TRENDING: 'Voltes V: Legacy' TV premiere earns praises, brings nostalgia to fans
The Philippine live-action adaptation of the classic anime Voltes V has finally made its TV premiere!
Since its first announcement in 2020, Voltes V: Legacy has been making rounds on social media with mixed reactions from netizens.
Directed by Mark A. Reyes and written by Suzette Doctolero, the Philippine live-action CGI series adaptation promised its viewers a new kind of experience. Making sure that it will live up to the expectations, the production worked closely with TOEI Company.
Just recently, “#VoltesVLegacyTVPremiere” topped the Twitter trending topic during its premiere on Monday night, May 8 having over 45,000 tweets as of writing, collating fans’ varying reactions to the show.
Many expressed their praises for the pilot episode, pointing out how the scenes were almost as similar to the classic anime.
"Pag fan talaga ang gumawa[,] iba, the homage and love for the original [OK hand emoji]" said one Twitter user.
Its iconic catch-phrase, "Let's volt in!"—which was shown in the pilot episode—also sparked nostalgia. A Twitter wrote, "This scene when they assembled!!! That nostalgic OST!!! GOOSEBUMPS!!! How I wish I'm watching this with my brothers right now. Childhood memories!"
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
Kapuso actress-singer Julie Anne San Jose, who also gave a rendition of the series' original theme song Voltes V No Uta, also commended the series and congratulated the team behind it.
The viewers also pointed out that although acting can still be improved, Miguel Tanfelix's portrayal as Steve Armstrong—the team's leader—earned praises for nailing the role.
"Haven't seen Miguel Tanfelix before VVL, but after watching the 1st ep, I'm now a fan. Can't imagine any other actor as Steve Armstrong. He's young, has similar built and looks as Steve-anime (except for sideburns), & exuded the gravitas of a leader," said one Twitter user.
Inevitably, some were not as impressed with the live-action adaptation as the Philippine entertainment industry is not known for producing CGI content that can be compared to established production companies like Marvel Studios. Despite it, fans see theVoltes V: Legacy as a "milestone" for the Philippine entertainment, paving the way to do more series like this.
All in all, fans are absolutely hyped up for the series, with some saying it's "worth the wait."
"The live-action did not disappoint. Few scenes could have been better but overall, I was very entertained. The CGI is the best I've seen so far on Philippine TV. Di nakakahiya ipakita sa international audience," a fan said.
Voltes V: Legacy is a hybrid of live-action CGI adaptation starring Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, Radson Flores, and Raphael Landicho. Joining the cast are Albert Martines, Carla Abellana, Martin del Rosario, and Dennis Trillo.
After its theater release in April—which garnered a 9.2 rating on the popular movie site IMDb—the most awaited adaptation has arrived to the TV screens. Fans may watch the series on GMA Telebabad after 24 ORas. It can also be watched online on GMA's YouTube channel and official website.