Product: Gatchaman 1: Dragon King [VHS] (1997)
Rating: 5.0
Excellent Remake
If you remember Battle of the Planets or G-Force (or Eagle Riders) then this is a must-have. All three of those cartoons were American versions of the 1972 Japanese series Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman (Science Ninja Team Gatchaman). The original producers remade the 1972 series in 1994, updating it for a more modern audience. Characterization suffers a bit because of the way the 105-episode series is condensed into three 40-minute episodes, but the production was otherwise excellent.The updated machine designs are incredible, the team is outfitted with new and sometimes bizarre weapons, and their flying/fighting scenes are astonishing. The animation is breathtaking. My only complaint was that there were only three episodes.This is the only commercially available piece of Gatchaman/G-Force merchandise in the United States. I've watched my copy several times and shared it with several of my friends.