Japan Release: 1989
Running Time: 100 minutes

Gunhed

ガンヘッド
[Ganheddo]

Facing a global crisis around resources and depleting populations, humanity turns to advancements in robotics as a solution. This leads to the creation of the supercomputer Kyron 5, a self-programming entity. Setup on island 8J0 in 2005, the computer is relied on to oversee a totally autonomous factory that builds robots that are shipped worldwide. However, after 20 years of operating, Kyron 5 makes a cruel analysis: humanity isn't necessary. This leads to an all-out conflict with mankind, dubbed the Great Robot Wars. After over a year of war, the forces of humanity have almost won against Kyron 5, thanks to advancements that have led to machines called Gunheds. However, Kyron 5 utilizes a mech of its own, called the Aerobot, and defeats its opposition. Following victory, Kyron 5 goes silent, causing humanity to scale back and simply designate the area as off limits. 13 years later, in 2039, a division of Texas Air Rangers visit the island, chasing a Biodroid that has stolen a key energy source. At the same time a group of mercenaries called the B-Bangers happen to also arrive, although to secure valuable computer chips. Both groups face heavy casualties against the defenses of Kyron 5. The survivors, though, eventually learn of the supercomputer's plan, and intention to use the new energy source as part of a doomsday scenario…

Live Action Science Fiction

Titles

Gunhed

Gunhed
US Distributor: ADV Films (1997) / Time: 92 Minutes

Gunhead
[Literal translation]

Aliens, SDF & Misc.

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Background and Trivia

• The film was submitted to the US copyright office on December 10th, 1990 with the registration number of PA0000495686. The title used was its international one, Gunhed. The movie was submitted by both Toho and Sunrise.
• The story was originally submitted as part of a story contest Toho held in 1986. Called Godzilla 2, this story was drafted by James Bannon and saw the King of the Monsters go up against an advanced computer system. Although not selected, Toho liked the idea enough to heavily adapt it into what would become Gunhed. Noted in Godzilla Movie Chronicle 1954-1998: Godzilla Days (ISBN 4087488152).
• The film begins with an opening that features text on screen that describes the current climate the movie is set in. For the international version, this description is as follows:
  "In the early 2030's, mankind discovered a new substance, Texmexium, which enabled the entire world to be controlled by a new generation of supercomputers. Because of the danger of its misuse, supplies of Texmexium were kept under heavy guard at the hyper-nuclear facilities that power every major city. At the same time, Mankind's continued depletion of Earth's natural resources has resulted in a scarcity of materials necessary to build the all-powerful computers. Conductive plastics and computer chips are more valuable than gold and a new breed of treasure hunter has evolved to fill the demand. Seeking machine parts lost or discarded by earlier generations, these soldiers of fortune will brave any danger in their quest for chips. Even the forbidden zones."
• The movie's theatrical pamphlet gives a name to Bancho's mercenary group featured in the film. Called the B-Bangers, the group name would lean into why the mercenaries all have names that start with the letter B. The pamphlet also notes that Bebe is the co-leader of this group.
• The fictitious government company called Cybotech has their name seen in English on several computer screens during the movie. This is always in the form of their company logo, which is "Cybo❒tech", with the middle being a rotating cube. In an early reconnaissance readout by the B-Bangers, though, this logo is instead rendered as "Cybor ɿtech" with no animation. This particular readout has led to the name sometimes being mistranslated as Cybortech.
• A fictitious energy source called Texmexium is featured in the movie. The theatrical pamphlet notes this as being developed in Texas, with Dallas also noted as the headquarters of the World Federation that governs the planet. This would explain the "Tex" part of the name. However, the "Texmex" part, which is often used to relate a connection between Texas and Mexico, is likely coincidence and unintended to signal a relation with Mexico in its creation.
• During its theatrical run, the movie saw admissions totalling 700,000. Along with Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) that same year, the film was seen as performing below expectations. Sadly, special effects director Koichi Kawakita, who worked on both, took it very hard and developed a drinking problem. The director would at least be met with financial success, though, for Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) for which he would also win the Japanese Academy Award in special effects. This detail is cited in Age of the Gods (self-published).
• Gunhed was at one time scheduled for a 1991 release in the United States. This fact is noted in Viz Comics' release of the translated manga from 1990 to 1991. The second issue, Gunhed #2, notes the film as coming to the US "Summer 1991". The third and final issue, Gunhed #3, gives a different statement of just coming "1991". In the end it wouldn't be until 1997 that the film would get a US release, as ADV Films issued it on VHS.
• The character Barabbas' name is incorrectly translated for the actor bios seen in Viz Comics' Gunhed #2. In the bio for actor James Brewster Thompson, his character is called "Balba".

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