Source: Tsuburaya Productions Official Site: m-78.jp/orb/saga (Japan)
Tsuburaya Productions has provided press notes and images from ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA (????????? THE ORIGIN SAGA, Urutoraman Oobu THE ORIGIN SAGA), streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video (Japan) starting Monday, December 26th. The new show is a spin off of the ULTRAMAN ORB (?????????, Urutoraman Oobu, 2016) television series -- currently broadcast on six TV Tokyo stations in Japan and simulcast by Crunchyroll in America -- and part of a multi-platform cross-promotion that also includes the feature film, ULTRAMAN ORB THE MOVIE (??? ?????????????????????, Gekijoo-ban Urutoraman Oobu Kizuna no Chikara, Okari Shimasu!), coming March 2017. ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA is a prequel to the ULTRAMAN ORB series, detailing the early days of hero Gai Kurenai (Hideo Ishiguro) and his arch-enemy, Juggrus Juggler (Takaya Aoyagi), when they were friends and allies fighting together in their first mission against an alien threat. Tsuburaya Pro has announced that THE ORIGIN SAGA will also be available outside Japan, with plans to offer the show with optional English or German subtitles. This will make the 12 episode program the first Ultraman series in the franchise`s 50 year history to be distributed worldwide via a streaming video delivery service. Further details tba. "I am delighted to be able to collaborate with the Tsuburaya Productions on the spin off series of ULTRAMAN ORB," said James Farrell, Asian Pacific Regional Head of Content for Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Studios. "I think that many Japanese Prime members are fans of special effects action who will surely be fascinated by the new series ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA."
The lead director of ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA is franchise veteran Kazuya Konaka, who first worked with Tsuburaya Productions on the 1997 film ULTRAMAN ZEARTH 2 (???????????????????, Urutoraman Zeasu 2: Chojin Taisen Hikari to Kage). Over the past two decades he has directed several episodes of the various Ultraman TV shows as well as the theatrical releases ULTRAMAN TIGA AND ULTRAMAN DYNA (????????????????????????????, Urutoraman Tiga ando Urutoraman Daina: Hikari no Hoshi no Senshi-tachi, 1998), ULTRAMAN GAIA: THE BATTLE IN HYPERSPACE (????????? ??????????????????????????, Urutoraman Tiga & Urutoraman Daina & Urutoraman Gaia Choujikuu no Daikessen, 1999), ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT (??????, Urutoraman, 2004) and ULTRAMAN MEBIUS & ULTRAMAN BROTHERS (??????????&??????, Urutoraman Mebiusu & Urutora Kyoudai, 2006), plus Tsuburaya`s superhero release MIRROR MAN: REFLEX (?????REFLEX, Miraaman REFLEX, 2006). Kazuya Konaka explained his approach to ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA, stating that, "The Ultraman series was originally made as programs that can be enjoyed not only by children, but also by adults. The first generation of Ultra fans were children at that time. We repeatedly watched reruns as we grew up, and I discovered deeper themes and messages that I could not grasp as a child." "With the Heisei [modern] Ultraman series, I`ve wanted to capture that unique charm of Ultraman. Now, with distribution on Amazon, I am honored to have the chance to make an Ultraman appealing for both children and adults. I`ve worked with the staff and wonderful casts of the Heisei Ultraman series and we all share the joy of making Ultraman. While incorporating plenty of miniature works by Tsuburaya, we will open up a new horizon of Ultra by fusing it with the latest digital effects. Please expect ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA to be dedicated to the drama, themes and entertainment of past Ultraman works." Tsuburaya Productions is celebrating the premiere of ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA with a special commemorative event from 1:00-2:00 PM, December 26th at Sunshine City Specialty Store Area, Alpa Basement, 1st Floor Fountain Plaza (3-1-1, Higashi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo).
? Story This is the story of the beginnings of Ultraman Orb. Beyond the far galaxy, on the Planet O-50 (Oh-Fifty)... The two young men, Gai Kurenai and Juggrus Juggler, reach the peak of the “Warrior Summit” on a quest for a secret, dazzling light that identifies those with excellent qualities and grants them the power to become a "light warrior". The light chooses Gai, giving him the Holy Sword Orb Calibur with which to become Ultraman Orb. Gai and Juggler depart O-50 to defend the universe from the evil scientist Psychi and his swarm of Bezelb space demons. Saiki threatens the royal planet Kanon and its queen, Amate. General Raigo wants to first strike against Psychi`s forces, but Queen Amate orders dialogue between Saiki and her Captain of the Guard, Shinra. As Psychi launches his twisted plans for the creation of a universe without conflict, he will face Gai, a young light warrior who questions the meaning of "true peace". The first mission begins now... ? Main Cast
Gai Kurenai/Ultraman Orb (Hideo Ishiguro) Ascending to the peak of the "Warrior Summit" on the planet O-50, Gai Kurenai is bestowed with the Holy Sword Orb Calibur and chosen to be Ultraman Orb. A young warrior of light who lives by the ideal, "do not hurt anyone, do not make anyone sad", he joins the fight against Psychi and his space devil Bezelb swarm.
Juggrus Juggler (Takaya Aoyagi) An elite warrior who excels in the serpentine flow sword technique. He climbed Warrior Summit with Gai, but it was his friend who was chosen to become Ultraman Orb. Passed over as a warrior of light, he grows irritable when Gai talks about his ideals, but he also supports Guy and tries to fulfill his duties.
Amate (Saki Fukuda) Amate is the young queen of the royal planet Kanon. Shee has inherited the special blood, flowing only in the veins of royal women, that gives her the power to become the war god "Ikusagami". While General Raigo insists on a first strike against Psychi -- who threatens to raise the Bezelb swarm against the queen -- but Amate, seeking peace, instead orders her Captain of the Guard, Shinra, to engage in talks with Psychi.
Shinra (Yasuyuki Maekawa) Having sworn allegiance to Queen Amate, Shinra is the Captain of the Guard for the royal planet Kanon. He protects Amate like his older brother did her father. Amarte orders Shinra to Psychi`s base on Planet Zain, but first gives him a charm to the royal family that has been handed down for generations. Shinra takes the mercenaries Ricca and Micott along as his personal guards.
Raigo (Takaaki Enoki) The army general in charge of defense for the royal planet Kanon, Raigo pushes for a first strike against the Bezelb swarm controlled by Psychi. He regards Amate, who has the power to become Ikusagami, as the "final weapon" for the planet Kanon.
Psychi (Motoya Izumi) A scientist from the planet Leif who has a very excellent brain. He resonates spiritually with the Queen Bezelb and can psychically control her swarm of Bezelbs. In order to create a peaceful universe without conflict, Psychi plans to deprive all living things of their free will be using Bezelb`s poison, Cugs. He is supported by Patel, an AI with a circular body and star-shaped eyes. Shin Asuka/Ultraman Dyna (Takeshi Tsuruno) Ultraman Dyna is a mysterious being. After fighting to protect the Earth from the threat of Sphire, he continued traveling beyond time and space. Dyna realizes that Psychi is creating confusion throughout space and request the assistance of Musashi Haruno (Ultraman Cosmos). He is a teacher and strong supporter of Ultraman Orb. Musashi Haruno/Ultraman Cosmos (Taiyo Sugiura) Having defended the Earth and its monsters from the threat of the Chaos Header as Ultraman Cosmos, Musashi Haruno currently lives on Planet Juran where he looks after the monsters. He has a kind heart and always thinks about peaceful coexistence between humans and monsters. Answering Asuka`s request for aid, Musashi travels to the royal planet Kanon and supports Amate`s desire to keep the peace without fighting.
Ultraman Orb Origin · The First Guy transforms into Ultraman Orb with the Orb Calibur. The initial form features the traditional Ultraman red lines on a silver body. Height: 10 - 50 Meters Weight: 10,000 - 50,000 Tons Special Technique: Origium Ray ? Credits Official English Title: ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA Japanese Title: ????????? THE ORIGIN SAGA Production: Tsuburaya Productions Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video Premiere: December 26, 2016 New Episodes: Every Monday Number of Episodes: 12 Cast Gai Kurenai: Hideo Ishiguro Juggrus Juggler: Takaya Aoyagi Amate: Saki Fukuda Shinra: Yasuyuki Maekawa Raigo: Takaaki Enoki Psychi: Motoya Izumi Shin Asuka/ Ultraman Dyna (Voice): Takeshi Tsuruno Musashi Haruno/ Ultraman Cosmos (Voice): Taiyo Sugiura Patel: Riho Ida Micott: Ayane Nagabuchi Ricca: Asuka Shibuya Shohei Moriwaki: Yasuhisa Furuhara Yasuhisa Furuhara: Karen Miyazaki Takeyuki Yue Staff Directors: Kazuya Konaka, Hideki Oka Writers: Hirotoshi Kobayashi, Sotaro Hayashi, Kazuya Konaka Action Director: Akira Ohashi Assistant Director: Ryoichi Itoh © Tsuburaya Pro Productions ? Theme Song Information
Opening: "Ultraman Orb" by Daisuke Asakura and Takeshi Tsuruno Lyrics: Makoto Asakura Composition/Arrangement: Daisuke Asakura Ending: "Ultraman Orb -Touch the Sun-" Lyrics/Composition/Arrangement: Satori Shiraishi ? CD: ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA -Themes- Label: Amazon Records Release Date: December 26, 2016 SRP: ¥1,400 (Approximately $11.91 US) + Tax Tracklist: 8 Songs Duration: 23 Minutes Order from Amazon Records. ? Ultraman Works on Amazon Prime Video As a tie-in to ULTRAMAN ORB: THE ORIGIN SAGA, on November 24th Amazon Prime Video (Japan) added 16 Ultraman TV series and 10 theatrical features to their lineup... TV Series • ULTRAMAN (???????????????, Urutoraman: Kuso Tokusatsu Shirizu, 1966-67) • ULTRA SEVEN (???????, Urutora Sebun, 1967-68) • RETURN OF ULTRAMAN (???????????, Kaettekita Urutoraman, 1971-72) • ULTRAMAN ACE ( ??????A?????, Urutoraman Eesu, 1972-73) • ULTRAMAN TARO (??????T(???), Urutoraman Taroo, 1973-74) • ULTRAMAN LEO (????????, Urutoraman Reo, 1974-75) • ULTRAMAN 80 (??????80, Urutoraman Eiti, 1980-81) • ULTRAMAN GAIA (?????????, Urutoraman Gaia, 1998-99) • ULTRAMAN COSMOS (??????????, Urutoraman Kosumosu, 2001-02) • ULTRAMAN NEXUS (??????????, Urutoraman Nekusasu, 2004-05) • ULTRAMAN MAX (??????????, Urutoraman Makkusu, 2005-06) • ULTRAMAN MEBIUS (??????????, Urutoraman Mebiusu, 2006-07) • ULTRAMAN GINGA (?????????, Urutoraman Ginga, 2013) • ULTRAMAN GINGA S (??????????, Urutoraman Ginga S, 2014) • ULTRAMAN X (???????, Urutoraman Ekkusu, 2015) • ULTRAMAN ORB (?????????, Urutoraman Oobu, 2016) Movies • ULTRAMAN STORY (????????, Urutoraman Sutori, 1984) • ULTRAMAN ZEARTH (?????????, Urutoraman Zeasu, 1996) • ULTRAMAN ZEARTH 2 (???????????????????, Urutoraman Zeasu 2: Chojin Taisen Hikari to Kage, 1997) • ULTRAMAN TIGA AND ULTRAMAN DYNA (????????????????????????????, Urutoraman Tiga ando Urutoraman Daina: Hikari no Hoshi no Senshi-tachi, 1998) • ULTRAMAN COSMOS: THE FIRST CONTACT (?????????? THE FIRST CONTACT, Urutoraman Kosumosu: Za Faasuto Kontakuto, 2001) • ULTRAMAN COSMOS 2: THE BLUE PLANET (??????????2 THE BLUE PLANET, Urutoraman Kosumosu 2: Za Buruu Puranetto, 2002) • ULTRAMAN ZERO: THE REVENGE OF BELIAL (???????? THE MOVIE ?????????????, Urutoraman Zero THE MOVIE Chou Kessen! Beriaru Ginga Teikoku, 2010) • ULTRAMAN SAGA (?????????, Urutoraman Saga, 2012) • ULTRAMAN GINGA SPECIAL (?????????????????, Urutoraman Ginga Gekijoo Supesharu, 2013) • ULTRAMAN GINGA SPECIAL: ULTRA MONSTERS VS ULTRA HEROES (????????? ????????????????????????, Urutoraman Ginga Gekijoo Supesharu ~Urutora Kaijuu ? Hiiroo Dairansen!~, 2014)
About Tsuburaya Productions
Tsuburaya Productions, creator and copyrights owner of the superhero ULTRAMAN series was founded in 1963 by Eiji Tsuburaya, world-renowned special effects wizard also known for his special effects work on the Godzilla series. With close to fifty years` experience, it is one of Japan`s oldest and most respected independent film and television production houses. Its popular Ultraman TV and film series which premiered in 1966 has been seen in over 100 territories worldwide and has spawned over 3,000 licensed products. In addition to production, the company also handles character licensing and program distribution and staging live stage shows both domestically and internationally.
About Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a premium on-demand entertainment service, offering subscribers a variety of options to watch the titles they want in the way they want. Prime Video has thousands of popular movies and TV programs, as well as original works produced by the award-winning Amazon Studios. Content is 4K Ultra HD and HDR compatible, and can be viewed anywhere via smart TV, Playstation, iOS or Android mobile device, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire tablet, and online using the Amazon Video app. Amazon Prime has an annual membership fee of ¥3,900 (Approximately $33.17 US), including tax.
