The Important stuff first; if you've seen the entirety of the non-Robotech version, then you've seen the series that's included in the Blu-ray version. The only thing that you're missing are some booklets and the "special disk" which includes some re-animated sequences using a mixture of CGI and traditional cel-animation.The entire TV series has not been re-animated, as I and others were led to believe with this super-expensive special edition.Background; I was first introduced to this series as Robotech way back in 1983 or 1984, and I didn't think much of the animation, as even for offshore Japanese animation it seemed a bit more jerky than normal compared to other shows.Where I was impressed with the dynamics of the story, I had a hard time watching it because of the quality of the animation. So, fast forward to 2012 and the "30th Anniversary" blu-rays come out, only I've got lots of obligations to meet, and no time to buy, watch and enjoy this show. If and when that big promotion comes, then I'll splurge, but, as fate would have it, I would have to wait five more years.In the meantime I'm seeing snippets of the special edition, and I'm seeing new intro and musical sequences for Lynn Minmay. It appeared that the show had been re-animated. I mean, wow. That's something worth buying. Unfortunately the entire series was not reanimated, as I had hoped.In 1984 I was shown the Feature Film via a bootleg copy based off of the same TV show, and was impressed with it. It wasn't quite Disney quality in terms of the actual animation, but it was many time better than the TV series, and the entire saga was compressed into a two hour format from hours of animated TV episodes, and done with exceptionally high production values.Regrettably only select segments were redone, and are on the "special disk" included with this set. It's not worth spending the extra cash, even if you're a millionaire. Oh sure, if you have a lot of friends who were Macross fans back in the day, you all might get a kick out of it, but otherwise pass it up.The real odd things is that the opening episode is repeated on the special disk in addition to the Blu-ray disks of the actual show. What for, I can't imagine. There's even a recording from the VHS release included on this disk. Again, why this is I have no idea--perhaps to compare the image quality.In short, it's not worth buying. If you have the money, and really want the show on bluray, then buy the less expensive no frills version.I hope this helps.

What can be said about the Super Dimensional Fortress Macross? Probably a lot can be said about it.Most people, mainly Amercians and probably some others across the globe, got introduced to Macross through another series called Robotech which combined the original Macross Anime with 3 others. While the Robotech version is good and tells some of the story that the original had, it edits the more philosophical points that the original had. And more turns the original space opera into that of a 1980's Saturday Morning Cartoon (which was the intent at the time since Japanese Animation in it's original form in the 1970's and 1980's wasn't as much appreciated in the West like it is today.) The story takes place in 2009 (this anime was made in 1982, they didn't know how the future would exactly turn out then.)around the launching of the United Nation Spacy's new Super Dimensional Fortress Macross and focuses around the character Hikaru Ichijio, a pacifist suddenly plunged into a war with an alien race known as the Zentraedi. After his friend and Military Pilot Roy Focker gets him into one of the military's new jet fighters to test fly it, The Macross large energy cannon goes off and attacks some Zentraedi ships in space. Roy is forced to leave Hikaru alone in the jet. Hikaru soon finds himself ordered out to take this jet and help defend the Macross. Once he enters the battle the fear of it takes over and he is soon hit and forced to land the jet into the city surrounding the Macross. This is where he meets the girl Lynn Minmay and the story begins on his Journey from a pacifist to that of a soldier.I'd highly recommend watching all 36 episodes of the Original Macross since there is so much story and sub plots going on in it (and some of it as said was edited out in the Robotech version.) The anime is dated because of it's animation, that's true, And probably a good number of people will not watch it based on this fact alone. I'd still recommend watching it since your really in for a treat. And if you got into the Macross Franchise watching Macross Plus, Macross Zero, Macross Frontier, or perhaps even the retelling movie "Do You Remember Love?" Give the original a try. I promise you, your in for a treat. The show that started a grand franchise, that is sadly limited to Japan only thanks to the likes of the owners of Robotech...And if your a fan of Robotech: The Macross Saga, I'd still recommend you watch the original Macross as it was intended to be seen. I think for those Robotech fans, it would at least give some of you a greater appreciation for the series that gave your preferred franchise "The Macross Saga".

It has been a long time since an updated review. Here is why. The name of the series, "Super Dimensional Fortress Macross", the year 1982, the unwilling participant - me. Randomly drawn one evening, and eventually finding a copy of this difficult to find complete original series, I first ventured into the first episode nearly a month ago. With nothing under my belt, no knowledge, limited anime experience, I began. It was traumatic, it was intense, it was hated - but eventually, I can successfully say to strangers on the street, I have completed the entire 36-episode original run of "Super Dimensional Fortress Macross". As they run, fear in their eyes, at least I know that this sense of completion is over. Onto more cinema, perhaps more anime, but will my life ever be the same again? For those unfamiliar with this series, you are not going to get a recap here. The length of this review, and my dedication to the cause will not allow it - but I will leave you with these not-so-random words. Songs. Love Triangle. Roy Focker. Protoculture. Cousin love. Robotech. Death. Rebuilding. Destruction. That get's most of the groundwork out of the way, now a more formal review. "Macross" (to keep it short) is a series well before its time. Despite the ups and downs of the series, the overall sentiment is defining and will continue to propel this series into further cult status. As a non-anime watcher, I was enthralled with the power of the story. The darkened themes, the obvious symbolism to modern culture, and our characters pushed me through each episode. It was emotional and intense as the battle for survival and culture of humanity came into each finely drawn frame. It was visually beautiful, the music was grandiose, and again, the characters did keep your attention - but - "Macross" is not for everyone. I would love to recommend this series to everyone, but the dry, tedious nature of some of the episodes just forbids me to be excited about repeat viewings. Again, "Macross" was, now that it is finally over, a powerful series that will always remain a staple in future anime viewings, but to view this again - one just couldn't enjoy Minmay's annoying attitude, Ichijo's inability to make a decision, and the lemming-ish way this series was filmed. "Macross" transformed 36-episodes into a defined "love-hate" relationship.After defining what was enjoyed by this series, one needs to prepare themselves for what just doesn't work. We have all driven home after a tough day at work, blaring our favorite song, and allowing the rough edges to fade away - and in "Macross" that idea is developed through Minmay's voice. Alas, it is beaten over our heads, submerged in water endlessly, and flashed into our eyes again and again and again. Confused. Don't worry, just watch "Macross" and you will understand. I will be the first to say, that I hated Lynn Minmay. She was annoying, childish, and forced our favorite characters into situations that were just in place for drama. Don't hate me if I kept hoping for her to be finished off early in the series. The passion between Ichijo and another character was far superior, and more interesting to watch. Minmay's possible love interest with another family member only heightened this hatred. This was followed by the daily destruction of the cities within the Macross and further within the story. It seemed as if every day attacks would ravish the built city, and with an endless supply of resources suddenly they could easily rebuild? It was like watching "Fraggle Rock". Death of citizens and other soldiers that were outside of the story, again, seemed to be in no-short supply. These seemed like larger elements that should have been developed, or at least understood, despite the series released in 1982. For some scenes, it just felt like cheap animation. Finally, in the version that I watched, the ending credits which were done in Ichijo's photo album in live action - it just felt again, further cheapened and not well fit within the series. These are just three obvious issues with this series, while there were smaller problems (the length of 36-episodes felt extremely too long - and lack of character development), these stood out.Overall, "Super Dimensional Fortress Macross" isn't perfect. I can see the value in the overall story, the power of the symbolism and idea of culture, but there were small issues within the episodes that I couldn't handle. Minmay was the downfall of this series to me. She was annoying and misleading - not the power character everyone has quoted her to be. Yet, despite the negative elements that rage through my mind, there were scenes, episodes, and moments that I just loved. The ending was as big as any summer-blockbuster and remains in my mind as I write my review. The progression of the story was fabulous as well. To see one small ship's discovery on Earth to the eventual decline of everything was impressive. I loved this series for that - and perhaps the slight religious undertones - but (now that I am thinking about it - maybe it is a good thing) there were just parts I hated. I would, against my will, suggest this to die-hard fans of anime. This shows the birth of something big, but just poorly executed. I think I am going to go as Global this year for Halloween - but "Macross" is a chapter in my life I do not want to repeat. Good, just not great.Grade: *** 1/2 out of *****

I was only 6 years old when I first saw this in 1982, thanks to my friend who brought home a video from Japan. Inside the video was the actual 1st episode of the Macross TV series, which aired October 1982. The first time I saw it, I was hooked to it forever! I remembered seeing the very first Valkyrie (fighter plane)that changed into a Gerwalk (plane with legs and arms) then a Battroid (robot, and the pilot was Hikaru.Since the first episode, I went on to endure the great emotions, the great cast, and the deepest animated TV story ever! Western folks should know that Macross hit America as Robotech in 1985, and it served as the American's "introduction" to Japanese anime. It was the Macross TV series where Japanese Anime (I made a thesis about this!) evolved to a modernized form, and giant robots changed as well. I also remembered seeing scenes which were banned/edited when Macross hit the US.You seen any video collection of Macross anywhere (preferably the English-subtitled version, NOT the Harmony Gold English-dubbed Robotech), then go for it! NEVER miss this series!