From the production design to the CGI, Voltes V: Legacy is so far not disappointing, with the adaptation hitting most of its marks.
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It was back in January 2020 that the world first learned that Voltes V was getting a live-action adaptation courtesy of GMA. Admittedly, it was an announcement that wasn’t welcomed with open arms by some given the show’s cultural significance and mixed reputation of Filipino productions. Yet, three years later, Voltes V: Legacy has finally premiered on Philippine TV to generally positive reviews. The cast and crew behind this show had a Herculean task of translating the story of a group of teens fighting the evil Boazanians to live action.
They pushed themselves beyond the conventions of Filipino teleseryes to deliver a show worthy of its name. Legacy is a show unlike anything local TV has seen, and if the first few episodes of the adaptation are anything to go by, it may just meet its lofty expectations. Here are a few reasons why Voltes V: Legacy has been hitting the mark with fans, so far.
CAPTURING THAT NOSTALGIA
If you were able to watch the cinematic experience, it will give you that Pacific Rim vibe swear. CGI is in another level. You can see it from the very small detail of the robot.
— Euwan Pascual (@EuwanPascual) May 8, 2023
Here’s #VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere volt-in sequence comparison from the Live-Action adaptation vs Anime pic.twitter.com/ikdnW4HfwR
Voltes V is a beloved anime among many Filipinos. From the original late 70s airing to the Tagalog dub in the decades after, the show has made fans across generations. And one thing that Legacy does well is capture that sense of nostalgia. The series brings to life all those scenes we loved in the original anime. Side-by-side comparisons of the anime to the adaptation show that there is a level of care involved. From the volt-in scene to the outro sequence, Legacy nails that transition. Those scenes are what we loved as kids and are now being brought to life through a 100% Pinoy-made show.
THE PRODUCTION
If there was one thing GMA gave Voltes V: Legacy, it was a budget. From the flight suits (which cost in the six figures), built-from-scratch sets, costumes, and CGI (more on that later), Voltes V: Legacy delivered on the scale. There was a major effort from the crew to beat the no-budget allegations and build the world of the anime to the best of their abilities. Legacy may just be that big-budget series Philippine TV needed.
PROPER CGI
this particular shot is so attractive as hell. man voltes v is so hot 😩#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere pic.twitter.com/8Yqh2Xdm4P
— aoi (@smolxiao_) May 8, 2023
Locally made CGI has rightfully had a bad reputation, less because of local talent, and more so of how the local industry is typically run. Thankfully, GMA gave the post-production team ample time to make the show’s CGI look polished. And the best part is that the network didn’t license the work to an overseas studio, but a local one, Riot Inc.
It’s some of the best in local entertainment and helps give that extra oomph to the action scenes. Not only does the CGI and VFX of Legacy look good, but it’s also a reminder that Filipinos can do that and more as long as they have the proper time and resources. May other local production companies learn from Legacy.
RESPECT FOR THE SOURCE MATERIAL
They even recreated part of the opening for Voltes V!#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere #ボルテスVレガシー #VoltesVLegacy pic.twitter.com/WmFWe5npf9
— NegiKitsu | 🇵🇭🇺🇲/ENVtuber Predebut (@NegiKitsu) May 8, 2023
A cash-grab and half-hearted attempt this show is not. One of the main reasons why Voltes V: Legacy shows promise is because the people behind the adaptation respect the anime. Led by series director and avid Voltes V fan Mark Reyes, the team studied and understood the source material, translating that to live action while adding those little Pinoy touches that help it stand out as more than just a straight copy. Their constant collaboration with Toei over the years also ensured that Legacy would properly showcase the main points of the anime. The show is a respectful homage told through a modern lens.
THE NEW COVER OF THE THEME SONG
Whosever idea it was to have Julie Anne San Jose sing the Voltes V theme song, Voltes V No Uta, needs a raise immediately. Julie Anne sounds so good, and her Japanese is near fluent. Her cover harkens back to the original but with that added modern sheen.
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