Disclaimer: In addition to being in Japanese, the storylines in these videos are more complicated than your standard Gatchaman episode. I will make revisions as necessary.For a review of the English release, click here.
Story: It is the year 2066. President Beoluke, the aging leader of a small but powerful country called Hontwall, celebrates his birthday with the announcement of his desire to set up a new world order. At the same time, noted scientists from the International Science Organization are disappearing without a trace. Crucial data is stolen from the Triad Research Installation, right before the installation is vaporized. The source of the attack is unknown... save to one man. Dr. Kozaburo Nambu knows his enemy, and has long been preparing for this day. His secret weapon, the five-person team known as the Kagaku Ninjatai, makes its debut.
For a first mission, the Kagaku Ninjatai has a tall order to fill. Not only do they face the monstrous Turtle King, its fanatical captain and the deadly Gallactor Blackbirds, but they risk losing their mentor when Dr. Nambu falls into Berg Katse's hands.
Changes From Original: There is more friction between Ken and Joe than the original, and less togetherness and cooperation between the members of the Kagaku Ninjatai. The Gallactor organization is a lot more competent and ambitious, and is fanatically devoted to its cause. The original Turtle King only stomped a few cities, whereas this Turtle King turned a city-sized installation into a smoking crater with one blast, concealed itself in a giant tornado, and attempted to start another world war. Not bad for a first attempt.
Story: In the space of a few months, Gallactor has succeeded in controlling one third of the Earth's countries and has fourteen bases established around the globe. Four of these bases house the energy reactors needed for Gallactor's next operation. In order to ensure the success of three of these bases, Berg Katse uses the fourth as a trap for the Kagaku Ninjatai and other defense forces. He assigns his secondary officer, Dr. Donaldson, to spring the trap. If Donaldson and his Jupiter Ninja Squad or the installation's force shields don't destroy the Kagaku Ninjatai, then at least he will be rid of a potentially treacherous subordinate.
Upon discovering the base's location, Dr. Nambu dispatches the Kagaku Ninjatai to infiltrate and destroy the installation. They have 72 hours to do so before the world's defense forces close in. They are rebuffed by the base's force shields at first, but find entry via BC Island, a small volcanic island no longer on the world maps. There they tangle with the Jupiter Ninja in two fiery battles before they find themselves outnumbered by Donaldson's Blackbird forces. However, they are all surprised to find that the Kagaku Ninjatai aren't the only good guys on base: the Red Impulse Squadron makes its debut.
At the same time we learn more about Ken and his relationship with his father. The last time Ken saw his father was after his mother's funeral. The man leaves with the promise, "I'll see you again after you've become strong." Ken's father, now commander of Red Impulse, makes his first appearance in a small dogfight outside the Gallactor base, and begins a friendly rivalry between the two.
Changes From Original: Several names and roles were taken from all over the original series and slapped into this episode, with jarring results. Instead of an ice-blooded ninja leader, Alan was originally Father Alan, a Catholic priest and childhood friend of Joe's. BC Island wasn't a Gallactor stronghold; rather it was where Joe lived for a short while, and where his parents were killed. The Jupiter Ninja originally resided in the Himalayas, and may be part of Jinpei's family. On the other hand, there were originally only three members of the Red Impulse squadron; having more members as in the remake is much more feasible. There is no dramatic reunion between father and son as in the original; just a smiling personal recognition.
The Kagaku Ninjatai are then dispatched to do something about the Gallactor machines--the best method of which is to find the motherbase by sneaking aboard one of the enemy's latest monstermechs, the Devil Snake. This proves to be time consuming if not difficult....
At the same time, Joe is discovered inside Cross Karakorum by Berg Katse. Joe is captured and imprisoned, left to slowly die of the nerve poison Katse spiked him with... but he discovers an ally on base. Red Impulse sets him free and tells him they must stop Sosai X at all costs. The two of them manage to break through the cloaking device over Cross Karakorum Base, giving the Godphoenix a chance to land. As Gallactor's force generators tick away the seconds to ignition, Gatchaman has its final showdown with Berg Katse and Sosai X himself.
Changes From Original: The Earth Regeneration Plan replaces the Black Hole Operation, and X is actually kind enough to take his Gallactor troops with him into space before giving Earth its makeover. Joe is only poisoned, since the head wounds, beatings and bullet holes he suffered in the original would take too much time to explain. Ken acquires a sword two series early, and what was that apparition in the end?
