It has been announced that a 4K remastered version of the tokusatsu drama "Return of Ultraman" will be broadcast on NHK's BS Premium 4K this summer. All 51 episodes will be aired.
"Return of Ultraman," which began airing in 1971, sparked the second monster boom. It depicts the exploits of MAT, a defense team that battles monsters and aliens that threaten Earth's peace, such as Takkong, Seagoras, Seamons, Bemstar, Black King, and Knuckle Alien, and Ultraman, who is transformed by Hideki Go, a member of MAT. The 4K HDR remaster enhances the realistic special effects scenes.
A special program celebrating the 60th anniversary of the "Ultraman" series, "Ultraman Series 60th Anniversary: Ultraman Memorable Scenes Special," will air on NHK BS on March 28th at 6 PM. In addition to showcasing memorable scenes from "Ultraman" and "Ultra Seven," the program will also feature rare footage from the "Ultraman Eve Festival" held one week before the first broadcast of "Ultraman," the story behind the creation of Ultraman and his signature move, the Spacium Ray, and segments exploring the special effects techniques of the time, including filming on miniature sets.
Ryoma Hamada, who played the main character Riku Asakura in "Ultraman Geed," will serve as MC, and guests who are big fans of the "Ultraman" series, including director Shinji Higuchi of the movie "Shin Ultraman," will reveal their favorite monsters and aliens. They will also go behind the scenes of the 4K remastering process.
