Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Superior 8 Ultra Brothers Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman April 16, 2022

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.

Official synopsis: Directed by Takeshi Yagi ('Ultraman Gaia, 'Ultraseven X'), the movie Superior 8 Ultra Brothers unites three generations of Ultra Heroes for an interdimensional adventure. The story begins in 1966 as three boys named Daigo, Asuka, and Gamu watch the premiere of a new television series called Ultraman. Captivated from the start, they continue to follow and be inspired by the ongoing exploits of Ultraman and his fellow Ultra Brothers. Decades later, Daigo is working for the tourism board in Yokohama when he witnesses a strange mirage of a dying world ravaged by giant monsters. Additional visions soon follow, including one in which the friendly shopkeepers Hayata, Dan, Goh and Hokuto transform into the famous Ultra Brothers from TV. Daigo confides in Asuka and Gamu, who begin to have similar dreams in which they become Ultramen called “Dyna” and “Gaia.” The sudden appearance of Monster Guesra and the hero Ultraman Mebius convince Daigo that his visions are coming true, and his world is in great danger! But how can he and his friends stop an invasion, and what role does a mysterious young girl from Daigo's past have to play in the outcome?

Here is something of a "meta" take on Ultraman. This film exists with the "real world" where the fictional world of Ultraman exists, but because the two worlds eventually collide, the show's "real world" is itself fiction. Confusing, but it plays quite well and it's a fun escape to portray human characters who are aware of the fictional nature of the show they grew up watching. Indeed, that is the film's background, featuring characters who know Ultraman from fond youthful memories of watching the original show, only to grow up and discover that it's all real. That provides an interesting dynamic that the other shows and films in the series have not yet offered. Human characters are often in awe, but here they're in awe because their childhood entertainment has suddenly become a very real part of their adult lives.

One can only speculate as to what metaphorical underpinnings define these themes. Does childhood ever really end, at least from a mental and emotional perspective? Does magic still exist into adulthood? Certainly not in the way that it does here, but the film could be said to be expressing a form of commentary on the viability of not merely carrying fond youthful memories into adulthood but also embracing them in adulthood. Of course there is a much larger, more immediately obvious storyline to deal with as well as the film ultimately gives way to the typical Ultraman flavorings of various oversized heroes battling various oversized villains, and in that arena, too, the film works very well, even if in those arenas it's not quite so interesting, divergent, and novel as it is in the foundational human elements from which the show derives its main storyline.

Superior 8 Ultra Brothers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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.

Superior 8 Ultra Brothers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

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 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.