Long and short of it? The classic 1966 TV Series, ULTRAMAN, is now available on Hulu! More details after the jump!

You aren’t hallucinating, ladies and gents! The 39 episode series by Japanese special effects legend Eiji Tsuburaya, the one that started it all, ULTRAMAN is now legally available for streaming on Hulu! But surprisingly enough, this is the second Ultra series in Hulu’s library, the first being the Australian-produced ULTRAMAN: TOWARDS THE FUTURE (AKA ULTRAMAN GREAT).

This is what I watched when I was a young pup in the fandom, and to this day it brings back some very fond memories. Yeah, the effects are dated, but they do the job in selling this “Fantasy Special Effects Series”. To this day there are episodes that still give me the chills. Case in point: Episode 23 in which the Science Patrol are forced into a tragic face off against an invader which hits too close to home. Just remember you’re not watching for the uber-dark, intricate storylines we’re so used to today. This is pure fun and adventure.

(Also protip: Any episode directed by Akio Jissoji (Episodes 14, 15, 22, 23, 23, 34, and 35) is an instant classic.)

Now before you ask, yes the show is dubbed into English and yes, the source isn’t from the HD Remaster shown on WOWOW. Also, as far as I can tell, the annoying issue from the R1 DVDs where cut scenes suddenly shift into Japanese and then click back is not present. But either way, do not let that stop you from looking into this. Granted, there are some unintentionally laughable moments (Just wait till you get to the Gabandon episode) and a plot point was lost in translation, but the United Artists dub of ULTRAMAN is one of the finest jobs of its time. The dub cast itself features the legends of voice acting, including Peter Fernandez, Jack Grimes and Corrine Orr–all three who appeared in SPEED RACER!

So what are you waiting for? Watch it now!