The first official Gundam Unicorn Anime Movie Marathon screening look place on Saturday 5 March 2011 at Cathay Cineplex, e@Curve Mutiara Damansara. Organised by Bandai, Litt Tak, e-Toyz.com and Outpost Toys, the marathon comprised Gundam Unicorn Episode 1: Day of the Unicorn, Episode 2: The Second Coming of Char, and the Premiere of Episode 3: Ghosts of Laplace. Local Gundam fans invited to the private screening were amongst the first in Malaysia to watch Gundam Unicorn Episode 3 which was released simultaneously worldwide on the same day.
Registration counters were open early in Cathay Cineplex for invited guests to collect their tickets and special Gundam Unicorn goodie bags with an exclusive information booklet on the series.
Gundam fans also purchased model kits specially released that day such as the Limited Edition HGUC Unicorn Gundam Destroy Mode Clear Version and HGUC Sinanju Sparkle Version.
A display cabinet of Gunpla model kits related to the Gundam Unicorn series provided hobbyists and cinema patrons the opportunity to visually inspect the robots once assembled.
In addition, various Gunpla model kits were sold as greatly discounted prices, including the new release SD Sinanju normally RM53.90 reduced to RM34.80.
Approaching 11am, all guests were directed into the cinema hall in order to begin screening the Gundam Unicorn Movie Marathon screening from Blu-Ray Discs projected via Cathay's Digital Projector.
Summary of Episode I: Day of the Unicorn
A Neo Zeon remnant group called the "Sleeves" travels to Side 4's Industrial 7 colony, so that its captain, Zinnerman, can receive a "key" to something known as "Laplace's Box" from Vist Foundation leader Cardeas Vist. The item is said to be capable of either restoring the future or destroying the world. Audrey Burns seeks to meet Vist first and convince him not to turn over Laplace's Box, believing the Sleeves will use it to start another war. Along the way, she is rescued by 16-year-old student Banagher Links, who agrees to take her to Vist. Meanwhile, a battle breaks out between the Federation's Londo Bell taskforce and the Sleeves. As the collateral damage rises, the colony is evacuated. Amidst the chaos, Banagher discovers the fatally-wounded Cardeas Vist in the cockpit of the Unicorn Gundam. Before his death, Vist entrusts the Gundam to Banagher, who realizes that Vist is his father. Banagher then launches in the Unicorn and confronts the Sleeves' elite pilot, Marida Cruz, who is piloting the Kshatriya.
The screening immediately continued into the next episode.
Summary of Episode 2: Coming Coming of Char
The transformed Unicorn Gundam overpowers the Kshatriya and Marida is ordered to retreat. The Unicorn is picked up by the Londo Bell ship Nahel Argama. Banagher is questioned by Daguza Mackle about how he came to possess the Unicorn Gundam but is interrupted by the Sleeves' surprise attack. Full Frontal, the leader of Neo Zeon, demands that the Nahel Argama hand over any items related to Laplace's Box, including the Unicorn. Daguza tries to ensure safe passage by holding Audrey, revealed to be Zeon Princess Mineva Lao Zabi, hostage, but Frontal refuses to accept they have the real Mineva. With no other choice, Banagher sorties in the Unicorn against the Sinanju; he fights well, but is captured when blindsided by the Kshatriya. Banagher is taken to meet Frontal, whilst the Federation plans its assault on the fortress of Palau, where Banagher and the Unicorn are being held.After discussing the nature of Zeon with Marida, who is placed in charge of watching over Banagher, a crew member from Nahel Argama disguised as a bum bumps into Banagher and passes him a map and a transmitter, telling him to get to the 14th space gate or risk being killed in the coming battle. Banagher laments over how the colony will become a battlefield soon.
A short break was then declared for snacks and/or lunch before concluding with the highly anticipated Episode 3 Premiere.
Summary of Episode 3: The Ghost of Laplace
After launching in the Unicorn Gundam to protect Mineva, Banagher was captured in the middle of his Full Frontal's Sinanju. He was now been taken to the resource satellite Palau, he stronghold of the Neo Zeon remnants know at the Sleeves, and placed under detention. In order to recover Banagher and the Unicorn, Commander Daguza of the Federation's ECOAS special forces unit begins an attack on Palau, in coordination with the Nahel Argama. Banagher takes advantage of the confusion to escape. Palau with the Unicorn, but... Standing in his way are Marida and her Kshatriya, sent by Full Frontal in order to discover the path to Laplace's Box, which will be revealed by the activation of the NT-D system!
The final episode concluded with much fan applause and several fortunate attendees were then rewarded with addition Gunpla goodies in the Lucky Draw.
Winners of Sinanju Medals:
1. Lim Kok Liang
1. Lim Kok Liang
2. Lim Jei Juin
3. Chain Hoven
4. Chang Wai Kong
5. Lai Juang Jih
5. Lai Juang Jih
Specially presenting the Grand Prizes was Mr. Takayoshi Oyama, Bandai SEA Manager, who made his way over from Singapore. The very lucky prize winners:1. Eric Yap, receiving MG Unicorn Gundam
2. Ng Chee How, receiving HGUC Sinanju
3.Tan Lee Seng, receiving SD Unicorn Gundam
2. Ng Chee How, receiving HGUC Sinanju
3.Tan Lee Seng, receiving SD Unicorn Gundam
In his parting wordings, Oyama-San encouraged all to "Buy more Gundam!".
VIPs from left to right: Ms. Tan Siew Fun, Mr. Arthur Chua, Mr. Takayoshi Oyama,
Mr. Ian Koh, Mr. Nicholas Ng, Mr. William Wong
"Yes we will BUY MORE GUNDAM!"
END
Many thanks to Bandai & Litt Tak for this special event and with special appreciation to Cathay Cineplex e@Curve for venue support.
Plus BUY MORE GUNPLA from e-Toyz.com & Outpost Toys (left) so we may bring more such fan engagement events in the near future.
Stay tuned here for Gundam Unicorn 4 incoming 3 September 2011.
Photos courtesy of AeonView.com; click here for more photos.
