Many Macross Series Now Available on Hulu and Disney+ in the US

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Summary

  • Macross series are now on Hulu and Disney+ in the US, with the latest installment available.
  • Not all Macross series are available worldwide on Disney+, but certain English-speaking regions may have access.
  • Legal disputes regarding Macross vs Robotech have been settled, leading to distribution agreements between BIGWEST and Harmony Gold.

Fans of the anime Macross can now enjoy multiple series on streaming platforms such as Hulu and Disney+! The long-awaited resolution to the international rights issue occurred in 2021, making this moment exciting for many fans who have eagerly anticipated it.

In the United States, a total of 16 titles are now accessible for streaming on Disney platforms, among them is the recently released “Macross Delta the Movie: Absolute Live!!!!!! (Zettai Live)” which came out in 2021.

Sadly, not all these shows can be found globally on Disney+, however, they may be accessible in certain countries and regions, particularly those where English is widely spoken.

Although the BIGWEST announcement explicitly states that the series can be found on Hulu, some individuals have shared on social platforms that the shows may also be accessible on Disney+, albeit potentially more challenging to locate.

The series now available are as follows:

  • The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012
  • The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again
  • Macross Plus
  • Macross Plus Movie Edition
  • Macross Delta
  • Macross Delta: Passionate Walküre (Macross Delta the Movie: Passionate Walkyuure)
  • Macross Delta: Zettai LIVE!!!!!!
  • Macross Zero
  • Macross 7
  • Macross Dynamite 7
  • Macross 7: The Galaxy is Calling Me!
  • Macross Fb7 Listen to My Song!
  • Macross Frontier
  • Macross Frontier: The False Songstress
  • Macross Frontier: The Wings of Farewell
  • Macross Frontier: Labyrinth of Time

Initially, BIGWEST announced that all 18 series produced from 1987 onwards would become available globally on Disney+ in 2024. However, the original post seems to have been removed. The possible explanations for this could be that the series are not yet accessible worldwide or perhaps the negotiations with Disney didn’t proceed as initially planned.

Excitedly speaking, since no formal updates have surfaced yet, I’m eagerly keeping my fingers crossed that the series could potentially make its global debut on Disney+ someday!

The Long-Lasting Legal Battle

Macross vs Robotech

For a prolonged period, the distribution rights of Macross were entangled in a fierce legal battle between the Japanese firm BIGWEST and the U.S. company Harmony Gold.

In the 1980s, Harmony Gold purchased the rights for shows like Super Dimensional Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber MOSPEADA from Tatsunoko. They then combined footage from these series to create Robotech. However, there was another complication: BIGWEST, a marketing firm, also held rights to the franchise. The Macross project faced challenges both before and during its airing in Japan.

Since the 1990s, BIGWEST has been cognizant of the agreement between Tatsunoko and Harmony Gold. This is because BIGWEST supported the production of “Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II: Lovers Again” in 1992, a move that was in response to the deal (and without Tatsunoko’s participation).

Essentially, the disagreement between BIGWEST and Harmony Gold over the distribution of ‘Macross’ sequels and films has been resolved, at least that’s what we understand for now. In the year 2021, they reached an accord stating that BIGWEST will be responsible for distributing internationally all ‘Macross’ titles produced from 1987 onwards.

In response, BIGWEST consented not to challenge the production of a live-action Robotech movie by Harmony Gold in Japanese cinemas. Additionally, Harmony Gold has been given official permission to incorporate 41 Macross characters into their Robotech series, including the ability to manufacture and sell merchandise featuring these characters (with the exception of Japan).

It was noted that the two corporations planned to collaborate on dispersing the franchise worldwide, however, there’s uncertainty over who holds the ownership of the initial series and the movie “Do You Remember Love,” which were released in 1982 and 1984. Given that BIGWEST probably didn’t just hand over the rights to Harmony Gold, it seems plausible that they co-own these two productions. Any decisions concerning international distribution would likely need the consent of both parties.

In the United States, you can find Robotech on Crunchyroll. This suggests that Harmony Gold, the series distributor, may have retained its distribution rights within the country. However, in 2021, it was announced that Robotech would be accessible in regions outside of the US, such as Latin America, through Funimation (now known as Crunchyroll). It’s currently on Crunchyroll, but only in English with English subtitles. Whether this is related to the agreement between Harmony Gold and BIGWEST or the licensing contract between Harmony Gold and Crunchyroll remains uncertain.

Hulu and Disney+ stream many Macross titles in the US. Crunchyroll streams Robotech.

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2025-01-15 08:15