ULTRAMAN ACE 45th Anniversary Music Collection

April 12, 2019: Review courtesy of John M. Emmons

The last few years saw the release of several box sets of Ultraman music including out of print music from Ultraman Dyna and Ultraman Gaia. More recently, there have been releases for music from older series such as Ultraman Ace and Ultraman Taro. This review will focus on the three-disc set for the music from Ultraman Ace, which aired from 1972 to 1973.

The first disc contained background music written by Tohru Fuyuki for the series.

A lot of this music is what you'd find in many of previous single disc releases. The second disc has music from Ultra Seven and Return of Ultraman (also composed by Fuyuki) that was re-used for episodes of Ultraman Ace. The third disc is a collection of songs (both full length and karaoke versions) along with sound effects of Ace and various kaiju. Unlike previous releases, each sound cue is on a separate track instead of grouped into suites.

Each of the CDs is packed in a standard jewel case. There is also a separate 51- page booklet, full of additional information in Japanese. The jewel cases and booklet are contained in a thin cardboard slipcase.

This is the most comprehensive collection of Ultraman Ace music available now.

That said, this set would probably appeal more to completists and hardcore fans.

Casual fans will be more than satisfied with one of the many single disk releases still available.