Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

This article is about the first installment in the series. For the media franchise, see Power Rangers.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Top: Logo for original Power Rangers series Bottom: New logo created for the 2010 re-version
Format	Action/Adventure Science fantasy
Created by	Haim Saban[1] Shuki Levy
Starring	Austin St. John Thuy Trang Walter Emanuel Jones Amy Jo Johnson David Yost Jason David Frank Johnny Yong Bosch Karan Ashley Steve Cardenas Catherine Sutherland Paul Schrier Jason Narvy David Fielding
Voices of	Robert L. Manahan Richard Steven Horvitz Barbara Goodson Robert Axelrod Kerrigan Mahan Bob Papenbrook Wendee Lee Michael Sorich Dave Mallow Tom Wyner Kim Strauss
Theme music composer	Saban Records[2]
Opening theme	"Go Go Power Rangers"
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	145 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Haim Saban Shuki Levy James Simone (Re-version)
Producer(s)	Ronnie Hadar Jonathan Tzachor Dan Evans III (Re-version)
Running time	22 minutes
Production company(s)	Saban Entertainment Renaissance Atlantic Entertainment Toei Co., Ltd.
Broadcast
Original channel	Fox (Fox Kids) ABC (ABC Kids) (Re-version)
Picture format	480i (SDTV)
Original run	August 28, 1993 (1993-08-28) – November 27, 1995 (1995-11-27)
Chronology
Followed by	Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (abbreviated as MMPR) is an American live-action children's television series based on the 16th installment of the Japanese Super Sentai franchise, Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger.^[3] Both the show and its related merchandise saw unbridled overnight success, catapulting into pop culture in mere months.^[4][5][6][7] Under the original name Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the series ran from 1993 to 1995 and spawned the feature film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.^[8]

The second and third seasons of the show drew on footage and elements from the Super Sentai series Gosei Sentai Dairanger and Ninja Sentai Kakuranger respectively, though the Zyuranger costumes were still used for the five main Rangers and several regular villains. Only the mecha and the Kiba Ranger costume (worn by the White Ranger) were retained from Dairanger for the second season, while only the mecha from Kakuranger were featured in the third season. However the five Kakuranger costumes were later used for the title characters of the mini-series, Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers. The series was produced by MMPR Productions, distributed by Saban Entertainment, and aired on Fox Kids. The show's merchandise was produced and distributed by Bandai Entertainment.

In 1996, the series was rebranded as the Power Rangers franchise; renaming the series every year after and using costumes, props, and footage from subsequent Super Sentai series, as well as changing the cast and storyline. While an overarching storyline would continue until Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, subsequent series after MMPR are not sequels or spin-offs in the traditional sense.

In 2010, a re-version of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, with a new logo, comic book-referenced graphics, and extra alternative special effects, was broadcast on ABC Kids, and Bandai produced brand new toys to coincide with the series.^[9][10][11]

Series overview

Season 1 (1993-94)

Main article: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (season 1)

The six original Power Rangers.

The series takes place in the fictional town of Angel Grove, California.^[12] On an exploratory mission, two astronauts discover an extraterrestrial container (referred to as a dumpster as a result of its smell) and breach the unit, inadvertently releasing the evil alien sorceress Rita Repulsa from 10,000 years of confinement. Upon her release, she and her army of evil space aliens set their sights on conquering the nearest planet: Earth. When the wise sage Zordon becomes aware of the release of the evil he was responsible for capturing so long ago, he orders his robotic assistant Alpha 5 to select five "teenagers with attitude" to defend the Earth from Rita's attacks. The five teens chosen are Jason Lee Scott, Kimberly Hart, Zack Taylor, Trini Kwan, and Billy Cranston. Zordon gives them the ability to transform into a fighting force known as the Power Rangers, providing them with an arsenal of weapons at their disposal, as well as colossal assault machines called Zords, which can combine into the Megazord.^[13][14][15]

The series begins with five teenagers combating Rita and her seemingly endless array of monsters. However, consecutive failures lead Rita to adopt a new method for conquering Earth and destroying the Power Rangers: by attacking them with one of their own. Using the Green Power Coin, Rita kidnaps and brainwashes a local teen whose fighting skills prove to equal that of Jason's in a martial arts contest held in Angel Grove. The new teen, Tommy Oliver, passes Rita's tests, becoming the Green Ranger. Entrusted with Rita's Sword of Darkness, source for the continuance of the evil spell he has fallen victim to, Tommy comes dangerously close to defeating the Power Rangers, especially when Rita causes a Solar eclipse that temporarily drains the Megazord's power. However, the Green Ranger is ultimately defeated, and the Sword of Darkness is destroyed by Jason. Now free from Rita's spell, Tommy chooses to use his Green Ranger powers to assist the other Rangers in defeating the evil that gave them to him in the first place. His Zord, the Dragonzord, is reconfigured to enable it to help form more powerful Zord combinations alongside the other Dinozords.^[16]

As time goes on, Rita focuses her plans on eliminating Tommy in order to regain the powers that she believes belong to her. Using a special wax touched by Tommy when he was evil, Rita uses a magic Green Candle to sever Tommy's link to the Morphing Grid and slowly remove his powers, returning them to her. In the end, Tommy loses his powers, but he is able to prevent Rita from reclaiming it by transferring the remains to another Ranger who can operate them based on their own link to the Morphing Grid. Tommy chooses Jason who, feeling guilt for failing to protect Tommy's powers, accepts them. However, Tommy later returns to the team when the other Rangers' Power Coins are handed over to Rita in exchange for their kidnapped parents. With Zordon's help, Tommy regains his Green Ranger powers and successfully retrieves the other Rangers' Power Coins. However, Tommy's regained powers are only temporary and must be frequently re-charged by Zordon, who makes no attempt to hide the fact that the Green Ranger's powers will ultimately fail. Despite this, Tommy remains determined to continue assisting the other Rangers as long as possible.^[17][18]

Season 2 (1994-95)

Main article: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (season 2)

Lord Zedd, emperor of all that he sees, arrives at Rita's Moon Palace, where he takes her place and throws her into a space dumpster again. He then begins his own campaign to conquer Earth. In order for the Power Rangers to compete with Zedd's monsters, which are superior to Rita's, Zordon and Alpha upgrade the Dinozords into the more powerful Thunderzords. However, Tommy is forced to retain use of the Dragonzord, due to his powers being too weak to support a new Zord.^[19]

After several defeats, Zedd focuses his attention on eliminating the Green Ranger. He eventually does so with a special Green Crystal, using it to take away the Green Ranger's powers permanently. The crystal also powers up Zedd's Dark Rangers, but when Tommy smashes it, the Dark Rangers powers are transferred back to the regular Rangers. Following the permanent loss of the Green Ranger's powers, Zordon and Alpha create in secret a new White Ranger to aid the other Rangers in battle. The White Ranger is revealed to be Tommy, who in addition receives a new Zord, the Tigerzord, and also becomes the new leader of the Power Rangers.^[20][21]

During the Team Ninja Trials in Angel Grove, the Rangers become friends with three teenagers from Stone Canyon: Rocky DeSantos, Adam Park, and Aisha Campbell. During an ensuing battle with Zedd and a magical serpent, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha discover the Rangers' identities and, having been entrusted with their secret by Zordon himself, the three newcomers become allies of the Rangers.^[22]

Later on, Jason, Zack, and Trini are selected to represent Angel Grove at the World Peace Conference in Switzerland, and the Rangers are faced with the task of finding replacements, but in order to transfer the powers of the Red, Black, and Yellow Rangers, they must find the Sword of Light, which is located on the Deserted Planet. However, Zedd pursues them across the galaxy in Serpentera, his massive personal Zord, which destroys most of the Deserted Planet. Fortunately, Serpentera runs out of power before being able to finish the Rangers, and they return to Earth safely with the Sword of Light. Zordon then chooses Rocky, Adam, and Aisha to replace Jason, Zack, and Trini as the Red, Black, and Yellow Rangers, respectively.^[23]

Some time before the power transfer, Rita had returned to Earth when Tommy made his debut as the White Ranger, and fell into the hands of Bulk and Skull, but the Rangers sent her back into space. She later returns to the Moon while the Rangers are in Australia, and with the help of Finster, she gets a special "makeover" to gain a younger and "prettier" face. She then uses a love potion on Zedd, who is in a deep sleep during his centennial re-evilizer, and he falls in love with her when he wakes up. They get married and thus join forces to make an even more terrible threat for the Rangers, but not even this can prepare them for what is to come.^[24]

Season 3 (1995)

Main article: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (season 3)

Rito Revolto, Rita's skeletal brother, later comes to Earth and, with the help of a group of monsters, manages to destroy the Rangers' Thunderzords and the Tigerzord, which as a result damages the Power Coins beyond repair. Undaunted, they seek the aid of Ninjor, alleged creator of the Power Coins, who gives them new Ninja Coins, providing them with the even more powerful Ninjazords and the Falconzord.^[25]

Later, an Australian girl named Katherine Hillard moves to Angel Grove. She befriends Kimberly, and displays an intense affection for Tommy. Later it is found that Rita had captured Katherine and put her under a powerful spell. As a result, she steals Kimberly's Crane Coin, vastly weakening the Pink Ranger, whose life force, like that of the other Ninja Rangers, is connected to her Ninja Coin. It is during this time that the Rangers acquire their most powerful Zords ever: the Shogunzords. Eventually, Katherine overcomes Rita's evil spell and returns Kimberly's Crane Coin to her. A short time thereafter, Kimberly gets a chance to pursue her personal athletic dreams. With Zordon's blessing, she leaves to train for the Pan Global Games, choosing Katherine to replace her as the Pink Ranger. Though her initial fear and hesitation keeps her from contributing fully to the fight against evil, Katherine eventually becomes both comfortable and capable of fulfilling her duty as a Ranger.^[26][27][28]

After several more battles, Zedd and Rita are joined by Rita's father, Master Vile. Following his failed attempts to defeat the Rangers, he reverses time, turning the Rangers into powerless children. These events culminate in the mini-series Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers, which leads to the next incarnation of the Power Rangers franchise, entitled Power Rangers Zeo.^[29]

Characters

The Power Rangers

Jason Lee Scott

The original Red Ranger, as well as the original leader of the Power Rangers; portrayed by Austin St. John.

Zack Taylor

The original Black Ranger; portrayed by Walter Emanuel Jones (credited as Walter Jones).

Billy Cranston

The Blue Ranger and Blue Ninja Ranger; portrayed by David Yost.

Trini Kwan

The original Yellow Ranger; portrayed by Thuy Trang.

Kimberly Hart

The original Pink Ranger and original Pink Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Amy Jo Johnson.

Tommy Oliver

Originally the Green Ranger and later the White Ranger then White Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Jason David Frank (credited as Jason Frank in Season 1).

Rocky DeSantos

The second Red Ranger and Red Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Steve Cardenas.

Adam Park

The second Black Ranger and Black Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Johnny Yong Bosch.

Aisha Campbell

The second Yellow Ranger and Yellow Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Karan Ashley.

Katherine "Kat" Hillard

The second Pink Ranger and second Pink Ninja Ranger; portrayed by Catherine Sutherland.

Allies

• Zordon: Voiced and portrayed by David Fielding, and later voiced by Robert L. Manahan (credited as Bob Manahan).
• Alpha 5: Voiced by Richard Steven Horvitz (credited as Richard Wood).
• Ninjor: Voiced by Kim Strauss (credited as Kurt Strauss).
• Farkus "Bulk" Bulkmeier: Portrayed by Paul Schrier.
• Eugene "Skull" Skullovitch: Portrayed by Jason Narvy.
• Ernie: Portrayed by Richard Genelle.
• Mr. Kaplan: Portrayed by Henry Cannon (uncredited).
• Ms. Appleby: Portrayed by Royce Herron (uncredited).
• Lt. Stone: Portrayed by Gregg Bullock.
• Prince Dex/Masked Rider: Portrayed by Ted Jan Roberts (credited as T.J. Roberts)

Villains

Main article: Villains in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

• Rita Repulsa: Portrayed by Soga Machiko in Season 1, and Carla Perez onwards; voiced by Barbara Goodson.
• Lord Zedd: Portrayed by Ed Neil (uncredited) and voiced by Robert Axelrod.
• Goldar: Voiced by Kerrigan Mahan (credited as Ryan O'Flannigan in the first two seasons).
• Rito Revolto: Voiced by Bob Papenbrook (credited as Bob Pappenbrook).
• Scorpina: Portrayed by Ami Kawai in Season 1, and Sabrina Lu in Season 2 (1 episode only); voiced by Wendee Swan.
• Finster: Voiced by Robert Axelrod.
• Squatt: Voiced by Michael J. Sorich.
• Baboo: Voiced by Colin Phillips.
• Master Vile: Voiced by Tom Wyner (uncredited).
• Lokar: Voiced by Robert Axelrod.
• Hydro Hog: Voiced by Brad Orchard (uncredited).
• Putty Patrollers: Warriors made of clay who act as Rita Repulsa's foot soldiers, the Putties are often sent to wear the Rangers down before a monster battle, as well as for sabotage and other special missions. In Season 2, Lord Zedd upgrades the Putty design, completely replacing Rita's original design. Zedd's Putties are superior to the original Putties and are more expendable. However, Zedd's Putties also have a big weakness—striking the Z-logo on their chests causes these Putties to explode into pieces.
• Tenga Warriors: Crow-like soldiers that are able to speak, they are introduced in Season 3 when Rito Revolto brings them with him to the Moon as a wedding gift, and replace Zedd's Putties in attacking the Power Rangers. The Rangers normally use their Ninja Ranger powers to fight them. Unlike the Putties, the Tenga Warriors are not expendable and they return to the Moon when defeated. The Tengas originated in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (going by the name "Tengu Warriors") under the command of Ivan Ooze. The name change between the movie and television show was because of copyright complications with the movie's producer 20th Century Fox.

Arsenal

• Power Morphers: Hand-held devices utilizing Power Coins, with each coin depicting a prehistoric creature (except Tommy's). Upon calling out "It's Morphin' Time!" the Rangers morph by holding their Morphers out and pressing the activation trigger while pronouncing the name of their respective creature.
• Ninja Coins: After the Rangers' powers are destroyed by Rito Revolto, the team journeys to the Temple of Power in the Desert of Despair and meets Ninjor, the creator of the Power Coins who gives them each the power and skills of the Ninja. Upon receiving their new Ninja Coins, the Rangers shout out their color designation and then "Ranger Power" to morph.
• Communicators : Technologically-advanced wristband watches created by Billy. The Rangers use them to communicate with each other when one or more is apart, as well as with Zordon when they are not at the Command Center. They are also used to teleport the Rangers to the Command Center or other faraway areas.
• Blade Blasters: Each Ranger (minus Tommy) carries a sidearm blaster that can also convert into a short-sword. The original five Rangers could also combine their blasters' firepower into a single shot by forming a human-pyramid and crossing the beams of their blasters.
• Power Blaster: A powerful assemblage of the five core Ranger's Power Weapons. It resembles a crossbow, and its two central pieces are the Power Bow and the Power Axe. The Power Blaster is formed by placing the Power Bow horizontally within the locking mechanism of the Power Axe in Cannon Mode, with the Power Daggers and separated Power Lance Maces connected to the length of the bow, with their handles facing forward, acting as additional barrels to the cannon. The Power Sword, the key to the blaster, is locked in on top of the cannon, similar to where an arrow would be placed in a crossbow. The Power Blaster is used by the original team of Rangers extensively, but the second team, after using it only once, replaces it with the more powerful Power Cannon.
  • Power Sword: Red Ranger's weapon, a one-handed sword capable of being energized and used as a directed energy weapon.
  • Power Axe: Black Ranger's weapon. It can be used as a traditional axe or, by sliding a locking mechanism down the handle, can be used as a powerful energy cannon. The axe handle acts as the barrel of the cannon. In the episode "On Fins And Needles", it is used to shoot through the ground and reach the Slippery Shark monster. In the episode "A Different Drum", it is called the "Cosmic Cannon".
  • Power Lance: Blue Ranger's weapon. It can be broken down into two small spears. In the episode "A Different Drum", it is called the "Mighty Mace".
  • Power Daggers: Yellow Ranger's weapons. In the episode "A Different Drum", they are called the "Dino Daggers".
  • Power Bow: Pink Ranger's weapon. In the episode "The Song of Guitardo", after discovering the music-based monster has to be fought with music, Kimberly's bow sports a succession of strings, allowing it to be used as a harp that fires sonic energy attacks when played, and in the same episode, she fires the Dragon Dagger from it after energizing it with her bow. In the episode "A Different Drum", it is called the "Battle Bow".
• Dragon Shield: The golden shield worn by the Green Ranger is often almost impervious to attack, especially when Tommy plays the Dragon Dagger's flute mechanism. Along with the chest shield, the Green Ranger also wears golden arm bands. The set of armor, or the individual shield, can also be transferred to other Rangers, such as when Zack was given the Dragon Shield to protect him in the episode "Oyster Stew". When Tommy's Green Ranger powers are slowly being drained by Rita's Green Candle, he transfers his powers over to Jason, giving him possession of both the Dragon Shield and the Dragon Dagger. After regaining his Green Ranger powers, Tommy once again possesses the shield. The Dragon Shield is also the most recognizable way to tell the difference between the Japanese and American footage of the series, as in the original Japanese footage the shield was made of hard foam or rubber, while in the American-made footage it was made of shiny polyester.
• Dragon Dagger: Green Ranger's weapon. It can be played like a flute to either summon the Dragonzord or activate the Dragon Shield's deflective capacities. It also replaces the Blade Blaster in the Green Ranger's arsenal and is stored within a black holster, although in some American-made scenes, the Green Ranger's black holster is replaced by a white one. In "Return of an Old Friend, Part II", Tommy has a Blade Blaster in his holster when he gets his temporary power boost from Zordon. In the episode "The Green Dream", the Green Ranger can be seen wielding an oddly-shaped American prop version of the dagger.
• Saba: White Ranger's weapon. An enchanted talking saber, it is used to summon and control the Tigerzord. Saba can also fly and emit lasers from his eyes. Saba was voiced by Tony Oliver. After the destruction of the Thunderzords and Tigerzord in Season 3, Saba became only a prop item, but could still be used in battle.
• Power Cannon: A giant bazooka that fires loadable spheres of energy. It replaces the Power Blaster shortly after Jason, Zack, and Trini's departure from the team.
• Ninja Ranger Power: After they gain their new powers from Ninjor, the Rangers acquire a new power-up where they become ninjas. In this form, they wear masked ninja outfits, which feature chest emblems of their Ninja Coins (similar to how promotional materials for MMPR featured the Power Coins as chest emblems on their Power Ranger costumes). Like the Tenga Warriors, these costumes originated in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie. They also gain ninja powers such as super-speed, the use of illusions, and the ability to move underground to evade enemy attack. When turning into this form, the Rangers hold their hands out, with one hand on top of the other. With index fingers extended, the Rangers shout, "Ninja Ranger Power, Now!" Lighting emits from their hands and they morph into their Ninja Ranger forms. Although this form gives them extra strength in battle, it is not as strong as their Power Ranger forms.

Zords

Main article: Zords in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Dinozords

The five Dinozords and the Dragonzord.

The Dinozords are the first Zords that the Power Rangers have access to. They consist of the Tyrannosaurus, Mastodon, Triceratops, Saber-Toothed Tiger, and Pterodactyl, which together form the original Megazord. Later on, the Dragonzord and Titanus the Carrierzord are added to the set.^[13]

Thunderzords

When the Dinozords are destroyed by Lord Zedd, Alpha 5 uses a refraction of energy waves, combined with the remains of the Dinozords, to create the Thunderzords. They consist of the Red Dragon, Lion, Unicorn, Griffin, and Firebird, which together form the Thunder Megazord. Later on, the Tigerzord and Tor the Shuttlezord are added to the set.

Ninjazords

When the Thunderzords are destroyed by Rito Revolto, the Rangers seek out Ninjor, who gives them access to the Ninjazords. They include the Ape, Frog, Wolf, Bear, and Crane, which together form the Ninja Megazord, and the Falconzord.

Shogunzords

When Zedd kidnaps Ninjor and steals the Falconzord (with help from a then-evil Katherine), he uses Ninjor as a power source for the Shogunzords and copies the Ninjazords' battle technology using the Falconzord. With Kimberly and her Power Coin in captivity, he forces the Rangers into using the Shogunzords for evil, but this fails to pan out when Billy finds a way to use the Ninja Coins to obtain control of them. They include the Red, Black, Blue, Yellow, and White Shogunzords, which together form the Shogun Megazord. After Tommy rescues Kimberly from Zedd's clutches, Zordon reminds them that they both will share the White Shogunzord, and that she'll be able to draw power from the other Rangers, but not for long.

Production

When all available stock footage from Zyuranger was used up for the first 40 episodes of season 1, Saban commissioned Toei to produce 25 new monster costumes and new battle footage using the existing Zyuranger suits. Out of this, Saban was able to produce 20 additional episodes using 15 of the monster suits. This new footage has been affectionately referred to as "Zyu2" by Power Rangers fans. Saban then used the remaining suits and footage for season 2.^[30]

During the production of season 2, Austin St. John, Thuy Trang, and Walter Jones were fired from the cast after demanding higher pay.^[31] To disguise this incident, body doubles of the three actors and sound-alike voice actors portrayed Jason, Trini, and Zack, respectively, with their backs facing the viewers. The subplot of the three Rangers leaving Angel Grove for the World Peace Conference was made to bridge the transition to their replacements Rocky, Aisha, and Adam (played by Steve Cardenas, Karan Ashley, and Johnny Yong Bosch, respectively).

The appearance of Lord Zedd sparked outrage among parents, who deemed him too dark and grim for a children's show. In response, Saban counter-balanced Zedd's character by bringing back Rita Repulsa. For this, Carla Perez was brought in to play Rita (with Barbara Goodson still doing her voice), with the makeover subplot explaining her change in appearance.

Reception and controversy

Despite the show's popularity, it was also subject to much controversy from parents who felt the show was too violent for young children. The show aired before television stations issued content warnings, the V-chip, and television ratings. In the USA, numerous complaints were sent to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In 1993, YTV obtained the Canadian broadcast rights to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, which played to a receptive audience on weekday afternoons, trailing the American broadcast by several months. However, due to complaints sent to the recently formed Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, YTV removed the series from their line-up due to its violent content.^[6][32] Despite not actually being a member of the CBSC board, YTV complied and pulled the series before the end of its first season. While a phone-in poll was conducted to see if viewers wanted MMPR back on YTV, no further installments of the Power Rangers franchise ever aired on the network (until 2011's Power Rangers Samurai), although commercials for toys and videos were advertised on the network.^[33] Newer versions of the series are run on Family.^[34]

In Malaysia, as part of its campaign against drugs, the word "Morphin" is censored, by substituting or muting footage where the word is spoken (the phrase "It's morphin' time") or displayed onscreen, for fear that it could encourage children to become addicted with the uses of morphine. When it was broadcast on RTM (along with its toy commercials), it was called "Mighty Power Rangers," or simply Power Rangers or Power Ranger. Litt Tak, Malaysia-based distributor of the Power Rangers toys since the first broadcast of MMPR, has advertised the same second season toyline for the third season. In 2005, Litt Tak has turned its attention from the distribution of the toys under the Power Rangers brand, in favor of the toys under the Super Sentai series starting from Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger, whose footage was used in Power Rangers: Ninja Storm.^[35]

In 1994, the death of a young Norwegian girl by three of her young friends prompted Swedish-owned TV3 to pull MMPR from its broadcast schedule in all of its market countries. However, MMPR was not directly related to the event; the young children responsible were fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon.^[36]

In 1994, the New Zealand Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) upheld several complaints from members of the public about the level of violence in the show. The main concern of those complainants was that the show portrayed violence as the primary means of resolving conflict, and that this was influencing children to behave more violently more frequently. Immediately following the BSA decision, the second season of the show was all but canceled by Television New Zealand.^[32] New Zealand is the only country in the world where this show has been prematurely withdrawn from public broadcast to date.^[37] DVD and video releases of the more recent Power Rangers series that were filmed in New Zealand can be found at The Warehouse, although general sales through video stores and other retailers are scarce. Later series in the Power Rangers franchise, such as Power Rangers: Mystic Force and Power Rangers: Jungle Fury, were filmed in New Zealand, but the programs were still not shown in the country, until 2011 when Samurai premiered.

When brought up on VH1's I Love the '90s, the original cast members interviewed (Amy Jo Johnson, Walter Emanuel Jones) as well as other celebrity commentators, made fun of how the original line-up had Jones' role as the Black Ranger and Thuy Trang's role as the Yellow Ranger as the actors and characters were of African and Asian descent, respectively.

In a 2010 interview with fan blog "No Pink Spandex", David Yost revealed that he had left the show in the subsequent Power Rangers: Zeo production due to homophobic reactions to his sexuality, citing that he walked off set one day because "[he] was called 'faggot' one too many times." He also stated that the producers would often ask other cast members what they thought about his homosexuality, and this made him uncomfortable as well.^[38][39] Shortly after this interview, producer Scott Page-Pagter stated that Yost left over a pay dispute and that the allegations of homophobia are false; he added that Yost did not get along with any of the crew.^[40] In the episode where Yost's character appeared for the last time, "Rangers of Two Worlds", footage from previous episodes was used as well as vocal work from a separate, uncredited actor, to conceal the fact that Yost was not present during the taping. A tribute to the Blue Ranger and Billy was seen in the closing credits of this last Billy episode.

Video games

• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Fighting Edition

Home Media

UK VHS releases

Release name	Release date	Classifaction	Publisher	Format	Language	Subtitles	Notes	REF
Red Ranger Adventure	Unknown	PG	Fox Kids	PAL	English	-		[41]
Series 3 Volume 1: Ninja Quest	Unknown	PG	Unknown	PAL	English	-		[42]
Series 3 Volume 2: Friend in Need	Unknown	PG	PolyGram Video	PAL	English	-		[43]
Karate Club	Unknown	PG	PolyGram Video	PAL	English	-		[44]
I'm Dreaming of a White Ranger	Unknown	U	PolyGram Video	PAL	English	-		[45]
Alpha's Magical Xmas	Unknown	Exempt	PolyGram Video	PAL	English	-		[46]
Wild West Rangers Parts 1 & 2	Unknown	PG	PolyGram Video	PAL	English	-		[47]
Dark Warrior Volume 7	Unknown	PG	Universal	PAL	English	-		[48]
Calamity Kimberley / The Yolks On You	Unknown	PG	PolyGram Video	PAL	English	-		[49]
Power Ranger Punks / Peace, Love and Woe - Volume 7	Unknown	PG	PolyGram Video	PAL	English	-		[50]

DVD releases

DVD Title		# of Disc(s)	Year	# of Episodes	DVD release
					Region 1	Region 2	Region 4
	Complete Season One	6	1993 & 1994	60	-	Unknown [51]	-
	Complete Season Two	6	1994 & 1995	52	-	Unknown [52]	-
	Complete Season Three	6	1995	33	-	Unknown[53]	-
	Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Complete Season 1, 2 & 3	12	1993 & 1994 & 1995	145	-	Unknown[54]	-
	Power Rangers - The Ultimate Rangers	1	1994	1	-	2 June 2003[55]	-

• Note Power Rangers - The Ultimate Rangers includes only 1 episode from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series White Light the disc include the best episodes from other Power Rangers Series such as Power Rangers in Space etc.

References

1. ^ "Haim Saban". Saban. http://www.saban.com/html/team/saban.html. Retrieved 2009-06-29. 
2. ^ "Saban Music Group". Saban. http://www.saban.com/html/music.html. Retrieved 2009-06-29. 
3. ^ Watanabe, Teresa (1995-03-09). "Pop culture: For two decades, Toei Studios of Japan has churned out versions of those ubiquitous Power Rangers-- and as long there are kids, they'll keep right on going.". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1995-03-09/news/ls-40804_1_power-ranger. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 
4. ^ Bellafante, Ginia (1993-12-06). "Mighty Raters". Time. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,979778,00.html. Retrieved 2010-03-03. 
5. ^ "Ninja Turtles, Eat Our Dust". Newsweek. http://www.newsweek.com/id/115680. Retrieved 2010-03-03. 
6. ^ ^{a b} Collins, Glenn (1994-12-05). "With Power Rangers Scarce, A Frenzied Search by Parents". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/05/us/with-power-rangers-scarce-a-frenzied-search-by-parents.html?scp=6&sq=Mighty%20Morphin%20Power%20Rangers&st=cse&pagewanted=2. Retrieved 2010-08-07. 
7. ^ Sunila, Joyce (1994-03-04). "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers may be shallow, but kids love them. Adults are bewildered". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1994-03-04/news/ss-29899_1_power-rangers. Retrieved 2010-08-22. 
8. ^ James, Caryn (1995-06-30). "FILM REVIEW; For Power Rangers, Bikinis Are Not The Issue". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/30/movies/film-review-for-power-rangers-bikinis-are-not-the-issue.html?scp=2&sq=Mighty%20Morphin%20Power%20Rangers&st=cse. Retrieved 2010-08-08. 
9. ^ "Correcting and replacing photos Bandai America Powers up Like It’s 1993; Brings Back Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in New Toy Line". 2009-10-01. http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091001006376&newsLang=en. Retrieved 2009-10-01. 
10. ^ "Press release: Bandai America Powers Up Like It’s 1993; Brings Back Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in New Toy Line | Bandai America". 2009-10-01. http://www.bandai.com/blog/press-release/mighty-morphin. Retrieved 2009-10-02. 
11. ^ "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: TV Listings". TV Guide. http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/mighty-morphin-power-rangers/tv-listings/203104. Retrieved 20 December 2009. 
12. ^ McCormick, Patricia S. (1995-02-12). "TELEVISION; . . . And a Parents' Guide to the Politics of Angel Grove". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/12/arts/television-and-a-parents-guide-to-the-politics-of-angel-grove.html?scp=8&sq=Mighty%20Morphin%20Power%20Rangers&st=cse. Retrieved 2010-08-07. 
13. ^ ^{a b} "From Power Bow to Hip-Hop-Kido". The Baltimore Sun. http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1993-12-29/features/1993363109_1_zord-power-rangers-popular-power. Retrieved 2010-08-30. 
14. ^ "Superhero Teens Are Hip, Hot". Orlando Sentinel. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-12-18/lifestyle/9312170714_1_rita-repulsa-zord-saban. Retrieved 2010-08-30. 
15. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season One; "Day of the Dumpster"
16. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season One; "Green With Evil, Parts I-V"
17. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season One; "The Green Candle, Parts I-II"
18. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season One; "Return of an Old Friend, Parts I-II"
19. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Two; "The Mutiny, Parts I-III"
20. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Two; "Green No More, Parts I-II"
21. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Two; "White Light, Parts I-II"
22. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Two; "The Ninja Encounter, Parts I-III"
23. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Two; "The Power Transfer, Parts I-II"
24. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Two; "The Wedding, Parts I-III"
25. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Three; "Ninja Quest, Parts I-IV"
26. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Three; "A Ranger Catastrophe, Parts I-II"
27. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Three; "Changing of the Zords, Parts I-III"
28. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Three; "A Different Shade of Pink, Parts I-III"
29. ^ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season Three; "Rangers in Reverse"
30. ^ GrnRngr.com - Zyu2
31. ^ Actors in Spandex - Austin St. John
32. ^ ^{a b} O'Neill, Patrick Daniel (March 1995). "Morphin Prohibited in the Great North". Heroes on Screen (Wizard #43): pp. 68–69. 
33. ^ Bellafante, Ginia (1996-02-19). "Television: So what's on in Tokyo?". Time. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,984155,00.html. Retrieved 2010-03-03. 
34. ^ CBSC.ca, Canadian Broadcast Standards Council — Ontario Regional Council October 24, 1994 decision regarding CanWest Global's broadcasting of the show.
35. ^ Leo Hee Fook Yew. "Power Rangers toyline on the Litt Tak official website". Litttak.com.my. http://www.litttak.com.my/power-ranger.asp. Retrieved 2010-01-07. 
36. ^ "Associated Press". Deseret News. October 20, 1994. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/382495/NORWAY-PULLS-THE-PLUG-ON-POWER-RANGERS.html. Retrieved November 5, 2011. 
37. ^ "Broadcasting Policy in New Zealand" (PDF). http://www.med.govt.nz/upload/12863/bpinnz.pdf. Retrieved 2010-01-07. 
38. ^ Advocate.com editors (2010-08-26). "Blue Power Ranger Comes Out". Advocate.com. http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/08/26/Blue_Power_Ranger_Comes_Out/. Retrieved 2010-08-26. 
39. ^ "Interview with David Yost Part 3". No Pink Spandex. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmlcuY8bOUk&feature=related. Retrieved 2010-08-26. 
40. ^ "Morphin Producer -- Blue Ranger Was 'Pain in the Ass'". TMZ.com. http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/27/mighty-morphin-power-rangers-blue-ranger-david-yost-gay-producer-scott-page-pagter-money/. Retrieved 2010-08-28. 
41. ^ "MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS red ranger adventure". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/MIGHTY-MORPHIN-RANGERS-ranger-adventure/dp/B000V0V5AS. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
42. ^ "Mighty Morph'n S3 V1-Ninja Quest [VHS"]. amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphn-V1-Ninja-Quest-VHS/dp/B00008T6FA. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
43. ^ "Mighty Morph'n S3 V2-Friend in Need [VHS"]. amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphn-V2-Friend-Need-VHS/dp/B00008T6FB. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
44. ^ "Mighty Morph'n-Karate Club [VHS"]. amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphn-Karate-Club-David-Yost/dp/B00004WDH6. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
45. ^ "Mighty Morph'n - I'm Dreaming of a White Ranger [VHS"]. amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphn-Dreaming-White-Ranger/dp/B00008T6AY. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
46. ^ "Alpha's Magical Xmas". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphn-Alphas-Magical-Xmas-VHS/dp/B00008T683. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
47. ^ "Wild West Rangers parts 1 & 2". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Rangers-Wild-West-parts/dp/B0012BXK2G. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
48. ^ "Mighty Morph'n V7-Dark Warr. [VHS"]. amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphn-V7-Dark-Warr-VHS/dp/B000057PQV. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
49. ^ "Mighty Morph'n Power Rangers - Calamity Kimberley / The Yolks On You [VHS"]. amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphn-Power-Rangers-Kimberley/dp/B00008T5SR. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
50. ^ "MIGHTY MORPH'N POWER RANGERS power ranger punks / love peace & woe". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/MIGHTY-MORPHN-POWER-RANGERS-ranger/dp/B000V0VGSE. Retrieved 25 October 2011. 
51. ^ "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers --- Season 1 --- (6 DVDs)". Amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphin-Power-Rangers-Season/dp/B003JMG924. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
52. ^ "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers --- Season 2 --- (6 DVDs)". Amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphin-Power-Rangers-Season/dp/B003JMFYMU. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
53. ^ "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Complete Season 3 (6 DVDs) Box Set". Amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphin-Rangers-Complete-Season/dp/B004VRSKT6. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
54. ^ "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - Complete Season 1, 2 & 3 (15 DVDs) [European release"]. Amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mighty-Morphin-Power-Rangers-Complete/dp/B002R8R72C. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
55. ^ "Power Rangers - The Ultimate Rangers [DVD"]. Amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Rangers-Ultimate-DVD/dp/B000094P1Y/. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 

External links

	Television portal
	United States portal

• Official Power Rangers Website
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers at the Internet Movie Database
• Mighty Morphin Power Rangers at TV.com

New television show	Power Rangers 1993–1995	Succeeded by Alien Rangers
Preceded by RPM	Power Rangers (Re-version) 2010	Succeeded by Samurai