An animation classic finally makes it to Australian DVD!

The Mysterious Cities of Gold is a classic animated series which aired on ABC TV during the mid-80’s. It is truly a marvel for it’s time. The year is 1532 and Esteban, a 10 year old orphan living in Barcelona has been brought up with no knowledge of who he is or where he came from. When his guardian who is a Father at the convent is on his deathbed, he reveals that Esteban was found at sea in the arms of his father during a ferocious storm. Estaban was rescued, but his father was swept away. The only link Estaban now holds to his past is a mysterious medallion he was found wearing at the time.

When the mysterious navigator Mendoza offers Estaban the chance to board a ship and search for ties to his past, Estaban jumps at the opportunity and sets forth in search of adventure and hopefully, his father. On the way Estaban meets up with an Inca girl named Zia and a boy named Tao. Together, the three friends travel to the New World in hopes of finding Estabans’ father and the truth behind the Mysterious Cities of Gold…

 

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The characters are likable and extremely well animated. The animation is reminiscent of works by Miyazaki, and the Mysterious Cities of Gold is often mistaken as one of his films. The music is suitably exotic and the english dub is actually quite good. DVD menus are easy to navigate and the digital re-mastering of episodes has produced a crisp, clean picture.

The series consists of 39 exciting episodes forming one continuous story, and is a delightful tale for the whole family.

 

The Australian DVD boxset will be released as a 6-disc set encased in a special foldout digi-pack slipcase and boasting a bunch of extras including:

Deleted Scenes English dubbing cast documentary with the 4 main cast The dubbing cast recreate a scene featurette Production documentary with the director Bernard Deyries, the producer Jean Chalopin and the composer Shuki Levy Phillip Schofield Broom Cupboard Singalong Clip Karaoke Theme Tune Singalong Crew Biographies Dubbing Cast Biographies Character Biographies Series Synopsis Episode Synopsis Original Storyboards Original Production Drawings 32 Page Collectors Booklet 12 Page History Booklet

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The Mysterious Cities of Gold is rated PG and will be released by Umbrella Entertainment during August 2008.

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Click to Play Extended Intro

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Click to Play Ending Credits

This is a wonderfully packaged series which will be enjoyed by both devoted fans and newcomers alike!