7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Ultraman Mebius is joined once again by Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Ultraman Jack, and Ultraman Ace, as well as three later Ultramen (Tiga, Dyna, and Gaia) to fight more powerful versions of familiar Ultra Monsters.
Starring: Hiroshi Nagano, Takeshi Tsuruno, Takeshi Yoshioka, Shunji Igarashi, Susumu KurobeForeign | 100% |
Sci-Fi | 74% |
Adventure | 24% |
Family | 5% |
Drama | 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 5.1
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A, B (C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Superior 8 Ultra Brothers is yet another entry in the very long line of Ultraman properties that Mill Creek has methodically been releasing to the Blu-ray format. This particular release is something of a rarity in the release schedule so far; it's a standalone movie and a standalone movie only with no other content attached to it. The film theatrically debuted in Japan on September 13, 2008, and grossed enough to earn the distinction of the highest grossing Ultraman franchise film. Structurally, the film is very familiar and holds tightly to the typical technical beats that have come to define the Ultra universe, but a fairly unique narrative device sets it apart from its peers.
Mill Creek brings Superior 8 Ultra Brothers to Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer that is fairly typical of the studio's output for the newer, digitally sourced entries in the Ultraman franchise. The digital picture is by-and-large clean with some noise to contend with, even in brighter exteriors and well-lit interiors, but noise is never so dense as to be too terribly bothersome. Some compression artifacts are also in evidence, but these are also not so dramatically obvious as to hinder a casual watch (certainly, videophiles will be left spinning). Overall, however, the picture is fairly clean and efficient. It is sharp and nicely textured, revealing the clean digital source with proficient depth and detail. Whether human faces, Ultra and kaiju costumes, and various environments, the general sharpness around the frame more than satisfies core HD demands. Color output is fine. Colors are not extremely deep, and neither are they extremely vivid, but a general feel for color accuracy and adequate boldness abounds. Black levels are decently deep, whites sufficiently crisp, and skin tone pleasantly neutral. Fans who have been watching Mill Creek's Ultra content know what to expect with this one.
Superior 8 Ultra Brothers arrives on Blu-ray with a native Japanese language DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. No English dub is included, but optional English subtitles are included. It's nice to see the track presented at 5.1 rather tan 2.0. The extra speakers, and the subwoofer channel, make a big difference in the presentation. Action scenes are full bodied and a delight. Bass is never timid, surround engagement and immersion are constant, and the sense of action fluidity and precision are greatly improved over 2.0 outings (considering newer Ultra content, not material from decades past). Clarity is very good, too, and even in the most intense action sequences with all of the sound maneuverings and rumblings there's not much room for complaint in terms of detail maintenance. Light supportive elements are nicely integrated as well. Music is spacious and plays large; it might not find the same dynamic intensity as the best A-grade Hollywood track but there is some good work done on the musical side too for detail, front end width, and nicely balanced surround integration. Dialogue is clear and firm from a natural front-center position.
This Blu-ray release of Superior 8 Ultra Brothers contains no supplemental content. The main menu screen only offers options to play the film and toggle subtitles on and off. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. This release does ship with a non-embossed slipcover.
Superior 8 Ultra Brothers maintains strict adherence to franchise standards in terms of the crude Ultra building block, but that the film tries -- and succeeds -- to shake up the formula in the world around the rote content is to be applauded. This is quite the fun little diversion, at once both a comfortable Ultraman experience while also something that's narratively out of left field. The technical production is fine, even if as a "feature film" there's little visual differential from modern Ultraman TV content. Mill Creek's Blu-ray is typical for the franchise: decent enough video, original language audio (and the 5.1 configuration is a treat) and no supplemental content. That last part stings, but at this point bonus content of any kind would be a surprise. Recommended.
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