VR Troopers
From 1994 to 1996, Saban Entertainment developed a syndicated live action superhero television series called VR Troopers. The show attempted to capitalize on the early 1990s infatuation with virtual reality as well as the popularity of Power Rangers. Superhuman Machine Metalder, Dimensional Warrior Spielban, and Space Sheriff Shaider were among the Metal Hero Series featured on the show, which utilized early CGI and video effects blended with Japanese stock footage. This type of adaptation technique—combining numerous episodes into one—was initially utilized in anime shows like Robotech and Voltron, but this was one of the first times it was employed in a tokusatsu adaptation. VR Troopers' copyright was transferred from BVS International to SCG Power Rangers on May 7, 2010. Saban's VR Troopers was the first official "sister series" to Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, the most popular "action fighting kid show" at the time. Toei Company LTD's Americanization of a Japanese tokusatsu children's program was very similar. The series was a hit, although not quite as big as the Power Rangers franchise. Unfortunately, due to severe circumstances when numerous tokusatsu scenarios were combined in one episode, stock film had to be reused multiple times throughout the series, the Japanese material was quickly exhausted for the series. Another Saban show, Big Bad Beetleborgs, would fare well at first but eventually end owing to a lack of stock footage. Both series are based on the Metal Heroes series from Japan. The program produced a toy line and a Sega Genesis and Sega Game Gear video game.
Released: 1994-09-03
Genre:
Action & Adventure