Years ago the animation studio Imagi, which created the last TMNT film, was working on a couple different project based on classic Japanese sci-fi and television. One was Gatchaman, which would have been a CG-animated update of the Japanese anime show about five "science ninjas" who wear bird-themed costumes and end up fighting to protect…
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The first wave of films for Fantastic Fest 2013 was good. The second wave looked great. And now the third one proves why this little film festival in Austin is truly one of the best in the country. Escape From Tomorrow (above), The Zero Theorem, Metallica Through The Never, All the Boys Love Mandy Lane,…
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In the not-so-grand tradition of Dragonball and Speed Racer, another Japanese animated series is getting a live-action film adaptation. The first trailer for the live-action film version of Gatchaman, also known as Battle of the Planets, has just been released. From director Toya Sato (Grave of the Fireflies) the film follows "five special agents of the International Science Organization…
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Reports of the death of Imagi Studios may have been exaggerated. Last time we looked at the studio's CGI animated updating of Gatchaman, it seemed like it might be our last look, as the studio was facing financial difficulties and shutdown. But Imagi's doors are open again and work proceeds on Gatchaman. Now there's a…
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Of all the animation properties from the '70s and '80s that have been targeted for remakes and updated feature versions, the only one for which I feel the least bit of nostalgia is Gatchaman. It was seen in the US in heavily edited and reworked form as Battle of the Planets, which was designed to…
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Last week Imagi brought us a batch of concept art for their upcoming computer animated big screen adaptation of Gatchaman. These new photos give us a better look at some of the characters. I love the subdued lighting. I really think Imagi could be making something really incredible with this one. Click on the images…
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Felix Ip, creative director of Imagi, has released a new logo and a few new concept art for Imagi's computer animated big screen adaptation of Gatchaman. TMNT director Kevin Munroe was originally attached to write and helm the project, however, he left the project to take on Dylan Dog. Scripted by Paul Dini (Lost, Batman:…
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We haven't yet received clarification regarding the apparent removal of Brandon Routh's vampire role in The Informers, but Bloody Disgusting reports that the Superman Returns actor is a lock for the lead role in an adaptation of the supernatural comic book Dylan Dog. Director Kevin Munroe, who helmed the rather abysmal TMNT for Imagi, has…
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