Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Galaxy Express 999: The TV Series Collection 02 - Layover Blu-ray Movie Review

One of the most acclaimed and beloved anime series, Galaxy Express 999 is a timeless anime classic. The series tells a classic tale. Adapted from the original manga by the legendary Leiji Matsumoto (Space Battleship Yamato), Galaxy Express 999 is a stunning artistic achievement. The series explores the commonalities in people and the journey of humanity across the reaches of space. The series is simultaneously a fun adventure and a series with a strong pathos and philosophical tone.

The journey of the Galaxy Express 999 continues as the train moves throughout space and takes the conductor, Tetsuro, and Maetel along for the journey. As the epic space adventure anime continues, Tetsuro and Maetel face new challenges as the pair find themselves continuing to visit planets from across the universe while finding more people in need. The epic odyssey across space is full of new surprises and explorations.

Continuing to work to help others across space, the pair are thrust in to more adventures. The train ride is only part of the journey – the destinations along the way bring the travelers to a sentient planet as well as to new and unexpected encounters with aliens and much more. Tetsuro and Maetel are the heroes so many need – and they are determined to do their best to aid as many as they can while journeying towards their ultimate destination – to reach the end of the line.

One of the wonderful things about Galaxy Express 999 is how the series ponders what it means to even be human. The series quest surrounding the journey to receive a mechanical body – and what this all entails – is something that is rife for philosophical exploration. There is plenty to appreciate about Galaxy Express 999 as a humanist tale. The tale forebodes the dangers of technology and what it ultimately can do to humanity when it is not used correctly.

The animation is exceptional. There are few classic anime series with such a stunning animated vistas. The production certainly is stunning and the art style holds its own. The animators involved on the production delivered first-rate material for the series. Some of this is because of the fantastic and creative character designs.

The character designs are true to the original manga (which I adored growing up) and the anime evokes a certain nostalgic feeling that is profound. The production team also benefits from the top-notch art direction of Geki Katsumata (Space Battleship Yamato III), who imbues the series with an iconic sense of majesty.

The score composed by Nozomi Aoki (The Galaxy Railways, Fist of the North Star) is terrific fun and one of the most beautiful elements of the production. The score is hypnotic and sweeps one up in to a fun spell. The score certainly highlights the dream like nature of the production and the manner in which Galaxy Express 999 works as a fable about the universe and humanity. The score is a perfect element within the production and it works as a masterful stroke of art.

As penned by Keisuke Fujikawa (Cutie Honey, Space Battleship Yamato), Yoshiaki Yoshida (Cyborg 009, Dirty Inspector Fuyu), and Hiroyasu Yamaura (Godzilla 1985, The Return of Godzilla) offers plenty of charm. The scriptwriting remains the sense of exploratory wonder that was in the original manga created by the genius Leiji Matsumoto. The storytelling is at the essential core of Galaxy Express 999 and is why the production is so spellbinding. The characters are on an epic journey across time and space and the epic adventure is one full of wonder.

Galaxy Express 999 also features breathtaking filmmaking. The direction is exceptional and the sense of filmmaking ambition is epic. An essential classic anime series, Galaxy Express 999 is truly a masterpiece production. The directing is so beautiful and radiant that it is easy to become swept up in the visuals – hypnotized by the series and lost in the world of the Galaxy Express 999 train. The journey is amazing and one that all classic anime fans will appreciate.

Galaxy Express 999: The TV Series Collection 02 - Layover Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Discotek Media, Galaxy Express 999 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. The presentation is impressive and retains a natural and filmic aesthetic to the release. Though this is sourced from standard definition material and is an upscaled presentation, the presentation looks impressive nonetheless.

The print does some show occasional wear and tear with some thin print scratches and dirt but given the age and conditions of the source footage the results from Discotek are surprisingly good (and a big improvement from the earlier streaming release). The upscale effort on the release is impressive and is certainly a nice improvement.

Galaxy Express 999: The TV Series Collection 02 - Layover Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Japanese uncompressed PCM 2.0 mono (with English subtitles). The release does not provide an English dub option as one was not produced for the release. Though the set does not provide a dub track, the original Japanese language audio is wonderful and the original voice cast does terrific work. Purists will not be bothered by the lack of an English dub option anyway – and the results are extremely pleasing. The track might lack the same fidelity range as modern productions. However, dialogue is clear and easy to understand.

Galaxy Express 999: The TV Series Collection 02 - Layover Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1:

"Can You Live Like a Warrior?" TV Special (SD, 1:33:29) was presented as a two-hour television special extended episode (in a feature-film length).

"Can You Live Like a Warrior?" Promo (SD, 00:26)

Disc 3:

"Can You Live Like a Warrior?" English Version TV Special (SD, 1:23:49) as produced by Harmony Gold.

Vintage TV Commercials (SD, 2:13)

Vintage Toy Commercials (SD, 2:49)

Galaxy Express 999: The TV Series Collection 02 - Layover Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Galaxy Express 999 is one of the best anime series of all time and there are few productions as mesmerizing as this one. Ever since I began reading the manga as a child, I was hypnotized by Galaxy Express 999 and its uncommon tale of humanity. The storytelling is first- rate and the animation on the production is exquisite.

The work of the legendary creator Leiji Matsumoto (Space Battleship Yamato), Galaxy Express 999 is truly a timeless classic and one of the best classic anime masterpieces. Discotek Media presents a superb presentation of the series. The set comes with a selection of exceptional supplemental features including a feature-length television special. The set is a wonderful and essential release. Highly recommended.