No, not the animated series. That still has potential (except for poor Snarf). This is from what I assume is test footage for a computer-animated Thundercats movie that never came about. This was an exclusive at Flixist, although I heard about it at Bleeding Cool.

So they did get a few things right. S-S-Slithe (that’s how it used to be spelled–officially) mentions that Lion-O is “a man on the outside” but still a boy on the inside. That’s in keeping with the early show. We get the cry that’s supposed to call for the other Thundercats. And personally, I think Lion-O’s VA is good, and sounds like a Lion-O if not the original. I can even dig the Sword of Omens new look, although I wonder how “sight beyond sight” works with that hilt. Speaking of which, the part where S-S-Slithe is reflected in the blade of the falling sword…nicely done.

That’s not to say that I can’t go fanboy on this thing. S-S-Slithe still looks lizard-like but his mannerisms are all wrong, update or not. The same goes for Lion-O, who seems to have gotten a major haircut. I don’t mind that he’s a bit more energized, that’s a good update. However, he’s acting more like an Earth kid than a Thundarian one. That takes me out of it a bit.

I’ve seen worse updates and I’m not ready to condemn anything the way I was the Clash of the Titans remake. It’s only a test shot and frankly it does look good. The visuals are beautiful (also check out this concept art), the fight is well-choreographed, and new S-S-Slithe’s voice matches the way he’s written and animated, although he feels less like classic S-S-Slithe than Lion-O does his classic counterpart. It may have turned out to be a good movie if and when it came out. I wouldn’t mind seeing this group take on an original project with this concept. As its own IP it could be a fantastic looking production with or without the Thundercats involved.

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Posted by on February 15, 2011 in Animation Spotlight, Movie Spotlight, Television Spotlight and tagged , , , .

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About ShadowWing Tronix

A would be comic writer looking to organize his living space as well as his thoughts. So I have a blog for each goal. :)

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