7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.5 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
Ultra Q has returned, and continues investigations of monsters appearances and strange ecological phenomenons.
Starring: Seiichi Tanabe, Rin Takanashi, Hiroyuki Onoue, Masahiko Shimada, Aoi TatsumiForeign | 100% |
Mystery | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 2.5 |
As its title suggests, Neo Ultra Q is a modern follow-up to the original Ultra Q, 1966's TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) show that propelled one of the world's most popular franchises to heretofore unmatched heights for longevity and sprawl, even if what was to follow didn't look quite like what Q had on offer. In 2013, Tsuburaya Productions released this new take on the old favorite, billed as a sequel, with, of course, updated production values, new stories, and a new cast while remaining a program much in the same spirit of the original, focusing not on an Ultra variant but rather the paranormal and other oddities that creep into the world as they reflect the larger sociopolitical landscape. It's fun and vibrant, not quite so memorable as the original show but certainly offering enough content to keep fans wanting more.
Neo Ultra Q's 1080p presentation is quite noisy, at times, and a good bit darker and bleaker than some of the slicker and more robust modern Ultraman content. But it's a look that suits the material quite nicely in the aggregate, even if there are some lingering issues along the way. Generally, the grittier façade and desaturated palette give it a look at least somewhat contiguous with the original show, though obviously differences abound. This image finds high yield details across the spectrum, from basic human skin and clothes to the rubbery monster suits that obviously look fake but still dazzle within context in close-up. The clarity with which viewers can spot the inherent intricacies rivals the best in the series, whether the older content shot on film or the newer content captured digitally. Colors, as mentioned, are frequently desaturated to favor a bleak palette of gray, with even a barrage of oranges seen with the Ogre Preservation Society clothes in episode one, for examples, falling off a cliff and appearing severely depressed. That is more than a one-off but not an absolute truism throughout; there's some variances to tonal output and opportunities for colors to find greater saturation, but that heavily dour look is absolutely the rule. Black levels are generally excellent and skin tones satisfy under the lighting and color constraints. The picture does suffer from some compression related artifacts but never so intense as to greatly distract from any given scene. All in all, this is another very good effort from Mill Creek.
For its Blu-ray release of Neo Ultra Q, Mill Creek has included only a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack in the native Japanese language. Optional English subtitles are included and default to "on." The track is not so aggressive as some other Mill Creek Ultraman universe presentations, but it handles the show's core needs within the limited range well enough. One of the most glaring areas where the track wants for something more comes in its rather puny low end response. Take the ogre's footfalls in episode one. Where each should boost for effect the track can only output a modest amount of content with the left and right speakers. The effect is not terrible as it is, but it's desperate for something more. Music finds good essential clarity and balanced width along those front two channels. It's not super aggressive by its nature but essential presentation qualities are fine. Support environmental details are few but of acceptable quality and positioning in scattered usage and, again, in limited presentation options. Action effects likewise engage with good foundational detail within the two-channel configuration. Dialogue is clear and images nicely to the soundstage's front-center position.
This two-disc Blu-ray release of Neo Ultra Q contains no supplemental content. Note that unlike many other Ultraman Blu-ray releases, Mill Creek has not bundled in any sort of information booklet. No DVD copies are included. A MovieSpree digital code voucher is in the case. This release ships with a non-embossed slipcover.
Neo Ultra Q doesn't quite live up to the original in most any way, but it's a fine extension of the "one that started it all" and a nice change of pace from the typical Ultraman storylines and plot devices. Suffice it to say, Mill Creek hasn't given Neo Ultra Q the same high class treatment as it did Ultra Q. Sure, the technical specs are fine -- the video and audio presentations are quite good -- but there's no SteelBook variant, no detailed insert of any kind, not much of an effort to spruce up the presentation. No extras are included, either, but that has been standard practice for this franchise on Blu-ray. Beyond a few missing physical bells and whistles this two-disc set matches the others for core presentation effort, and the show is a good bit of fun, too, blending classic Ultra Q essentials with some more modern sensibilities. Recommended.
Series + Movie / ウルトラマンオーブ & 劇場版 ウルトラマンオーブ 絆の力、おかりします!
2016-2017
2015
includes Ultra Fight Orb
2016-2017
2008-2009
2018
2019
Series + Movie / ウルトラマンジード / Urutoraman Jîdo
2017-2018
けものの眠り / Kemono no nemuri
1960
Sherlock Holmes und das Halsband des Todes
1962
ウルトラマンタロウ
1973-1974
2005
1970
死亡塔 / Si wang ta / Tower of Death
1981
2010
Trompe l'oeil
1975
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1987
夢みるように眠りたい / Yumemiru yōni nemuritai
1986
Tian can bian / Tin cam bin / 天蠶变
1983
1978
The Crying Woman | Indicator Series | Standard Edition
1933