BEFORE MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS, THERE WAS SUPER SENTAI!
See where the worldwide phenomenon began with the original Japanese series that inspired the Power Rangers franchise!
Welcome to Megalopolis! Once a peaceful Earth city, it’s now a haven for criminals aided by the nefarious Alienizer arms dealer, Agent Abrella. Now, it’s up to Ban Akaza and the Special Police Dekarangers to protect the Earth from the invading Alienizers and finally bring peace and justice back to the planet.
INCLUDES ALL 50 EPISODES!
For thoughts on Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger: The Complete Series, please check out our previous article here.
Video Quality
Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger: The Complete Series arrives on DVD with a pretty decent transfer in 1.33:1. While we wish this series could be given the Kamen Rider treatment and be released on Blu-Ray, we are glad to be able to own it at all. Most American fans will only be familiar with the Power Rangers presentation of this show, so being able to finally take in the original Japanese versions of these episodes with optional English-friendly subtitles is everything. Despite not being in high definition, these transfers deliver a fine viewing experience if you keep your expectations in check. Even though it was only about 20 years ago, not all series were planned ahead for the HD age so the source material can only deliver so much clarity.
The highlight of this transfer is the vivid color palette that allows the costumes to leap off the screen. Black levels could be deeper but they are not terrible. The bright moments hold up better without much in the way of blooming. Shout! Factory has done their best to avoid instances of aliasing or compression artifacts by not including more than seven episodes on a disc. Some level of detail is present in this presentation primarily in the production design and the costumes. This DVD set does everything it can to deliver a pleasing experience given the vintage of the series and the format limitations.
Audio Quality
Shout! Factory brings us this new DVD set with a Dolby Digital 2.0 mix in the original Japanese that does an acceptable job of delivering the soundscape of the series. The show is provided with optional English subtitles. Dialogue comes though clearly without being overshadowed by any competing elements. Most episodes give you some fun fight sequences that come alive. The release has a healthy low end which suits the show admirably. There does not appear to be much in the way of age-related wear and tear or distortion across these episodes. Overall, this audio experience does what it needs to.
Special Features
There are no special features provided on this disc.
Final Thoughts
Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger is an exemplary entry into this long-running franchise as it can satisfy both hardcore fans as well as those who are looking for an easy entry point into this world. This installment takes a more episodic approach that focuses less on a “big bad” and more on minor threats and the dynamics between the different rangers. That being said, there is a looming threat that makes a big impression due to the darker themes that are explored. Even with a more character-focused approach, those who come to these shows for weapons and monster designs should be perfectly satiated with the variety on display. It is a blast! Shout! Factory has released a new DVD set which brings the entire series together with a fine A/V presentation. Fans who have been waiting for this one to hit physical media should be thrilled, and one can only hope this will lead to even more. Recommended
Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger: The Complete Series is currently available to purchase on DVD.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Shout! Factory has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
