I loved these progrums. I know they exist in DVD format overseas, but have they ever been released to play on a Region 1 code (USA) DVD player?

Ultraman has - yes. I got the box set of all episodes on Amazon for, like, $20.00.

Whoa! Really? Thanks...time to head to the A'zon.

yeah, Ultraman has been released in 2 box set volumes. i'm thinking like 3 discs in each set. plus there is also the Ultraman Tiga and whatnot dvd's that have been releasesd. i haven't seen spectreman though. i think i recall some (probably crappily done) english dubbed bootlegs roaming around ebay.....

yeah, you can either buy 2 seperate volumes of Ultraman with 3 discs each or get the complete single box with all six discs and it's usually cheaper than buying each smaller set seperately - 'specially if you go through the used seller network.

and if you dig these, i recommend you check out the kikaida volumes....

SPECTREMAN is only available on R2 DVD in Japan
http://www.amuse-s-e.co.jp/spectreman/

ULTRAMAN: The Complete Series
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CHFM62

If you love ULTRAMAN and SPECTREMAN, you'll like these releases, too:

SUPER ROBOT: RED BARON The Complete Series
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010T3UO8/

IRON KING The Complete Series
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WC38OQ/

Other Japanese superhero series from the 1970s released on R1 DVD (with English Subtitles) are KIKAIDA, KIKAIDA 01, KAMEN RIDER V3 and INAZUMAN, all released by JN Productions & Generation KIkaida of Honolulu, Hawaii:

http://www.generationkikaida.com

We have the spectreman Head, but its unsubbed.

and expect to pay a lot.

http://jungle-scs.co.jp/cgi-bin/series. ... ode=610044

Wow August, thanks for this list...just what I was looking for! And you authored: EIJI TSUBURAYA: MASTER OF MONSTERS? It is one of my fave books from this past year. Love it!

Missy, the re-issued SPECTREMAN box set (which is the link I posted) is half the price of the OOP Spectreman Helmet Box Set.

Future_Man, you're welcome! Glad you dig my book... I'm hoping to get another book started next year!

Future_Man, I think I have one of the US-issue Spectreman VHS tapes around here somewhere. If I find it you can have it.

Does anyone know why Spectreman isn't available here? Problems with the rights? Perceived lack of interest?

i'm wanting Barom-1 to see a us release, mainly because all those crazy sculpts i've seen done by Rainbow makes me really want to see this show!

Antknee,
We couldn't track down the US license holder for SPECTREMAN to use the English Dubbing tracks. The Japanese license holder seemed to blow off those who approached them to secure the DVD rights for the US.

Silver_Lining_Man,
The best hope for BAROM-1 being released is JN Productions who has brought us KIKAIDA, KIKAIDA 01, KAMEN RIDER V3 and (just a couple of weeks ago), INAZUMAN! I have BAROM-1 on DVD from Toei Video, and I can tell you, that all 35 episodes are wondrous joy of Toei Henshin Hero weirdness! You might want to check out my blog, as I am spotlighting different Japanese monsters, including those from BAROM-1:

Okozeruge
http://augustragone.blogspot.com/2008/0 ... eruge.html

Frankenruge
http://augustragone.blogspot.com/2008/1 ... eruge.html