Ultraman Connection – Official Site

Ultraman Omega WIKI

Ultraman Omega Episode 1 Dub Review

Intro

The Ultraman Omega episode 1 dub is finally here and I was very happy to watch it. I have a lot to say about dubs, but I will try to focus on this episode for the first few minutes at least.

Short version. I really liked it. It was very enjoyable. The performances were good across the board, the story felt strong, and the mystery hooked me even though this is my second time going through these early episodes. There are seeds being planted, hooks being set, and the dub made me appreciate all of it in a fresh way.

That Opening Fight

The first two minutes are absolute cinema. Zero dialogue. Zero need for anyone to say anything. And yet the storytelling is crystal clear.

Omega fighting on that bug planet is a visual story about struggle, strife, and fighting to the death. It was compelling the first time, and it hit even harder in the dub version because it made me realize something important.

I waited a long time for this dub. I was excited for it. But those first two minutes did not need a dub at all. You do not need dialogue to tell a gripping story when the creative team is this good. That is a huge compliment to everyone behind this show.

Effects and Suit Work

I brought this up in my original review, but it is worth repeating. The effects are incredible. I cannot always tell where the CGI body double ends and where the suit performer begins. The compositing is fantastic. Sure, a couple moments look a little weird, but honestly, I was recently playing Spider Man 1 in the background while working and looking over at the screen I could see obvious CGI moments.

Meanwhile the bug planet fight in Omega made me think of the train fight from Spider Man 2. That is impressive. For a TV budget to hit effects like this is wild. And I know there is a mix of suit acting and CG body doubling, but it blends beautifully.

Hearing Omega in English

One of the biggest surprises was how emotionally resonant Omega sounded in English. Simple lines like I could have sworn I could fly or I think I can grow bigger landed differently this time.

Omega always felt toddlerish to me in a charming way. What is this. What is that. Who are you. Why is this happening. Watching him piece things together through amnesia was great in subs, but the dub adds something new. Sorato has a very different voice than Kosei for example, and it changed the whole flavor of the scenes.

A lot of the dub performances have that animated anime tinged style. Larger than life. Especially the radio duo. And that energy lets the emotions hit even when we do not see the characters on screen.

Side Characters Hit Harder in Dub

I do not know enough Japanese intonation to catch every nuance in the original version. So in the dub, I heard things I missed before.

The desperation in the parents voices.
The strain and worry of the rescue worker saying we are trying to help everyone.
All those little emotional bits hit harder because I did not have to pause or rewind to catch the subtitles.

It was a more casual viewing experience with deeper emotional payoff. That is a big win for the dub.

The Radio Conversation and Hidden Themes

One thing that stood out this time was the background conversation on the radio.

Before the flat earth joke gets cut off, the female co host says something about everything being interconnected, nothing being an accident, everything happening for a reason. That felt intentional. It feels like a seed being planted for a later theme.

Omega is learning what it means to be human and what it means to be a good person. And at the same time Kosei is learning to overcome fear and doubt to help people. Those ideas echo across the episode.

Even the luxury apartments bit ties into Graim burrowing underground and collapsing things. Small details, but they all seem purposeful.

Why the Dub Matters

I am really enjoying being able to sit back and relax with the dub. It lets me pick up on the emotional texture without working as hard. The story is still the story, but the delivery hits differently and I get something new out of it.

I am definitely going to continue with the dub. I will watch episode 2 and do a little review of that as well. Then I will see how things feel once I catch up to episode 7.

Let’s Talk

Let me know what you thought about the dub. If you watched the subtitle version and now the dub, did you pick up different nuances. Did any performances surprise you. I want to hear what you think.

---

Drop a comment below or tag me @MJ_Scribe on Twitter. Let’s have some fun talk about this.

If you enjoy thoughtful stories for kids and families, check out my book Mockwing Mayhem. It is a heartfelt adventure about magical bugs battling monsters and protecting children. Readers tell me it feels like a mix of classic fantasy and modern creature adventure.

You can find more of my reviews, reflections, and stories with spine at mjmunoz.com, and join the mailing list there for behind the scenes updates and new releases.