Kikaida takes on the digital generation

• 'Vol. 1' a must for hard-core buffs, even without the extras

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Cult fans, who were grade-schoolers when the Japanese import first aired on TV here, are parents today. Men, in particular, are the prime target market for this DVD venture.

"It always surprises me how many Kikaida fans are out there," said Joanne Ninomiya of JN Productions, who licensed the super hero/monster vehicle then and now. She anticipates a rousing response from the diehard fans and the "Vol. 1" tag hints of more to come.

"Boys who were between 3 and 12, when Kikaida first hit television in 1972, are still carrying the torch today," said Ninomiya about the lingering obsession with Kikaida, the crime-fighting android with incomplete circuitry. "These guys keep coming back now, always wanting to be a part of the renewed popularity. Girls grow up, leaving behind their Barbie dolls, but boys will be boys — they still love Kikaida. They want to put on the costumes, take pictures with Kikaida and their kids."

Working with vintage tape from Toei, the original producers, Ninomiya said computer-savvy editor Robby Gaskell transferred Beta footage to digital video format. KIKU-TV, home of the "Kikaida" series, originally transferred 16mm film to Beta for broadcast.

"We've always kept the tapes in good shape," said Ninomiya. "But we were racing with time, because Robby was the only one who worked the different formats to get the job done. And he was going to get married."

Ban Daisuke, who plays the central character, is in town to launch the DVD. "I'm overwhelmed and gratified by all the attention from the Hawai'i fans," he said through interpreter Ninomiya. "In the beginning, we knew the story was universal — good vs. evil — and the theme of the imperfect man trying to be perfect and fighting the bad guys was perfect from the start, 28 years ago."

'Vol. 1' a must for hard-core buffs, even without the extras

"Kikaida Vol. 1" DVD; $21.99 suggested retail, running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes

Contents: First five episodes.

Characters: Kikaida, the android who also is Jiro, the crime fighter; Komyoji, the lab worker; his children Mitsuko and Masaru; the evil Professor Gill from the DARK side; Hattori Hanpei, the private investigator; and the monsters — Gray Rhino King, Green Mantis, Orange Ant, Blue Buffalo and Yellow Jaguar.

Features: Cast and crew profiles, English/Japanese menus, episode selection menu and KIKU-TV promo of the show's return in November 2001.

Best bit: The opening theme song: Change! Switch On! 1-2-3!

Worst bit: DARK androids look like red-faced Bozo the Clowns.

Pluses: Crisp digital picture; no commercials.

Minuses: Devoid of extras; no cast interviews or commentary, outtakes or production footage.

Rating: Unrated, but mildly violent.

Our take: A must for true-blue Kikaida buffs.

Maybe the next volume will include the phenom of the fan following?