Ultraman Volume 1 Box Set

[Roehm]

I don't know if this has been posted anywhere or not but I was at Best Buy and I picked up the first season box set for the original Ultraman. It looks really high quality and it has the original japanese audio track and they are all uncut and stuff. It also includes the episode where Ultraman fights the "Godzilla" looking creature.

[Enshohma]

but wI’m surprised that this hasn’t been discussed on this forum either. Monster Zero is in an uproar about it as are other sites, yet Kaijuphile is super quiet about it. Is this forum that dead?

Anyway, there is a controversy on the recent multi-episode release of 1966 original “Ultraman” from BCI Entertainment, as how they received the show from a source outside Tsubaraya productions, namely Thai based company Chaiyo. Both Tsubaraya and Chaiyo have been in a nasty court battle over the foreign distribution rights for the first six Ultramen, their series and Jumborg Ace, a lesser known Tsubaraya hero that Chaiyo has ties to. Despite this however, BCI has done things by the book and acquired the series in a more legal matter then what Chaiyo has been doing, making this a BCI product more then Chaiyo getting the bulk of cash. And as much as I hate to admit, even if Chaiyo wasn’t in the picture, this is probably the only way we’d be able to get a state side release of the old school Ultraman, as Tsubaraya seems unwilling to release the classic shows in the US. They’re almost as stingy, if not worse, then Toho is to some of their own Godzilla flicks. And instead more interested in releasing their newer mix bag of products with limited success, like the whole Ultraman Tiga debacle, which wasn’t one of their better Ultra shows in my opinion. And they still haven’t found a company willing to give the fine movie “Ultraman the Next” a simple DVD release.

Quite frankly the whole thing is one big mess I can’t wrap my mind around nor share with others easily and I bought the set less out of spite for Tsubaraya / support of Chaiyo then just me wanting the simple joy of the 1966 series in my collection.

And the part of my post I really don’t want to get into, but must, the DVD quality. I too had the digital fuzz on the first episode that’s been mentioned in the MZ thread. And the English dubbing doesn’t work all of the time, even if its supposed to retain uncut versions of the original episodes. Also several episodes in the third disc has slight jumps and fuzz problems as well, even if the discs themselves are free from surface damage. This last part may be my copy alone, but again the various threads on the subject state other wise. Outside these problems, which are minor to the good stuff I'm about to mention, the colors are very sharp, the Japanese track with subtitles are working great, and despite a slight pixilation, its still in good viewing order.

But to be even more frank, the main reason I got Volume 1 was bargain and my own cheapskate-ness. I bought this thing for $25 at Circuit City, which is much better then the suggested retailer price of $40, while some other stores in my area are selling it for even more then that latter price. And since I’m having a better time with the Japanese track and subtitles, I’m mostly happy with the purchase. Still, maybe a direct involvement from Tsubaraya could have saved us from these problems, that or BCI didn’t realize they have defective items on their hands. I still plan on getting Volume 2 in September, but only at the price I got the first set as.

As for you going to get Volume 1, I’d recommend it but with some strong reservations. If you can find it for a price way lower then 40 bucks like I did, and realize that even bootleg DVDs of the 1966 series is of lesser quality and of an even higher price with fewer episodes (20 here on 3 discs), then this set wouldn’t be too bad an idea. Plus the subtitle option is more reliable then the English dubbing, and the series itself is what Ultraman truly is, pure fun and cheesy in a good classic retro kaiju way, unlike Tiga and its Heisei era teen drama / anime confusion shtick.

[Mecha74]

I don't know if this is just a fluke or not, but the Sam Goody in my town has it for $15!:O

[Raptor]

F.Y.E. (http://shop.fye.com/product.aspx?sku=202602099) has it on their web site for $12.99. Here's a little trick if they don't have it in stock or you're not near one: Print off the F.Y.E. page and take it to Circuit City (they should have it "on sale" for $24.99), Wal-Mart, Best Buy or ANY retailer that will match the price. They'll at least meet the fye.com figure and you could get it for $11.79!

[kritaya]

but wI’m surprised that this hasn’t been discussed on this forum either. Monster Zero is in an uproar about it as are other sites, yet Kaijuphile is super quiet about it. Is this forum that dead?

I don't think Ultraman has ever been very popular on this forum for some reason.

I still plan on getting Volume 2 in September, but only at the price I got the first set as.

Provided a second volume is ever released.:D

[Ravenheart]

My only exposure to Ultraman has been through Ultraman Tiga and a few comics.I'm thinking of buying this but wanted to check with someone who has it if its worth it?

[The Great MM]

Don't even bother, if you have ANY respect for Eiji T., don't buy it, it's from Chaiyo. What's Chaiyo you ask? A company that virtually screwed the company out of their own creation and has full rights and marketing for many of the series from the 60's and 70's.

Get the R2s, they're better anyway.

[Burkion]

Just tell me when UltraSeven shows up.

I grew up watching those episodes...had a few recorded. Damn tape eating VCR...

[The Great MM]

Just tell me when UltraSeven shows up.

I grew up watching those episodes...had a few recorded. Damn tape eating VCR...

Get the R2s. The R1s Chaiyo are putting out direct scans and rip-offs of Panasonic's R2s... what's that mean?

It means once they get busted, there's not gonna' be a "Season 2 Box Set." Oh sure, we may get it, but it'll be crappy quality. If you want the seires, buy the legit DVDs, not the 'legal bootlegs.'

[Burkion]

And where would I find them?

[The Great MM]

And where would I find them?

The internet helps, you know. There's a link on Tokyo Monsters.

Ultraman
Ultraseven
The Ultraman Who Returned
Ultraman Taroh

Have all been released on R2s.

Ultraman Leo comes out in Sept.

[Enshohma]

I should note that I returned this thread back to the DVD section because its what its about, BCI Entertainment release of the series, which sadly is giving the 1966 series a bad name simply because of the disc themselves. This is like the bad US dubbing to Ultraman Tiga except that this time the original version doesn’t merit equal naysaying. Any other threads on the show itself, BCI regardless should be in the Kaiju TV section.

don't think Ultraman has ever been very popular on this forum for some reason.

That’s a given with any Godzilla forum, but the fact that Great Yokai War, King Kong 2005, Gamera the Brave and tons of other giant monster projects have come and pass these last 3 years and yet we’re still getting fresh posts and multiple threads on Best Heisei G-suit is further testament to what I’m getting at.

Sorry kids...Enshohma will try to be less cynical in future. :(

[kritaya]

don't buy it, it's from Chaiyo.

Well, no, not really. It's from BCI, as licensed by Chaiyo. If you buy it, the money goes to BCI, not Chaiyo (unless they have some profit-sharing thing going on, but there's no way of knowing that).

Get the R2s, they're better anyway.

Video-wise, I don't doubt that the R2s are, but do they have english subtitles?

[The Great MM]

Well, no, not really. It's from BCI, as licensed by Chaiyo. If you buy it, the money goes to BCI, not Chaiyo (unless they have some profit-sharing thing going on, but there's no way of knowing that).


If it's linked to Chaiyo in anyway, don't get it. Not a hard concept.

Video-wise, I don't doubt that the R2s are, but do they have english subtitles?

DL them from Tokyo Monsters.

[kritaya]

If it's linked to Chaiyo in anyway, don't get it. Not a hard concept.

If Chaiyo just got a lump sum for licensing to BCI, they've already been paid their blood money. Buying the BCI release doesn't benefit Chaiyo, just as boycotting it doesn't hurt them. BCI is in the middle. They dealt in good faith. Why punish them for what Chaiyo did?

A better reason not to buy the BCI release is the quality, which is atrocious.

DL them from Tokyo Monsters.

And create your very own bootlegs. You know, the lesser evil is still, in fact, evil. :)

[The Great MM]

If Chaiyo just got a lump sum for licensing to BCI, they've already been paid their blood money. Buying the BCI release doesn't benefit Chaiyo, just as boycotting it doesn't hurt them. BCI is in the middle. They dealt in good faith. Why punish them for what Chaiyo did?

They made the contract with Chaiyo.

And create your very own bootlegs. You know, the lesser evil is still, in fact, evil.

Umm... DLing subtitles isn't creating bootlegs... it's creating subtitles. And unless you're selling them, I don't see how they could be classified as such.

[kritaya]

They made the contract with Chaiyo.

BCI wanted to license Ultraman for a DVD set in the US. They went to Tsuburaya. Tsuburaya said no. They went to Chaiyo. Chaiyo said yes. BCI checked into the legal issues regarding the ownership of Ultraman. They found that, according to a Japanese court decision, Chaiyo could grant them a license. BCI bought it. Chaiyo got paid. The DVD set was released. All legal.

Wrong? Yes. Illegal? No.

Umm... DLing subtitles isn't creating bootlegs... it's creating subtitles. And unless you're selling them, I don't see how they could be classified as such.

They're DIY bootlegs. This is the FBI anti-piracy warning at the beginning of DVDs (I highlighted the pertinent bit):

"Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."

By the way, I'm not against the idea of buying R2s and attaching English subs to them. I think it's a very cool compromise.

But a bootleg is a bootleg.

[Saruman]

If Chaiyo just got a lump sum for licensing to BCI, they've already been paid their blood money. Buying the BCI release doesn't benefit Chaiyo, just as boycotting it doesn't hurt them. BCI is in the middle. They dealt in good faith. Why punish them for what Chaiyo did?

Exactly Chaiyo has already gotten their money in the liscensing fee that BCI paid for. The only one getting hurt by "boycotting" this box set is BCI.

Besdes this is a stupid reason to boycott the DVD's anyway. Would a Beatles fans boycott the purchasing of Beatles albums just because Michael Jackson owns the rights to the songs now, no they wouldn't. This type of stuff happens all the time in the entertainment industry.

A better reason not to buy the BCI release is the quality, which is atrocious.

Now this is the only reason to not buy them. I picked up a set and have watched the first DVD. The picture quality was actually very good, much much better than I was hoping for. The problem lies with the audio tracks. The audio goes from very good to very very bad. The tracking on the dubbing is also messed up. At time it just switches back to Japanese language and then back to English. This is so far the only major problem I have with the DVD's. Oh and FYI the subtitles and dubbing are not the same incase anyone was wondering.

All in all its a decent set for a reasonable price if you want a dubbed version. Though just expect to dubbing to jump back and forth in some places. It doesn't seem to happen often but enough to make it annoying.

[Tomzilla]

So far, the solution concerning the language switch ordeal is to just leave it on the original Japanese selection, with subtitles on of course. I haven't encountered any languages switch yet.

[kritaya]

I've only been listening to the original Japanese, too. No problems. No glitches. Even the sound isn't that bad, but that might be due to a new DVD player that's barely a month old. The only thing that bugs me is whenever there's water, the artifacting is MASSIVE. I've never seen anything like it before. I'm not a videophile purist who grouses over the tiniest thing, but it's bad.

I'll still get volume 2 (if there is a volume 2 :laugh: ) as my favorite episodes would be on that one. I want my giant, city-crushing Fuji!

[Megabyte]

According to some DVD magazine I got at Comic-Con Vol. 2 is due out on October 10th.

[kritaya]

Yeah, well, a lot can happen between now and then. There are many people who suspect Chaiyo did a very stupid thing regarding the materials they provided BCI. As much as I'd like to see a volume 2, if it came down to a choice between that and Chaiyo getting smacked down in a court of law, I'd choose the latter. We shall see.

[Saruman]

So far, the solution concerning the language switch ordeal is to just leave it on the original Japanese selection, with subtitles on of course. I haven't encountered any languages switch yet.

True, but some people either don't like reading subtitles or like to watch both depending on the mood they are in. I know there are days that I will not want to read subtitles and just put on the english language track on a dvd, other days I would rather read the subs.

But the Japanese language track does have a much better sound to it then the English language track does. The difference in quality is quite noticable.

[kritaya]

But the Japanese language track does have a much better sound to it then the English language track does. The difference in quality is quite noticable.

I guess Tsuburaya has the original, presumably re-mastered, English dub track, so it was sorta out of the question they would provide it to BCI. (Can you imagine that conversation? :p ) So somehow they tracked down an inferior version of the dub track, and that's what got used, hence the lower quality. At least that's what I've been hearing. I don't know. I listened to the opening English song once and that was it.

Just another reason to hope that someday all the legal issues will be resolved in Tsuburaya's favor, so we can get an Ultraman DVD set with their backing and blessing.

[Tomzilla]

I listened to the opening English song once and that was it.

What? The opening English song is so addictively awesome! :cool:

[kritaya]

What? The opening English song is so addictively awesome! :cool:

No way. The Japanese version is the addictive one. I mean, I don't even know Japanese and after a while I was singing it phonetically. "UuuuUtoroman!":laugh:

[Super Angillas]

But if Tasubrya turned them donw then it sounds like they just said a big screw you to the amarican fans. Is their more to the story like Tsyubra wanted more money, or did they just outright refuse?

[James Ballard]

They're DIY bootlegs. This is the FBI anti-piracy warning at the beginning of DVDs (I highlighted the pertinent bit):

"Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."
Not meaning to chime in, but "infringement without monetary gain" suggests sharing them around with your friends, via the internet, etc., without taking profits. There is very little that can honestly be said against creating backups of your own property for you alone to use in your own home.

But a bootleg is a bootleg.
The defintion of the world "bootleg" is:
1. To make, sell, or transport (alcoholic liquor) for sale illegally.
2. To produce, distribute, or sell without permission or illegally: a clandestine outfit that bootlegs compact discs and tapes.

"Bootlegging" in every sense of the world is about illegal distribution. Making your own copies for yourself hardly qualifies. Either way, Tokyo Monsters does not have subtitles for the original ULTRAMAN anyway.

But if Tasubrya turned them donw then it sounds like they just said a big screw you to the amarican fans. Is their more to the story like Tsyubra wanted more money, or did they just outright refuse?
Tsuburaya's official stance is that BCI never even approached them, and went straight to Chaiyo.

[kritaya]

"Bootlegging" in every sense of the world is about illegal distribution. Making your own copies for yourself hardly qualifies.

I totally agree with you on that. Making archival copies of your DVD collection isn't bootlegging, IMO. But RIAA thinks so, and so does the MPAA, and so does the FBI, and so does Interpol.

The chances of getting busted for making archival copies is probably zero. They'd be nuts to go after somebody for doing that. But a zero chance of getting busted doesn't mean you're not breaking the letter of the law.

I don't know what the big deal is. Hasn't anyone ever driven a little faster than the speed limit? Technically, you're breaking the law when you do that, but no one seems to care.

Oh, and let me make this clear. I think what you're doing is an incredible service to the fans, and you should be applauded for it.

Tsuburaya's official stance is that BCI never even approached them, and went straight to Chaiyo.

I thought a rep from BCI said they did, but I doubt we'll ever know what really happened.

[Project Pimp]

Get the R2s.

For some reason, I highly doubt that you own the R2s, and I am going to have to label you a hypocrite if so.

You can either pay $15 for the first 20 episodes with dubbing and subtitles, or pay $170 for those same episodes with NO subtitles. I think the choice is obvious.

DL them from Tokyo Monsters.

Please show us all the link where Tokyo Monsters has subtitles for the original 1966 Ultraman. They don't.

[The Great MM]

For some reason, I highly doubt that you own the R2s, and I am going to have to label you a hypocrite if so.
I'm willing to wager that bet. Granted, I don't have all, I still have more than you do.

[Project Pimp]

I'm willing to wager that bet. Granted, I don't have all, I still have more than you do.

I see no need to play when the object of the game is to see who's bank account hits zero first. I'm not going to waste hundreds of dollars of my hard-earned cash just so Tsuburaya's spirit can be happy. I love the guy's work, but he can go to hell if he expects me to pay that much to enjoy it.

[Gfantheheroman]

Sadly, I've never been lucky enough to see any of the original Ultra's. I'll be sure to try and check it out.

[TitanGojira]

What? The opening English song is so addictively awesome! :cool:

Hell yeah!

Ultraman! Ultraman!
Here he comes from the sky!
Ultraman! Ultraman!
Watch our hero fly!
In a superjet he comes from a billion miles away
From a distant planet's land
Comes our hero, Ultraman!

It's right up there with the old Batman and Spider-Man themes.

[kritaya]

Like I said, I listened to the English version once to sate my nostalgia. But the Japanese version really shines. It has better lyrics and the kids sing their little hearts out.

[Zillaman]

i just got the box set yesterday at my local store for 30$! it's awesome!:thumbs:

[Mecha74]

Volume 2 is set to be released on November 7th, the same day that the Classic Media releases of GRA and Mothra vs Godzilla come out.

[Ravenheart]

I just finished watching the second disk for Season 1,Volume 2 and I just wish I could have watched this show when I was a kid.Its just a fun show to watch.I wonder if they'll release the other series.

[HolyGoji777]

i own both volumes and have been extremely pleased with them! ultraman is a great show and its a gem in any kaiju fans collection.

^^^and i too hope they release the other series on dvd however i own all the ultraseven episodes and while its widely considered the best of the series i think the original is far superior.

[Ravenheart]

I did a search to see what the ultramen from the other series looked like and I can't say I'm all that impressed with them.Maybe if I actually see them in an episode I'd like them more but when I think of Ultraman I picture him looking like he does in the original series or Ultraman Tiga.If the other series come out I'm sure I'll still get them because I love kaiju action.

[beastfromosaka]

Just bought both volumes a couple of weeks ago. Love them even with the flaws (cutting from dubbing to subtitles to untranslated japanese, and digital fuzz on at least on episode). Some of the kaiju designs seem pretty unique. Favorites so far include Baltan, Woo, Neronga, Greenmons,Gesura, Ragon (who seems to have some physical characteristics similar to a kappa), Bluton, Hydora, Antlar, Pestar, and Kemler.:D:inlove:

[G2KMaster]

I am actualy ticked off about this. The whole first series of Ultraman was released into two separate volumes and then they release a box set with both volumes. WTF?

[Angiru-San]

I just bought this set (season one, first 20 episodes) and I am super excited to watch them! The best part is, I randomly found the box set at BooksAMillion for SEVEN DOLLARS! With Tax! Huzzah!

I've never been into Ultraman, though. But I figured that, for seven dollars, now is the time to start!

[Mindfreak]

I just bought this set (season one, first 20 episodes) and I am super excited to watch them! The best part is, I randomly found the box set at BooksAMillion for SEVEN DOLLARS! With Tax! Huzzah!

I've never been into Ultraman, though. But I figured that, for seven dollars, now is the time to start!
Hi, I'm here to one-up you! I found that same one ( season 1 2-disc set, 20 eps.) for FIVE BUCKS at Target. Five Bucks, people! I couldnt find a Vol.2 of it there, sadly. I just started watching and it's pretty good, so far. A bit cheesy, yes, but I was expecting that...