of the episodes they spend were sitting in the ship anyway. Just trying to point that out. Sound: Catchy and old school. Seriously, the opening song and the first ending song were retro songs during anime of 70's but it really fits perfectly well during the series(There are several different versions of the opening. The first opening is the classic version while the other version is still the same only much more modernized). I really appreciate how they decided to bring a retro song as an opening to a modern remake now it's stuck to my head and i can't stop humming it whenever i'm taking a shit or taking a shower. The OSTs that was used were also very catchy and old school but still felt intense during the battle scenes. The voice acting is also very well done. Ono Daisuke as the voice of Susumu Kodai who also voiced Sebastian from Black Butler, Kuwashima Houko as the main heroine, Mori Yuki who also voiced Tomoyo Sakagami(Clannad) and Clare(Claymore), Yamadera Kouchi as the main antagonist, Lord Desler who also voiced Spike Spiegel from Cowboy bebop, Otsuka Houchuu as Shiro Sanda who also voiced Jiraiya from Naruto and other famous VA's. Aside from the the opening songs, the OST's while catchy doesn't really warrant to be listen on it's own which kinda of a shame. Enjoyment: After watching LoGH and this, i am now craving for more space operas. This anime has many things that i could hope for. Engaging story, fun and interesting characters, beautiful ladies, epic and compelling space battles with great animation and a satisfying ending. It's really a shame that despite being a remake of a classic with great animation, anime like these is still being overlooked at the anime community today. Hopefully in the future, more anime fans would be able to watch this series and this is one of the primary reasons why i'm doing this review right now. Whether you think this anime is great or not is still up to you of course but if you find this review helpful(which i doubt) and decided to watch the anime and think the anime is good, then please do recommend this to your friends. Then maybe there is hope for more space operas in the anime industry and for this sub-genre to completely not die in the anime realm. Well, it really won't because of LoGH(Although there is also only a handful of people who have watched this) but you get my point anyway. Verdict Story: 9/10 - Epic and engaging journey to save planet earth. Characters: 8/10 - A great cast and fun characters to watch to. Character development is there but lacking a bit due to the length of the show but characterization is solid. Animation: 9/10 - It's Fluid in the battles and the CGI is good. Sound: 8/10 - Nostalgic old school music and soundtrack. Enjoyment: 10/10 - Never failed to entertain me and didn't make me bored while marathoning the whole thing. Final Verdict: 9/10 - Amazing anime and a great space opera.

To be called “The Star Wars of Japan” you must be doing something oh so right. “Space Battleship Yamato (1974- 1975) was labeled as such. It’s a show so imbedded in popular culture that I had even heard of it. This was long before even watching my very first anime (To me known as “Star Blazers” for US). It was truly the show of an age. Now fast forward to April, 7th, 2012, an OVA remake of the beloved classic begins its air time. The final question of fans was. Will it live up to the original? Or disappoint usas much as the 2010 live action movie? Fans were treading carefully, hoping with all their hearts for a good adaptation (unlike many other shows of late). They looked for a great modern re- vamp; both in the visual and sound departments….. and that my friends is just what we got. The premise of “Space Battleship Yamato 2199” is a simple one.” An interstellar war against a mysterious Alien race known as “Gamilians” (who btw toooottaaallly aren’t alluding to Romans) has Humanity near extinction and the earth nearly uninhabitable in the course of 8 years. Humanity has given a valiant effort, but is not on par with their enemy. Who by the way has shielding technology and interstellar flight. But, there is hope, another alien race known as Iscanderians (the totally not alluding to Greeks people) give them the power to arm one ship with their ultra advanced technology. They must now seek out Iscander and gain a device know as the cosmos reverse system to save the Earth. This mission is then dubbed “The Yamato Project” and our noble crew heads out. The Majority of the show is the crew of the aforementioned super ship “Yamato” heading out to Iscander, while encountering harsh resistance by their Gamilian foes. The show does develop as it goes on. There are a few twists and we get to learn all the races motives and reasons. Still it’s not a very complicated show; which in a way is where its charm lies. It’s very much akin to well “Star Wars”. It’s an enjoyable show with very stereotypical, but well developed characters. Its key level of enjoyment comes from the premise. The one ship vs the galaxy, and wits win the battles. It feels during these times much like an episode of “Star Trek”. There are great moments of tactical fun in almost every battle. They usually survive by using some tactical hat trick. It’s the quick thinking, and patch work of the crew that make this show truly a gem. Its great scale, its fun battles, its tense moments make for an overall fun and well written plot that eventually ends in satisfaction; it’s just a treat to enjoy. (9/10) The animation was handled by “Xebec” studios, which is a sub division of production I.G. I really cannot say anything bad about the animation. It just seems neigh perfect. Great effort was put into recreating the feel of the show. It did not use the original style, but went for a modern approach. It used CGI for ship battles, and normal safe, but detailed animation for everything else. All is just great. The CGI is some of the best I’ve seen in anime (though not U.S Tier CGI, cus America loves the stuff). It provides some AMMMMAZZZZZINNNG space battles. The animation is well done and details from the original show are kept correct. Not really many flaws in sight (that is unless you don’t like CGI) (9/10) Music was Handled by Miyagawa, Akira, who’s probably most well know work is… Kirby Right Back at Ya. What I will say he brought in the right people for the job (as the compositions were handled by various artists). The openings were both well done. The first is a rescored/ revamped version of the original. The 2nd a modern original Op made by “UVER world” dubbed, “Fight for Liberty”. Both the ending themes were also done well, and both present a classic and gentle tune to the show. The Osts though truly shine. Every Ost fits the moment, from sad, to happy and just plain epic. One of my personal favorites of the Ost’s in the show is the main theme. The main theme is a sea shanty rehash of the 1st opening that sets the tone for most of the battles. It’s simply called “Space Battleship Yamato 2199” (srlsy I want to take on the Garmilian armada right now…. Come at me bro). The other end we have the “Garmilian National anthem” it perfectly fits the nation and its proud people. It’s epic and proud; it creates some of the greatest moments in the show. Such as when you seen their fleet rise up and this anthem plays …. simply wonderful. What the show does lack in sound is the variance. The Osts pretty much are the same group played over and over again. They are no doubt excellent, but after 26 episodes it can try one’s patience. The Osts in Space Battle ship Yamato are simply great when they need to be. Yet, they are used over and over. All in all it does install a feeling of “retroness” that few can match with its sound track. Thus sound gets a (8/10). With a great ship, you need a great crew. That is what the crew of the Yamato delivers in full. They are really are just archetypes, the main character with loss, his best friends, the staunch captain, and the super logical science officer. Yet, somehow these characters remain somewhat interesting; this is due to the excellent development. Each is stereotypical, but each learns, gains, and looses throughout the show. It’s the crew with there well written interactions goes about the marry task of 1 VS all. With great heroes you got to have some great villain’s, right? Yes, and in many ways the villains outshine the heroes in both motivation, and in charisma. They are in my opinion much akin to Kligons (though much better dressed). The Garmilians also get their development; they are humanized, but not enough that you root for them instead. They have families, and reasons to try to keep the peace within their empire. It adds some very interesting clashes in ideals between the apposing races. The characters in Yamato each get their time and development. The reasons for their actions are clear to the viewer; though their characters are extremely stereotypical. This in its own way adds to the retro vibe that Yamato installs, but also somewhat hurts it (but hey they are the originals)….. (8/10) “Space battleship Yamato 2199” is truly a treat. Its simply fun, and installs a sense of “retro” upon you. It uses well developed archetypes, fun and interesting plot twists, and great art /sound, to create an excellent remake of a timely classic. Very few shows recently have matched Yamato in overall enjoyment and quality. Yamato, is no perfect show, but is damn well better than most things right now. It is an anime not to be missed for both its fun and charm. Raptor-(9/10)

Considering the very high rating, I'm a bit disappointed. Sad to say, because it certainly had potential to be better. Characters are not very good. It's debateable whether this is sci-fi or not. If it is, then it's ultra-soft sci-fi, seems more like fantasy in space to me. Several underdeveloped and unresolved side-plots, even a few plot holes. In 26 episodes, It's amazing how little character development they've managed to fit into such a simple story, considering other shows with way more complex stories does considerable more in half as many episodes. I think this show would be better off if it had spent more time on the characters aboardthe Yamato and elaborated on the main plot. Instead it attempts to build an intergalactic universe it ends up not knowing what to do with. The visuals and music, however, that's what this show has going for it. The space battles are as pleasing and spectacular as fireworks on New Year's Eve. Also, it was cool watching an old WWII ship in space.

If you are fan of the original 1974 series then you'll be blown away by the improvements of the story quality and the characters in this reboot. As a space opera, its no surprise that the series is filled with an abundance of gorgeous scores, that both include themes from the original series, and new ones that only further enhance the experience. Now I know the word 'reboot" can make people a bit nervous. Often times we worry that it could never live up to the original. I mean, why fix what isn't necessarily broken right? But there's no need to worry here. Thistakes the classic story and brings it to a new audience while also creating a experience that feels new for those who think they already know the story. With improvements to the story and characters you can of course expect the visuals to be improved as well. The production value of the series was extremally high and it shows. The animation is clean and the backgrounds are stunning to look at, weather it be the complex ship interiors or the vast star systems the anime takes you through. While the 74 series was good, one cannot deny that the animation is quite dated. This series does a fantastic job of making the visuals something you won't soon forget. The series is 26 episodes, so not a very long anime by any means, but story takes place over year and by the end you really feel like you went on a voyage across the galaxy with these characters, even if you manage to binge watch it in one day. Anyone who loves sci fi adventure anime with some romantic sub plots will have a fantastic time with this series. There's no need to have even heard of the original to enjoy this series. it is more then capable of standing on its on, and in my opinion, stands even taller then the original.