In the realm of anime, innovation and nostalgia often collide to create something truly extraordinary. This is precisely what happened when Bandai Namco Filmworks unveiled their latest experimental video, “BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE R.” This dynamic piece premiered during the Tamashi Nation 2025 event in Tokyo, capturing the essence of the original 1982 series while infusing it with a fresh, modern twist.
The video, crafted by the esteemed Sunrise Robot Laboratory, is a reimagining of Yoshiyuki Tomino’s classic “Blue Gale Xabungle.” It features a new song, “Ranburu,” performed by the Hokago Climax Girls unit from the popular game “The IDOLM@STER Shiny Colors.” This fusion of old and new is not just a tribute but a vibrant reinterpretation that maintains the original’s humorous and exaggerated tone while presenting it in a dynamic, contemporary animation style.
“BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE R” is not the first experimental video from this collaboration. Earlier this year, “BLUE GALE XABUNGLE SIDE L” was released, blending old footage with newly produced scenes that evoked the original anime’s opening sequence and key episodes. This project was a joint effort between Bandai Namco Filmworks and Kamikaze Douga, with Junpei Mizusaki at the helm as director, technical director, and creative producer. Banjo Ginga, the original narrator of “Blue Gale Xabungle,” also returned to provide new narration, adding a layer of authenticity to the modern retelling.
The experimental video series is not limited to “Blue Gale Xabungle.” Sunrise Robot Laboratory’s first foray into this genre was with “AURA BATTLER DUNBINE SIDE L,” which premiered in May 2024. This video incorporated new footage to recreate the opening and ending sequences of the original series. The second video in the “AURA BATTLER DUNBINE” series, “SIDE R,” was released in November 2024, continuing the trend of blending nostalgia with innovation.
For those unfamiliar with the original “Blue Gale Xabungle,” the story unfolds on the planet Zora, where society is divided into the Innocent and the Civilians. Jiron Amos, seeking revenge for his parents’ murder, navigates a world where justice is elusive. He steals the mecha Xabungle and joins a group of bandits, the Sandrats, setting the stage for a rebellion against the Innocent. The series, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, aired in Japan from 1982 to 1983 and also spawned an anime film titled “Xabungle Graffiti” in 1983.
These experimental videos are a testament to the enduring appeal of classic anime and the creative potential of modern animation techniques. They offer fans a unique opportunity to experience beloved stories in a new light, while also introducing these timeless narratives to a new generation of viewers.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
