Anime
Title: The Fantastic Adventures of Unico
Release Date: 1983/1984
Information: In 1984, the video company Magic Window (RCA/Columbian Pictures children’s movie company) released the first Unico movie for Betamax and VHS under the title, The Fantastic Adventures of Unico. The movie did well in the USA and the second movie was released the following year.
After the home video release of the movie, The Disney Channel aired the film several times during the late 80s. For example, the movie aired on July 8, 13, 18, 23, 26, and 31 of 1986. In 1987, the movie aired July 7, 18, 27, and August 2. The film aired on November 21, 26; and December 2, 11, 20, and 26 in 1989.
VHS Blurb:
Unico, the Magical Unicorn, is born with incredible powers that make people happy. But that angers some very jealous gods. They order the West Wind to cast the tiny Unicorn into exile — and thus begins Unico’s amazing adventures.
He’s whisked away to the Land of Mist on the Edge of the Earth where he teaches the meaning of friendship to Beezil, the pesky little Devil of Solitude. But Unico cannot stay.
He journeys on to meet Katy, a sad little kitty, who dreams of becoming a witch. When Unico’s magic transforms her into a beautiful girl, she falls under the spell of a wicked count and a raging demon. Evil and hatred challenge Unico’s power of love.
Entertainment for the entire family, rich in lessons of love and kindness, beautifully told in high-quality animation. Original score.
| Cast | |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Joan Carol O’Connell, also known as J.C. Henning (uncredited) |
| Unico | Barbara Goodson (uncredited) |
| Beezil/Beezle | Cheryl Chase (uncredited) |
| Caty/Katy | Robin Levenson (uncredited) |
| West Wind | Diane Lander (uncredited) |
| Baron de Ghost | Dave Mallow (uncredited) |
| Devil of Solitude | Ardwight Chamberlain (uncredited) |
| ??? | Louise Chamis (uncredited) |
| Gods | Ardwight Chamberlain, Jan Rabson, Michael Sorich (all uncredited) |
| English Staff | |
|---|---|
| English Language Version | Sync. LTD. |
| Producer | Bran and Karen D. Arandjelovich |
| Director | Ardwight Chamberlain |
| Production Coordinators | Sachiko Louie and Mark Headley |
Title: Unico in the Island of Magic
Release Date: 1984/1985
Information: In 1985, the second movie, Unico in the Island of Magic, was released on both Betamax and VHS media.
Like the first movie, The Disney Channel aired the film several times during the late 80s. In 1989, for example, the film aired January 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 27; February 1, and 8.
VHS Blurb:
The loveable Unico, sought after by angry gods, embarks on a journey of hardship that leads him to the forest of Melvin Magnificat, a cranky feline! Unico is befriended by Cheri, a young girl who gives him food and shelter. Their happiness is darkened, however, by the appearances of the evil Lord Kuruku whose goal is to turn everyone in the entire forest into living puppets!
Even Toby, Cheri’s brother, has fallen under his spell and helps Kuruku acquire more puppets. Cheri and Unico’s efforts to stop him lead them to dangerous places such as Nightmare Island. At the end of the earth, they meet the Trojan Horse who tells them that Kuruku’s magic can only be fought with love and courage. With these virtues in hand, it is now up to Cheri and Unico to defeat this evil.
| Cast | |
|---|---|
| Unico | Barbara Goodson (uncredited) |
| Cheri | Anick Feris (uncredited) |
| Toby | Max Christian (uncredited) |
| Kuruku / Melvin’s Lackey 1 | Jan Rabson (uncredited) |
| Melvin Magnificat | Michael Sorich (uncredited) |
| West Wind | Janet Waldo (uncredited) |
| Sphinx | Lara Cody (uncredited) |
| Roller Dragon / Melvin’s Lackey 2 | Ardwight Chamberlain (uncredited) |
| Cheri’s Father / Trojan Horse | Ron Gans (uncredited) |
Several years later, in 2012, Discotek Media acquired the movies and pilot episode, releasing them on DVD for the first time. The pilot episode, titled Unico: Black Cloud and White Feather (Unico Kuroi Kumo to Shiroi Hane), had never been released to English-speaking audiences. While they did not give it a dub, it was still exciting for fans to see.
Manga
Title: Unico
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Information: A Kickstarter was launched by DMP in 2012 for an English translation of Unico along with Atom Cat and Triton of the Sea. In 2013, Unico was published and released for the first time in English. They made a hardcover and softcover version available to readers.
Anime
Title: Unico
Release Date: 80s
Information: After its release in the west, UK company, Mountain Video, picked up the first movie, and they sold it under the Graphic Video label. The movie was first previewed on Flash! promo tape.
VHS Blurb:
A marvellous magical Unicorn with the gift of bringing happiness wherever he goes. This sumptuous cartoon conceived by Osamu Tezuka will take you to a world of enchantment and wonder. A lovingly created masterpiece of childrens [sic] entertainment that can be compared favourably with the best of its genre. Comedy, adventure and fantasy combine to make this film a truly enjoyable film experience.
Sources:
Anime Bargain Bin Reviews – Unico aka The Fantastic Adventures of Unico
Anime Bargain Bin Reviews – Dlash! No. 1
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