While browsing the DVD aisle at my local Wal-Mart recently, I stumbled across a bin full of $5 DVDs. To my amazement, I found whole box sets of some early Japanese Tokusatsu series for $5 each!
For those that don’t know what Tokusatsu is, it is the term used to describe live-action special effects shows that feature super heroes and/or robots Such series included are Ultraman and Power Rangers.
The first $5 set I came across was the original 1966 Ultraman series. This set contains all 39 uncut episodes in English and the original Japanese language with English subtitles.
The story takes place in the “near feature” and features the Science Patrol that is equipped to handle monster outbreaks. One day, Ultraman crashes into Hayata’s ship and accidentally kills him. Ultraman revives Hayata by merging his essence with him. This gives Hayata the power to call on Ultraman and transform into him to fight the monsters.
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The second box set I came across was the 1973 series Super Robot Red Baron. This set contains all 39 episodes in the original Japanese language with English subtitles.
Set in the 21st Century, the evil “Iron Alliance” begins stealing giant robots and kidnapping their creators during an exhibition. Before Red Baron can be taken, the creator gives over the robot to his brother Ken who is a member of the Secret Science Investigation. With the help of Red Baron, the SSI seeks out to stop the Iron Alliance and their treacherous ways.
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You should definitely hunt these down if you’re into Japanese rubber suit monsters, corny dialogue and special effects. At $5 a pop, you are getting a great bargain. Each set was released by Mill Creek Entertainment. According to their website, they also released a series called Iron King. Hopefully they will continue to release more of these shows.