7.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Foreign | 100% |
Sci-Fi | 40% |
Action | 28% |
Fantasy | 23% |
Supernatural | 14% |
Adventure | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Japanese: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Six-disc set (6 BDs)
Digital copy
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Note: some of what appears below are summations from the booklet included with this Blu-ray release, written by Keith Aiken.
Special effects wizard Eiji Tsuburaya was at one point best known for his work on some of Japan's most popular Kaiju films -- Toho's Godzilla and Mothra -- but it may be for the Ultra franchise for which he
will ultimately be remembered. In 1963 Tsuburaya founded Tsuburaya Productions, a then small house with the goal of crafting small
screen entertainment with big screen quality. Tsuburaya's first production, Ultra Q, was a monster success (in more ways than one). A follow-up
was quickly ordered. That follow-up: Ultraman, another massive hit for Tsuburaya and the first of numerous
television and cinema Ultra
Q spin-offs that has since gained the franchise recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records for its sprawling longevity.
Return of Ultraman arrives on Blu-ray with a good, not great, 1080p transfer presented at a 4x3 aspect ratio, preserving the original broadcast parameters. The image largely impresses, with a fair bit of grain retention and a generally satisfying filmic appearance across the entire series run. There are certainly some unappealing, but rarely unruly, compression issues at work, too, some spotty clarity here and there and macroblocking getting in the way of an otherwise steady, satisfying image. For the most part, details are sharp, showcasing essential textures, such as faces, but also betraying the cheap suits and miniature limitations, but in a way the higher resolution and greater illusory disconnect only adds to the charm. Colors are stable, far from vibrant but finding enough depth and contrast to satisfy base requirements. Red is one of the more prominent tones, and it finds good stable push and life without overbearing the screen. Black levels are not perfect but never appear overly light. Flesh tones are likewise not fully precise but never push towards unnatural shading either. The image looks fine in total. Given age, disc space, and budget friendly pricing, it's hard to complain too loudly about the obvious, but never mood-breaking, flaws.
The Japanese language DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 lossless soundtrack is the only audio option available; English subtitles default to "on" and are the only subtitles present on the disc. The track can be a bit messy. The opening battle that depicts Monster Attack Team fighters shooting at a couple of Kaiju is incredibly unkempt and crunchy, lacking both distinctive clarity and balance between the elements. The absence of low end response sonically hurts a number of scenes, leaving crashes and booms and other action effects severely wanting, struggling to offer even basic clarity, never mind anything of notable depth or detail. Most action scenes struggle for clarity and accuracy, but like the rough-around-the-edges production details the somewhat muffled, dated sound design only adds to the vintage authenticity and charm. Music suffers from the same drawbacks and limitations. Dialogue is, at least, clear enough and images nicely towards the front-center area.
Return of Ultraman contains no supplements across any of the six discs. The main menu screens on each disc only offer the opportunity to toggle subtitles on and off in addition to selecting any of the disc's episodes, which are vertically oriented. The set does ship with an impressively assembled booklet that includes glossy pages, numerous color photographs, and plenty of text. It begins with introductory commentary on the show's history and production and also features a character breakdown, detailed episode synopses, key monster explorations, and a technology guide. Mill Creek has put together a comprehensive series breakdown in a relatively small space. While it's disappointing that there are no video-based extras, this compact handbook will prove to be a treasure for veterans and a necessity for newcomers just getting their feet wet in the universe. A MovieSpree digital copy code is also included with purchase.
Return of Ultraman holds tight to the franchise's core while also pushing forward with some great monsters, awesome action, and some novel concepts that have shaped the franchise since this series' debut in 1971. It's one of the best in a long string of excellent Ultraman content. The six disc Blu-ray set is devoid of video-based supplemental content, but the booklet is well worth perusing. Video and audio qualities show their limits but suit the material well enough. Highly recommended to both longtime franchise fans and those who are just getting their feet wet with Mill Creek's extensive Blu-ray releases. Note that the studio is also offering Return of Ultraman in attractive SteelBook packaging which is aesthetically impressive, matches the previously released main series packages, and is priced to sell. For this reviewer's money, it's the version to own.
ウルトラマンA(エース) / Urutoraman Ēsu
1972-1973
ウルトラセブン
1967-1968
ウルトラQ
1966
ウルトラマン
1966-1967
ウルトラマンタロウ
1973-1974
1974-1975
Gamera tai Bairasu
1968
地球攻撃命令 ゴジラ対ガイガン / Chikyû kogeki meirei: Gojira tai Gaigan / Godzilla vs. Gigan
1972
2015
怪獣大戦争 / Kaijû daisensô / Godzilla vs. Monster Zero
1965
怪獣総進撃 / Kaijû sôshingeki
1968
メカゴジラの逆襲 / Mekagojira no gyakushu
1975
ゴジラ ファイナルウォーズ / Gojira: Fainaru uôzu
2004
モスラ対ゴジラ / Mosura tai Gojira
1964
ゴジラvsデストロイア / Gojira vs. Desutoroiâ / Godzilla vs. Destroyer
1995
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
2006
ゴジラ2000 ミレニアム / Gojira ni-sen mireniamu / Godzilla 2000: Millennium
1999
Daikaijû Gamera
1965
Gamera tai Giron
1969