Comments, news and opinion by August Ragone, "Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Film Award" winning author of
"Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters", host of Shout! Factory TV's "Kaiju Movie Marathon" & "Super Sentai Spectacular", and the guest host of KOFY-20's "Famous Monsters TV"
"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
Shout! Factory TV’s ad for this upcoming 50th marathon event.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ULTRAMAN this Sunday! On July 31st at Noon Pacific, I'll be hosting "The Ultraman 50th Anniversary Marathon" on Shout Factory TV. I've hand-picked 12 of my favorite episodes for this live, streaming tribute for my favorite teleseries of all time. In addition to an informative intro on the series, at the top of each episode, I'll share anecdotes, factoids, on the specific stories, and a whole lot more!
This only happens once every 50 years, so be sure to watch all the Ultra action on Shout Factory TV and on Pluto TV (Channel 515) or get the Pluto TV app for tablet and TV devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Fire TV Stick, Android, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay), mobile (iOS, Android and Amazon), and on the web via your Desktops or Laptops, Macs and PCs. And don't forget to join us in the Ultra Twitter convo with the hashtag #Ultraman — SHUWATCH!
Schedule of Episodes* 12:00 pm – Ultraman 101 with host August Ragone 12:15 pm – Episode 01: "Ultra Operation No. 1" 12:45 pm – Episode 03: "Science Patrol, Move Out!" 01:10 pm – Episode 07: "The Blue Stone of Villarge" 01:40 pm – Episode 15: "Terror of the Cosmic Rays" 02:10 pm – Episode 16: "Science Patrol Into Space" 02:40 pm – Episode 17: "Passport to Infinity" 03:10 pm – Episode 25: "Cyphon, the Mysterious Comet" 03:40 pm – Episode 27: "Monster Majesty" 04:00 pm – Episode 28: "Human Specimens 5 & 6" 04:30 pm – Episode 33: "The Forbidden Words" 05:00 pm – Episode 36: "Arashi, Don’t Shoot!" 05:30 pm – Episode 39: "Farewell, Ultraman!"
*Times listed are Pacific time, approximate and subject to change.
Funimation's tweet from Comic-Con International, yesterday.
After much speculation on who and when Toho's upcoming GODZILLA RESURGENCE would come to America, it was announced on Thursday at Comic-Con International in San Diego that the distribution rights were acquired by Dallas-based Funimation Entertainment. Instead of just North American rights (US and Canada), the agreement includes North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. They noted the film will begin NA screenings before 2017.
Officially, Funimation noted that the Hideaki Anno's monster movie will be distributed under the title SHIN GODZILLA, dropping Toho's overseas sales title, GODZILLA RESURGENCE. Now, as is customary in current distribution deals, the 31st Big G film will be theatrically distributed by Funimation Films, with the agreement also including home entertainment, video on demand and broadcast rights for all of the Americas. These will follow the initial theatrical releases.
In a press release issued today, Gen Fukunaga, the CEO and President of Funimation said, "Funimation is extremely pleased to be working with Toho to bring SHIN GODZILLA to audiences across the Americas." While not specified at this early juncture, it's unknown whether these screenings will be English Subtitled or English Dubbed.
Following up on my earlier story on Toho's press conference, in which SHIN GODZILLA was sold to 100 countries and territories, daily Nikkan Sports, published a map of the localities in question, and listing all of the countries the film has been sold to, so far. Then, I compiled a list of these countries and territories, but have excluded those already announced in the Funimation Films deal, since it would be redundant and self-evident. I've broken them up by region:
EUROPE: Ireland, Scotland, England, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium. AFRICA: Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Chad, Sudan, Egypt, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia. MIDDLE EAST: Israel, Beirut, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. ASIA: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hainan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, East Timor, New Guinea, The Philipines, and South Korea. OCEANIA: Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Please keep in mind that this list is not "final" by any means, as more countries and territories are likely to follow, such as France and Italy. Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Check out the official website (Japanese only).
Anno and the cast at the press conference. Photo: Sports Hoichi
With Hideaki Anno's GODZILLA RESURGENCE less than ten days from release, Toho held a new press conference on the film earlier today in Tokyo. On stage were Director Anno, producer Akihiro Yamauchi, and the film's three leads, Hiromi Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, and Satomi Ishihara. RESURGENCE has been sold to 100 territories across the globe as of July 19th, with more pending. Conversely, 12 years ago, GODZILLA FINAL WARS was sold to 67 territories, worldwide.
Toho announced at the press conference that the film will open in Taiwan on August 12, the Philippines on August 24, Hong Kong and Macao on August 25, and Thailand on September 8th. Toho said that after 12 years since the last production, this new Japanese-made Godzilla is likely to cause a whirlwind overseas, as RESURGENCE is released throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Yes, inside sources say a NA release may be announced shortly.
No further dates or territories were announced, but stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Check out the official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp
From the new, impressive trailer for GODZILLA RESURGENCE.
This past weekend, Toho released the first round of TV Spots for Hideaki Anno's upcoming feature film, GODZILLA RESURGENCE (Shin Gojira), which was also uploaded online. Then, on July 18th at 3:00 PM (Japan Time), the studio's YouTube account, Toho Movie Channel, posted the second and final, full-length theatrical trailer for the movie opening July 29th.
Three 15 Second TV Spots for GODZILLA RESURGENCE.
This new trailer features mostly all-new shots, scenes of destruction, some impressive visuals, and a completely new track of Shiro Sagisu's score, different from all of the previous trailers. Strictly for hardcore G-Nerds, the trailer — at the very end — reveals the Big G's signature radioactive death breath power-up, which looks a princely purple... So, what are you waiting for? Watch it, now:
2nd Full-length theatrical trailer for GODZILLA RESURGENCE.
Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Check out the official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp
Yumi (right) and Emi from the Weekly Yomiuri, September 9, 1972.
The sad news was just released that the former singer has now been reunited with her twin sister Emi, who passed away four years ago. Japanese media traditionally respects the privacy of the families of celebrities when it comes to their passing, so the media withheld this from the public until the family agreed to make a formal statement, and was issued by a representative of Watanabe Productions, their former management company.
One of their first magazine covers, Mainichi Graphic (June 28, 1959).
Yumi Ito (born Tsukiko Ito) was the melodic vocalist of The Peanuts, while Emi, held down the harmonies. When they started out, the sisters sang the melodies together, until they signed with Watanabe Productions. Even though they were technically identical, the twins could be readily told apart as Emi had distinctive, trademark moles by her eyes. During their early career, Yumi would have false moles applied, so they would appear more identical.
Their debut 45 Single, "Kawaii Hana", released April 1959.
From the years 1959 through 1975, they were known as the world-famous pop duo, "The Peanuts". Discovered as "The Ito Sisters" in a Nagoya restaurant, they released their first hit single, "Kawaii Hana" (Pretty Flower) in April 1959, a lyrical version of Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur". Between that July and December, they appeared in five films for as many studios, debuting in THE WONDERFUL AGE OF 19 for Shochiku and BASTARDS IN A CAGE for Toho.
The original Single for "The Daughters of Infant", issued in 1961.
While they are perhaps best known in the States for Toho's spectacle, MOTHRA (1961), by the time Ishiro Honda's film went into production, The Peanuts were already veterans of seventeen feature films, two weekly television variety shows, and a weekly radio show. They would reprise their role as the "Little Beauties" for MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA and THE GREATEST BATTLE ON EARTH, both released in 1964. Further appearances of the "Little Beauties" employed pale substitutes.
First issue of "The Song of Mothra"/"The Daughters of Infant", 1978.
While the song, "The Daughters of Infant", was the first Single release in conjunction with MOTHRA, back in late 1961, it wasn't the original recording from the movie. The Single was arranged and conducted by Hiroshi Miyagawa, their constant collaborator, who went on to world fame for his music to the Space Battleship Yamato franchise. Both of the songs from the film, by Yuji Koseki, weren't issued on any release until 1978 — three years after The Peanuts retired.
With the cast of "Rawhide" (Brinegar, Fleming, and Eastwood), 1962.
The Peanuts were my first introduction to Japanese pop music, which was only reinforced by my Aunt Camille, who gifted me a big stack of colored wax of early '60s J-Pop, bought while she and her husband were stationed in Japan. She saw my obsession with Japan and made it grow with these 45 Singles. But, The Peanuts are magic, their vocal harmonies during the final curtain in MOTHRA, still raises goosebumps on me to this day. Now, I can't believe they're gone.
Yumi (left) and Emi in Daiei's musical LEAPING LADY DAIMYO, 1961.
After retiring from singing in 1975, Yumi turned her career towards another passion: fashion design. And while the women whose voices sang, beautiful, wondrous melodies and harmonies, have left us to be joined together in the next world, those of us left behind still hold now the incredible gift of their lovely voices recorded for all and our posterity to come. Yumi Ito was 75 years old.
The completed final draft script for the half-hour preview special.
Before the scheduled premiere of ULTRAMAN on July 17, 1966, the TBS network proposed to bump up the broadcast date of the first episode ("Ultra Operation: No. 1") a week early, since the rival Fuji Television network were debuting their own color kaiju series on July 4th: AMBASSADOR MAGMA (which would beat Tsuburaya Productions’ show to the airwaves by nearly two weeks).
Eiji Tsuburaya told TBS that there would be no way to get the first episode on-air by the 10th, since the episodes were being shot out of sequential order and ULTRA Q was set to air its final episode on July 10th. Unfortunately, since it featured nary a monster, TBS already decided to pull the final episode of ULTRA Q, "Open Up!" (eventually broadcast in rerun on December 14, 1967).
So, at the beginning of June, TBS began considering options to cover the gap and give the Tsuburaya Productions the time needed to finish the premiere episode of ULTRAMAN. Then, after meetings between the network, Tsuburaya, and the sponsor, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, it was decided to produce a live, nationwide relay broadcast on July 10th and introduce Ultraman to the Japanese public.
Tentatively titled the "Ultraman Eve Festival", TBS Producer Takashi Kakoi, director Akio Jissoji (of "Modern Leaders"-fame), and writer Yuzo Higuchi (who was in charge of production on Ultraman from the TBS side), were appointed to supervise this live television special. The producers chose Tokyo’s Suginami Public Hall to host this television event.
Through a number of brainstorming sessions, Kinjo completed a preliminary teleplay, in which the three characters from ULTRA Q would appear on stage to bid their farewells to the audience. They planned to have actor Koji Ishizaka (Ultra Q's narrator) and popular singer Judy Ong appear as hosts, with the vocal group, The Bony Jacks, as the chorus singers for the special.
Tetsuo Kinjo wrote a revised second draft from the first, entitled "Ultraman: A Children’s Jamboree". Finally, after a third draft, dropping most of the early ideas (due to scheduling conflicts), the script was completed with the final title, "The Birth of Ultraman: An Ultraman Premiere Celebration". This new version, however, was more akin to a strange, high school production.
"Doctor Monster" devises a machine to bring back the monsters from ULTRA Q. kaiju are shuttled back and forth, then revolt, and joined by creatures appearing in ULTRAMAN. Anarchy ensues and Doctor Monster calls in the Science Investigation Agency. Even Eiji Tsuburaya was on hand, sitting in the audience like everyone else, before making his on-stage appearance with the cast of the new show.
While this was something of a mess, it served its purpose. The first episode of ULTRAMAN was delivered to TBS on July 13th, only four days before the initial broadcast, so it can be said that the decision to produce "The Birth of Ultraman" was a success, promoting the start of the series and introducing the characters of ULTRAMAN to the Japanese public, and striking back at Fuji Television.
ULTRAMAN's premiere the following Sunday, was a colossal success, and 50 years later, Ultraman kith and kin are still going strong as Japan’s foremost superhero — here's to another 50 years!
Now, watch the entire kinescope-captured special (no subtitles):
(By the way, Fuji Television's Ambassador Magma was later exported and broadcast in the US as The Space Giants.)
Eiji Tsuburaya, the Father of Ultraman was born 115 years ago!
The "Father of Japanese Special Visual Effects" was born on July 10, 1901 as Eiichi Tsumuraya in Sukagawa, Fukushima (according to the family register). As with his life, even his date of birth is steeped in legend — official sources have often listed that Eiji Tsuburaya was born on July 7th — a date of fortune in the tradition of Tanabata (meaning "Seven Evenings"), a Japanese star festival derived from the celebration of ancestors, know as Obon. Celebrated on July 7th or August 7th, Tanabata commemorates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair). Tanabata originated from the Chinese Festival to Plead for Skills (Oi Xi), which came to Japan in the Heian Period (795-1192), and spread to the public during the Edo Period (1603-1867), where it was then combined with Obon traditions. From the Edo Period, girls wished for better sewing and craftsmanship skills, while boys wished for better calligraphy skills, by writing wishes on strips of tanzaku paper, which were hung on bamboo trees. This tradition is still practiced today.
A Japanese claiming they were born on the Tanabata, was akin to an American saying they were born on Independence Day. So, even if Eiji Tsuburaya was not born on July 7th, the myth of being born on the Tanabata certainly was apt, because Tsuburaya would become famous for his multiple artistic and practical skills, which he had in spades — and eventually, the name Tsuburaya would become world-renown with the production of GODZILLA (1954).
First reveal teased by Bandai Collectors' Twitter account on July 8th.
Tamashii Nations, part of Bandai's Collectors Division, which has had great success with such adult-aimed products in the Tamashii Nations line, has launched a new division, announced at this very weekend's "Ultraman Day in the Suginami Public Hall" (where the "Ultraman is Born" premiere pre-show was held a half-century ago), under the moniker: Tamashii Lab.
Tamashii Lab's unveiling of the upcoming Science Patrol Supergun!
The first project out of their docket was unveiled at the "Ultraman Day" event, the trusty sidearm of the Science Investigation Agency, the "Supergun"! In the photos taken by fans attending the event, and Bandai Collector's Twitter account, this screen-accurate edition of the Supergun will come with two attachments seen in the series: Anti-Gravity Shell and the Balloon Marker.
Tamashii Lab's replica of the Supergun with special attachments.
With a number of garage kits and cottage industry outfits producing screen-accurate versions of the Supergun over the last few years (most out of resin, fiberglass, polystone, and even metal), and with various attachments, Tamashii Lab's over-the-counter product will most likely be the definitive (and perhaps cheaper) version. Although they'd better make the rest of the attachments, too.
Tamashii Lab's Special Attachments for their pending Supergun.
According to the freshman Tamashii Lab's website, "Based on years of advanced modeling techniques that Collectors Division has acquired, Bandai also adds its know-how to develop "most wanted items" from live action productions, exhaustively researched down to the most minute detail.
Original metal Supergun prop with all of the paint details worn off.
"And each and every time, the concepts will also change. Sometimes using the latest technology, and sometimes employing traditional methods. We aim to make products that will prove more surprising than the real thing."
Previous polystone version issued by Stealth Tanaka and A-Toys.
As of this writing, the release date for Tamashii Lab's Supergun was announced for December 2016, with the manufacturer's suggested retail price set at ¥12960 ($122 USD). This new diecast Supergun will feature sound effects of the ray emitter, as well as the cries of 40 monsters from the show, and various sound effects activated by the two PVC attachments. I'd say this is a hands-down winner!
Demo video featuring actor Susumu Kurobe who played Hayata!
Here's the main English image art for the all-new ULTRAMAN ORB.
Crunchyroll, the mighty anime streaming service, which announced its aim to expand into more live action titles (or tokusatsu, the term for special effects productions), has already unleashed a plethora of Ultraman upon the US, Europe, and Latin America over the last two years. And on July 8th at 7:00 pm PDT, will begin simulcasting the latest series, ULTRAMAN ORB, in a tandem with the series' premiere on Japanese television for the 50th Anniversary of the franchise.
Orb's Spacium-Zephyrion form combines Ultraman & Ultraman Tiga.
Bowing on July 9th in Japan, ULTRAMAN ORB, produced by Tsuburaya Productions and broadcast on TV Tokyo, will be the first of the recent "Ultra Series" to not produced under the "Ultraman Retsuden" banner. Returning is director Kiyotaka Taguchi (Ultraman X), who promised in an Uchusen magazine interview, that the new series would return the franchise's roots and the themes of traveling a noble path, while still being a fun story. ORB is slated to run 25 episodes.
The Hurricane-Slash form combines Ultraman Jack & Ultraman Zero.
Once upon a time, the Earth was saved from total destruction when Ultraman and Ultraman Tiga sealed away a horde of demonic beasts. Since childhood, Naomi Yumeno, has sensed these terrible monsters, and as a young woman launches the SSP investigation site. When she is threatened by one of the kaiju, and is saved by Gai Kurenai, who is in reality the warrior known as Ultraman Orb! But, a mysterious, evil figure is lurking in the shadows to challenge Orb...
The Burn-Mite form combines Ultraman Taro & Ultraman Mebius.
Be sure start watching ULTRAMAN ORB tonight on Crunchyroll at 7:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time, and then join them each and every week for this special simulcast presentation of the latest in the Ultraman franchise — available worldwide (excluding Asia) — same Ultra Time, same Ultra Channel!
Check out the official Ultraman Orb wesbite (Japanese only), here.
At a fit 73, Satoshi "Bin" Furuya still has the right "Ultra Stuff"!
On the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the seminal ULTRAMAN series, read more about the man who played the red and silver hero from the stars, here! This July 15th-17th, Mr. Furuya will be appearing at G-Fest XXIII in Chicago, along with his co-star Hiroko Sakurai, who played Akiko Fuji. If you're a fan, its your duty to come by and wish Mr. Ultraman a very happy ultra birthday! Read about my thoughts on Mr. Furuya, here.
"TV Guide" full-page color preview (Tokyo News Service, Ltd.).
Bowing on Japan's TBS television network on July 17, 1966, Tsuburaya Productions' ULTRAMAN was not only an instant and colossal success at home, but also abroad, as it was syndicated to North America and Latin American countries through United Artists Television. Creating generations of fans across the globe, with new incarnations appearing on television and cinema screens, as well as the originals, thrilling both old and new, alike.
As a five year old, I was captivated by those daily doses of ultra kaiju action which flooded into my living room every weekday, and left an permanent mark upon my young psyche. A malady from which I never recovered. Despite vanishing from local airwaves, this wondrous sci-fi action series remained in my mind. In those days, there was little or no merchandise to be found in the US, until a fateful school field trip to San Francisco's Japantown changed everything.
Toys, books, magazines, records, and more were laid before me in now-defunct shops such as Goshado, Nichibei Bussan, and Mikado. Not only was there an entire Ultra Family, an entirely new world superheroes and monsters flooded into my consciousness, and so my fate was sealed. It was not long afterwards that ULTRAMAN returned to Northern California television, and this time, we would not be separated ever again.
While I live and breathe the vast pantheon of Japanese superheroes and kaiju, both great and small, my favorite series and my eternally favorite savior from the stars will always be the original Ultraman — protector of the world! In honor of this anniversary, I will be posting a number of Ultraman-related pieces all month, so happy anniversary to ULTRAMAN, one of the greatest television series of all time! And remember, it's all your fault (just kidding).
You can stream all 39 episodes of the original, uncut ULTRAMAN, with English Subtitles, for free at Shout Factory TV!
Two-time 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 events for more than three decades. As a teen, he served as Horror Host Bob Wilkins' "Japanese Film" & "Godzilla Expert" at KTVU TV-2. And has lectured at Lucasfilm.
He has contributed liner notes for numerous DVD releases, edited and authored over 150 subtitle scripts, and written for 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.
As an events promoter, the San Francisco-born native hosted the "Japanese Fantasy Film Faire" (1979), the first Anime & Tokusatsu event outside of Japan, and has gone on to produce live music and multi-media events including The Sleazefest, Incredibly Strange Wrestling, The Greaseball, Godzillafest, and Shock It To Me!.
MST3K Vol. XXXVII Shout! Factory, 2016 •On-screen Intro for INVASION OF THE NEPTUNE MEN
GODZILLA (2014) Warner Bros/Target Exclusive •"History of Godzilla" documentary
ULTRA Q: The Complete Series Shout! Factory •Downloadable PDF Liner Notes
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
ULTRA SEVEN: The Complete Series Shout! Factory •24-page Liner Notes Booklet • Package Copy
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!
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