[Fish Sandwich]

Very impressive episode of Blazar this week, and that's coming from someone who only vaguely understands all the homages going on in it.

Insanely strong atmosphere throughout, and I especially appreciated how they made the first two chunks of the episode shorter than usual so we could have this very long stretch of the story being continuously scored by the music, uninterrupted by a commercial break or whatever else. A lot of shows that do similar artsy things with music will leave me feeling like the gimmick stops by necessity before it's really run its course, but no such problems here. They even denied us a chance to hear Black Star during the credits in the name of preserving the unique style and tone, which takes serious resolve when Black Star is that much of a jam.

EDIT: also, just to give this the extra bit of exposure it deserves, because I really appreciate this being put up right alongside the episode, here's two of the guest stars performing the music in isolation:

[Sunred]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwami

Awesome Ultra Q references

It sure was. The black and white scenes, Garamon, and a freakin' cicada humanoid?! The ending was a nice touch as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

also, just to give this the extra bit of exposure it deserves, because I really appreciate this being put up right alongside the episode, here's two of the guest stars performing the music in isolation:

Huh, so the title of the song is Chilsonite Genesis. Seeing this and considering the Garamon appearance, I guess it's safe to assume the scraps of Garamon will be used to make the Chilsonite Sword? BTW love how there are figures of Earth Garon and Blazar in the back.

[Kiwami]

Finished Ultraseven.

It was... okay. Like, I totally get why this show is so huge, the sheer creativity, effect work and effort is outstanding, but for me personally - I like the slightly more whimsical and fun Ultraman better.

Ultraseven is too repetitive with the constant alien attack plots. I get why that is, but they rarely peak when it comes to morals and making a point, so more often than not it just feels the same.

Episode 26, "Super Weapon R-1" is the sole outliner in an episode that is beautifully written, carries a strong message and gets all points across. That one is not only the best Ultraseven, but also one of the best episodes of the Ultra-series in general I've seen.

I'm moving on; let's see how another overly popular Ultra series works out for me. Will it take me higher? Lets see.

[GuardianAngel87]

After months of waiting, I have finally received my copy of the Ultraman Orb Blu-Ray series set which also means that Orb is officially the next Ultraman series I am watching next and I have just started on watching as well. I have also watched Decker's post-series movie and the ninth episode of Blazar beforehand. Oh, and the Decker series itself is a very solid show despite a few serious hiccups during its second half. *cough*Agams*cough**cough*

[Frontier]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwami

Finished Ultraseven.

It was... okay. Like, I totally get why this show is so huge, the sheer creativity, effect work and effort is outstanding, but for me personally - I like the slightly more whimsical and fun Ultraman better.

Ultraseven is too repetitive with the constant alien attack plots. I get why that is, but they rarely peak when it comes to morals and making a point, so more often than not it just feels the same.

Episode 26, "Super Weapon R-1" is the sole outliner in an episode that is beautifully written, carries a strong message and gets all points across. That one is not only the best Ultraseven, but also one of the best episodes of the Ultra-series in general I've seen.

I'm moving on; let's see how another overly popular Ultra series works out for me. Will it take me higher? Lets see.

For me it was enjoyable seeing what cool and crazy alien they'd be fighting week-after-week and watching Dan's bond with the Ultra Guard (especially Ann) deepening, as well as some of the later Ultraseven fights.

[Sunred]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuardianAngel87

After months of waiting, I have finally received my copy of the Ultraman Orb Blu-Ray series set which also means that Orb is officially the next Ultraman series I am watching next and I have just started on watching as well. I have also watched Decker's post-series movie and the ninth episode of Blazar beforehand. Oh, and the Decker series itself is a very solid show despite a few serious hiccups during its second half. *cough*Agams*cough**cough*

Even after years since it aired Orb I think was a-okay for the 50th anniversary. The card fusion gimmick and Hideo Ishiguro as Gai really worked for me.

[Kiwami]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwami

I'm moving on; let's see how another overly popular Ultra series works out for me. Will it take me higher? Lets see.

Yeah, about that - I thought giving another fan favorite a go right away might be too soon. So I put on a more niche show to relax instead. It doesn't get talked about a lot, but man I wish I heard about it sooner!

It's called "Ultraman Tiga" and was apparently the first Ultraman show after a long break? Man, it's so good! The team is super likeable, the effect, costume and miniature work is insanely awesome, it easily rivals cinema productions of the time. The plots are fun, creative and diverse, it has everything!

This is the kind of thing I would expect to lead all the popularity polls! Like, with dedicated anniversaries! Maybe even a remake or an homage of sorts! Since this is called Tiga they could call it... "Trigger" or something? Nah, that would be silly.

Anyways, I'm about halfway through but I love every second of it. Ultraman Tiga rules!

[Frontier]

We finally see Gento with his family! I'm glad to see he's the type of husband who actually contributes to the housework, minus Blazar possessing him throwing him off a little.

Don't you just love it when your son watches you work? Minus actually knowing it's you as Blazar, but still...although Jun just tosses it aside to watch the news.

It was supposed to be Gento's day off with his family and instead he's going to see a Kaiju Egg because his son is as fond of Kaiju as he is. Then again, what Ultra Captain has ever had a vacation that hasn't been interrupted by a Kaiju problem? Or any Attack Team member ever? At least he was on the scene when trouble started before he was inevitably called in.

Baby Demaaga! And it's human-sized! I'm actually glad they just started with tranqs instead of immediately jumping to try and kill it.

Retsu finally reappears after a several episode absence only to make everything worse because he wants a full armed response because the only good Kaiju is a dead Kaiju in his book. If they had just left it alone, Mama Demaaga probably would've just taken her baby and left.

Gento is keeping it a secret what his role in the GGF is? That seems like it'll be a mess eventually, but seeing how his wife reacted when he went back...I guess I understand why he doesn't want to worry her.

This is the first time I've actually wanted to see the Earth Garon lose.

Jun taking over and dragging his mom away was surprisingly cute. Poor Satoko though.

Good to know the Rainbow Slash can be used as not only a shield but also a freeze ray.

I thought Blazar was acting up because it saw the injustice going on towards Demaaga, but was it actually upset...because it didn't want them to steal its kill? It seemed like it was Gento's side of the fusion that stopped it from killing Demaaga and was fighting Blazar.

I see Blazar also has a sonic attack he just dishes out there. And the Spiral Burrade can contain Kaiju and move them underground?

I don't think Retsu is going to take it well that Ultraman Blazar got in the way of their battle with the Kaiju. Not even SKaRD understands why he did it. But at least his son is an even bigger fan of Blazar, so that's a win in Gento's book.

Next week: Gebalga! The Meteorite Kaiju!

[Daikaijuman54]

I must say, I really enjoy the approach they're taking with Blazar. It seems Blazar is "learning" about humanity, hence why he felt the need to take a drink or watching educational shows.

I mentioned when we first saw the Kaiju in the Press Conference, something about Demaaga looked off, and now I can say that it was because it was the baby's suit. Still, it was a precious little monster, reminds me of Baby Godzilla (and the fact that Demaaga looks like Godzilla adds to that).

It's kind of sweet how Gento humbles himself to his family about his position in the GGF and the team (or mostly, Teruaki who knows of his family connections) just rolls with it. The dynamic of his family is pretty sweet all things considered.

I also like the detail of Earth Garon's eyes not retaining their design we've seen before and just left bright blue, as if it's the villain. This episode really had it going for it!

And of course, some discourse between Gento and Blazar with the two fighting each other is quite something. I feel like this show is a reimagining of Ultraman in a way Shin Ultraman or Ultraman the Next did, while still remaining true to the core of the character, which is something I love. Whether that was intentional or not, it's still good. And for a moment, I thought we were going to see a Blazar Form debut with that Red Stone, but a "new" power works too. I'm honestly enjoying this subversion of expectations. Good job, Tsuburaya!

And Retsu is probably not taking kindly to Blazar after this, so brace for a "We're gonna kill Ultraman Arc."

Next Episode: Is that Starro the Conqueror!?

[Kiwami]

Gento keeping his family in the dark worries me. Didn't expect him to lie about his job.

Great episode though. I love how both Gento and Blazar quarrel with each other. Like, have we ever seen an Ultra be this conflicted and physically restrained by their human host? This works especially well since they aren't able to just talk things out with each other like Z could.

Gotta say though, I love how Blazar pulls technique after technique out of nowhere. Very Showa in a good way.