If you watched Voltron Legendary Defenders first episode on Netflix than you probably remember it being really long, well longer than your typical episode, Episode 1 The Rise of Voltron was originally produced as 3 episodes, each episode has a unique production code, this original format is how they appear on the DVD as well as Amazon and Itunes releases. (Let's see if the newly announced complete DVD will be the same)
Considering how seemlesly the first 3 episodes flow into each other to form a mini movie I can't imagine them being concived as individual episodes though if we were to look at the first 3 episodes of Dotu there are similarities in how they are structured.
Episode 1 starts with introducing the Galra/Drule kidnapping are heroes or one of our heros in VLD's case and the episode ends with our heroes arriving at Arus. Episode 2 we meet Coran and Allura learn about the lions and are tasked with finding them. Episode 3 is where the parralels stop while we do get introduced to the space mice and Voltron is formed the similarities are probably not as intentional.
We could look at these episodes as each act of a 3 Act structure explaining why they work so well in a mini movie format.
The New Alliance #101
Episode 1 is meant to introduce us to the setting and estables Shiro as our protagonist by having him be one of the first characters we meet along side Matt and Sam Holt, this is an important decision since these two are important to Pidge's motivation, it also estableses how ruthless the Galra are and their importance as well.
I've seen some critisms of Lances prominance in this first episode mainly cause it sets a false expectation that he will take on the role of main character instead of Keith in later seasons I do think this critism is valid to a degree though I'd argue everyone has a time to shine in this episode not just Lance and Shiro.
From Days of Long Ago #102
Episode 2 is focused on explaining new concepts to the audience like what is Voltron, what is Altea and who are the Galra we are also told the characters main goal which is to Defeat Zarkon. compared to Episode 1 the pacing is slower and scenes are more expositive most of episode is spent on the castle this isn't a bad thing as it gives the audience time to process all this new information.
Defenders of the Universe #103
Episode 3 is the resolution are heroes are ready to fight against the galra all five lions are found and their paladins are finally able to form Voltron!!!
Episode 3 also estableshs the new status quo that are characters are the Paladins of Voltron their home is the castle of lions and that they will be fighting the Galra on a regulary basis.
"Defenders of the Universe, huh? That's got a nice ring to it."
Their are other diffrences between the Netflix and Digital version of these episodes however they are rather minor.
This animation that plays at the start of each episode's Netflix Version has been removed.
Changes made to the Rise of Voltron include the addition of on screen credits after the opening, this is similar to the standard episodes. As well as the episodes titles apearing on screen.
