FOUND: The LOST Pitch Of ANOTHER Live Action Sailor Moon Spin Off? | Ep 5 | The Vault

Brief Summary

This episode of "The Vault" uncovers the TV treatment for the cancelled "Team Angel" series, a project by Renaissance Atlantic intended as an Americanized version of magical girl anime. The video details the show's premise, characters, and planned structure, revealing a story about four young maidens from the planet Zara who become angels on Earth to combat the evil witch Malvina and spread happiness.

The "Team Angel" series was conceived as a response to the success of Power Rangers, aiming to blend American and Japanese storytelling elements.
The TV treatment provides in-depth character descriptions, plot outlines, and insights into the world of Zara and its inhabitants.
The series aimed to balance the angels' lives on their home planet with their missions on Earth, incorporating themes of friendship, courage, and the power of good over evil.

Introduction

The video introduces "The Vault," a miniseries that explores lost media from the Library of Congress archives, focusing on cancelled American anime adaptations by Renaissance Atlantic and Bandai Entertainment. The series aims to uncover rejected pilots and TV treatments that have been lost to time.

Sponsor: Big Bad Toy Store

The episode is sponsored by Big Bad Toy Store, an online retailer specializing in premium action figures and collector items from anime, cartoons, '80s and '90s nostalgia, film, and video games. The store offers a wide range of products for anime fans, including figures from popular series like Demon Slayer, Sailor Moon, and Digimon.

Saban Moon and Team Angel

In March 1992, "Sailor Moon" premiered in Japan and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Before its localization for North American audiences, attempts were made to americanize the series, leading to "Saban Moon," a live-action and animated hybrid. After the deak dub of Sailor Moon had been briefly canceled in the United States, a second attempt was made by Renaissance Atlantic CEO Frank Ward to completely americanize the show from the ground up, resulting in "Team Angel."

Discovery of Team Angel's TV Treatment

In June 2018, Kotaku journalist Cecilia Denasia chronicled her search for the lost "Saban Moon" pilot. While she didn't find it, she discovered a VHS tape labeled "Team Angel" at Renaissance Atlantic CEO Frank Ward's home. The video details the discovery of the full TV treatment for "Team Angel" within the Library of Congress archives, containing character details, the show's premise, and episode breakdowns.

Team Angel TV Treatment: The Story of Zara and Queen Angela

The TV treatment begins with the description of Zara, a beautiful star ruled by Queen Angela, known for her loveliness, wisdom, and virtue. Queen Angela observes Earth and sees its potential, but also the trouble caused by her evil sister, Malvina, a witch living on the dark side of the moon who aims to eliminate happiness on Earth.

The Four Angels: Lyla, Deline, Roslyn, and Celeste

Queen Angela selects four young maidens from Zara—Lyla, Deline, Roslyn, and Celeste—to become Team Angel and combat Malvina on Earth. Lyla is the intellectual leader, reserved and studious. Deline is the life of the party, impetuous and funny. Roslyn is the wholesome team captain, wise and patient. Celeste is shy and soft-spoken, with a special connection to animals.

The Angels' Mission and Powers

The angels are initially reluctant but agree to Queen Angela's mission. They use a Crystal Pond to receive messages about people needing help on Earth and transform into Team Angel via the Luminous Crystal Cave portal. On Earth, they use Stardust Angel power to counteract Malvina and assist people, with the ability to appear, disappear, disguise themselves, and communicate with animals.

Queen Angela's Gifts and Malvina's Schemes

Queen Angela provides the angels with special items to enhance their powers, such as Star Sapphire slippers for Celeste and a diamond glitter wand for Roslyn. Malvina attempts to steal these items or corrupt their magic to spread sadness and nastiness, requiring Team Angel to use their powers to save the day.

Time Limits and the Satchels of Stars

Queen Angela warns the girls about spending too much time on Earth, as they risk becoming mortals. She gives them time pieces to monitor their stay. Before leaving Zara, each angel receives a silken star satchel filled with golden stars to leave with the people they help, symbolizing their continued presence and good deeds.

Life on Zara: The Atrium and Courtyard

Zara is a magical land with beautiful plants, animals, and sparkling Stardust. The maidens spend time in a spacious Atrium near Queen Angela's castle, cared for by Panie, a gnome-like creature. The Atrium features musical instruments, books, and animals, reflecting the maidens' hobbies and personalities.

Episode Structure and Potential Storylines

Each episode is planned to devote 25% to the maidens' life on Zara and 75% to their adventures on Earth. The angels save people and animals, often confronting Malvina. The treatment also hints at a storyline involving Queen Angela's son, Prince Theo, who is marooned on Earth and will eventually help Team Angel.