Search - Japanimation :: Symphonic Suite Gatchaman

Unfamiliar Themes

J. L. Braswell | Cullman, Alabama United States | 01/29/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This import "CD single" from Japan will most likely disappoint any Gatchaman fan that is looking for something even vaguely similar to the catchy themes found in the 1972-74 anime series. While not widely known, this is actually the soundtrack for the re-release of Gatchaman as a feature film a few years after the series, in 1978 to be precise. The film was simply an edit of the original 105 episode series in which its main purpose was to promote the coming release of the sequel series, Gatchaman II. It took several of the key plot elements and combined them into something that flowed as one cohesive story. The decision was made by Tatsunoko Studios to add a new orchestral score that was thought to better serve a theatrical release. It's an attempt to make the story more epic, though the results are mixed at best.



This release is more of an interest to Gatchaman completists than to anyone else, for it really is a new direction in theme that bears little to no resemblance to what is widely associated with the franchise. In fact, only one track midway through the CD even bothers to touch on the catchy original Gatchaman theme. The rest is completely new material, with several tracks sporting a definite disco influence. The music works better in relation to the film itself than it does while being listened to separately. There is really nothing memorable to speak of at all, relegating the release to one that will occupy space on my shelf and not be listened to again.



The CD contains approximately 30 minutes of music, a bit more than one would expect from a "single". The insert contains no relevant information to the series or the movie, instead only giving us the 10 title tracks. The only picture is the one on the cover of the album, so don't be expecting anything more than what the product listing above shows you.



If you are interested in owning all things Gatchaman, then definitely pick up this CD. After all, it is directly related to the franchise via the film version. Other than that, if you are looking for the wonderful themes associated with the series, search the internet for the Battle of the Planets soundtrack, for which disc 2 of the set contains the tracks composed by Bob Sakuma for the original Gatchaman, as it is sure to satisfy.

"

Odd import cd, but an enjoyable listen

Davey Williams | los angeles, ca USA | 01/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a longtime fan of the 1970's animated television show, 'Gatchaman' (sometimes also referred to as 'G-Force' or 'Battle of the Planets'), I had to pick up this cd to see what it was all about.



For those who recall 'Gatchaman' in its original Japanese incarnation, you'll know that it had a great soundtrack, particularly for a television show in the 1970's. Sadly, there seems to be no copy of the original show's soundtrack in its original form, which would be great to have. Instead, fans can opt for the 'Battle of the Planets' soundtrack, which featured reworked music for the American version of the show, or this symphonic arrangement. The 'Battle of the Planets' cd is a little disco-y for me, and since they didn't use the original themes that make the show so great, it's also a little disappointing.



Unfortunately, this symphonic cd is not all that great a substitute for a true soundtrack either. What you have here is a symphonic arrangement organized in a series of movements that is loosely based on the original Gatchaman music played by the NHK Symphonic Orchestra. It's an interesting piece, and for fans of classical music it is probably a nice listen, but probably not recommended for those looking for the true Gatchaman sound. In fact, only one track of the cd, 'Song of Gatchaman' is even remotely recognizable as something from the show. The other pieces are so highly arranged that, while an ok piece of classical music, don't seem all that relatable to Gatchaman.



Fortunately, over the past couple of years, Gatchaman hass become available on dvd in its original form, so perhaps at some point we'll see the 1995 soundtrack, long out of print, hit the shelves again."