Galaxy Drifter Vifam: A thorough review of Letter from Katchua

Galaxy Drifter Vifam: Letter from Katchua: The Return of Heroes and the Beginning of a New Journey

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

October 28, 1984

■Release and sales

Warner

■Frequencies

51 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Original story by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino, original story by Takeyuki Kanda and Hiroyuki Hoshiyama

■ Director

Director: Takeyuki Kanda

■ Production

Japan Sunrise

■Works

©Sunrise

■ Story

When the eleven returned to Earth, they were greeted with a rapturous welcome. They had been hailed as heroes, and spent their days being chased by the media and fans. Just as they were exhausted by the commotion, they received a letter from Katchua...

From "Sunrise Complete Works Collection"

■Explanation

The first in the "Vifam" video series was released two months after the show finished airing. It's a compilation of episodes from the TV series, but it also includes new, humorous scenes, such as Scott's disguise, to make it fun for fans.

From "Sunrise Complete Works Collection"

■Cast

Roddy Shuffle, Katsuhiro Nanba, Scott Hayward, Katsumi Toriumi, Bartz Ryan, Taku Takemura, Kenz Norton, Masako Nozawa, Fred Shuffle, Hidehiro Kikuchi, Claire Barbrand, Mina Tominaga, Katua Pierson, Hiroko Kasahara

■ Main staff

・Producer/Ito Masanori・Planning/Yamaura Eiji・Original story/Yatate Hajime, Tomino Yoshiyuki・Original story/Kanda Takeyuki, Hoshiyama Hiroyuki・Dialogue writer/Hoshiyama Hiroyuki, Hirano Yasushi・Character design/Ashida Toyoo・Mechanical design/Okawawara Kunio・Art director/Mizutani Toshiharu・Director of photography/Miura Hosaku・Editor/Tsurubuchi Films・Sound director/Ota Katsumi・Music/Watanabe Toshiyuki・Screening and direction/Miura Masanori・Director/Kanda Takeyuki・Producer/Ueda Masuro

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Background and production secrets of the work

"Galaxy Drifter Vifam: Letter from Katchua" was produced as an OVA for the TV anime "Galaxy Drifter Vifam" that aired from 1983 to 1984. Released just two months after the end of the TV series, this was a long-awaited new episode for fans, allowing them to enjoy a revisit of the story in the form of a compilation. Based on the success of the TV series, the production staff aimed to provide content that placed emphasis on fan service. In particular, the newly added comical scenes, such as Scott's disguise scene, gave viewers a fresh surprise.

■ The appeal of the story

The story of this film is about the 11 heroes who have returned to Earth, and while spending their days being pursued by the media and fans, they receive a letter from Katchua. This letter suggests a new journey for them, and the ending of the story gives a sense of a new beginning. While including a digest of the TV series, this story also hints at new developments, and it left fans excited about a touching reunion and new adventures.

■Charm of the characters

The characters of Galaxy Drifter Vifam were loved by many fans throughout the TV series. In particular, characters such as Roddy Shuffle, Scott Hayward, and Bart Ryan were portrayed with unique personalities and growth, leaving a deep impression on viewers. In this film, their appearances after their return are depicted, allowing fans to see a new side of them. Katja Pierson's letters in particular convey her kindness and deep compassion, adding depth to the story.

■ The appeal of video and music

While the visuals for this film are a compilation of the TV series, they are beautifully integrated with newly added scenes. The mechanical designs by Okawara Kunio in particular enhanced the visual appeal, making it a must-see for fans. Additionally, the music by Watanabe Toshiyuki expressed the rich emotion of the story, captivating the hearts of viewers. The ending theme in particular plays an important role in adding excitement to the moving scenes.

■ Fan service and new elements

Although this film is a compilation of the TV series, it places emphasis on fan service by including new elements such as Scott's disguise. These new scenes gave viewers a fresh surprise, and not only did they enjoy revisiting the TV series, they also found new enjoyment in it. In addition, the new development of the letter from Katchua gave fans hope for a new adventure.

■ Recommendation points

Galaxy Drifter Vifam: Letter from Katchua is a must-see for fans of the TV series. Although it is a compilation film, new scenes and developments have been added, providing new enjoyment for viewers. In addition, the appearance of the characters after their return and the letter from Katchua gave rise to expectations for a touching reunion and new adventures. The appeal of the visuals and music is also not to be missed, and the mechanical design and ending theme in particular are important elements that capture the hearts of viewers. This work, which places emphasis on fan service, is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy revisiting the TV series and those looking forward to new developments.

■ Related works and viewing order

We recommend watching the TV series "Galaxy Drifter Vifam" before watching "Galaxy Drifter Vifam: Letter from Katchua". By understanding the story of the TV series and the background of the characters, you will be able to feel the charm of this work more deeply. In addition, after this work, there is a sequel OVA "Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Gathering of 13 People", so in order to enjoy the whole series, we recommend watching it in order from the TV series.

■ Summary

Galaxy Drifter Vifam: Letter from Katchua is a compilation of the TV series, but it adds new scenes and developments to provide new enjoyment to fans. The appearance of the characters after their return and the letter from Katchua gave us hope for a touching reunion and a new adventure. The appeal of the visuals and music is also not to be missed, and the mechanical design and ending theme in particular are important elements that attract the hearts of viewers. This work, which places emphasis on fan service, is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a revisit of the TV series and those who are looking forward to new developments. To enjoy the entire series, it is recommended that you watch it in order starting with the TV series.