I must say this quite an entertaining OVA series, no original but in some ways great. It is basically a remake of the 1963 film Atragon, or Gotengo/Undersea Battleship as it is called in japan. While the original movie was dull and boring, this is viberent and exciting, so you don't have to worry about falling asleep. The story is well done and certain plot points are revealed over time, keeping the show interesting. The subterranean mechanical designs have that modern yet classic retro feel similar to the classic kaiju movies from back in the 60,s. The Undersea Battleship Ra has the feel of something out of world war two fiction mixed with some retro and modern anime touches. But prehaps one of the most memorable features of this show is it's music, it's triumphant beat that really pumps up the action/battle sequences. In some ways it stays with the original story yet also goes it's own path, making it more of a reimagining then a remake. The only problem I have with this show is at times it proves to be a bit cheesy and over the top. But since it is a remake of a 60's sci-fi movie, there's no big surprise there. So if your into anime with lots of action and surprises, I suggest you pick up a copy of Super Atragon today, or if your cheap see it on You-Tube.
6 Reviews
Shin kaitei gunkan: Better than the live action, but that's not saying much
Platypuschow4 January 2019
1963's Toho movie Atragon was a messy scifi that I struggled to get through, so how did the animated OVA fare over 30yrs later?
Based on the Kaitei Gunkan novels I can't say whether this or the Toho movie was more loyal to the source material as I haven't read it. The fact that the two are so drastically different however makes me think that fans will likely not have been happy with at least one.
It tells the story of a civilization that lives within the earth, they have risen up with advanced technology to take the fight to the "Surface dwellers" and this 2 part OVA is an all out war between the two factions.
It looks like an early Manga, it sounds just plain awful and though the action is flashy and frantic the whole thing comes across very un-engaging and somehow quite boring.
I see the appeal, I just didn't appreciate it for myself.
The Good:
Some great concepts Looks the part
The Bad:
Some dreadful dialogue The English dub is awful
Based on the Kaitei Gunkan novels I can't say whether this or the Toho movie was more loyal to the source material as I haven't read it. The fact that the two are so drastically different however makes me think that fans will likely not have been happy with at least one.
It tells the story of a civilization that lives within the earth, they have risen up with advanced technology to take the fight to the "Surface dwellers" and this 2 part OVA is an all out war between the two factions.
It looks like an early Manga, it sounds just plain awful and though the action is flashy and frantic the whole thing comes across very un-engaging and somehow quite boring.
I see the appeal, I just didn't appreciate it for myself.
The Good:
Some great concepts Looks the part
The Bad:
Some dreadful dialogue The English dub is awful
Super Atragon: Better than the live action, but that's not saying much
Platypuschow4 January 2019
963's Toho movie Atragon was a messy scifi that I struggled to get through, so how did the animated OVA fare over 30yrs later?
Based on the Kaitei Gunkan novels I can't say whether this or the Toho movie was more loyal to the source material as I haven't read it. The fact that the two are so drastically different however makes me think that fans will likely not have been happy with at least one.
It tells the story of a civilization that lives within the earth, they have risen up with advanced technology to take the fight to the "Surface dwellers" and this 2 part OVA is an all out war between the two factions.
It looks like an early Manga, it sounds just plain awful and though the action is flashy and frantic the whole thing comes across very un-engaging and somehow quite boring.
I see the appeal, I just didn't appreciate it for myself.
The Good:
Some great concepts Looks the part
The Bad:
Some dreadful dialogue The English dub is awful
Based on the Kaitei Gunkan novels I can't say whether this or the Toho movie was more loyal to the source material as I haven't read it. The fact that the two are so drastically different however makes me think that fans will likely not have been happy with at least one.
It tells the story of a civilization that lives within the earth, they have risen up with advanced technology to take the fight to the "Surface dwellers" and this 2 part OVA is an all out war between the two factions.
It looks like an early Manga, it sounds just plain awful and though the action is flashy and frantic the whole thing comes across very un-engaging and somehow quite boring.
I see the appeal, I just didn't appreciate it for myself.
The Good:
Some great concepts Looks the part
The Bad:
Some dreadful dialogue The English dub is awful
Awesome and a fun movie.
tyronor9 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I was able to see this today for the first time and I enjoyed it. This is a fun and great treat for those who like action packed anime involving giant battle ships and technological power. The story was good while at times OK with pace. The giant ship Ra (Super Atragon) was amazing to see. The characters were good including Go (silly for a main character to have but nice), Annete, the captain, and Avatar. The climax was very good, and I liked how the crew of Ra was able to take on Avatar's deadly weaponry and ships while her plan of world destruction was nigh. I will watch this film again and embrace how much fun it was. It was over the top and it had a very interesting take to it. I found out it is a remake of Atragon, made in the 1960s. As a remake, it looked better and it did not disappoint me at all. Great film and splendid achievement.
Super Atragon...Sci-fi anime at its finest
MrBigDub13 February 2015
In 1963, most of the folks behind Godzilla set out to adapt a Jules Verne–inspired junior novel into a major motion picture, the result was known in the U.S. as "Atragon." Over three decades later in 1995, it was given a new adaptation as a two part OVA: "Super Atragon."
I'll try to give the basic plot as spoiler-free as I can. Go, a young UN worker, and Annette, his girlfriend, are pitted against a sadistic villainess who is bent on the destruction of earth. The only weapon to prove effective against her is a top secret super- sub.
The voice acting is, for the most part, spot-on and sounds natural. There are a few moments of corniness but, that's more of a matter of getting the voices to match the lips than anything else. The animation is excellent, considering its age, (DVD limitations aside) with good attention to detail. Animation quality is not quite up there with Hayao Miyazaki's films but, infinitely better than "Space Thunder Kids." The music by Masamichi Amano and performed by the Poland National Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra remains powerful and rousing throughout the feature. I will sometimes play the DVD just to hear the score. One has to wonder if the project started as a feature film like its '63 predecessor.
Super Atragon is hands down one of my favorite animes. With good animation and superb sound, I recommend any fan of sci-fi to locate a copy of this. It's got good action with elements of mech, steampunk and cyberpunk. What's not to like! Did I mention this film was produced by Toho, the producers of the original film? Ten out of ten stars!
I'll try to give the basic plot as spoiler-free as I can. Go, a young UN worker, and Annette, his girlfriend, are pitted against a sadistic villainess who is bent on the destruction of earth. The only weapon to prove effective against her is a top secret super- sub.
The voice acting is, for the most part, spot-on and sounds natural. There are a few moments of corniness but, that's more of a matter of getting the voices to match the lips than anything else. The animation is excellent, considering its age, (DVD limitations aside) with good attention to detail. Animation quality is not quite up there with Hayao Miyazaki's films but, infinitely better than "Space Thunder Kids." The music by Masamichi Amano and performed by the Poland National Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra remains powerful and rousing throughout the feature. I will sometimes play the DVD just to hear the score. One has to wonder if the project started as a feature film like its '63 predecessor.
Super Atragon is hands down one of my favorite animes. With good animation and superb sound, I recommend any fan of sci-fi to locate a copy of this. It's got good action with elements of mech, steampunk and cyberpunk. What's not to like! Did I mention this film was produced by Toho, the producers of the original film? Ten out of ten stars!
Engage the bow drill! Full speed ahead!
psiekier4 August 1999
I loved Shin Kaitei Gunkan (or "Super Atragon" as it is here in the states). How much cooler can you get than a submersible super-battleship with a big drill on the front, except maybe an 80-foot tall steam-powered tarantula?
The animation was superb, the plot was great, and the action was truly spectacular. I've seen it in both Japanese and English, and as much as I hate dubbing, the dubbed version was actually pretty watchable; plus, how about the musical score, huh? I guess we Poles have something else to contribute after all...
I give Super Atragon an 8 of 10 - a must-see for any fans of Star Blazers/Space Battleship Yamato.
Incidentally, does anybody besides me remember seeing a live-action version of Kaitei Gunkan? It just seems so familiar...
The animation was superb, the plot was great, and the action was truly spectacular. I've seen it in both Japanese and English, and as much as I hate dubbing, the dubbed version was actually pretty watchable; plus, how about the musical score, huh? I guess we Poles have something else to contribute after all...
I give Super Atragon an 8 of 10 - a must-see for any fans of Star Blazers/Space Battleship Yamato.
Incidentally, does anybody besides me remember seeing a live-action version of Kaitei Gunkan? It just seems so familiar...
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