Amidst the hype surrounding the upcoming live-action Transformers feature film, World Events Prods. has announced plans to re-launch its popular 1980s anime and toy property Voltron: Defender of the Universe. In addition to releasing and endorsing newly licensed products including figures from Toynami, the company is releasing the classic action show on DVD and recently signed a deal with Cartoon Network to air the entire series during Adult Swim starting this month. There is even a live-action Voltron feature film in development.
Voltron revolves around five space explorers who journey to the planet Arus in search of a legendary robotic defender. The group unlocks the secret of the five elemental powered Robot Lions, who assemble together to form Voltron, an awesome fighting robot dedicated to defending the universe. The show first hit U.S. airwaves in 1984 and became an instant hit, providing come tough competition for such ’80s staples as He-Man, GI Joe and Transformers. Three seasons were produced before the property was re-imagined in 3D with the CG series Voltron: The Third Dimension.
The DVD release Voltron: Defender of the Universe was completely re-mastered and re-mixed from the original episodes. The first volume, ‘Blue Lion,’ enjoyed a successful retail launch in September and will be followed by seven more volumes debuting throughout 2007. Each release will contain 15 episodes along with exclusive documentaries and rare behind-the-scenes clips.
St. Louis-based World Evens Prods. has teamed with producer Mark Gordon (Saving Private Ryan, The Day After Tomorrow) and urban-music creator turned exec. producer Pharrell Williams (N.E.R.D. Neptunes) for a live-action feature film set in the Voltron universe. The film will be co-produced by Marc Costa and Ford Oelman of NHO Ent.
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