There was some disappointment after Yamato II in 1978, but the hunger for more Yamato was still there. Be Forever Yamato did not disappoint. Starting directly with a hardcore alien invasion from the “Dark Nebula,” Earth is pummeled and destroyed yet again. How quickly humanity rebuilds society only to be kicked down by the alien bully so fast. Luckily, the good old crew of the Yamato gathers together once again to save Earth from impending doom. It all sounds the same as before, but this time the action is sound, weapons of mass destruction make sense, and a lot of the things that cause the series to drag are absent in this film.
However, there are downsides: characters are introduced with subtitles, the incredibly lame Yamato deaths; the narrator is forced to explain certain points in the story, and a strange ten minute scene of ballads with nothing happening. Most of these are not uncommon to the series though. Although, about half-way through, the screen changes aspect ratios to enhance a bit of a turning point, which was pretty sweet. Also, there are two separate plot points developing during the main story, which is a big boost to the film. More boosts are the clear improvements in animation, battle sequences, and character movement. This is the improvement the series needed the most, and where Be Forever Yamato comes through.
No, much like everything from the 1970’s, Be Forever Yamato still won’t impress today’s viewer unlike what was seen in Firebird 2772. This is still a movie for mecha fans, space opera fans, and fans of the Yamato series to must watch. It is not something to pass up. Hands down, it is the best Yamato yet.
