Like many films of Japanese origin, the history of the animated Macross Plus is a complicated one. Originally released as a four-part series, the director later revisited and re-edited the film into a single film. Some scenes were added, some were excised and some were reordered in the newer cut of the film resulting in a story with a similar theme, but a harsher, tighter tone. Although Manga Home Entertainment released the four-part series in 1999, they have now decided to release the film version of the tale as well on DVD this summer.

2040 A.D. – Planet Eden, The Ministry of Defense is testing and developing a transforming super-stealth aircraft, a new advanced defense vessel to counter alien attacks. Isamu Dyson is an extrovert jet fighter maverick assigned as a new test pilot on project Super Nova. Competition heats up when he discovers that his old rival Guld Bowman is a test pilot for the competing project. The arrival of Myung, a mutual ex-girlfriend, adds more tension to the conflict. As the three former friends find themselves on contact once again, they slowly begin to uncover the truth behind the defense program and what it has to do with Myung’s pop-star client, Sharon Apple.

The new DVD will come with two audio tracks, both Japanese. Both the Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo tracks will be in their native tongue with optional English subtitles. The theatrical cut contains twenty minutes of new footage including a breathtaking new opening sequence, new scenes that further clarify the relationships between key characters, plus a dramatic new ending featuring extended footage of the haunting concert given by the film’s virtual pop star, Sharon Apple. The disc will also contain a photo gallery and Macross Plus trailers.

Coming on May 28th, the film version of the popular anime title will come to DVD for $29.99.