Ultra Q/Ultraman

Director- Various

Cast- Various

Country of Origin- Japan
 

Number of Discs - 4/6

Reviewed by - Scott MacDonald

Date- 10/21/2019

    Over the years I have only seen a handful of Ultraman episodes, but because I love Kaiju films I loved everything I saw. So when Mill Creek Entertainment announced that they would begin to issue the series on complete Blu-ray editions, I knew it would be the perfect time to dive into the world of the Ultra series.  The first 2 Blu-ray editions from October 2019, are Ultra Q, the very first Ultra series, and Ultraman.

    Ultra Q surprised me when I put it into my player. I knew that the series didn't involve the titular "Ultraman", but felt there would be some greater connection to that character. Instead what we have are a team of scientists, journalists, and photographers who end up trying to save the world from giant monsters, mostly using their brains instead of violent action.

   The series had a relatively serious tone, and produced serious messages about the world around us, such as how we as a species are treating the planet. It also uses more scientific and research personnel instead of military might to solve weekly issues which gives the whole thing a different overall tone to things. The series could be almost considered a science fiction/horror anthology with elements of the Twilight Zone.

    The follow up series, the very first Ultraman changes the tone quite a bit. We still get a monster of the week, but we are introduced to the "Ultramen".  The series  follows the Japanese Social Search Party as they attempt to thwart a monster of the week, when they predictably fail it goes to Ultraman, an alien powered on his home planet, and given limited protective abilities to save the planet.  Which he does during almost every episode.

    The series is a lot different from Ultra Q, and is more in line with what I expected from the Ultra series.  Whereas the earlier series used science and intellect to defeat the monsters, what we have here is the brute force of an alien super-hero to save the day.  Still the show has a surprising amount of violence, and though sort of repetitive in its approach is colorful and fun to watch.

    Mill Creek presents both series in 1:33:1 1080p transfers from the original 35mm.  Ultra Q receives a crisp black and white transfer, that looks startling in how good it looks. Ultraman gets a solid transfer apparently from the original materials, but the upgrade in quality is not as severe. It still good looking with solid color reproduction (important for this series).  There are HD audio tracks here that also sound quite solid, and without issue.  There are no extras on either set, but there is a booklet of liner notes in each. Both series come easily RECOMMENDED.