Dragon Force Ultraman Movies

[Mikezilla3k]

So for those who don't know, Sompote Sands for lack of a better word stole the US rights for numerous Ultraman shows back in 1996. For those wondering about this, there's this wiki article about the whole sordid affair: https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Ultram...nsing_Disputes

He later gave them over to UM Corporation/Tiga Entertainment who would later license Ultraman to BlueArc Studios a Chinese animation studios.

This would result in these two animated films.

Dragon Force So Long Ultraman (which was just an earlier film called Dragon Force with Ultraman replacing the film's villain):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzRVZe0rYno

(could only find it with a Vietnamese voiceover)

And Dragon Force Rise Of Ultraman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwE57onS-IM

There was also a TV show that served as a sequel to these and the original Dragon Force show.

These of course lead to a lawsuit from Tsuburaya which lead to planned future movies being canceled despite BlueArc's insistence that they were "legally licensed".

Tsuburaya's statement on the films:

"On July 10th, 2017, Guangzhou Bluearc Animation Studio, a Chinese corporation based out of Shanghai, China, issued an announcement for their latest production using "Ultraman Series Characters", and entitled "Dragon Force: So Long Ultraman" [Mandarin title: Gāngtiě fēilóng zhī zàijiàn àotèmàn, scheduled for release this October].
Regarding this announcement, we were completely unaware of their production, and the picture was made without our authorization or supervision. Also, use of various Ultraman characters and footage in this presentation/trailer seriously damages the Ultraman brand, so these actions should be resolutely condemned, and likewise deemed as absolutely unacceptable.
Now, vis-à-vis the handling of usage rights concerning the original Ultraman series productions ("Ultra Q", "Ultraman", "Ultra Seven", "Return of Ultraman", "Ultraman Ace" and "Ultraman Taro"), outside of Japan; these long-term disputes are still being pursued in several territories. Regardless, in each and every judgment, so far, we have been persistently declared the legitimate producers of the Ultraman series, and holders of all respective copyrights, therein.
Furthermore, all associated rights to create new productions, such as this aforementioned [Chinese] production, or any modification or adaptation of the Ultraman Series Characters, new or existing, still belongs solely to our company.
Based on the above, we intend to take decisive measures, including vigorous legal action, against the Chinese companies who willfully participated in and made this presentation trailer, and additionally, all parties involved in the production of the picture, itself.
We are deeply remorseful if this situation has been the cause of any concern and/or inconvenience; we also sincerely apologize from the bottom of our hearts to our valued clients, shareholders, and the fans of the Ultraman Series, as we look forward to your continued patronage and support. Thank you for your consideration."

In the end, they do serve as an interesting part of Ultraman history and a good laugh for those who love bootleg movies (such as 3 Dev Adam and Savior Of The Earth).