Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199The year is 2199. The human race has been crushed in their war with the Gamilos, driven into underground cities by the invader's assault. Scientists estimate they have only a year left. The young officers Susumu Kodai and Daisuke Shima receive a mysterious capsule from a ship that made an emergency landing on Mars and return with it to Earth. It contains humanity's last hope: the planet Iscandar on the other side of the Magellan Galaxy has the technology to defeat the Gamilos and restore the planet. The space battleship Yamato is entrusted with this task, but they have only one year before humanity ends.
WriterHarutoshi Fukui
Messenger of Iscandar
Apr 7, 2013
In the year 2199, alien beings attack the last of Earth’s space fleet who are protecting a secret mission. Ace pilot Susumu Kodai retrieves an item on Mars that could save the human race, but learns tragic news about his brother.
Toward a Sea of Stars
Apr 14, 2013
Mankind finally completes its first interstellar spaceship, the Yamato, which will be sent with a crew to a distant planet. But enemies won’t let them leave Earth so easily.
Escape from the Jupiter Sphere
Apr 21, 2013
After their space warp goes awry, the Yamato lands on a floating continent to make repairs. When they discover where the land comes from, the Gamilas attack.
Gravestone on a Frozen Field
Apr 28, 2013
Stopping on Saturn’s moon, Susumu investigates a distress call. But a crashed ship isn’t the only thing he finds.
The Trap on All Sides
May 5, 2013
When the Yamato attacks a Gamilan base on Pluto, the crew realizes that they’ll have to take more drastic measures to outsmart their enemies.
The Sun Sets on Pluto
May 12, 2013
After the recon pilots locate the main Gamilan base, the Yamato has an opportunity to counterattack.
Farewell to the Solar System
May 19, 2013
As the Yamato prepares to leave the solar system, the crew is given a last chance to say goodbye to their loved ones on Earth.
Wish Upon a Star
May 26, 2013
With Gamilan forces hot on their trail, the Yamato must navigate around the burning solar flares of a star.
Clockwork Prisoner
Jun 2, 2013
The crew reassembles a Gamilan android found on Saturn’s moon, and the Yamato’s own robot befriends it.
Graveyard of the Universe
Jun 9, 2013
When the Yamato and a Gamilan ship are trapped in a dimensional rift, their only chance of escape lies in a ceasefire.
A World I Once Saw
Jun 16, 2013
Trapped on the Yamato, a Gamilan pilot reveals the truth behind the first contact with earthlings.
What Lies Beyond
Jun 23, 2013
An extra-dimensional vessel attacks the Yamato as it approaches the edge of the Milky Way.
The Wolf from Another Dimension
Jun 30, 2013
Having found shelter in a cluster of asteroids, the crew makes an important discovery about the Gamilas’ tactics.
The Whisper of the Witch
Jul 7, 2013
Kodai and Yuki return to a seemingly empty Yamato. Attempts to locate the crew are hindered by a foe who can control memories.
Point of No Return
Jul 14, 2013
Unbeknownst to General Domel, plots are unfolding on his homeworld. Meanwhile, he plans an ambush of epic proportions against the Yamato.
A Choice for the Future
Jul 21, 2013
Resupply and damage control turns into mutiny when a planet is discovered that’s seemingly a valid alternative to Earth.
Out of the Forest of Memory
Jul 28, 2013
An ancient warp gate presents an opportunity to get the Yamato back on schedule. Sanada reveals a secret regarding the Yamato’s automatic navigation system.
Over the Black Light
Aug 4, 2013
Using the warp gate, the Yamato must bypass the planet Balun. But they’ll have to punch through a massive Gamilan fleet if they want to arrive at the Large Magellanic Cloud in one piece.
They're Coming!
Aug 4, 2013
Attempting to get ahead of the enemy, Okita commands the Yamato through a dangerous section of nebula. But newly reinstated General Domel is hot on their trail.
Under a Rainbow Sun
Aug 18, 2013
The Gamilans set their ambush into motion. The two commanders, Domel and Okita, vie for ultimate victory and survival.
Prison Planet 17
Aug 25, 2013
Yuki is taken to the Gamilan prison planet of Leptapoda. Kodai is sent to the same planet to scout out supplies for the Yamato.
The Planet That We Head For
Sep 1, 2013
After discovering that Iscandar and Gamilas are twin planets, the crew of the Yamato prepare to warp into enemy territory.
One Man's War
Sep 8, 2013
With a Wave Motion Gun in Gamilan possession, the Yamato’s only option is to take the fight to Gamilas’ capital. Meanwhile, Kodai is given permission to rescue Yuki.
The Distant Promised Land
Sep 15, 2013
With Desler defeated, the Yamato lands on Iscandar in hopes that Queen Starsha will grant them the Cosmo Reverser. Kodai finally uncovers the fate of his brother.
The Forever War
Sep 22, 2013
En route back to Earth, the crew of the Yamato have a final confrontation with Desler.
Memories of the Blue Planet
Sep 29, 2013
Celebrations are in order as the Yamato draws closer to Earth. But with Yuki in critical condition, only a miracle can ensure a happy return home.
Blue Ghost
@Blue Ghost
A fairly interesting and more adult update of the classic space operate anime fare out of Japan. Unlike the original TV show which was ostensibly aimed at pre-teen boys and younger, this show has a kind of post teen target audience in mind with lots of introspection, some romantic and sexual tension, and overall a more reflective film making style that brings a kind of depth and artistry that the first series from decades earlier did not have. As an adult American male I think I can safely say that I have enjoyed watching this series without feeling too nostalgic about for the series that I liked as a young boy. But, on that same note I think I can safely say that I understand both TV series as being a kind of wish fulfillment for a segment of Japanese youth whose parents or family as a whole have conservative or martial reflections and leanings for what used to be the Empire of Japan. Even so, in spite of some flagrant jingoism in the first episode, the series does try to convey a message of brotherhood among mankind and alien adversaries bent on Earth's destruction. And it seems that the attempt here is to acknowledge military spirit of conservative Japan, but also to help educate and steer younger generations with impressionable minds to a more reasoned outlook. The real high here are the very high production values for the series. The new animation combines CGI with traditional cel animation and excellent artwork to update the original series with a very pristine and clean look that has a strong artistic appeal. Still, it is an animated show regarding a "space battleship", and the updated production values somehow seem at odds with the show's plausibility. Still, it's pretty entertaining for what it is. If you're an older viewer who remembers the original Japanese import with any fondness, then maybe give this series a shot. The blurays have the benefit of having English subtitles for overseas viewers. Enjoy.
