Directed by Rintaro Music by Nozomu Aoki | Screenplay by Shiro Ishimori Production
company Toei Animation | |
Based on Galaxy Express 999
by Leiji Matsumoto Cinematography Masatoshi Fukui
Toshio Katayama | ||
Galaxy Express 999 (銀河鉄道９９９, Ginga tetsudō 999) is 1979 Japanese anime film directed by Rintaro.
Contents
Cast
English voice cast
Production
The film is a condensed remake of the first year of the most popular episodes of the Galaxy Express 999 television series by Toei Animation.
Release
Galaxy Express 999 was released in Japan on August 4, 1979 where it was distributed by Toei. It was the highest grossing film of 1979 in Japan. The film was picked up for distribution in the United States by Roger Corman's New World Pictures in 1980 but was shelved until 1982 after test bookings. The film was the first anime film to receive theatrical distribution in the United States after the establishment of anime fandom in the West. The film premiered in American on August 8, 1981. The American version of the film was edited from the original 129 minute running time to 91 minutes and changed characters names such as Tetsuro Hoshino to Joey "Hana-cana-boba-camanda" Smith.
An English-friendly DVD of Galaxy Express 999 was released on June 28, 2011.
Reception
At the third Japanese Academy Awards in 1980, Galaxy Express 999 won the Popularity award for film.
Variety referred to the film as an "attractive Japanese animated sci-fi feature" , but noted that "working in a limited animation format, the chief drawback of which is limited movement [...], the film does boast beautifully-colored, elaborate designs. Once one gets used to the lack of fluid, full animation, the imaginative visuals are impressive" and that "pic deserves a second look"
Aftermath and influence
The film was followed by Adieu Galaxy Express 999 which was released in 1981.