Mediablasters recently updated their official twitter with announcements that they will be releasing several Kamen Rider films on home video. While not as known as several other home media based companies such as Shout Factory, they have released Tokusatsu and anime productions on home video in the past. Some examples include Mechanical Violator Hakaider and Zeiram, just to name a few.
Today, the company has announced that they will be releasing Kamen Rider The First, Kamen Rider The Next, Kamen Rider Shin, Kamen Rider ZO, and Kamen Rider J. For those who are not familiar with the productions we will be looking at them individually.
But how about him? pic.twitter.com/D10baDZcSC
— mediablasters (@mediablasters1) December 7, 2021
And him? We should never split up a family? Right? pic.twitter.com/vSCtLWzhFY
— mediablasters (@mediablasters1) December 7, 2021
Kamen Rider: The First and Kamen Rider: The Next are film reboot adaptations of the first two rider series. Kamen Rider the First focused on a new take on the original rider series featuring Masaya Kikawada as Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider 1 and Hassei Takano as Hayato Ichimonji/Kamen Rider 2. The film received a sequel titled, Kamen Rider: The Next, which focused on the third showa rider, Kamen Rider V3 with Kazuki Kato playing the role. Keep in mind this film features subject matter that might not be suitable for younger audiences. Due to poor reception of Kamen Rider: The Next, the film did not receive any additional sequels. Additionally, while Kamen Rider: The First was released previously on home video by Media Blasters in North America, this will be the first time Kamen Rider: The Next will be available commercially within the region.
I am just going to post this and leave right here. That is all I am going to do. Got nothing more to say, nope nothing at all. Nadda, nothing. <insert devious laugh here>. #mediablasters #tokusatsu pic.twitter.com/dVx5P9bR7c
— mediablasters (@mediablasters1) December 7, 2021
Kamen Rider Shin also known as Shin Kamen Rider: Prologue, was a V-Cinema that was released in 1992. The film was the first of three films that were released during the time period when Kamen Rider was off the air before its’ returned in 2000 with Kamen Rider Kuuga. The film was a darker take on Rider as a whole and was not attached to any previous Rider series.
The second film titled, Kamen Rider ZO was the first production to be a joint venture for Toei and Bandai. The film featured Kou Domon as Masaru Aso/Kamen Rider ZO. Unlike Kamen Rider Shin, the film along with the following film, Kamen Rider J, the film was much more in line with the standard Showa Rider Series in terms of tone.
The final film, Kamen Rider J features Yūta Mochizuki as Kouji Segawa/ Kamen Rider J. Fans of Super Sentai specifically Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger should recognize him as he portrayed Yamato Tribe Prince Geki/TyrannoRanger in that series. Kamen Rider J has the ability to grow giant making him more unique compared to the riders featured in the previous two films.
While the company has announced that the various productions will be released sometime in 2022, no other details about the release are confirmed at this time so stay tuned for updates.
Source: Media Blasters
