Watch Ultra Q: The Complete Series

Ultra Q was a Japanese television show that premiered in 1966 and aired until 1967. It was produced by Tsuburaya Productions and aired on Tokyo Broadcasting System. The show was created by Eiji Tsuburaya, who is best known for his work on the original Godzilla film, and was designed to capitalize on the popularity of that franchise. It was the first in a series of shows known as the Ultra Series.

Ultra Q tells stories of strange and bizarre phenomena that occur throughout Japan. The show's format is similar to that of The Twilight Zone, with each episode presenting a standalone story that is unrelated to the previous or following episodes. The show follows a group of investigators called the Ultra Q Research Team as they investigate these strange occurrences and try to find a scientific explanation for them.

The team is led by Jun Manjome, a scientist played by Kenji Sahara, who is joined by Yuriko Edogawa, played by Hiroko Sakurai, and Ippei Togawa, played by Yasuhiko Saijo. Together, the team investigates a wide range of supernatural phenomena, from giant monsters to aliens to ancient artifacts with mystical powers.

One of the unique aspects of Ultra Q is its use of kaiju monsters. Kaiju, which means "strange beast" in Japanese, are giant monsters that have become a trademark of Japanese science fiction. The show features a wide variety of kaiju, each with its own unique design and abilities. Some of the most memorable monsters include Gomess, a giant lizard-like creature, Mukadender, a giant centipede, and Namegon, a giant snail.

Another notable aspect of Ultra Q is its use of practical effects. The show relies heavily on model work and miniatures to create its monsters, which gives it a distinct visual style. The show's special effects were created by Eiji Tsuburaya and his team of designers, who were pioneers in the field of special effects at the time. The use of practical effects gives the show a sense of realism and weight that would be difficult to achieve with computer-generated effects.

The show's music is also noteworthy, with a memorable theme song composed by Kunio Miyauchi. The theme song has become iconic in Japanese popular culture and is still recognized by many people today. The show's score was composed by Toru Fuyuki and adds to the show's sense of atmosphere and mystery.

Overall, Ultra Q is a classic of Japanese science fiction and is still beloved by fans today. Its use of kaiju monsters, practical effects, and standalone storytelling make it a unique and memorable show. The show was a major influence on Japanese science fiction and has inspired countless imitators and spin-offs over the years, including the popular Ultraman franchise. With its release on DVD, fans worldwide can now experience the show in all its glory.

Ultra Q: The Complete Series is a series that ran for 1 seasons (28 episodes) between January 1, 1966 and on Shout Factory