Customer Reviews

Ultraman Special 30th Anniversary Collection: Volume 1, Episodes 1-4 (Originally Urutoraman) [VHS]

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No high-tech and fancy gadgets, extremely primitive transformation effects, and no computer graphics, but that's exactly what makes this video so special.

For both "matured" (and young) Ultraman fans, this video is a must to complete your collection on the shelf. It is composed of the first 4 episodes of the first and original Ultraman series, which was first shown in Japan back in 1966. In these episodes you can see how the original Ultraman came to Earth and the reason for him merging with Hayata. In addition you get to see the original rubber monsters, the original special effects for the Ultrabeam, the original Ultraman's costume with its zipper... and last but not least, the original, very rough-looking Ultraman's mask (which apparently, was originally designed such that Ultraman's mouth can move when he speaks or when he shouts "Schwartz" in his battles, but didn't work too well). The mask was soon replaced by a more favorable fixed type with a much smoother surface, which is the type you see most often nowadays. All these elements enable you to relive the memories of the original ultra-hero.

In short, this is a classic!

Any fan of the original Ultraman television series (1966) should treasure this collection of the first four episodes. Just listening to the opening music and watching the first scenes brought back wonderful childhood memories. I even remember some of the dialogue and many of the specific scenes from the multiple times I watched the syndicated series as a child. Don't purchase this tape if you are looking for first-rate special effects; part of the joy of watching these episodes is to be charmed by the "primitive" audio and visual effects. I've searched the internet for additional episodes and have yet to find more from a reputable company. To the video's producers - Expressions in Animation and Tsuburaya Productions - please release more of the original series' 39 episodes. This collection of episodes is a pop culture gem.

Of all the Television shows I watched when I was growing up, ULTRAMAN is far and away my favorite. I started out with Godzilla but when I discovered Ultraman I knew I'd found something special. This video release of the first four classic episodes of the 1966 Japanese import is a true treasure as I haven't seen the seies run on television in years. My only compaint of this video, other than a somewhat sub-standard audio track, is that it only contains 4 episodes. Where is volume 2?

This video really brings back some wonderful memories. I was a kid all over again while viewing these episodes. I love the special effects(the rubber monsters,etc.)and the fight scenes. The effects were good (considering it was the 1960's.) It is a must have for any Ultra Man or super hero fan. I just wish that more volumes of the original Ultra Man series would become available for purchase. I would buy them all!

Just about everybody in the US and Canada have now heard of Godzilla. Most people, however, have never heard of the Japanese super-hero that is as popular there as Superman is here. That monster-fighting hero, created by the special effects studio that first brought the irradiated lizard to the world, is Ultraman!

This tape brings the first 4 episodes of the original Ultraman back to American viewers. Dubbed in English, these shows were syndicated in the late 60's in America. This tape restores the classic episodes to better-than-original quality. As a bonus, the tape includes an interview with one of the actors in the rubber monster suits, plus the original Japanese intro music.

Anyone who remembers lifting a stick as a play "Beta capsule" will want a copy of this collection. END

This is the classic 1966 series that has me reminiscing back to my youth. Please release more episodes!!!

This is the real Japanese hero he is to Japan what Superman is for us in America. When I heard the music it brought back memories when I was a kid. When I saw the first episode I remembered almost every dialoge this is incredible. This is a must for every Ultraman fan.He started all the next series like Ultraseven for example.Please release more titles of the original Ultraman on DVD or VHS. I can't wait for the other volumes. Every Sci fi fan must have this video. This is a cult Japanese series.

This is a tease! I've already worn the tape and will need to order another one. Please provide more volumes! My-literally-10 year search for any original series Ultraman video is over!! This is the ultimate of classic monster videos. Again...more,more please!

I just got all 39 episodes of Ultraman on DVD and I have to say this is an amazing show. I read more about it and it was one of the top twenty shows of 1966 AND 1967. This has some of the best of all episodes. Go on ebay.com and put in Ultraman.

Hayata raises the Beta Capsule, pushes the button, and here comes Ultraman!! I looked forward to that part of the show every Saturday. From the lousy special effects, to the corny dialogue, to the familiar background music of the Science Patrol springing into action. It's all good!! This was one of my favorite shows as a child and I thought this video was great. I can't wait for volumes 2, 3 ,4 ....... I used to tape episodes (wish I still had them!) when I was a kid and watch Hayata turn to Ultraman over and over. If you watched this show as a kid, you owe it to yourself to buy this video!