There were a number of classic television programs that I could have written about because, after all, the world of television programming is a significantly vast one. So, why on earth would I decide to feature such a wacky, B-grade Japanese TV series dealing with big monsters on a smashing rampage? Because I dig it a great deal and it is one of the most memorable TV programs of my youth....That's why.



As popular as Ultraman (and related programming such as Space Giants, Spectreman and Johnny Socko) was during the Generation-X era of childhood - the programs disappeared from TV syndication and STAYED disappeared. There has always been an unconfirmed Urban Legend that went along the lines of parental complaints about violence led to the programs disappearing. (Then again, parental complaints led to the Super Friends elimintaing villians and Superman was banned from punching through a wall so maybe it is true after all) even more astonishing was the lack of DVD and even VHS released.

Ultraman saw the Ultraman Cartoon movies released on VHS 24 years ago and there was a VHS Special Edition Release of the first five episodes 15 or so years ago and now the complete series has been released on DVD.
               
Johnny Socko saw a couple eipsodes released on VHS.  Spectreman may have seen some episodes released VHS, but I am not sure. No DVD releases for either. The supercool Space Giants never saw a VHS or DVD release. The question remains...WHY?