Weird Science

Think of them as the Power Rangers, only animated and even more inexplicable to adults. Japan's Science Ninja Team Gatchaman has battled the evil Berg Katse, a hermaphrodite mutant and agent of an alien overlord, in four anime series during the last 30 years. At the bird-themed superhero group's disposal is an arsenal of futuristic weapons, including an aircraft that transforms into the mythical phoenix, wristbands that instantly uniform them at the command "Bird Go!" and, of course, some giant robots. Still with us? Then perhaps you'll enjoy today's Gatchaman Compilation, a screening of highlights from various Gatchaman series presented by ADV Films, the Houston-based distributor of Japanese entertainment, at the Alamo Drafthouse. A round on us if you can explain how the villain's double genitalia at all relates to the series's plot.
Tue., Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.