An Inside Look at Ultraman Rising’s Stunning Visual and Musical Craft – Interview

Ultraman: Rising dazzles on Netflix with award-winning VFX and nostalgic score.

Netflix’s latest animated sensation, Ultraman Rising, has fans buzzing with its groundbreaking visual effects and rich, evocative score. Directed by Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima and featuring the voice of Christopher Sean, this addition to the Ultraman universe was honored at the recent Hollywood Professional Association Awards, winning Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature, a testament to the film’s stellar VFX work. Renowned VFX Supervisor Hayden Jones contributed significantly. Composer Scot Stafford also added his unique touch. The movie crafts a vivid journey that appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike.  Read our Movie Review HERE.

In an interview, Hayden Jones shared his insights on the visual artistry that defines Ultraman Rising. “The vision was to honor classic manga and anime styles while bringing a modern, cinematic feel,” Jones explained. Jones worked closely with Tindle. They focused on balancing traditional anime aesthetics with innovative cinematography. They achieved this fusion by using realistic lighting and dynamic camera movements. “Shannon wanted the film to feel as if a live-action camera were capturing it,” Jones said, “even with the stylized Tokyo backdrop and kaiju battles.” The meticulous research Jones’ team conducted was crucial in recreating Tokyo with stunning authenticity, down to regional architectural nuances and street details.

The intense showdown between Ultras and kaiju amidst pouring rain is a visual triumph.

As Jones described it, it was “like one of those classic Ultraman showdowns brought to life in a way fans had always dreamed of.” Every frame of the climactic battle was crafted with astonishing detail in effects, lighting, and art direction, resulting in what Jones called “one of the most rewarding projects” of his career.

The equally compelling score was composed by Scot Stafford, who described the score as “epic, intimate, diverse.” Growing up a fan of Ultraman, Stafford sought to capture the hero’s iconic legacy while giving the music a unique depth. Drawing inspiration from his early memories of Ultraman, Stafford designed a score blending traditional Japanese elements with Western sounds, using a single instrument—the harp—to bridge these cultural motifs. He changed the harp from a delicate Western instrument by employing a technique known as de la table. Now, it has tonal qualities similar to a Japanese koto.

Stafford revealed that the score’s central theme revolves around family, a core aspect of the film’s storyline. “There’s one family theme that ties the entire score together,” he said, adding that the music was designed to guide the audience through Ultraman’s sacrifices, mirroring Dr. Onda’s journey to protect his family and city. In pivotal scenes, such as Ultraman’s self-sacrifice, Stafford subtly wove in Anda’s theme, creating an emotional continuity that resonates deeply.

Ultraman Rising is a triumph for its innovative fusion of culture, emotion, and cutting-edge VFX.

Jones and Stafford are dedicated to honoring the franchise’s roots and exploring new creative horizons. This dedication has resulted in a nostalgic and groundbreaking film. Now streaming on Netflix, Ultraman Rising promises an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike.

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