Watch Robotech - The Original Broadcast Version

1985
3 Seasons

Robotech is a cult classic science fiction anime series that originally aired over twenty years ago. The series is set in the year 1999 and follows the story of the Earth's military as they struggle against an alien race known as the Zentraedi, who are trying to invade the planet. The show revolves around a group of young pilots and their giant robotic machines known as mecha, which they use to fight off the Zentraedi and protect the earth.

The show was first created by Harmony Gold USA and was actually a combination of three different Japanese anime series - Macross, Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber MOSPEADA. The decision to combine these series was made due to the popularity of giant mecha anime shows in the 1980s, and the show quickly gained a following amongst fans of the genre.

The show begins with the arrival of a giant alien spacecraft known as the SDF-1 on Earth, which draws the attention of the Zentraedi. The SDF-1 is a massive fortress that was originally built by the alien race known as the Protoculture, and contains advanced technology that the Zentraedi are keen to obtain. The ship's captain, Gloval, is determined to keep the ship on Earth and protect it from the Zentraedi, even if it means going to war.

The show's main character is a young pilot named Rick Hunter, who is recruited into the military after he accidentally infiltrates the SDF-1. Rick quickly becomes a skilled pilot and is instrumental in the fight against the Zentraedi. He also becomes involved in a love triangle with two other characters - Lisa (who is his superior officer) and Minmei (who is a pop star onboard the SDF-1).

As the series progresses, the conflict between the humans and the Zentraedi becomes increasingly intense, with both sides suffering losses in battle. The show also delves into some deeper themes, such as the nature of humanity and the consequences of war. The Zentraedi are often portrayed as being more machine-like and less emotional than the humans, and this is used to explore the idea of what it means to be human.

One of the most memorable aspects of the show is the design of the mecha. These giant robotic machines are heavily armed and are incredibly versatile, able to transform into various different modes depending on the situation. The Veritech fighter, for example, can transform into a jet fighter, a robot, and a hybrid of the two. This design was groundbreaking at the time and has since become a staple of many mecha anime shows.

The show's animation style is distinctly 1980s, with bold colors, angular designs, and lots of action. The music is also a standout feature, with a pop-heavy soundtrack that is catchy and memorable. The show also features some impressive voice acting, with many of the characters being voiced by respected actors in the anime industry.

The series ran for 85 episodes and was hugely popular amongst anime fans in the 1980s. It has since become a cult classic and has been adapted into various different forms, including video games, comics, and even a live-action movie (which has been in development for many years).

The version of the show that is currently available on FilmRise is the original broadcast version, which means that it is uncut and includes all of the original dialogue and music from the broadcast. This is a great option for fans who want to experience the show as it was originally intended, without any censorship or alterations.

In conclusion, Robotech is a classic anime series that is beloved by fans of the mecha genre. Its unique blend of action, romance, and science fiction make it a must-watch for any anime fan, and its themes of humanity and war make it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant series. The original broadcast version offers fans the chance to experience the show as it was originally intended, and is a great way to revisit this iconic series.

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Seasons

3 2 1

25. Symphony of Light

July 1, 1985

The final chapter in the third Robotech war has Scott defending Corg with the aid of Marlene while Lancer aids Sera in defending the Invid Hive while the Regiss gathers her remaining Invid children.

24. Dark Finale

June 1, 1985

The Robotech Defense Force plans its major attack on Reflex Point. Scott, Lancer and Lunk return to the military. Annie, Rand and Rook are told to stay away. They don't obey and blast their way into a final confrontation with Regiss.

23. Reflex Point

June 1, 1985

The Robotech Defense Force is planning an attack against the Invid who have taken over the Earth. There's a small battle over an advanced "steal-type" Alpha Fighter. Marlene is injured and it's discovered that she is an Invid.

22. The Big Apple

June 1, 1985

Scott Bernard and his friends travel to a large urban center to replenish their dwindling supplies of protoculture and also try to get information regarding Reflex Point and the relative strength of the Invid. Lancer takes the opportunity of being in a big city to hold a concert. The Invids attack but are defeated by Scott and his crew.

21. Hired Gun

June 1, 1985

Dusty Ayres, a human who was used as an experimental subject by the Invid, has his mind set on revenge as he systematically goes about destroying those he feels responsible for his torture at the hands of the Invid.

20. Birthday Blues

June 1, 1985

A surprise birthday party for Annie turns into a nightmare as Corg sets up an ambush for the freedom fighters. But the group is well-prepared and defends their position without spoiling Annie's party.

19. Frost Bite

June 1, 1985

The Robotech Freedom Fighters, led by Scott Bernard, discover the deserted remains of Denver, Colorado. They go through the empty streets looking for supplies and trying to enjoy a moment of relative peace from their constant struggle against the Invid. Scott begins to feel a tug of emotion towards Marlene.

18. Ghost Town

June 1, 1985

The group finds themselves in a high desert ghost town populated by an assemblage of old timers who have Robotechnology. The return of the newest attack wing of the Robotech Defense Forces, now personally headed by Admiral Rick Hunter, sends a call to glory to many who have lost the will to fight. Scott and his friends learn the true meaning of courage.

17. The Midnight Sun

June 1, 1985

The Regiss, Queen of the Invid, allows two of her children to transform their protoplasmic bodies into humans as part of the process of finding the ultimate life form. Sera and Corg, take this opportunity to hunt down the humans who have proved to be a thorn on the side of their mother, the Regiss, from the beginning of their arrival on Earth.

16. Metamorphosis

June 1, 1985

The Regiss, Queen of the Invid, allows two of her children to transform their protoplasmic bodies into humans as part of the process of finding the ultimate life form. Sera and Corg take this opportunity to hunt down the humans who have proved to be a thorn on the side of their mother, the Regiss, from the beginning of their arrival on Earth.

15. Separate Ways

June 1, 1985

Following Annie's departure from the group, a sense of melancholy settles over Scott and his friends. Petty arguments get blown-out of proportion and the group decides to split up. An attack by the Invid unites the group once again and the return of Annie (who has left her native "Prince Charming" to rejoin her friends) makes the group stronger than ever.

14. Annie's Wedding

June 1, 1985

While traveling through a forest of mature trees that were once active Invid Flowers of Life, Scott Bernard's group is captured by a tribe of outcasts. They have canonized the Invid as their sacred protectors and only through the intervention of Scott and his friends are these humans able to accept their humanity and fight back against their alien enemies.

13. Sandstorm

June 1, 1985

Rand tries to find water for Marlene who has grown ill following the destruction of the Invid Fortress. He braves a sandstorm that circulates many of the spores of the Invid Flower of Life that overwhelm Rand and induce a strangely prophetic dream about the nature of the Invid and their purpose in invading the Earth.

12. The Fortress

June 1, 1985

In order to continue on to Reflex Point, Scott Bernard and his friends must first destroy an old Robotech Fortress that is now occupied by the Invid. The group separates and infiltrates the complex and manages to destroy the Invid stronghold. Then they blast a trail to freedom for themselves and the rest of the citizens living in fear of their alien conquerors in this area.

11. The Secret Route

June 1, 1985

The intrepid band of freedom fighters come upon a thriving community which makes its living by selling information to avoid the Invid and migrate to a new and wonderful Utopia just over the mountain. It sounds too good to be true, so the heroes investigate and expose the evil plot of the town's mayor. Lancer also takes time to visit with an old friend.

10. Enter Marlene

June 1, 1985

The Invid send a "simul-agent" into the midst of Scott Bernard and friends in order to find out how much this band of freedom fighters knows about them and their plans. The Invid plan backfires when Rand discovers the simul-agent before the transformation process is complete. This creature, an Invid that resembles a woman, joins with the group as they continue their journey to Reflex Point.

9. The Genesis Pit

June 1, 1985

Scott, Rand and Annie are separated from the group and find themselves in a Genesis Pit. It is an experimental lnvid Laboratory in which these strange aliens are conducting genetic experimentation on Earth biological history - they are creating dinosaurs and ancient animals in the search for the perfect life form.

8. Eulogy

June 1, 1985

Scott Bernard and his band of comrades come upon a force of Robotech Defense Forces under the command of one of his childhood heroes, Col. Wolfe. When Scott offers the services of his group to aid in Wolfe's plans to defeat the Invid, Scott finds himself double-crossed by a hero who has lost his courage under the pressure of the Invid.

7. Paper Hero

June 1, 1985

Lunk is on a mission to deliver a manuscript to the father of one of his dead comrades. It was a promise he made and feels honor-bound to keep. A hostile reception by the local townspeople forces Lunk to re-evaluate the nature of friendship and duty.

6. Hard Time

June 1, 1985

Rook Bartley is reminded of the past as the band of freedom fighters powers their way through Rook's hometown. Rook takes the opportunity to look up her family and try to settle some old scores with a gang of thieves who humiliated her several years earlier.

5. Curtain Call

June 1, 1985

Yellow Dancer stages a rock concert to serve as a diversion allowing Scott Bernard and his band of Freedom Fighters a chance to sneak into a Protoculture Storage Area and confiscate valuable fuel needed to power their Alpha Fighters and Cyclones.

4. Survival

June 1, 1985

The group of freedom fighters, now joined by Yellow Dancer (aka Lancer), Rook Bartley (a brave young woman) and Lunk (aka Jim Cooper), try getting back to nature as they set-up a base in the center of a hostile forest under the constant scrutiny of Invid Scout Troops and Invid Shock Troopers.

3. Lonely Soldier Boy

June 1, 1985

Scott, Rand and Annie, a precocious 13-year-old girl, try to help some citizens in a remote town fight off a gang of thugs and an attack by an Invid Scout Patrol. This episode introduces the cast to "Yellow Dancer," a pop rock star who tries to entertain the survivors in the tradition of Lynn Minmei.

2. The Lost City

June 1, 1985

Scott Bernard, the sole survivor of the Robotech Expeditionary Force's ill-conceived attack against the Invid stronghold known as Reflex Point, joins forces with Rand, a young rebellious freedom fighter, as they try to recruit an army of Earth's survivors to carry on the fight against the Invid.

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