Voltron transformation sequence

I'm happy to find this video on Voltron's transformation sequence that takes place in every episode.

Voltron usually takes on the 'weekly' monsters as 5 separate robot lions first. If that 'fails' (which always happens, if not Voltron won't appear), then the 5 drivers form Voltron to resume the fight.

About the transformation 'speed':
Some comments on YouTube mentioned that before the transformation sequence is over, the monster would have struck. I personally think that the transformation sequence is supposed to be very fast and bright but as viewers, we get to see it in detail.

My Voltron-inspired childhood dream:
As a kid, I loved the idea of driving the lion robots that I imagined the closest I could ever do something similar is to drive a real car. Hence I eagerly looked foward to the day I came of age to drive.

When I finally picked up my driving license many years back, I still remembered my childhood dream of driving a Voltron lion! Even today while behind the driving wheel, I sometimes think about Voltron!

Anyway, here is the memorable transformation sequence once more, enjoy!




Transformation Script:

Keith:
Ready to form Voltron!
Activate interlock!
Dynotherms connected!
Infracells up!
Mega thrusters are go!

All:
GO VOLTRON FORCE!

Keith:
Form feet and legs!
Form arms and body!
And I'll form the head!

Voltron Intro (5 lions version)

There were 2 versions of Voltron cartoons that I came across in the 80's. One of it featured Voltron as a mighty robot formed by multiple smaller space vehicles. The other which is more famous, was where Voltron was formed by 5 different colored robot lions!

I definitely preferred the latter and I would turn off the TV if the former was being shown instead (I found the former rather boring, and maybe because I much preferred 'animals').

To think back, I find the plot for both Voltron cartoon series rather 'thin', as in not much depth. It was basically the 'ancestor' cartoon that inspired the rise of the "Power Rangers" TV series since the 90s (till now).

The drivers of the 5 robot lions, based on my memory are as follows:

Black Lion - Keith (leader, wears red uniform, I think he's the love interest of Princess Allura)

Red Lion - Lance (wears blue uniform, can't remember much about him)

Blue Lion - Princess Allura (wears pink uniform, she looks 'weak' and like a typical distressed damsel in her princess outfit, but quickly switches into 'warrior behaviour' when in Voltron uniform)

Yellow Lion - Hunk (wears dark yellow or light orange uniform, large bulky guy)

Green Lion - Pidge (wears green uniform, young little nerdy spectacled guy)

Simple Plot:
Voltron defends the planet Arus, where Princess Allura's kingdom is located.

Every week, the villains: King Zarkon, his son Prince Lotor, and a witch named Haggar (who are all from another planet), would conjure up giant monsters to defeat Voltron and conquer Arus. Of course, every week they fail. Sometimes, Voltron needs '2 weeks' to defeat the more powerful monsters.

I distinctly remember Prince Lotor has a liking for Princess Allura, so half the reason for conquering her planet was to have her as his bride or something like that. Of course she detests him.

Many of the episodes involve Princess Allura getting captured or held hostage by Prince Lotor. Her teammates had to go and rescue her, partly because she's their friend and comrade, and partly because the team needed her to form Voltron.




Intro Script:

From days of long ago,
From unchartered regions
Of the universe,
Comes a legend.
The legend of Voltron:
Defender of the Universe!
A mighty robot,
Loved by good,
Feared by evil.

As Voltron's legend grew,
Peace settled across the galaxy.
On Planet Earth,
A Galaxy Alliance was formed.
Together with the good planets
Of the solar system,
They maintained peace
Throughout the universe,
Until a new horrible menace
Threatened the galaxy.

Voltron was needed once more.
This is the story
Of a super force of space explorers.
Specially trained,
And sent by the Alliance,
To bring back Voltron:
Defender of the Universe!

Voltron:
Defender of the Universe!

The Last Unicorn music video with scenes from the movie

While searching for the video of "The Last Unicorn" on YouTube last week, I came across this one and bookmarked it.

This custom made video of "The Last Unicorn" incorporates many of the most memorable and exciting scenes from the movie. Enjoy!



Song Lyrics:

When the last eagle flies
Over the last crumbling mountain.
And the last lion roars
At the last dusty fountain.
In the shadow of the forest,
Though she may be old and worn,
They will stare unbelieving,
At the Last Unicorn.

When the first breath of winter
Through the flowers is icing
And you look to the north
And the pale moon is rising
And it seems like all is dying
And would leave the world to mourn
In the distance hear the laughter
Of the Last Unicorn!

I’m alive, I’m alive!

When the last moon is cast
Over the last star of morning.
And the future has passed
without even a last desperate warning
Then look into the sky where through
The clouds have had their sport
Look and see her how she sparkles
It’s the Last Unicorn!

I’m alive, I’m alive!

I’m alive, I’m alive!

I’m alive, I’m alive!

The Last Unicorn Intro and Theme Song

This cartoon movie's a classic! I enjoyed watching it as a kid. Around 10 years ago at the start of the internet era, my friend sent me this song and it stirred up our memories of this childhood cartoon. We also found the lyrics back then and I've kept it till now.

Then when I got the DVD a few years ago and re-watched the movie, I found the pace a bit slow for the children today, who are used to computer games speed. However, "The Last Unicorn" will always have a place in the hearts of its many fans around the world, many of whom I believe are the children of the 80's.

Observe how the illustrators blend in the lovely unicorn and the introduction scenes into a tapestry background, simply a fine work of art! The cartoon illustration style back then was very much different from those of today. I think few viewers would appreciate it, unless of course you're a fan.



Song Lyrics:

When the last eagle flies
Over the last crumbling mountain.
And the last lion roars
At the last dusty fountain.
In the shadow of the forest,
Though she may be old and worn,
They will stare unbelieving,
At the Last Unicorn.

When the first breath of winter,
Through the flowers is icing.
And you look to the north,
And the pale moon is rising.
And it seems like all is dying,
And would leave the world to mourn,
In the distance hear the laughter,
Of the Last Unicorn!

I’m alive, I’m alive!

When the last moon is cast
Over the last star of morning,
And the future has passed
without even a last desperate warning.
Then look into the sky where through
The clouds have had their sport,
Look and see her how she sparkles,
It’s the Last Unicorn!

I’m alive, I’m alive!

The Raccoons Ending Theme Song & Lyrics

The most memorable part of this cartoon was this 'non-kiddy' song called "Run With Us" that was always played with the ending credits after each episode ended.

Then when dowloading songs from the internet became popular and easily accessible in the early years of the internet, this was 1 of the first songs that I searched for.

Now with YouTube, I've found the song again, and with a music video with screen shots from "The Raccoons" too for both auditory and visual entertainment!

According to the YouTube user, "Run With Us" & "Stop The Clock" are performed by Lisa Lougheed, and written by Kevin Gillis, Jon Stroll and Stephen Lunt. "The Raccoons" is owned by Evergreen Raccoon Marketing Inc.

For me, I only focus on enjoying the song and video!




"Run With Us" Song Lyrics:

When darkness falls, leaving shadows in the night,
Don't be afraid, wipe that fear from your eyes.
If a desperate love, keeps on driving you wrong,
Don't be afraid, you're not alone.

Chorus:
You can run with us, we've got everything you need.
Run with us, we are free!
C-C-C-Come with us, I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us!

When the cold wind blows, turn your collar to the cold.
Don't be ashamed, if you need someone to hold.
If you're sinking in quicksand, and it's dragging you down,
And you feel you're going under, we'll be around.

Chorus:
You can run with us, we've got everything you need.
Run with us, we are free!
C-C-C-Come with us, I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us!

(Short instrumental break)

When you're behind closed doors, all alone by yourself,
And you're longing inside, to be somebody else.
You pick up the telephone, and there's no one on the line,
Don't be afraid, 'cause there's still time.

Chorus:
You can run with us, we've got everything you need.
Run with us, we are free!
C-C-C-Come with us, I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us!
Uh oh uh...

Run with us, we've got everything you need.
Run with us, we are free!
C-Come with us, I see passion in your eyes,
Run with us!
Uh oh uh...
Run with us!

Gummi Bears Intro & Theme Song

Frankly speaking, I love the theme song of Gummi Bears more than the cartoon itself. I used to catch it every week when I a kid, just to listen to the theme song. Then I'd watch the cartoon because it followed the song.

Overall, Gummi Bears is an enjoyable cartoon but I usually preferred cartoons with humans as the main characters than animals. But this one's considered a classic of that era!




Song Lyrics:

Dashing and daring, courageous and caring,
Faithful and friendly, with stories to share.
All through the forest, they sing out in chorus,
Marching along as their song fills the air!

Gummi Bears, bouncing here and there and everywhere!
High adventure that's beyond compare,
They are the Gummi Bears!

Magic and mystery are part of their history,
Along with the secret of Gummi Berry juice.
Their legend is growing, they take pride in knowing,
They fight for what's right in whatever they do!

Gummi Bears, bouncing here and there and everywhere!
High adventure that's beyond compare,
They are the Gummi Bears!
They are the Gummi Bears!

Heathcliff Intro & Theme Song

I still enjoy listening to this energic and youthful sounding theme song from the 80's cartoon called Heathcliff. I can't really recall much about the storyline, except that it's a story about a group of alley cats and their adventures.

Nevertheless, here's the video, plus the song lyrics. I got the lyrics from surfing the internet and I can't guarantee if they're accurate. There are some parts of the song where I can't make out the words to verify. But they're still good enough to sing along with the video!




Song Lyrics:

Heathcliff, Heathcliff no one should
Terrify their neighborhood.
But Heathcliff just won’t be undone,
Playing pranks on everyone.

There’s a race to be on top,
The competition doesn’t stop.
Mixing it with the ladies man,
Being charming debonair.

The gang will rein supreme,
And no one can deny-ny-ny-ny.
They’ll make some history,
And always have an alibi-i.

So join in the jubilee,
The cats are great, they’ll all agree.
You’ll find in each calamity,
The cat’s superiority.

Huh, ah oh, oh ah oh, uh uh...
Huh oh ah, ah oh, oh ah oh, uh uh...

Heathcliff, Heathcliff no one should,
Terrify their neighborhood.
But Heathcliff just won’t be undone,
You should realize he can win it with you!

Cartoon videos collection

So far on this blog, I've been gathering and consolidating YouTube videos that feature the theme songs of my favourite cartoons from the 80's. I have had this collection of YouTube videos bookmarked in my browser for a while, and I thought I'd share them with like-minded visitors.

It'll will take a while post the list here. You can also search for these cartoon videos on YouTube yourself but the quality of the videos there varies. Hence I've chosen the best ones I could find, with reasonably clear picture quality and audio that is audible enough for sufficient enjoyment.

Hope my visitors will keep coming back for more!