On top of being one of this year’s most gorgeous animated features, Netflix’s Ultraman: Rising is an auditory marvel, blending orchestral grandeur with experimental sounds to breathe new life into the iconic Ultraman franchise. In the process of creating this sonic universe, the team—including composer Scot Stafford, supervising sound editor/re-recording mixer Leff Lefferts, and re-recording mixer Gary Rizzo—worked tirelessly to balance tradition with innovation. Below, we explore how these elements came together, offering insight into the emotional and technical complexities behind Ultraman: Rising we learned about at an exclusive presentation held at Skywalker Ranch.
The Orchestral and 8-bit Fusion
Scot Stafford, the film’s composer, embraced an unconventional blend of sounds that combined the epic scope of orchestral music with nostalgic 8-bit influences. It was a bold choice, reflecting the film’s blend of modern storytelling with classic kaiju action.
“It was all about bringing different elements together in a way that felt cohesive… Shannon [Tindle] pitched the idea of having orchestra meet 8-bit sounds, and it really opened up so many possibilities for how we could play with the tone of the film.” Scot Stafford
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This combination works beautifully, capturing both the futuristic, technological aspects of Ultraman and the nostalgic echoes of simpler, older video games. The orchestral pieces elevate the gravity of the kaiju battles, while the 8-bit sounds inject a playful energy, especially during lighter moments in the film. The collaboration between Stafford and other musicians, like Guitar God Tim Hexen, added further layers to the score, ensuring that no two moments felt musically identical.
Gigantron: From Roar to Lament
One of the film’s most powerful moments is the transformation of Gigantron’s theme. Initially portrayed as a towering threat, Gigantron’s music shifts from fearsome to heart-wrenching as her story unfolds, revealing her as a mother fighting to protect her child.
“Gigantron is a mother, and she’s dying to protect her child… All of a sudden, I needed there to be this huge emotional transformation. Gigantron’s theme becomes a lament, transitioning from contrabass to a frail single viola.” – Scot Stafford
This shift in the score underscores Gigantron’s tragic arc, transforming her from a monstrous figure into a character with profound emotional depth. By using instruments associated with power and then stripping them back to convey fragility, Stafford’s approach evokes sympathy for a character who, in another film, might have remained a faceless antagonist. The lament theme reminds the audience of the emotional complexity within the kaiju world, making this one of the standout moments in Ultraman: Rising.
Authentic Tokyo Sounds
Authenticity was a crucial focus for the sound team, especially in portraying the bustling, lively environment of Tokyo. Leff Lefferts and the sound team meticulously gathered real-life audio from the city, infusing the film’s backdrop with culturally specific elements that ground the futuristic story.
“When you hear the Akihabara melody during one of the scenes, it’s not just a backdrop—it’s a specific nod to the city’s soul. We made sure to capture Tokyo’s essence with its distinct crosswalk sounds and train chimes.” – Leff Lefferts
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This attention to detail goes beyond mere environmental soundscaping—it’s an homage to the culture that gave birth to Ultraman. Every siren, crosswalk chime, and subtle street noise roots the film firmly in Tokyo’s unique soundscape, lending credibility and depth to the world the characters inhabit. It’s these subtle touches that elevate the setting from a simple backdrop to a living, breathing part of the story.
Building a Family of Themes
Stafford’s approach to character themes in Ultraman: Rising was centered around the idea of family. He built a “family of themes” that all shared a core musical foundation, making subtle adjustments for each character. It was a complex but rewarding process, ensuring that the music tied the characters together even when they were fighting individually on screen.
“The harp is probably the main instrument in the score, weaving through the family themes… It’s one of those instruments that can carry both light and dark tones, helping to bridge the emotional gap between characters.” – Scot Stafford
This “family of themes” approach highlights the emotional connections between characters, making even their individual arcs feel intertwined. By focusing on a shared musical foundation, Stafford was able to unify the various subplots of the film, creating a score that reflects both personal growth and collective effort. The harp, in particular, stands out as a versatile instrument that carries the weight of these character connections through both joyous and tragic moments.
Ultraman: Rising is now streaming exclusively on Netflix!
About Ultraman: Rising
Premiere: June 14, 2024
Director: Shannon Tindle
Co-director: John Aoshima
Written by: Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes
Produced by: Tom Knott and Lisa M. Poole
Original Songs by: Diplo and Oliver Tree, Alicia Creti
Cast: Christopher Sean (Ken Sato/Ultraman), Gedde Watanabe (Professor Sato), Tamlyn Tomita (Emiko), Keone Young (Dr. Onda), Julia Harriman (Ami)
Synopsis
With Tokyo under siege from rising monster attacks, baseball star Ken Sato returns home to take on the mantle of Ultraman. But the titanic superhero meets his match when he reluctantly adopts a 35-foot-tall, fire-breathing baby kaiju. Sato must rise above his ego to balance work and parenthood while protecting the baby from forces bent on exploiting her for their own dark plans. In partnership with Netflix, Tsuburaya Productions, and Industrial Light & Magic, Ultraman: Rising is written by Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes, directed by Shannon Tindle, and co-directed by John Aoshima.
Ultraman: Rising is a perfect blend of sound and story, with its composers and sound designers pushing boundaries to create something unique. From its orchestral and 8-bit fusion to the delicate emotional beats of its characters, this film offers more than just action—it gives depth and authenticity to the world of Ultraman. Which aspect of the film’s soundscape excites you most? Let us know on social media!
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