Ultraman: Monster Movie Feature1967

89/100 Not quite a franchise starter, but might as well have been with how early on it is and for how much its central concept influenced the franchise going forth, and a great show in itself. Not the most complex, with its simplistic storylines, but it works with the fairytale-like tone Taro would go on to crank up to 11, and there is the occasional glimpse of a more complex viewpoint. For our heroes, we have the Science Special Search Party. Unlike future Attack Teams, which are more outwardly militaristic in nature, the Science Patrol here are mostly there to investigate scientific phenomena. Granted, they also have to fight the monster 100% of the time, but the less martial presentation here is nice. The members themselves are all full of personality that personally heightens them above future attack teams. We have the broad archetypes of the stern yet approachable captain, the stoic pilot who becomes Ultraman, the hothead sharpshooter and the tagalong kid defined here, and they are good for what they are. Special mention must go to Fuji, for being quite unlike the minor girls of the 70s, or even Anne from Ultraseven, as she's very much more of a modern lady, quick-witted and strong-willed while still being kind. Its a very cool move for a 60s show. My favourite character, though, has to be Ide, who balances being a funny comic relief character with being genuinely competent, with his development of gadgets being what keeps the team going most of the time. He also works great in serious scenes, as evidenced when he becomes the team's moral compass in my favourite episode "My Home is Earth". The effects here are fine, if elevated under Eiji Tsuburaya's direction. There are the usual hallmarks of visible wires and shoddy suits, but with the tongue-in-cheek style of the show, I get the feeling it wasn't entirely unintentional...still, I have to admit the primitive attempts at green-screen are just horrid. The monsters are really the highlight of this show, as they're all so colourful and imaginative. Tohl Narita's at his A-game here, and there are very few monsters I don't like. My favourites in particular are Red King, Gomora, Alien Mephilas and Zetton. Its hard to discuss this show without comparing it to its successors, but I think that just shows how impressive the legacy spawned by this show is. Its a mark of quality that this show was able to work as the jumping off point to start a franchise, and even more of one that even today, it ranks high among franchise listings. Anyone seeking Kaiju media or a deeper knowledge of the medium should definitely check this show out, because it won't disappoint.