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When Osamu Tezuka created Tetsuwan Atom (literally Iron-arm Atom) a.k.a. Astro Boy, he set his birthdate as April 7, 2003–51 years after the initial manga and 40 years after the groundbreaking television series debuted. Sony produced this third incarnation in 2003, and a few episodes aired on American TV in 2004. A combination of drawn and computer-generated animation, the new version is far more lavish than the initial black-and-white series or the 1980 color remake. The artists strive to preserve Tezuka’s drawing style, keeping Astro’s outsized eyes and Dr. O’Shay’s pickle nose. Spaceships and other robots float effortlessly by, but Astro’s legs shoot old-fashioned rocket flairs.
The newly born Astro is a complete innocent, but as he explores various aspects of the world, he develops a strong sense of purpose, aiding those in need. His state-of-the-art brain includes kokoro, which can be translated as “heart,” “spirit,” or “will,” which makes him more human. The conflict between humans and robots–which some critics have interpreted as a metaphor for racism distinguishes–escalates into a battle at the city of Robotonia in Antarctica. Astro strives to make peace between the hostile factions, although many of the conflicts were sparked by Dr. Tenma, who originally created him. Although visually appealing, this lush reinterpretation lacks the gritty charm of Tezuka’s low-budget original. The only extra is a short “remaking of”; the dialogue is dubbed in English, Spanish, and Portuguese–but not Japanese. (Unrated, suitable for ages 8 and older: cartoon violence) –Charles Solomon
Product Description
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 04/25/2006 Run time: 1010 minutes Rating: Nr
4.0 out of 5 stars
to reduce some confusion
to reduce confusion of Astro Boy DVD series, please note that there have been 3 series so far: the Black and White 1963 series, the 1980 First Color version, and the 2003 Color…
PLEASE, stop complaining that this isn’t the original Astro Boy series. This has to be the most absurd basis for a review I’ve ever read. It’s like yelling at a waiter for bringing you EXACTLY WHAT YOU ORDERED even though in your mind you really wanted something else. It’s insane. You’re not even reviewing the DVD set that this section is reserved for. You’re just mad because you weren’t paying attention. It’s not like Amazon fooled you. If you had bothered to read the DVD specs in the first place, you would have realized that this set is from the 2003 TV series (which is beautiful and true to the “original” 1963-66 Japanese series). So, open your eyes next time. Don’t bash it before you’ve seen it.
Any “true” Astro Boy fan will be happy to own this collection.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Astroboy
I loved him when I was a boy, and I still love him as a man. These modernized Astro Boy animes are a must see for the kid in all of us.
This is a great deal for the entire series. For 40 bucks, you get all 50 episodes. It’s a great show, that follows the manga, somewhat loosely, but hey, it keeps to the basic idea and the animation quality is spectacular. I don’t exactly like Astro’s voice though, it’s not high-pitched enough, but it suffices and it’s definitely worth your time and money. It’s perfect for Tezuka fans, like myself, and a great show for kids as well.
I wouldn’t mind the original series from the 50′s being released either, but hey, at least Astro boy is finally on DVD in the US.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Show
The DVDs all arrived in perfect condition, New in box. Great remake from Sony, still pondering if I should go all out and purchase the originals.
This is the 2004 dub of the series that release in japan in 2003
It aired on Kids WB and Cartoon Network in The USA
Well is it a remake of the 1980 color version?
Maybe If you look into it the 1963 version of the series you
will see remakes from there in both the 1980′s and 2003/04
versions! Even if only 104 of the 193 made it to the us in the 1963 b&w series
the 2003/04 versions are pretty close
Now the 1980′s ver you should have both because the story lines go off in differtent direction right away
the orig 63 show is available in 6 boxset from japan is about 1,500 bucks and is only in japanese
and ep 125 is the only one that is kinda missing ( done with stills )
here is the real review for the set for sale here.
The first Japanese manga to be adapted into an animated series, ASTRO BOY was directed by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, and is representative of a nostalgic golden age of comics. Astro is a robot who lives in the “retro-futuristic” Metro City. Originally created by research scientist Dr. Tenma in the image of his deceased son, he was discarded with the scientist’s realization that his son could never be replaced. Later discovered by the kindly Dr. O’Shay, Astro was revived and given a robot family, while O’Shay served as his mentor, in the belief that humans and robots can and should get along with each other. Astro, however, is not like other robots; in addition to his superior strength and jet-rocket arms and legs, his brain is the most advanced in the world, and it is capable of feeling all human emotions. Astro is a reluctant superhero, fighting to keep the peace between robots and humans, and always coming to the city’s rescue against all manner of nefarious evildoers. Episodes include “Rocket Ball,” “Franken,” “Deep City,” and “The Blue Knight.”
5.0 out of 5 stars
great remake
Astro Boy – The Complete Series As far as remakes go I really liked this one! However, I found out that this series isn’t actually complete.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Astro Boy – The Complete Series
“Astro Boy – The Complete Series” is the best Japanese color anime treatment of Astro Boy, based on the work of the legendary manga and anime artist, Osamu Tezuka.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Astro Boy
This is a classic, I love this series and have loved it for years. This is the newest and Osamu Tezuka is the grand-daddy of anime creators.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Worthwhile Remake of Astro Boy
Summary-
This latest version of Astro Boy does the same thing for the classic series as what the 1980s version did for it.
4.0 out of 5 stars
TALK ABOUT INTENSE!
Hello to those of you who love Astro Boy!
I won’t go heavy into the plot line of this 2004 remake as I see other reviewers have already covered that in their write…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Astro Boy
The Complete Series
I’ve started watching Astro Boy
on Cartoon Network. I missed a few episodes, so I picked up Astro Boy
The Complete Series. The box set contains special feature.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very disappointing
This is not the 1960 series of which I have fond memories, but a newer overly anime-glitzie remake that is far less enchanting or interesting than the origional.