The remastering of "Mobile Suit Gundam," the first installment in the popular "Gundam" anime series, is generating a lot of buzz. The aim is to promote the original series, the "Gundam" franchise's origin, worldwide in anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2029. What is the significance of this remastering?
◇Remastered for a "makeover"
The remaster of the first film was announced on May 15th at the "Gundam Conference SPRING 2026" streamed on YouTube. "Remastering" means reprocessing and correcting the original video data using the latest technology to improve the picture and sound quality to modern standards. It's a "remaster" and not a "remake," so it doesn't seem like they're going to remake it from scratch.
The first "Mobile Suit Gundam," which began airing on April 7, 1979, is undoubtedly a timeless masterpiece that has been loved for a long time. Of course, the analog-era footage has a charm that is difficult to express in modern times, and old fans may have a fondness for the original footage. However, video technology has advanced significantly in the last half-century, so if this masterpiece can be revived with the latest technology, it would surely be something to watch.
According to Naohiro Ogata, director of Bandai Namco Filmworks and head of the Gundam series' video production business, "The first film is still enjoyed by many people today, but in order to make it enjoyable worldwide," he explained, "We will be remastering it again. It will be like a makeover, and we have decided to proceed with production so that it can be unveiled on the 50th anniversary."
According to Ogata, it seems that this remaster isn't just aimed at old fans. "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," which aired in 2025, is set in the Universal Century, just like the first series, and it's said to have given young people who had never been exposed to "Gundam" before a reason to watch the first series. In interviews so far, Ogata has revealed that he planned the project with the hope that it would become a Gundam that would give young people a reason to watch Universal Century works.
On the other hand, it might appear dated to younger generations accustomed to modern anime. As the 50th anniversary approaches, increasing the options and broadening the appeal would certainly be worthwhile.
◇What "Your First Starts HERE" means
At the "Gundam Conference SPRING 2026," the logo for the "Gundam 50th Anniversary Project" was also unveiled. What's noteworthy about the logo is that it says "Your First Starts HERE." Mr. Ogata spoke about his thoughts on these words, saying, "We've created so many works over the past 50 years, so I think it's good to have many different entry points," and "There will be people who are just getting into Gundam now. They will have their own 'First Gundam' within them."
The first installment, "Mobile Suit Gundam," is generally referred to as "First Gundam." "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED," which began airing in 2002 and attracted new fans, became a hot topic, being called "the First Gundam of the 21st century." "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury," which aired from 2022 to 2023, also introduced new approaches and succeeded in attracting new fans. The remastered first installment may become the "First Gundam" for people who have never encountered "Gundam" before.
The "Gundam" series has a history of expanding its fanbase while flexibly adapting to the times. "Your First Starts HERE" seems to be a phrase that symbolizes that history.
At the "Gundam Conference SPRING 2026," the production of new footage for "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing" was also announced. Mr. Ogata said, "We are also preparing other new Gundam projects, so please look forward to them," raising expectations for further developments leading up to the 50th anniversary in 2029. (Man Animai/MANTANWEB)
