Ultra Seven

Ultra Seven is a thrilling and ageless science fiction TV show from Japan, produced during the years of 1967 to 1968. This mesmerizing show was released by the house of Tsuburaya Productions and has continued to be a favorite across generations of viewers even over five decades after its original release. Shout Factory has retained the aura and charm of the original show, delivering to fans an unforgettable viewing experience.

Ultra Seven pitches the journey of an alien super-being from the Land of Light in Nebula M78, who arrives on Earth in the backdrop of escalating extra-terrestrial threats. Taking on the human form, he is named Dan Morobushi, and he joins the Ultra Guard, an elite force of the Terrestrial Defense Force (TDF). However, unbeknownst to his teammates, Dan has an extraordinary secret. He is none other than Ultra Seven, utilizing his alien powers to protect humanity from threatening alien invasions and monstrous giants.

Throughout the series, the disguise of Dan allows Ultra Seven to integrate with his human allies and help them in their endeavors against the various threats to Earth. The character of Ultra Seven is unique and pragmatic, recorded as being much more social and approachable compared to his former counterparts. He does not just fight for humanity but also understands human emotions, portraying compassion and empathy. His emotional connection with humanity becomes a defining trait of his character.

Ultra Seven is more than just a saga of battles and confrontations. It subtly details the issues of urbanization and the perils of technological advancement. Satire underlies the narrative, questioning humanity's decisions on environmental sustainability and technological harnessing. Also, the series succeeds in delivering an intense, almost philosophical thought process about the existence of humanity and its future course.

The show's special effects, though true to its time in the late '60s, are a treat in their own right. The creators utilized miniatures and suitmation, among other techniques, resulting in a unique aesthetic that has come to define the show's visual appeal. The alien designs and the transformation sequences are highlights of the series, setting a high bar for the genre during its time.

Another salient feature of Ultra Seven is its damn-catchy theme song, by the Misuzu Children's Choral Group. The song, alongside the Ultraman No Uta, has earned legendary status among tokusatsu theme songs and remains a fondly remembered part of the series.

Ultra Seven's 49-episodes long interstellar adventure enthralled a wide range of audiences, mainly due to its diversity of stories, characters, and themes. Whether it's the thrilling battles involving alien creatures, explorations of abstract concepts, or the moral debates stirred by the narrative, the series intelligently taps into many different aspects of the viewer's imagination and curiosity.

The cast of Ultraseven includes actors Kohji Moritsugu playing Dan Morobushi/Ultra Seven, Yuriko Hishimi playing Anne Yuri, and Shoji Nakayama as Soga. Directors Akio Jissoji and Kazuho Mitsuta, along with a competent crew, did an exceptional job in translating the vision of creator Eiji Tsuburaya into a tangible and engaging viewing experience.

Overall, Ultra Seven is a magnificent blend of sci-fi, adventure, action, and insightful drama. Its pacing oscillates between high-impact action sequences and deeper, reflective moments, allowing viewers to experience a wide range of emotions. It's a journey filled with wonder, excitement, stimulating challenges, crucial life lessons, and frequent moments of joy and disillusionment, just as life itself is.

The release of Ultra Seven by Shout Factory offers a nostalgic trip back in time, capturing the magic, mystery, and excitement of this unforgettable Japanese show. It remains an integral part of the celebrated Ultra Series Universe and retains its place of honor in the world of popular science fiction television. Loaded with thrilling storylines and timeless characters, Ultra Seven easily echoes across generations and geographies.