Tokusatsu

[Wehrmacht]

Tokusatsu is basically a genre of japanese media that relies heavily on special effects, and deal primarily with horror, fantasy, and/or sci-fi stories. Things that would fit this criteria are Godzilla (part of the "kaiju" subgenre of tokusatsu) and Kamen Rider (part of the "sentai/superhero" subgenre of of tokusatsu); about that last one, the Power Rangers series is basically footage/costumes/props/etc from a "Super Sentai" series mixed with different actors, setting, plot, music, and what else have you, basically creating a different show altogether. Just a fun fact.

From what I've personally experienced of the genre, most tokusatsu movies (especially older ones) aren't really "good" in a conventional sense; they're campy, enjoyably bad, a guilty pleasure, and occasionally nostalgic. Somehow, the finished product manages to evoke a unique charm and keeps you entertained even though it's supposedly a "lower" form of entertainment. So that's something you have to be prepared for when watching one.

That said, has anyone here actually seen any tokusatsu (btw PR doesn't count) ? I've watched numerous Godzilla films, and right now I'm up to episode 13 of Kamen Rider Black. Formula was starting to get kinda stale up until episode 11, it seems to be picking up now. Wonder when Shadow Moon is supposed to show up, as I assume that's when the show will really get interesting.

[Nyangoro]

Well, in my Power Ranger nerdom, I've checked out some of the original Super Sentai series (including the ones from well before Zyuranger). As you said, they are campy, nostalgic, and quite the guilty pleasure. It's also interesting to see the various costumes and just how old the series is.

Similarly, it's cool that they kept to the more traditional intro theme style than switching to JPop or JRock. Wish I could say the same thing for Power Rangers -_-

[Wehrmacht]

Similarly, it's cool that they kept to the more traditional intro theme style than switching to JPop or JRock

"Traditional" intro theme style?

[Nyangoro]

"Traditional" intro theme style?

Though there are differences (such as the changing musical quality and general way the singing voices sound), the overall style of the intro themes between the first series and the later series is pretty similar.

Himitsu Sentai Goranger (first season):


Tensou Sentai Goseiger (current season):

[Nyangoro]

Yeah, I know, major bump; but here's a couple things for the tokusatsu fans here.

First: 2011 Super Sentai Film Unites 199 Heroes/Rangers From All 35 Years (Updated) - Anime News Network

I think that pretty much says it all.

Second: Kaizoku Sentai Goukaiger!!!

[Juggernaut6]

I didn't realize there was a tokusatsu thread. Not very active. Is anyone following Gokaiger? This season hasn't had one dull episode. I can't wait to watch this week's.

As for what toku I have seen, I've got a whole list. (inspired by My Anime List)


Currently Watching:

Choudenshi Bioman - 7/51

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger – 38/

Kamen Rider Fourze - 3/

Kamen Rider Kabuto - 41/49

Tensou Sentai Goseiger - 24/50


Completed:

Chouriki Sentai Ohranger VS Kakuranger – 1/1

Gokaiger – Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle – 1/1

The Great Gathering of 11 Sentai: The Glorious Opening Collection – 1/1

J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai VS Goranger – 1/1

Samurai Sentai Shinkenger - 49/49

Super Sentai World – 1/1

Tensou Sentai Goseiger: Epic on the Movie – 1/1


Dropped:

Battle Fever J - 1/52

Dai Sentai Goggle V - 2/50

Himitsu Sentai Goranger – 1/84

J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai - 1/35


On Hold:

Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger - 31/50


Plan To Watch:

Android Kikaider - /43

Choujin Sentai Jetman - /51

Chouriki Sentai Ohranger – /48

Engine Sentai Go-Onger - /50

Gekisou Sentai Carranger - /48

Gosei Sentai Dairanger - /50

Hikari Sentai Maskman - /51

Kamen Rider Decade - /31

Kamen Rider Den-O - /49

Kamen Rider Kiva - /48

Ninja Sentai Kakuranger - /53

Ninpu Sentai Hurricaneger - /51

[Juggernaut6]

The next Super Sentai season, Tokumei Sentai Gobuster begins February 26.

Tokumei Sentai Gobusters Revealed! [Updated] - JEFusion

They look pretty cool. I'm not happy about Gokaiger coming to an end but at least the next season looks interesting.