Macross 25th Anniversary TV Special thread *READ THE 1ST POST*

[Elektrix]

I get the feeling that Ranka is meant to be the singing star of this show. I think Sheryl is some sort of catalyst, or a beacon. Whatever she is, I don't think you'll be seeing her flying out at the Space Monsters with speaks on a Valkyrie.

Makes sense actually. I do get more of a Minmei/Mylene vibe from Ranka, while I get a Sharon Apple vibe from Sheryl (granted, this is more just because so much of how she is presented in episode 1 is reminiscent of Sharon Apple; the door opening to the photographers and the way she looks out at them seemed straight out of the Macross Plus scene where Sharon Apple arrives, the Sharon Apple-esque aspects of her performance, etc.).

Edited December 25, 2007 by Elektrix

[Sergorn]

I get the feeling that Ranka is meant to be the singing star of this show. I think Sheryl is some sort of catalyst, or a beacon. Whatever she is, I don't think you'll be seeing her flying out at the Space Monsters with speaks on a Valkyrie.

Yeah wasn't the whole casting earlier this year for the new series' Idol was for the Ranka Lee character ? I assume her character will follow a similar arc than Minmay. Two major idols in Macross will be a first though (well yeah Macross 7 had Mylene and Basara but it was a band so that doesn't count)

-Sergorn

[Valkyrie addict]

I know some of the markings on the big red monster have been mentioned to remind of the marking in Macross Zero, I too noticed it and decided to check Macross Zero and the resemblance is uncanny, more hinting to a Zero link than ever...

here are a few shots from Zero

FLOATING ROCKS

GLOWING ROCK

STATIC ROCK

AFOS

BIG RED MONSTER

FANSERVICE - FLOATING ROCK

SIMILAR TO THE ONE ON THE ARM

interesting, huh? hope you enjoy

By the way, it's 2059!!!!!!! why is there an 80's style Toyota in the Macross 25 city?? hehehe, vintage FTW!! or easter egg?? haha!

[Roy Focker]

You guys spend too much time noticing things.

The episode is okay I guess. Character designs still on the sucky side. I still hate that fadded dull colors of modern anime look. Story doesn't seem all that original. Series just like a big tribute to DYRL and Macross 7.

[wolfx]

You got a problem with what I watch and I do?

Make me feel stupid.

Yeah, you can probably guess that they might mimic the minmay falling down scene in the next episode.

Done....but this time it looked like she was being sucked out of the colony's atmosphere into deepspace or something from the next episode preview.

I'm just curious why they didn't use the cover shield of the colony earlier when the attack first began.

I didn't think anything happened in 1995, can you be more specific?

Edit: Extra quote.

Probably didn't wanna cause a panic to the public.....or something.

[Elektrix]

You guys spend too much time noticing things.

The episode is okay I guess. Character designs still on the sucky side. I still hate that fadded dull colors of modern anime look. Story doesn't seem all that original. Series just like a big tribute to DYRL and Macross 7.

I think it is WAY too early to tell how original the story is or not; just because the first episode comes across largely as as a tribute to DYRL and Macross 7 doesn't mean anything beyond that this series is very closely linked to both.

But I don't see how you could tell how original the entire Macross F story is from one episode or not. I don't see anything to indicate this is like the countless Gundam retreads, for example, where it is just the same story re-told.

-Elektrix

[Mr March]

Well, after a good sleep, the first episode of the new Macross Frontier series is still leaving a great after taste. That's always a good sign. Sometimes when one is so excited about a new anime, it's easy to forgive the faults and form a 5-seconds-after-watching reaction screaming "I love this show!" like you just fell in love But I'm really happy with this new series so far (damn, if THIS level of animation can be called a television series) and really eager to see where it goes.

I admit, I was quite skeptical about the bio-mechanoid alien enemy in Macross Frontier, but after seeing the first episode, I can't say I have too many reservations. The design of the big red enemy mecha is great and quite menacing. It also merges beautifully into a show like Macross, whereas prior to this episode I was concerned about the jarring effect of space monsters in my beloved Macross franchise (the last time it was attempted, it didn't go well for the franchise). I like the big energy cannon on the red mech and it's awkward way of walking. Quite cool.

The characters are interesting, if a little prototypical at first. Alto reminds me a lot of Hikaru; sure of himself, a good pilot and more than a little angry. Allusions to Roy Focker when considering the character of Ozuma are only natural, but just so, I'm not sensing much of a similar characterization as yet. Perhaps time will bring it out more or less. I really like the way Sheryl Nome is played so far; quite confident, somewhat arrogant and very together/professional. It's great to see a super star that acts like one for a change. We have enough bratty Britney's in real life and don't need more in Macross. Ranka, well, she's more fan service for the creepy loli crowd of anime. Not much to say, although she certainly seems pleasant enough and it's easy to get taken away by sweet, happy and cute characters. I'll give her this; Ranka is not nearly as annoying as Minmay or Mylene. She's much more likable, like Mao.

Considering the mecha of Macross, they are back...and with a vengeance! The designs are fantastic, the action is swift without being overbearing like Macross Zero and the CG work merges far better with the 2D drawn animation than I could have ever hoped. Much like Zinjiffy has stated:

The 3D animation is akin to Mac Zero, but dialed back a bit to mesh much better with the 2D animation.

Necessity is the mother of better CG

The armored VF-25 is brilliant and the transformation of the new Valkyrie is perfectly smooth. It may be one of my favorite transformation systems ever. The VF-171 (great designation) is just awesome. My only complaint, as others have mentioned prior, is a lament for the obvious "cannon fodder" role the VF-171 must play. I just pray that this new fighter will be given some time to shine, like the VF-1 in the original series. Oh, and as CrhisG has stated, that Radome equipped VF-171 just flat out rocks!

On the topic of CG work, I have to say there is a much improved competence and confidence in the visuals, something that was only acheived with Macross Zero in the last episode of the series. The scene compositions and the look of the CG work is amazing. There's more sense of weight and newtonian motion in both the aircraft/mecha and the large space ships. Some effects come across as generic (I share DT's opinion on that bland new space fold portal) but others like lighting and gun effects are almost retro in their style and visual appeal. The gun rounds flying toward their targets are simply amazing and very SDF Macross

Well, that's about all I have time for now. I'm glad I got a break to come online and post some thoughts. A Merry Christmas to everyone and enjoy the holidays! I go now to spread Macross goodness online

[kensei]

I only disagree about Mao, I still think that she was annoying, but Ranka definitely is not.

Not only that, but the voice is sexay. Great choice of seiyuu.

[Beltane70]

By the way, it's 2059!!!!!!! why is there an 80's style Toyota in the Macross 25 city?? hehehe, vintage FTW!! or easter egg?? haha!

Actually, it looks like an early-90s Nissan Sentra/Sunny. I only say this because the back looks like the one my mother had!

[wolfx]

Btw i dun think anyone asked this before but what are those tentacly things Ozamu dodged while chasing the BRM? Tentacly space mines? Hmmm.

[kensei]

Looks like a different take on chaff, to impede the path of missiles. Dunno what would happen if a VF touched it though.

[lost password guy]

Can someone tell me where I can download the actual Macross 25th Anniversary TV Special?

I got the Macross F episode, AWESOME!

Oh yeah!

I actually am a regular here but I haven't been able to log in for some months because I couldn't reset my password.

I have narrowed it down to my ISP

[lost password guy]

Also, It's good to be back

[Sergorn]

Looks like Shinsen Subs has released a fansub of the first Episode (Though no HD version )

It should be much better than the Seyan one... they usually do good subs.

-Sergorn

[Black Valkyrie]

I think Luca is the next Kakizaki

[azrael]

Reminder

Please check the first post of this thread. It does contain links to sites where you can get the special airing of episode 1. It is continually updated as sources are added.

Please do not post any links to any episodes.

[lost password guy]

How about the actual Macross 25th Anniversary TV Special?

[azrael]

How about the actual Macross 25th Anniversary TV Special?

Haven't seen it. We may have to wait for the 28th for it to show up. People seemed more interested in the episode 1 special airing.

[Duke Togo]

The torrent for the special has been up on TT for 2 days, but it leads to a dead link when you try to download.

[polidread]

By the way, it's 2059!!!!!!! why is there an 80's style Toyota in the Macross 25 city?? hehehe, vintage FTW!! or easter egg?? haha!

well, looking at the entire environmental design - we can see some parts of the city as complete reproductions of Earths famous places. There's San Francisco's Cable Cars, hilly streets, and Golden Gate bridge

and Shibuya's 109 Building (or in this case "199 Building") and its large pedestrian crosswalks,

...

These are details that that we merely ignore while watching most anime, but his various designs are immersive and quite revealing of the humanity which he gives to the futurism in his stories.

looking at the environmental, architectural, and mecha designs in each of the series which he has handled (like Escaflowne and Arjuna) shows that he has a redesigned vision and version of the world

Kawamori actually has some sort of continuity in there: human civilization' s expansion towards the stars and the expansion of technological knowledge but nevertheless preservation of it's human and humane culture (reproductions of Earth's famous structures as a major example).

...

uh, where the heck did that come from? I dont know why there's a vintage car in there too !!! XD

Edited December 25, 2007 by polidread

[lost password guy]

What is TT? Not familiar with that torrent site.

I'm willing to give it a try, If I get it I'll seed for a week on my 10mb connection

[Gerli]

What is TT? Not familiar with that torrent site.

I'm willing to give it a try, If I get it I'll seed for a week on my 10mb connection

Tokyo Toshokan

[Duke Togo]

The Shinsen subs are much better. The names they use are a bit off from what we know, though, and there are a few spots I'm not sure they got it right. But its still head and shoulders about the first release.

[rick dieck]

isamu test pilot im in monterrey mexico, where did you see the first episode of macross frontier here in mexico, please tell me, ..........perdon olvide que podemos hablar en español

[SuperHobo]

Pretty good first episode. So far we get to see small little insights about each character, great music, nice pretty fluid animation, great mecha, and some nice homages. I have yet to see the subbed version from shinsen-subs( currently downloading), but really the story and plot is not the most important thing as this the 1st episode which is only to hint at plot and bring out the characters.

The animation: Nice! A lot of parts I didn't even know were CG until close inspection. I love how the CG and 2D animation blends. . However there are a few laps in character movement and drawing, so there's always room for improvement. If SK's group could keep up the animation level its currently at and exceed even better throughout the series we could really have a visual spectacle on our eyes if not already. PLEASE NO RE-USED GUNDAM OR SUPER ROBOT animation. I really hate how some animating companies use re used animation. SO PLEASE NON OF THAT IN FUTURE episodes! It was fine for the old shows, but not in modern anime of today its just too cheap and tacky.

Characters: Seem alright, not the greatest, but they work in just fine. Will Alto cut his hair and look more like a teenage boy? Lets hope so. I hope all of those jokes about his feminism will hint at some snip snip . Seriously though I love it how there making fun of overly feminine looking guys. Lets be serious MEN SHOULD LOOK LIKE MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD LOOK LIKE WOMEN! Simplistic idea? Answer: YES! But what really matters is each gender's body's should be proportionally and politically correct. Ranka Lee isn't annoying too me and seems very cute a likable character indeed. Thank god she isn't like Temma from School Rumble. Mikhail is funny and a bit of a bastard. XD

Overall: I enjoyed this 1st episode and I'm hungry for more! I don't know about you guys, but I like the new recoil sound when Alto was shooting that bug. Ahhhh that sound could slide me too sleep. Episode 2 here I come!

[azrael]

The torrent for the special has been up on TT for 2 days, but it leads to a dead link when you try to download.

From what I understand, it was the Episode 1 (director's cut) mislabeled as the TV special.

The bugs' missile decoys seem to bloom like plants.

[Zinjo]

Characters: Seem alright, not the greatest, but they work in just fine. Will Alto cut his hair and look more like a teenage boy? Lets hope so. I hope all of those jokes about his feminism will hint at some snip snip . Seriously though I love it how there making fun of overly feminine looking guys. Lets be serious MEN SHOULD LOOK LIKE MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD LOOK LIKE WOMEN! Simplistic idea? Answer: YES! But what really matters is each gender's body's should be proportionally and politically correct. Ranka Lee isn't annoying too me and seems very cute a likable character indeed. Thank god she isn't like Temma from School Rumble. Mikhail is funny and a bit of a bastard. XD

Ranka strikes me a the clumsy sweet hearted love interest to Alto when he falls for the Britney type pop idol... Micheal is a nice twist on the Max character who was always to humble and soft spoken.

I'm really curious as to the how the SMS fit into the defense structure of the fleet and how is it that they can order NUNS fighters around...

[Zinjo]

On behalf on the Mexican members of Macross World I'd like to congratulate you for your sharp analogy

No offense intended, it was late and I couldn't think of an african country without AA...

[Zinjo]

Zinjo and other have made mention of a time space event...I've been out of the Mac loop for a while, so I've been wondering what they're referring to.

Use the <Search> function at the top of the page and look for kresphy posts in from about August (I believe). It was described on a board with the Macross timeline at an anime convention in Japan earlier this year. One of the first official acknowledgements of the Macross 25th anniversary by BigWest.

You'll have to find it yourself, I've looked it up twice for others already and that's plenty...

[CF18]

Kawamori actually has some sort of continuity in there: human civilization' s expansion towards the stars and the expansion of technological knowledge but nevertheless preservation of it's human and humane culture (reproductions of Earth's famous structures as a major example).

And there are totally new structure that play homage to the original - the school actually looks like the original Macross's main cannon, and I didn't notice it until the second viewing.

[lord_breetai]

And there are totally new structure that play homage to the original - the school actually looks like the original Macross's main cannon, and I didn't notice it until the second viewing.

My school actually looks like a Macross Cannon, though in standby mode rather then fire mode.

but yeah, it might just be that retro car designs are the rage in 2059?

[Zinjo]

Zinjo, I was going to reply to your last big post, but you are so way far off base... and this is coming from me.

As Keith pointed out, the NUNS insignia looks very similiar to the Zentradi one:

The Actual NUNS insignia:

The ones shown on the uniform are very simplistic drawings probably due the time constraints...

As for being way off base, my speculations as to why may be, however what has been officially presented is not. This certainly will push over some fans' altars, but Kawamori likes to do that it seems. He won't be constrained by his own continuity and this is no exception.

We really don't know what is going on with the continuity. Its clearly undergone more retcon (something Kawamori has been pushing heavily for a decade). With a great amount of certainy I will say no matter what the imigration sequence shows, the Earth didn't spawn 11 colonization fleets in 2012, and Eden didn't spawn 9 more in 2013. Its a dramatization, meant to show how mankind spread out amongst the stars.

That said, this screenshot was certainly interesting. It seems the Megaroad-01 didn't disappear and it certainly wasn't anywhere near the galactic core.

It really doesn't matter what your subjective conclusions are, the historical sequence is what it is. The time ticker doesn't advance until "after" the Eden fleets launch, that is what has been presented to us whether we like it or not.

I can't see Kawamori abandoning the original continuity in favor of a new one. However, by tossing in an enigmatic space time event in 1995 he allows himself an "out" to take the story in a different direction without orphaning the original timeline and it gives BigWest an "out" to market this Macross internationally without having to fight a foreign lawsuit over the ownership of the intellectual rights of SDFM (which they should anyway!).

What I gathered from watching the first episode is that it is no mistake that Sheryl was brought to the Frontier with its proximity to the galactic core (from the Macross Galaxy, which is trailing slightly behind the Frontier), and that the powers that be were expecting the alien response it got. Also, the "Space Monsters" weren't attacking the fleet, they were after something on board the Frontier.

Some other thoughts:

Sheryl Nome would seem to be the grandaughter of Mao Nome, or it could be something more... convoluted.

The birthmark on Sheryl's leg is not there to add "flavor" to the character, its got to be a plot device.

The BRSM (Big Red Space Monster ) seemed very interested in Ranka.

Will Ozma take down the BRSM in episode 2, exposing a pilot inside (a la SDF Macross), or is it a living, bio-mechanical creature?

Who is running the fleet, NUNS or the Frontier President?

Just who and what are the SMS? Its not as simple as them just being a private defense force.

I strongly suspect that Sheryl and Ranka are going to be of keen interest to the aliens. The whole hair thing with Ranka is no accident, it appears like she has " dog ear flaps" under her hair and that she has to hide the fact when in mixed company. I too agree that the tattoo or birthmark on Sheryl's leg is of significance too. It is entirely possible that she is an Anima Spiritia and doesn't know it.

[Duke Togo]

That's what's on the fighters, Zin, but the logo on the uniforms is clearly different. Hell, not only is it different, its reversed. And its consistently drawn that way on all the uniforms. We could be wrong, we won't really know for sure until the series is out and we some really good static images of the insignia.

And you're still wrong about the timeline thing, but that's ok. When Keith and I both agree on the same thing, you can take it as fact. Plus, its the reasonable conclusion to make.

Edited December 25, 2007 by Duke Togo

[Duke Togo]

The whole hair thing with Ranka is no accident, it appears like she has " dog ear flaps" under her hair and that she has to hide the fact when in mixed company.

[The_WOZ]

Here are some quick and dirty rendition of the NUNS insignia

The one in the VF-171s and in amber on the sim screen, also on a book in the president desk:

This one is on the ships id tags on the sim screen, except for the Frontier Shell 'window', that one doesn't have the central line (which I suspect is not a line but text)

And this is on the uniforms:

Also note that same insignia on her hat badge: