Kikaider Reboot DVDs - Are they any good?

[MaxRebo120]

Generation Kikaida's DVD of the recent Kikaider Reboot retails for about $25, which is a bit steep, but not ungodly expensive. But when combined with shipping, the retails for over $35, which is way too much for a film I don't know if I'll like or not. However, there also exist these DVDs. While possibly unauthorized, they retail for a much lower price and do contain English subtitles. Has anyone else here bought either DVD? If so, how are the subtitles? I don't mind them being a bit Engrishy (trust me, I watched Gavan and Sharivan), but I'm curious to know.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Mo...422?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b10da625e
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DVD-Kikaide...604?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234b5bfef4

 

[Jacky392000]

I can't comment on the subtitles, but one thing's for sure... I wouldn't pay over $35 for such a terrible movie.

 

[Edmond Dantes]

If nobody minds me asking, what's the best way to experience Kikaider if you're a newbie?

The original tokusatsu?
That anime version from a few years back?
or this movie? (the above comment makes it sound like the movie is a definite "no")

 

[PalleteRider]

While I haven't watch the movie yet, I have to say, either the original show, manga, or the anime. And the anime was very beautiful, if I say so myself. I haven't touch the manga yet though and I can't find the original tokusatsu for now...

 

[Shynilyte]

and I can't find the original tokusatsu for now...

The original tokustsu has official subtitled DVDs like the movie.

 

[Toku Prime]

If nobody minds me asking, what's the best way to experience Kikaider if you're a newbie?

The original tokusatsu?
That anime version from a few years back?
or this movie? (the above comment makes it sound like the movie is a definite "no")

My first dip into the Kikaider franchise was the 90s Hakaider movie. Maybe a "re-imagining" movie that takes the villain and turns him into an anti-hero in a post-apocalyptic future isn't the best place to start, but I really enjoyed it. I actually like it more than the three 90s Rider movies. The only real criticism I have of it is that it's very "underwritten", although given that Inoue was holding the pen that may be a good thing. :sweat:

I have watched the original live-action series and TBH out of all the Toei series I've seen so far it's possibly the worst. Maybe if the 70s was your favourite era for toku you'd like it more than I did, but otherwise it's a fantastic cure for insomnia. I'm still not entirely sure how I managed to finish it.

I've also seen about a quarter of Kikaider 01 and happily that show is SO much better. I don't think you'd really need to have seen the first show to understand what's going on either. Obviously, I've only seen a little bit of it so I can't give it an unreserved thumbs just yet, but it's looking more promising.

I haven't watched the anime yet so I don't know how it stacks up, though I've heard good things about it.

 

[MaxRebo120]

I'd highly recommend the original show. It's a bit rough around the edges at first, but it quickly picks up and is great fun from beginning to end. It's also got some great character development, particularly from the legendary Hattori Hanpei. The DVDs are admittedly overpriced, but I imagine you can find bootlegs/torrents for the show if you look hard enough. But yeah, I'd recommend it. I'd probably put it in my top five Toku shows that I've seen.