The Ultraman Neos Pilot was a proof-of-concept film that was shown to TBS producers in 1995. Following the American-produced Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero, there had not been an Ultraman Series entry produced in Japan since Ultraman 80 ended in 1981. Along with stage shows and merchandise, the pilot capitalized on renewed interest for such a show, showing off both traditional practical special effects in combination with digital effects. Ultimately, while production of a full show based on the concept was not pursued, the resurgance in popularity of the Ultraman brand paired with the new technical capabilities showcased in the short lead to the greenlighting of a new Ultraman production: Ultraman Tiga in 1996.The Neos characters and concepts would later be realized via the 12-episode direct-to-video series in 2000.
The pilot was not fully released to the public until its inclusion in the Blu-ray release of Ultraman Neos in 2018, but its footage was reused in Ultra Warriors Special Video in 1995; a short film seeing Ultraman Neos and Ultraseven 21 talk with and review past battles of Ultraman Great and Ultraman Powered by Ultraman's instruction, priming them (and the viewers) for the duo's full-length season which never came to be.
Synopsis[]
One night, a beam of light suddenly descended upon the Earth, destroying cities. This sudden disaster marked the beginning of a fierce invasion by the ruthless Alien Zamu, whose aim was to conquer the Earth.
The Earth Defense Organization, GSG, was also destroyed during the invasion. Just when all seemed lost, a new hero, Ultraman Neos, along with Ultraseven 21, arrived from the Land of Light to Earth.
Appearances[]
Ultras[]
Kaiju[]
Cast[]
Suit Actors[]
- Ultraman Neos: Hiroyuki Okano [2]
- Ultraseven 21: Kunitoshi Endo [2]
Music[]
- Insert Themes
- Ultraman Neos
- Artist: Tatsuya Maeda
- Ultraseven 21
- Artist: Tatsuya Maeda
Home Media[]
Ultra Warriors Special Video was first sold on VHS exclusively by applying through a TV Magazine campaign in July 1995. On March 7, 2018, both Ultra Warriors Special Video and the original pilot were released on the Ultraman Neos Blu-ray.[3]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Certain scenes in the pilot episode were taken from Ultraman 80, including footage of city destruction and the takeoff sequence of the UGM base.
- Ultraman Neos and Ultraseven 21's suits were slightly different to their later appearances.
- Neos has the same grunts as the original Ultraman, which were voiced by Masao Nakasone.
- The two insert themes were remade for the 2000 series, with different arrangements and singers.
- This pilot episode marks the first attempt to give Ultras facial expressions.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ultra Tokusatsu PERFECT MOOK vol. 36: Ultraman Neos / Andro Melos, pg 35
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://m-78.jp/ultraman-bd/ultramanneos/spc/index.html
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/ultraman-bd/ultramanneos/
| Ultraman Neos Episodes | |
|---|---|
| 0. Ultraman Neos Pilot | 1. Neos Is Born | 2. The Mysterious Dark Matter | 3. S.O.S from the Sea | 4. The Red Giant! Seven 21 | 5. Invisible Bonds | 6. Revenge of Alien Zamu | 7. King of the Biosphere | 8. Revive the Earth - HEART To The South | 9. Our Dino-Coaster | 10. Decide! SX Rescue Operation | 11. The Assassin-Beast from Space | 12. Warriors of Light, Forever | |