Galaxy Drifter Vifam: Evaluating the bonds and adventures of 13 people

"Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Gathering of 13": A timeless reunion and a touching omnibus

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

December 21, 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

After receiving the video mail, Katya and Jimmy came to Earth to meet everyone. For some reason, everyone has grown up, and Roddy and Bart have become old people. After some commotion, the second part of the video recording their journey began.

■Explanation

This is the second compilation video. As with the previous volume, new scenes have been added, bringing out the fun character interactions that are unique to "Vifam". New cuts are inserted throughout the main story as "tsukkomi", creating a reunion-like atmosphere for fans.

■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, Eliza Penchi, Runa Akiyama

■ Main staff

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

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Background and production of the work

Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Gathering of 13 is an OVA released in 1984 and the second compilation video of Galaxy Drifter Vifam produced by Sunrise. This work was created as special content for fans by re-editing episodes of the TV series Galaxy Drifter Vifam, which aired from 1983 to 1984, and adding new scenes. The director is Kanda Takeyuki, who was also in charge of the original work, and approached the production with a deep understanding of the worldview of the work.

Galaxy Drifter Vifam is a robot anime set in space, where the main characters grow through their adventures and battles with aliens. This compilation reconstructs key episodes from the TV series, highlighting the character development and changes in relationships. It also inserts new scenes to provide a fresh perspective for fans.

■ The appeal of the story

The story of Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Assembled 13 begins with Katchua and Jimmy returning to Earth after receiving a video mail. When they arrive on Earth, their companions have already grown up, with Rody and Barts becoming old people. This setting symbolizes the passage of time and the growth of the characters, and leaves a deep impression on the viewers.

The story progresses in the form of the second screening of the video that records their journey. Although it is a compilation, the effective insertion of new scenes keeps the viewer interested. In particular, the "tsukkomi" (comments) in the new cuts emphasize the individuality of the characters, making it a familiar production for fans.

■Charm of the characters

Each character in Galaxy Drifter Vifam is unique and charming. Rody Shuffle, voiced by Katsuhiro Nanba, exudes a sense of responsibility as a leader and compassion for his teammates. Scott Hayward, voiced by Katsumi Toriumi, is portrayed as a calm and reliable pilot. Bart Ryan, voiced by Taku Takemura, is popular as a humorous and courageous character.

Kent Norton, voiced by Masako Nozawa, is a character who combines intelligence with fighting ability. Fred Shuffle, voiced by Hidehiro Kikuchi, is depicted growing up as Rody's younger brother. Claire Barbrand, voiced by Mina Tominaga, is an attractive female character who combines kindness and strength. Penny Eliza, voiced by Runa Akiyama, is a bright and energetic character who is loved by fans.

■ Achievements of the production staff

The production staff for Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Gathering of 13 is made up of the finest talent from Sunrise. It is produced by Masanori Ito, planned by Eiji Yamaura, based on the original story by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino, and based on the original story by Takeyuki Kanda and Hiroyuki Hoshiyama. Character design is by Toyoo Ashida, mechanical design by Kunio Okawara, art direction by Toshiharu Mizutani, director of photography by Toyosaku Miura, editing by Tsurubuchi Eiga, sound direction by Katsumi Ota, music by Toshiyuki Watanabe, composition and direction by Masanori Miura, director by Takeyuki Kanda, and producer by Masuro Ueda.

This work, created by these staff members as a team, maximizes the appeal of the TV series and offers a new perspective. In particular, the fusion of character design and mechanical design enhances the visual appeal and draws in the viewer. In addition, the effective use of music and sound emphasizes the emotional parts of the story and deeply moves the viewer.

■ Visual appeal

The visual appeal of Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Assembled 13 comes from the fusion of character and mechanical design. Toyoo Ashida's character designs clearly depict the individuality of each character, making them familiar to the viewer, while Kunio Okawara's mechanical designs bring out the realistic robot movements and designs, enhancing the impact of the battle scenes.

Art director Toshiharu Mizutani depicts the vastness and beauty of the universe, drawing the viewer into the world of the story. Cinematographer Toyosaku Miura skillfully manipulates the texture and movement of the images to maximize the visual impact. Editing by Tsurubuchi keeps the story flowing smoothly and keeps the viewer interested.

■ Sound and music effects

The sound and music of Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Assembled 13 emphasizes the emotional parts of the story and deeply moves the viewer. Sound director Katsumi Ota effectively expresses the power of the battle scenes and the emotions of the characters. Music by Toshiyuki Watanabe enhances the atmosphere of the story and brings out the emotions of the viewer.

In particular, the combination of music and sound in battle scenes creates tension and excitement for the viewer. Also, in scenes depicting character growth and changes in relationships, music emphasizes the emotional aspects and evokes empathy in the viewer.

■ Consideration for fans

"Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Gathering of 13" was created as special content for fans. Although it is a compilation, the inclusion of new scenes provides fans with a fresh perspective. In addition, the "tsukkomi" (comments) in the new cuts are a familiar touch for fans, helping to bring the series closer to the viewers.

Furthermore, by emphasizing the growth of the characters and the changes in their relationships, the series impresses its fans. Viewers can grow with the characters and feel the joy of sharing the story. These elements provide fans with a special experience and deepen their attachment to the series.

■ Recommendations and ratings

Galaxy Drifter Vifam: The Assembled 13 is a must-see for fans. Although it is a compilation film, it effectively inserts new scenes and emphasizes the growth of the characters and changes in their relationships, deeply moving the viewer. The visual appeal and effective use of sound and music emphasize the emotional parts of the story and draw the viewer in.

This work is a special experience for fans of Galaxy Drifter Vifam, in which they can reunite with the characters and feel their growth. In addition, by providing a new perspective, it is an attractive content not only for existing fans but also for new viewers. Please enjoy this moving compilation.