Ultraman Mebius & 8 Brothers: A Grande Batalha Decisiva

In this movie, four Ultraman from the '60s and '70s (namely Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Ultraman Jack, and Ultraman Ace), and four from the '90s and 21st century (Ultraman Tiga, Ulltraman Dyna, Ultraman Gaia, and Ultraman Mebius) teams up to defeat the dark alien from outer space. This is truly an all star original casts from each of the program. The plot stretches believability, but execution is so well done that it really doesn't detract from the story. It's great to see all the female leads from various Ultraman series dancing in a hula outfit together.

This series was made after the acquisition of the Tsuburaya Poduction by TYO, but this Ultraman movie still strongly retains the original Ultraman series style. The transition is so smooth that the change of ownership is totally transparent. Capital infusion from Bandai might have helped also, and production of this movie is perhaps the most lavish of all Ultraman movies.

All the Ultraman characters works so well together in this movie. Their chemistry works well together also. This movie has some of the best battle scenes I've seen in the Ultraman movies, and is recommended for viewing.

Super 8 Ultra Brothers (or whatever title variation you prefer) is a great Ultraman movie. The production values are fairly good, but the strength of this movie is the script and the direction (as well as some solid acting from a lot of people reprising their roles from various Ultra TV shows). Character development is excellent for an Ultraman movie or TV show, but that actually sells this movie a bit short.

The development of the characters and the plot is done at just the right pace. It isn't rushed, nor is it too slow. And Hiroshi Nagano carries the movie well as the lead (returning to his role as Daigo Madoka from the Ultraman Tiga series). He was likable on the TV show, and he's likable here. He has a charm and charisma that carries the movie well.

And then you've got four of the original Ultramen, and they've got great chemistry together along with their female leads from their respective series. Bringing in the older actors gives this movie great nostalgia value to go along with all of it's other positive qualities.

Of course, like most Ultraman projects the effects are less than Hollywood Blockbuster quality (with the kaiju suits being particularly unrealistic, as usual), but better than most of the Ultra series and/or movies. There isn't anything here from an effects or suit standpoint that takes the viewer out of the movie - it's all solid, even if not great.

Ultimately, this is a great Ultraman movie. Very satisfying and wildly entertaining.