Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider on DVD/Blu-ray

After 18 years, the original crossover between Japan's two biggest heroes is finally coming to DVD and Blu-ray on October 26! Featuring assorted clips from the original series right up to the newest incarnations (albeit circa 1993, so it's Kamen Rider ZO and Ultraman G/Towards the Future) this special also features interviews, assorted oddities (an RX scene you won't see in RX) and a nice compilation of various classic Rider villains laughing it up, plus a few GREAT musical montages. And of course, there's the cherry on top: the iconic team-up between the original Ultraman and Kamen Rider 1 in a newly-shot sequence that features possibly the most onscreen property damage in Rider history (though it's a typical day at the office for Ultraman.)

The special's release on DVD was uncertain for many years, due to its collaborative nature, and there is word that some alterations may be made for the new release. However, there's also a new special feature: a cross-talk between Fujioka Hiroshi and Kurobe Susumu (the original Hayata/Ultraman.)

I'm thrilled this thing is finally coming out, and in time for both franchises' 45th and 40th anniversaries to boot. Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider was one of the first Kamen Rider-related videos I watched next to episodes of the original series, so I think it's pretty solid all-around, and features some of the greatest scenes from both franchises. It's a good primer for the older days of both (given that this is pre-Tiga & Kuuga.) And most importantly, it has the scene of Fake Skyrider being a total jerk and attacking children with ice cream cones.

More promo pics:

http://journal.mycom.co.jp/articles/2011/06/25/hero/
http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/article/2011/06/25/0004205836.shtml
http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/movie/89176/full/
http://www.chunichi.co.jp/s/article/2011062401001066.html