Japanese intro to the 2003 animated TV series Tetsuwan Atom.

Originally a widescreen production, Astro Boy’s 2003 States release was cropped to fit a 4:3 style image, not only that, but the run time for episodes where cut from the 25 minute original length to just shy of 20, cutting a lot of the story from each episode.

An episode was cut entirely from the English version, as it featured characters from the 19th Century play Peter Pan, and certain party’s – likely Sony – didn’t want hassle from Disney. The episode was replaced by a clip show, which, rather awkwardly, added elements from the actual episode it was replacing.

The music running through the opening was written and performed by Zone, a Japanese pop band.

Series rights are held by Tezuka Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

WACOCA: People, Life, Style.