Macross Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Vol. 1 - Upon the Shoulders of Giants - Region 1 DVD

For this reissue, ADV prepared a new translation and English dub. These actors offer performances that are livelier and less stilted than the casts of Robotech and the previous version of Macross. Vic Mignogna makes brash young pilot Hikaru Ichijo more likeable and his relationship with his ex-trainer Roy Fokker (Brett Weaver) more believable. Mari Iijima, the original Japanese Lynn Minmay, re-creates her role in English, but her thick accent doesn't help the already brittle pop-diva in-the-making. ADV has restored the faded visuals, pumping up the color and restoring warm flesh tones to the ghostly white faces. But there are trade-offs: the increased color saturation gives Roy pumpkin orange hair.

Ultimately, the historic significance of Super Dimension Fortress Macross outweighs the quality of its animation, direction, and storytelling. (Rated TV PG, suitable for ages 10 and older: mild profanity; violence restricted to spaceship and robot battles) --Charles Solomon