"There is so much writing in English on Japanese cinema that can't be accepted at face value — not because the writers are careless, but because the differences in culture and language are just too intricate. When I see August Ragone's name on a piece of writing, it gives me permission to place my faith in it completely. Among Japanese fantasy film historians, he's the best working in English."—Tim Lucas, Video Watchdog
Thursday, June 5, 2008
"Frankenstein Conquers Tsuburaya!" From FRANKENSTEIN VS. BARAGON (1965)
「フランケンシュタイン対地底怪獣バラゴン」より
"What!? Me worry?" Gag shot of Tsuburaya and actor Koji Furuhata.
Just read the great news on DVD Drive-in about War of the Gargantuas coming to DVD with Rodan. Too bad they didn't double this with Frankenstein vs Baragon but who's complaining... I'm just glad it's finally stomping towards the US in some real release version finally.
Cool blog too August, I've been a big follower of your writings for many many years, (the Eiji book is outstanding) and I've added you to my horror blog links as well. Keep up the tremendous work!
Love this blog!!! I'm the author of the italian kaiju books "Godzilla il Re dei Mostri" and "Creature d'Oriente"... I remember your beautifull magazine Markalite.
August, the two books are out of stock (published more of 10 years ago) but of the first one "Godzilla il Re dei Mostri" I have some copies, so I can send it to you for free. Instead "Crature d'Oriente" only my personal copy, sorry. Please let me know your shipping address to my email: cicciofoca@genesi.net
The Rondo Award-winning author of EIJI TSUBURAYA: MASTER OF MONSTERS. August has commented on Japanese film and popular culture on radio, television, in print, online, and at film festivals for more than three decades. While still a Teen, he severed as Horror Host Bob Wilkins' "Japanese Film" & "Godzilla Expert" at KTVU TV-2.
More recently, he has contributed liner notes for numerous DVD releases, edited and authored over 100 subtitle scripts (so far), and has also written for zines and periodicals such as Japanese Fantasy Film Journal, Filmfax. Video Watchdog, Asian Cult Cinema, Henshin! Online, Oriental Cinema, G-Fan, Super7, Otaku USA, and Famous Monsters of Filmland.
The San Francisco native has also been a music and events promoter, starting with the "Japanese Fantasy Film Faire" (1979), as well as producing live music shows, and special multi-media events including The Sleazefest, Incredibly Strange Wrestling, The Greaseball, Godzillafest, and Shock It To Me!.
MESSAGE FROM SPACE Shout! Factory •16-page Liner Notes Booklet (w/Patrick Macias) + On-screen Actor Biographies and Package Copy
JOHNNY SOKKO & HIS FLYING ROBOT The Complete Series Shout! Factory •24-page Liner Notes Booklet
MST3K Vol. XXIV Shout! Factory •On-screen Intro for FUGITIVE ALIEN
MST3K Vol. XXII Shout! Factory •On-screen Intros for TIME OF THE APES and MIGHTY JACK
MST3K Vol. XXI: MST3K VS. GAMERA Shout! Factory •Interview: GAMERA OBSCURA 30-minute Special Feature
*Nominated for "BEST CLASSIC DVD COLLECTION" in the 2011 Rondo Awards!*
GAMERA VS. ZIGRA w/ GAMERA: SUPER MONSTER Shout! Factory Special Features Producer •Special Features Content
GAMERA VS. GUIRON w/ GAMERA VS. JIGER Shout! Factory Special Features Producer •Special Features Content
GAMERA VS. GYAOS w/ GAMERA VS. VIRAS Shout! Factory Special Features Producer •Special Features Content
*NOMINATED IN THE "BEST AUDIO COMMENTARY" CATEGORY IN THE 2010 RONDO AWARDS!*
GAMERA VS. BARUGON Shout! Factory Special Features Producer •Audio Commentary (with Jason Varney), 12-page Booklet & Ad Copy
GAMERA, THE GIANT MONSTER Shout! Factory Special Features Producer •Audio Commentary, English Subtitle Script, 12-page Booklet & Ad Copy
INAZUMAN: Complete Series DVD Box JN Productions/Generation Kikaida •On-screen Liner Notes, Character Profiles, Song Lyrics & more!
SUPER ROBOT: RED BARON The Complete Series BCI/Ronin Entertainment •English Subtitle Scripts, Lyrics, 20-page Liner Notes Booklet & Ad Copy
IRON KING: The Complete Series BCI/Ronin Entertainment •20-page Liner Notes Booklet & Ad Copy
KIKAIDA 01: Complete Series JN Productions/Generation Kikaida •Extensive On-screen Liner Notes, Program Information, Essays & Ad Copy
KAMEN RIDER V3: Complete Series JN Productions/Generation Kikaida •Dual English Subtitles, Lyrics, Extensive On-screen Liner Notes, Program Information, Essays & Ad Copy
You may send your complaints to august[.]ragone[@]gmail[.]com which will be forwarded to the great entrepreneur, Mr. Kumayama of Happy Enterprises. Thank You!
9 comments:
I always thought the makeup effects that transformed Mr.Furuhata into the boy monster were terrific.
Just read the great news on DVD Drive-in about War of the Gargantuas coming to DVD with Rodan. Too bad they didn't double this with Frankenstein vs Baragon but who's complaining... I'm just glad it's finally stomping towards the US in some real release version finally.
Cool blog too August, I've been a big follower of your writings for many many years, (the Eiji book is outstanding) and I've added you to my horror blog links as well. Keep up the tremendous work!
Thanks for the comments! I have read your cool blog, "The Horror of It All", and just added you as well under the links for "Creature Features"!
Cheers,
August
Great! Thank you August, it's an honor to be part of your blog.
Great blog! Just got in FVB in the mail yesterday! Love Ifukube's ominous music. Nice photo!
Love this blog!!! I'm the author of the italian kaiju books "Godzilla il Re dei Mostri" and "Creature d'Oriente"... I remember your beautifull magazine Markalite.
Thank you for remembering Markalite, Maurizio! Are your books still available?
Ciao,
August
August, the two books are out of stock (published more of 10 years ago) but of the first one "Godzilla il Re dei Mostri" I have some copies, so I can send it to you for free. Instead "Crature d'Oriente" only my personal copy, sorry. Please let me know your shipping address to my email: cicciofoca@genesi.net
This picture is the bee's knees!
Just terrific!
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