Ultraman Episode #30: Phantom Snow Mountain

[heroforhirerob]

[Legion]

[Xenorama]

I think she died. the dub makes it seem like she was OK, but I don't trust that.

Woo reminds me of the Bumble Snow Monster of the North. it's an interesting episode, a good change of pace.

[Jinzo Ningen]

This one is only of note to me for the fact that it's the first appearance of the Type "C" Ultra suit, which is my favorite. The fight was unsatisfying, but then again Ultraman's battling a ghost of sorts, so that limits things a bit... plus Woo was just protecting the girl so he wasn't truly evil. I agree that the people in this episode were, for the most part, either unsavory or just downright cruel. Would've like to have smacked some of those kids in the back of the head with that wooden snow shovel.

[Thomas]

[king_ghidorah]

[sentaison]

This episode is one that stayed with me for a long time as a kid. I just couldn't understand why the villagers acted that way. Probably the most powerful story, emotion-wise, in the original series. But I also agree, the scenery was really beautiful, I never saw it's equal until I moved to Colorado.

[Dagarah72]

[Enshohma]

I like the monster Woo, who's a fun mixture of the Yeti and Ghost genres, and who doesn't love the very cute Yukinko. Yes, I know she's way to young for any of us, but she's right up there with the Princess of Baraj (from the Antlar episode) in regards to attractive guest actresses on "Ultraman".

But the episode is quite mean spirited against these two wonderful characters, and even the Science Patrol and Ultraman come off as jerks by comparison. Crap, it's for me its like the equivalent of a typically shallow "Ultraman Tiga" episode, except its 1966 "Ultraman" and ends up being even more unfathomable in turn!

Ironically though, Woo and Yukinko do get the last laugh; the ski resort is the cruel villagers main source of local income, and as we all know, it gets destroyed during Woo and Ultraman's final battle. Personally, I doubt Yukinko really dies at the episodes' end (more like she faints, thus causing Woo to temporary leave our reality), but if she did end up a ghost, at least she's free the roam the snowy mountains in happiness and peace. And far from the insidious financial fate that awaits the town folks...INSERT EVIL LAUGHTER HERE.

I do agree, it's one of the best looking episodes from the series, and highlights the gorgeous snowy landscapes we often forget exist within Japan.

BTW, can anyone elaborate on Woo's return appearances in "Ultraman Ace" and "Ultraman 80"?

I have seen neither episode, or have any clue to their respective plots, thus why I'm asking since we're on the subject.

[Timz]

When I was young seeing this episode, I felt a bit of panic for Hayata being injured and the monster was lurching over the small town resort. Being young then I also enjoyed seeing Hayata transform to save himself and the others. I enjoyed the episode, though just didn't really follow why they have a story line where a young girl (supposedly) is keeping a monster hanging around. LOL!

[MekaGojira3k]

[August]

Thomas hit the nail on the head in his assessment of this episode; except for one thing. When the episode was written, by Tetsuo Kinjo, it was a indictment of class prejudice in Japan. Kinjo, himself, was Okinawan, and suffered this kind of prejudice from Mainland Japanese while growing up. But, Eiji Tsuburaya saw his talent — not caring about class or prejudice — and urged him to write such teleplays. Kinjo, in fact, was one of the major architects of ULTRA Q, ULTRAMAN and ULTRA SEVEN.

Here's what the original Woo suit looked like, when completed by Equis Productions, between November and December, 1966. Apparently, someone didn't like the creepy eyes and the teeth, and had it changed before shooting, to the bright, back-lit static peepers (which was a poor choice, I believe). Personally, I like the creepier eyes better than what ended up on-screen. The inset image is Tohru Narita's original design for Woo.

[MekaGojira3k]

I love that large tooth that juts out in the front of his maw.

[king_ghidorah]

Cool info August , thanks!!

I still think the racism towards Okinawans is still prevelant in Japan even to this day. I was stationed in Okinawa for 2 years and can attest, that mainland Japanese people seemed to treat Okinawans as slightly less than Japanese at times.

[Timz]

[August]