Battle of the Planets (
1978) is an American adaptation of the Japanese
anime series
Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (
1972). Of the 105 original
Gatchaman episodes, 85 were used in the
Battle of the Planets adaptation, produced by
Sandy Frank Entertainment. The adaptation was generally faithful to the plot and character development of the original
Gatchaman series, but significant additions and reductions were made in order to increase appeal to the North American television market of the late 1970s, as well as avoid controversy from parents; most notable were the removal of elements of graphic violence and
profanity.