[Kamen Rider Lucha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amps11

First off, it feels really old to me. Not sure if it's the camerawork, the type of film, or what...it seems like the quality is worse than Shinkenger and Go-Onger, even though it was after both of those series. Was this on purpose? Some sort of throwback/mirroring/motif?

It may feel "throwback" to you because of the Action Director. In Sentai, the Action Director is in charge of directing all the in-suit martial arts fight scenes, including directing the camera and overseeing the fight choreography. When it comes to the "style" of a Sentai's action, this person usually has the heaviest influence on what you see. (Though there are exceptions, like when Koichi Sakamoto is in the Series Director's chair -- he has a heavier hand than most Series Directors when it comes to the look of the action.)

I believe Goseiger's Action Director was Hirofumi Ishigaki, who worked in the action unit in some capacity on every Sentai from Hurricanger through Gokaiger. His style is definitely indicative of "classic Sentai" to me. Ishigaki is heavily influenced by the Shaw Bros. and other classic martial arts directors, hence the retro feel.

After Gokaiger, there was a change over. All of the sentai series from Go-Busters through Zyuohger have seen (or will see) Hirofumi Nakazawa in the Action Director's chair. Nakazawa has a much different style -- his action scenes are more modern and Hollywood-influenced, with less emphasis on classic martial arts filmmaking tropes.

I, personally, feel like Nakazawa's cinematography is bland, static, and overly glossy, while Ishigaki's is gritty, dynamic, and impactful (which I prefer). On the other hand, I think Nakazawa executes more innovative stunt choreography, and I could see people overlooking his uninspired cinematography for that reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by amps11

Most Sentai feel like that at first but then you get that "well worn" familiar feeling soon after. I haven't felt that way yet, sort of the same way I feel about Go Busters.

You'll get there with Goseiger. There's always that moment in a Sentai where it "clicks" and becomes very familiar. Sometimes that moment happens sooner, sometimes later. It took quite a while for Ninninger to "click" for me, which leads me to...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin

I think a lot of Goseiger's problems (from the technical side) come down to timing.

This series was made right before the big 35th anniversary. It seems like most of Toei's effort (and experienced crew) went towards preparing the next season while Goseiger had to make do with some less-impressive offerings.

I suspect the exact same thing is happening with Ninninger. It feels a lot like Goseiger did when it was being aired, and the fan reaction has been pretty similar. I definitely think Ninninger has received less attention in the shadow of Zyuohger's 40 Anniversary.

Hopefully that means Zyuohger will be really good.