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Updated 4/24/24
Embarking on a vibrant journey in September, I launched an exhilarating photo series called "Roy G. Biv." Each installment showcases captivating items from my personal collection, highlighting the brilliant spectrum of colors. Roy G. Biv, representing the rainbow hues, inspired my selection of nine dynamic colors: red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, pink, black, and white. Join me on this thrilling visual adventure, where each color unveils a unique story and a spectrum of emotions. Today, let's dive into the passionate world of Red, where nostalgic treasures and vibrant memories come to life. Stay tuned for a kaleidoscope of hues as we continue exploring the colors that make my collection truly spectacular!
1.Power Rangers "Day of the Dumpster" VHS tape(1993)
Back in the late '90s, during the heyday of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers craze, I proudly became a member of the official fanclub. The excitement of being part of this club was amplified by the special perks it offered, including the thrill of receiving exclusive VHS tapes in the mail. Among the limited edition tapes my siblings and I eagerly unwrapped were "Bloom of Doom" and the iconic "Day of the Dumpster."
"Day of the Dumpster" holds a special place in my heart because it marked the beginning of the Power Rangers phenomenon. It was the very first episode of MMPR, introducing us to the diverse team of heroes and their epic battle against evil. The nostalgia hit me hard when I recently embarked on a rewatch of the series. Despite the passage of time, the show's dynamic storytelling, colorful characters, and thrilling action sequences still resonate deeply.
As I immersed myself in the episodes, I couldn't help but relive the excitement of my childhood. The familiar sights and sounds triggered a wave of memories, and I found myself shouting the iconic roll call alongside the Rangers, just as I did decades ago. It's amazing how MMPR has stood the test of time, captivating audiences of all ages with its enduring charm and timeless message of teamwork and heroism.
You can stream Mighty Morphin Power Rangers on Netflix.
2.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Shredder is Splintered" VHS tape(1987)
As a child growing up, one of my most cherished possessions was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles VHS release. It contained two episodes; "Return of Shredder" and my personal favorite, "Shredder & Splintered". —an episode where the worlds of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and the concept of "Freaky Friday" collided in a delightfully unique way. In this special episode, titled "The Shredder is Splintered," the unthinkable happens: Splinter and Shredder, mortal enemies, inadvertently switch bodies. I watched the tape so much that it popped.
Thankfully, fate smiled upon me about a decade ago when I stumbled upon another copy in a thrift store. Discovering this treasure again filled me with immense joy and nostalgia. I knew instantly that I needed to reclaim this piece of my childhood. Having a fresh copy of "Splinter's Tale" allows me to relive the excitement and laughter I experienced as a youngster, and it's a testament to the timeless appeal of this unique crossover within the TMNT universe.
You can watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Paramount+.
3.Dragon Ball Z: Rock the Dragon Collection (1989/1998/2013)
Back in the 1990s, Dragon Ball Z was dubbed by Ocean Studios in Canada, affectionately known as "The Ocean Dub." This special edition set comprises the original 53 dubbed episodes that first aired on Cartoon Network, along with the first three movies: Dead Zone, The World’s Strongest, and The Tree of Might. Additionally, it includes a detailed booklet chronicling the history of the Ocean Dub and a character guide.
While this set was reasonably priced at around $50 back in 2013, its value has since skyrocketed, with current listings fetching at least $400 or more. What makes this collection truly special to me is not just its rarity and monetary worth, but the sentimental value it holds. It features my favorite dub of the series, containing the very episodes I hold dear, alongside my beloved Dragon Ball Z movies, all neatly packaged into one comprehensive set.
To top it all off, I had the incredible opportunity to have my set autographed by three iconic voice actors—Brian Drummond (the voice of Vegeta), Peter Kelamis (the voice of Goku in episodes 38-53 and the movies), and my all-time favorite anime voice actor, Saffron Henderson (Gohan). Their signatures add a personal touch that enhances my connection to this cherished collection, making it a prized possession that embodies my passion for Dragon Ball Z and the unforgettable Ocean Dub era.
4. The Last Dragon (1996)
Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, I developed a deep affection for 1980s cinema, with a particular fondness for the iconic martial arts film "The Last Dragon." This movie holds a special place in my heart as it follows Bruce Leroy's quest for martial arts mastery. "The Last Dragon" is a delightful blend of action and fun, featuring a soundtrack that includes the infectious hit song, "Rhythm of the Night" by DeBarge. While some might dismiss it as cheesy, to me, it's nothing short of amazing.
What resonates most with me about "The Last Dragon" is its infectious energy and embrace of 1980s charm, seamlessly blending martial arts prowess with an engaging storyline. Taimak's portrayal of Bruce Leroy is unforgettable, especially in his encounters with the unforgettable villain, Sho'nuff, the self-proclaimed "Shogun of Harlem," played by Julius Carry. Sho'nuff is a larger-than-life antagonist who challenges Leroy's martial arts skills and serves as a symbol of ruthless determination. His iconic presence and memorable quotes add depth and excitement to the film, creating a captivating dynamic between hero and villain. Beyond the action, the film weaves in a touch of romance as Leroy's relationship with singer Laura Charles, portrayed by Vanity, unfolds against the backdrop of New York City. Together with its vibrant soundtrack and colorful characters, "The Last Dragon" remains a cherished favorite that encapsulates the magic of 1980s cinema, leaving a lasting impression on me with its flair and fantasy.
You can buy "The Last Dragon" on YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
5.Dragon Ball Z Budokai (2002)
For years, Dragon Ball fans in North America awaited a widely accessible game based on the beloved series. The anticipation finally ended in 2002 with the arrival of Dragon Ball Z Budokai for the PlayStation 2. This groundbreaking game allowed players to immerse themselves in iconic scenes from the series for the very first time.
I distinctly remember my excitement playing Dragon Ball Z Budokai, even if I needed my brother's help to defeat Raditz in one of the early battles. Despite the challenge, the game was an absolute blast to play, offering an engaging experience that brought the world of Dragon Ball to life in a whole new way. I never owned a copy of the game as a kid (thank you Blockbuster) so I am glad to have it in my collection.
Dragon Ball Z Budokai spawned several sequels and expanded the franchise's presence in the gaming world. Following the success of the original Budokai game in 2002, Dimps and Atari released Dragon Ball Z Budokai 2 in 2003, which introduced new characters, improved mechanics, and enhanced graphics. This was followed by Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3 in 2004, widely regarded as a standout title in the series, offering a more extensive roster of characters, deeper gameplay mechanics, and enhanced visuals.
6. Armitage III (1995)
Prior to seeing this series, I saw the film, Armitage III: Dual Matrix. I really enjoyed it which led me to discover the other films, the series, and OVA. I love "Armitage III" because it tells an exciting futuristic story with interesting characters and a plot that keeps me hooked. It explores ideas like artificial intelligence and what it means to be human, which makes it really interesting. The mix of suspense, action, and thought-provoking moments makes it feel like I'm part of the story. Also, the show does a great job of balancing its sci-fi parts with emotions, making it a show I enjoy watching a lot. If you enjoy sci-fi, I highly recommend this series.
7. Robot Carnival (1987)
I recently rediscovered the anime anthology film "Robot Carnival" at a thrift store, sparking memories of my childhood viewing. Directed by notable filmmakers such as Katsuhiro Otomo ("Akira") and Hiroyuki Kitakubo ("Golden Boy"), each segment of the film explores the theme of robots through a diverse collection of short stories.
While it's been a while since I last watched "Robot Carnival," its visually stunning animation and thought-provoking narratives make it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts. The film's blend of futuristic concepts and emotional depth, coupled with the unique contributions of renowned directors, creates an engaging and introspective viewing experience. "Robot Carnival" represents a significant milestone in anime history, showcasing the talent and creativity of its creators while offering timeless themes that resonate with audiences to this day.
Fortunately, you can watch "Robot Carnival" for free on YouTube.
8. Mission:Impossible N64 game(1998)
The "Mission: Impossible" game for the Nintendo 64 (N64), released in 1998, holds a special place in my gaming memories. Alongside GoldenEye, my brother and I spent countless nights immersed in this game, often rented from Blockbuster. One favorite feature was "borrowing" disguises from bystanders. In the game, players navigate levels filled with espionage, action, and puzzles, capturing the films' intense atmosphere. Featuring gadgets and tools reflecting the movies, the game offers diverse gameplay with third-person and first-person perspectives. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a nostalgic gem for fans of the franchise, providing an immersive way to experience the excitement of the films.
9. "Aaliyah" by Aaliyah (2001)
In my early years, Aaliyah's music became an unexpected yet perfect soundtrack for my creative pursuits at age 12/13. I was drawn to her soulful tunes, which seamlessly blended with my passion for crafting anime-inspired fanfics set in the dynamic world of Dragon Ball Z. The fusion of Aaliyah's melodies with my imaginative narratives fueled my creative spirit.
Despite my enthusiasm for writing, I kept these creations private, treasuring them as a personal archive of my creative journey—a testament to my exploration and growth during that time.
Aaliyah's final self-titled album, "Aaliyah," released on July 17, 2001, holds a special place in my heart. The album featured hits like "We Need a Resolution" and "Rock the Boat," showcasing Aaliyah's distinctive style that deeply resonated with me. Tragically, Aaliyah's life was cut short by a plane crash on August 25, 2001, just weeks after the album's release, solidifying her legacy in the R&B and hip-hop music industry. The album remains a lasting testament to her talent and influence.
"Aaliyah" is available at several retailers like Amazon and can be streamed on Spotify.
10.Inuyasha plushie (2000)
"Inuyasha" is a popular anime series based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi. The anime was produced by Sunrise and aired from 2000 to 2004 in Japan, with a total of 167 episodes. The series follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day high school girl who is transported to the Sengoku period of Japan through a magical well at her family's shrine. There, she meets the half-demon Inuyasha, and together they embark on a quest to collect the shards of the Shikon Jewel while battling various demons and enemies.
"Inuyasha" is celebrated for its memorable opening and ending theme songs performed by renowned artists. These songs not only became iconic within the anime but also introduced many fans to talented artists. Two of my favorites include J-pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki's "Dearest" and the Queen of K-pop BoA's "Every Heart - Minna no Kimochi."
The blend of engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and a captivating soundtrack has made "Inuyasha" a beloved classic among anime fans.
You can "Inuyasha" on various sites such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
What do you think of this list? Are there any red items that hold a special place in your heart? I'd love to hear about your favorite red things, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Retro Rainbow
