Gunbuster - Science Lessons

Science Lessons

The science lessons are short "omake" bonus features originally present on the first two volumes. Each short lasts around two minutes, and stars super deformed versions of Noriko, Kazumi and the Coach explaining the various scientific aspects of the series. The Tannhauser Gate, or starbow as it is more commonly called, created by the fictitious Dr. Tannhauser as explained in the first of the science lessons, is a direct reference to a remark made by the Replicant Roy Batty at the end of the film Blade Runner. Although only four "lessons" were produced during the series' original run, another two episodes (for episodes 5 and 6) were later produced for the Japan-only Laserdisc collection. They also appear on subsequent DVD releases in Japan and North America. The "New Science Lesson" clips mark the directorial debut of Kazuya Tsurumaki, who went on to direct FLCL, first half of The End of Evangelion and Gunbuster 2.

• Science Lesson 1: The Theory of Ether Space

Noriko and Kazumi discuss the discoveries by Tannhauser allowing for faster-than-light travel.

• Science Lesson 2: Starbows and the Rip van Winkle (Urashima Taro) Effect

Noriko, Kazumi and Coach discuss time dilation effects.

• Science Lesson 3: Faster-than-light (c-plus) Travel All About Warp

More Tannhauser Gate space warp theory, increasing the Schwarzschild radius to achieve warp.

• Science Lesson 4: The Evil Space Monsters

Discusses the enemy space creatures encountered in the series.

• Science Lesson 4+1: The History of Spaceships

Noriko and Kazumi discuss the history of space travel from the earliest manned rocket to their most advanced ships.

• Science Lesson 5: Final Chapter: The True Solar System

Noriko and Kazumi discuss the solar system as it pertains to the Gunbuster universe. As Noriko recites the planets of the Solar System, planets Mercury to Jupiter are accompanied by her cosplaying as a Sailor Senshi (from Sailor Moon) representing each planet. For Earth, she cosplays as Tuxedo Mask. (Only the Inner Senshi are featured, as the Outer Senshi (Sailor Saturn, Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune and Sailor Pluto) had not yet been introduced in the Sailor Moon series; hence Noriko's clueless look while reciting the planets beyond Jupiter.) When Coach appears and gives his usual lecture, Noriko cosplays as Sailor Moon and declares herself the "Pretty Soldier of Hard Work and Guts."