Astroboy (1980) (Shin Tetsuwan Atom)-Collection 1 |
BUY IT |
General | Extras | ||
Category | Anime | Theatrical Trailer | |
Rating | |||
Year Of Production | 1980 | ||
Running Time | 606:35 (Case: 625) | ||
RSDL / Flipper |
Dual Layered Multi Disc Set (5) |
Cast & Crew | |
Start Up | Menu | ||
Region Coding | 4 | Directed By |
Noboru Ishiguro Osamu Tezuka |
Studio
Distributor |
Tezuka Osamu Madman Entertainment |
Starring | None Given |
Case | Amaray-Transparent | ||
RPI | $39.95 | Music |
Shigeaki Saegusa Seiji Suzuki |
Video | Audio | ||
Pan & Scan/Full Frame | Full Frame | English Dolby Digital 2.0 (224Kb/s) | |
Widescreen Aspect Ratio | None | ||
16x9 Enhancement | No | ||
Video Format | 576i (PAL) | ||
Original Aspect Ratio | 1.33:1 | Miscellaneous | |
Jacket Pictures | No | ||
Subtitles | None | Smoking | No |
Annoying Product Placement | No | ||
Action In or After Credits | No |
Released to coincide with the theatrical release of Astro Boy (2009), an American produced computer-animated 3D film based on the popular manga series, this boxset includes the first 25 episodes of the 1980 television series Astro Boy (1980) in the US-dubbed format.
The 25 episodes are spread over 5 disc Dual-Layer DVDs. There are no extras features in this collection, except for selected trailers and cartoon introductions.
Also the “lost episodes” (episode one and two) do not appear in their original state in this collection – instead they appear as they were originally broadcast – edited into one episode, removing the subplot of Atlas's origin – Asto’s twin. To view these episode in the original format (in Japanese with English subtitles), one must purchase Madman’s ‘Astro Boy – Deluxe Collection’ released in 2004 (RRP $99.95 AU) – which also contains an array of extra feature content which is absent from this release. This collection – which is split into two volumes is most likely aimed at the casual fan.
The overall video quality of the television show is considerably good and although the episodes are not restored, the picture remains vibrant and clear.
Artefacts and signs of cell damage appear every now and then, but this is not a major distraction from viewing the series.
The episodes appear in their original Full Frame ratio and with five 24 minute episodes per a dual layer DVD – MPEG compression is not an issue.
There are no subtitle options available on this DVD set.
Sharpness | |
Shadow Detail | |
Colour | |
Grain/Pixelization | |
Film-To-Video Artefacts | |
Film Artefacts | |
Overall |
As mentioned above the episodes are presented in the US-Dubbed format.
This English stereo soundtrack remains clear with no obvious errors.
It is satisfactory soundtrack considering the nature of the content.
Dialogue | |
Audio Sync | |
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts | |
Surround Channel Use | |
Subwoofer | |
Overall |
The Main Menu is a static image of Astro Boy – with access to the episodes. The episodes automatically play one after the other.
Disc One – Kiki’s Delivery Service, Castle in the Sky
Disc Two-Star Blazer Intro, Voltron: Defender on the Universe Intro
Disc Three – Transformers Intro, Battle of the Planets Intro
Disc Four- Sailor Moon Intro, Robotech Intro
Disc Five- Angelic Layer Intro, Hello Kitty’s Paradise Intro
NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.
As mentioned Madman’s ‘Astro Boy – Deluxe Collection’ is the definitive DVD version of the 1980s television series, but for the casual fan this box-set is adequate.
The Deluxe Collection includes the following extra feature content, absent from this release -
Original Japanese Episodes with English Subtitles of Episode One and Two
Original 1960s Episode Sample
Alternative Angle Opening
Storyboard Sequence
Original Character Art Gallery
Textless Opening & Closing Sequences
Original Manga Cover Artwork Gallery
Merchandise Gallery
Japanese vs. English Episode Comparisons
Deleted Scenes
Character Profiles
Exclusive 24 Page Booklet
Madman’s ‘Astro Boy – Deluxe Collection’ is the definitive DVD version of the 1980s television series, but for the casual fan this collection is adequate. The first 25 episodes are included in this volume, with satisfactory picture and sound. The 5 disc DVD set is neatly housed in standard DVD packaging.
Video | |
Audio | |
Extras | |
Plot | |
Overall |
Review Equipment | |
DVD | OPPO DV-980H, using HDMI output |
Display | Panasonic PT-AE 700. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. This display device is 16x9 capable. This display device has a maximum native resolution of 1080p. |
Audio Decoder | Built in to amplifier/receiver. Calibrated with THX Optimizer. |
Amplification | Yamaha DSP-A595a - 5.1 DTS |
Speakers | (Front) DB Dynamics Polaris AC688F loudspeakers,(Centre) DB Dynamics Polaris Mk3 Model CC030,(Rear) Polaris Mk3 Model SSD425,(Subwoofer) Jensen JPS12 |