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'Ultraman' and 'Iron King': What makes these awful shows so much fun to watch?

There's no other way to say it: "Ultraman" is a kick to watch.

Here's the storyline on "Ultraman": When Japan is attacked by alien invaders and prehistoric monsters, to the rescue comes Ultraman, actually Hayata of the Science Patrol who becomes the giant superhero. If you like "Godzilla" you'll find "Ultraman" has even sillier monsters and alien creatures.

Like the American TV series "Batman," it's a show with a superhero you can't take too seriously, a funky soundtrack and some hilarious dialog. Add in some hokey special effects and you have a show that's great entertainment.

This collection from Mill Creek Entertainment has the complete "Ultraman" 1960s series -- all 39 episodes on four discs. 

Mill Creek also offers a later show from the creators of "Ultraman", the '70s series "Iron King." This set has 25 episodes on three discs. Shoji Ishibashi plays a singing cowboy who turns secret agent to stop evil elements from taking over the Japanese government. He gets help from his sidekick, who transforms into the cyborg Iron King. (It sounds like some current Hollywood TV shows.)

Monsters, aliens and dialog -- great combinations all.

These campy shows are great. If you've never seen either one, these are bargain-priced sets with a lot of entertainment in them. Recommended.

 

A seven-minute clip of the 1966 "Ultraman" series

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For over 30 years, Steve Marinucci was the editor of a weekly TV magazine for a major metropolitan newspaper that wasn't called the Daily Planet. Now he likes to watch shows both new and old and write about them.

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