Page from Shonen Sunday's New Year's Kaiju Special, January 1967.
Showing posts with label Kaiju. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kaiju. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2016
"GREAT MONSTER WAR" HAPPY NEW YEAR: 1967 Godzilla & Rodan Footprint New Year's Cards
怪獣賀年状、週刊少年サンデー 昭和42年1月28日号 付録！
Page from Shonen Sunday's New Year's Kaiju Special, January 1967.
Page from Shonen Sunday's New Year's Kaiju Special, January 1967.
Friday, July 1, 2016
"ULTRAMAN" TURNS 50 THIS MONTH: JULY 2016!
From "Weekly TV Guide" #199, June 24, 1966
お祝い『ウルトラマン』放送50周年記念
"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!
"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!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA!
November 3, 1954
ゴジラよ、誕生日おめでとう !
Don't hate him because he's beautiful! The "Big G" has turned 61!
Don't hate him because he's beautiful! The "Big G" has turned 61!
Friday, September 25, 2015
BILLIKEN REAL MODEL KIT SERIES: "JIRASS"
ULTRAMAN's Moonlighting Godzilla in Soft Vinyl!
リアルモデルキットシリーズ新作、ジラースを発売いたします。
Billiken's first Real Model Kit addition in two years: Jirass!
For more than three decades, the world famous vinyl kit maker, and vintage toy shop, Billiken Shokai, has produced an endless number of high-end figures, tin toys, and affordable vinyl kits, including a huge parade of monsters — both east and west — ranging from Beulah (It Conquered the World) to Lon Chaney's Erik (Phantom of the Opera). Not to mention a swarm of Godzillas and an army of creatures from Toho's kaiju eiga and the Ultraman pantheon.
A face only a mother... Incredible attention to detail, in vinyl!
Jirass is the latest in Billiken's long-running and highly-lauded "Real Model Kit" series, sculpted by master Kiyotaka Sugo. While Billiken's founder, Hayao Hama is renown as an incredible sculptor (handling most the Ultra characters, for example), every iteration of Godzilla he's produced has been a collaboration between them, with Sugo flying solo on such kits as Mechani Kong (King Kong Escapes) and Baragon (Frankenstein Conquers the World).
Does this beast from Episode 10 of ULTRAMAN (1966) look familiar?
So, who is this frilled, man-made dinosaur, anyhow? Jirass, while not described in the original teleplay, is a prehistoric monster created by a mad scientist ('natch), the design was inspired by the frilled lizard, Chlamydosaurus. With people joking, "Who would win: Godzilla or Ultraman?", Executive producer Eiji Tsuburaya, ordered his staff to redress one of the Big G's monster suits. But, it wasn't a simple case of merely sticking new parts any old Godzilla laying around.
A hybrid Godzilla suit, created for a display, would become Jirass...
May 1966, a kaiju event was staged at a department store in Tokyo's Ueno Ward, and a Godzilla was needed for a display. Tsuburaya had his team rescue the suit repurposed for Gomess (seen in the first episode of Ultra Q), last employed in GHIDRAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (originally created for Mothra vs. Godzilla), and restore it. The head was swapped out with the one built for MONSTER ZERO, and modified. When the episode went into production, they added a giant frill, bright colorways, and... Voilà!
Here's the formidable, frilled, man-made dinosaur... Jirass!
In the episode, "Mystery of the Dinosaur Base" (teleplay by Tetsuo Kinjo and directed by Kazuho Mitsuta), Kinjo's scenario does not outline the details of the fight scenes, which were left up to effects director Koichi Takano, and actors Satoshi "Bin" Furuya (Ultraman) and Haruo Nakajima (Jirass). It was then decided to have the silver and red superhero rip the frill from the monster's neck, allowing for a brief — and "unauthorized" — "Godzilla vs. Ultraman" sequence.
Left quarter view of the prototype pull of Billiken's Jirass.
Over the years, Jirass has gone on to become one of the most iconic of the Ultra Monsters, and a number of great garage kits and over-the-counter toys have been made in his likeness from companies such as Falchion, X-Plus, Fewture, Yamanaya, Bandai, and Bullmark. While I stand partial to the dynamic pose of the 25cm version from X-Plus, I believe the Billiken is going to be the beast to beat, towering over 30cm (12") — although it comes unpainted.
Rear right quarter view of the prototype pull of Billiken's Jirass.
The "Billiken Real Model Kit Series: Jirass" will available for pre-sale to those attending Super Festival 69 in Tokyo on Sunday, September 27th. In-store pre-orders will also be taken that same day, at Billiken Shokai, located in Tokyo's Minato Ward. Over-the-counter sales will be open at Billiken Shokai on Tuesday, September 29th, commencing at Noon (Japan Time). Unassembled and unpainted, and molded in "Billiken Godzilla Blue" vinyl, Jirass retails for ¥6500 ($54.00 USD). The color sample in the top image was painted by Kazuhiko Uchida.
Can't wait to get my hands on one!
Billiken's first Real Model Kit addition in two years: Jirass!
For more than three decades, the world famous vinyl kit maker, and vintage toy shop, Billiken Shokai, has produced an endless number of high-end figures, tin toys, and affordable vinyl kits, including a huge parade of monsters — both east and west — ranging from Beulah (It Conquered the World) to Lon Chaney's Erik (Phantom of the Opera). Not to mention a swarm of Godzillas and an army of creatures from Toho's kaiju eiga and the Ultraman pantheon.
A face only a mother... Incredible attention to detail, in vinyl!
Jirass is the latest in Billiken's long-running and highly-lauded "Real Model Kit" series, sculpted by master Kiyotaka Sugo. While Billiken's founder, Hayao Hama is renown as an incredible sculptor (handling most the Ultra characters, for example), every iteration of Godzilla he's produced has been a collaboration between them, with Sugo flying solo on such kits as Mechani Kong (King Kong Escapes) and Baragon (Frankenstein Conquers the World).
Does this beast from Episode 10 of ULTRAMAN (1966) look familiar?
So, who is this frilled, man-made dinosaur, anyhow? Jirass, while not described in the original teleplay, is a prehistoric monster created by a mad scientist ('natch), the design was inspired by the frilled lizard, Chlamydosaurus. With people joking, "Who would win: Godzilla or Ultraman?", Executive producer Eiji Tsuburaya, ordered his staff to redress one of the Big G's monster suits. But, it wasn't a simple case of merely sticking new parts any old Godzilla laying around.
A hybrid Godzilla suit, created for a display, would become Jirass...
May 1966, a kaiju event was staged at a department store in Tokyo's Ueno Ward, and a Godzilla was needed for a display. Tsuburaya had his team rescue the suit repurposed for Gomess (seen in the first episode of Ultra Q), last employed in GHIDRAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (originally created for Mothra vs. Godzilla), and restore it. The head was swapped out with the one built for MONSTER ZERO, and modified. When the episode went into production, they added a giant frill, bright colorways, and... Voilà!
Here's the formidable, frilled, man-made dinosaur... Jirass!
In the episode, "Mystery of the Dinosaur Base" (teleplay by Tetsuo Kinjo and directed by Kazuho Mitsuta), Kinjo's scenario does not outline the details of the fight scenes, which were left up to effects director Koichi Takano, and actors Satoshi "Bin" Furuya (Ultraman) and Haruo Nakajima (Jirass). It was then decided to have the silver and red superhero rip the frill from the monster's neck, allowing for a brief — and "unauthorized" — "Godzilla vs. Ultraman" sequence.
Left quarter view of the prototype pull of Billiken's Jirass.
Over the years, Jirass has gone on to become one of the most iconic of the Ultra Monsters, and a number of great garage kits and over-the-counter toys have been made in his likeness from companies such as Falchion, X-Plus, Fewture, Yamanaya, Bandai, and Bullmark. While I stand partial to the dynamic pose of the 25cm version from X-Plus, I believe the Billiken is going to be the beast to beat, towering over 30cm (12") — although it comes unpainted.
Rear right quarter view of the prototype pull of Billiken's Jirass.
The "Billiken Real Model Kit Series: Jirass" will available for pre-sale to those attending Super Festival 69 in Tokyo on Sunday, September 27th. In-store pre-orders will also be taken that same day, at Billiken Shokai, located in Tokyo's Minato Ward. Over-the-counter sales will be open at Billiken Shokai on Tuesday, September 29th, commencing at Noon (Japan Time). Unassembled and unpainted, and molded in "Billiken Godzilla Blue" vinyl, Jirass retails for ¥6500 ($54.00 USD). The color sample in the top image was painted by Kazuhiko Uchida.
Can't wait to get my hands on one!
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
NEXT GODZILLA NOW ENTITLED "SHIN GODZILLA"
Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
長谷川博己主演で最新作『シン・ゴジラ』！
Hiroki Hasegawa will star as an unspecified "Government Official".
Next summer, the first Japanese Godzilla in 12 years will be released, and on September 22nd, the main cast for the contemporary film was announced. The lead star is Hiroki Hasegawa (some mistranslating his given name as "Hiromi"), who will play a "government official" dealing with monster's rampage. The 38 year-old Hasegawa, aka "Hasehiro", has acted on stage, television and film, recently starring as Ryoichi Suzuki in Shion Sono's LOVE & PEACE (2015) and Shikishima in Shinji Higuchi's ATTACK ON TITAN (2015).
Popular Yutaka Takenouchi will also play a "Government Official".
Hasegawa's male co-star is Yutaka Takenouchi, who began his career as a model, and made his acting debut in the television drama, MY FIRST JOB (1994). In 2002, the 44 year-old Takenouchi received a Best Actor nomination by the Japanese Academy Awards for Isamu Nakae's CALMI CUORI APPASSIONATI (2001). Also in demand for television and commercials, he recently starred as Captain Sakae Oba in Hideyuki Hirayama's Pacific War saga, OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI (2011), as well as Yukihiko Nishino in Nami Iguchi's THE TALE OF NISHINO (2014).
Satomi Ishihara's role was described by Toho as a "U.S. Agent."
Winning numerous acting awards, Satomi Ishihara was voted Vogue Japan's Woman of the Year in 2010, ranked as 25th and 32nd by T.C. Candler's Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Faces in 2014 and 2013, and received Jewelry World's Best Woman of the Year award in 2015. The 28 year-old model first made her screen debut as Sanju in Toshiro Saiga's HOGI-LALA (2002), under the stage name "Kuniko Ishigami". With numerous television and screen credits, Ishihara recently starred as Kanoe Kumoi in Hideo Tanaka's MONSTERZ (2014) and as Hange in Shinji Higuchi's ATTACK ON TITAN (2015).
The official katakana title logo in the style of the 1954 original.
While the supporting cast has yet to be revealed by Toho, principal photography has already begun, under the title "シン・ゴジラ" (Shin Gojira), which was announced as official during the press conference on September 22nd. This title has been rendered in katakana, the writing system usually reserved for foreign words — with "Gojira", of course, being "Godzilla" — while "Shin" is a triple-entendre reading of the kanji characters for "新" (new), "真" (true), "神" (god), according to the film's Supervising Director Hideaki Anno, best known to fans throughout the world for NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.
Shooting panic scenes in Tokyo's Ota Ward. Photo by Shimpei Kanada.
Toho is confident in Hasegawa abilities in being the pillar of SHIN GODZILLA's cast, in representing the best Japan has to offer, to which the actor stated, "It's no exaggeration to say that he's world-famous, so who wouldn't want to be involved in a Godzilla production?" and shouted, "I want to give this role all I've got!" His fellow cast member, Takenouchi declared that after 61 years since the original, this will be the 29th and best of them all, "With a deeper message." While she received the offer over the phone, Ishihara shouted "Alright!", but now she's feeling the pressure from all of her English dialogue. She admitted, "Sometimes it's so frustrating, I just wanted to cry."
What will the new Japanese Godzilla look like? The world awaits!
It was previously stated that the Big G appearing in SHIN GODZILLA would be taller than the 108-meter long creature appearing in Gareth Edwards' GODZILLA (2014). Undoubtedly, when this new Godzilla is finally revealed, for the first time in twelve years, he'll garner even far more attention than the human cast. More importantly, what will this new "Shin Godzilla" look like? Are the rumors of his design and designers true? And how will he be brought to life? So, stay tuned for more details as it develops, as the true King of the Monsters returns to the screen once again!
Based on various Japanese news reports including Sanspo.com and the official "Shin Godzilla" website.
Previous reports on SHIN GODZILLA:
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!
Hiroki Hasegawa will star as an unspecified "Government Official".
Next summer, the first Japanese Godzilla in 12 years will be released, and on September 22nd, the main cast for the contemporary film was announced. The lead star is Hiroki Hasegawa (some mistranslating his given name as "Hiromi"), who will play a "government official" dealing with monster's rampage. The 38 year-old Hasegawa, aka "Hasehiro", has acted on stage, television and film, recently starring as Ryoichi Suzuki in Shion Sono's LOVE & PEACE (2015) and Shikishima in Shinji Higuchi's ATTACK ON TITAN (2015).
Popular Yutaka Takenouchi will also play a "Government Official".
Hasegawa's male co-star is Yutaka Takenouchi, who began his career as a model, and made his acting debut in the television drama, MY FIRST JOB (1994). In 2002, the 44 year-old Takenouchi received a Best Actor nomination by the Japanese Academy Awards for Isamu Nakae's CALMI CUORI APPASSIONATI (2001). Also in demand for television and commercials, he recently starred as Captain Sakae Oba in Hideyuki Hirayama's Pacific War saga, OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI (2011), as well as Yukihiko Nishino in Nami Iguchi's THE TALE OF NISHINO (2014).
Satomi Ishihara's role was described by Toho as a "U.S. Agent."
Winning numerous acting awards, Satomi Ishihara was voted Vogue Japan's Woman of the Year in 2010, ranked as 25th and 32nd by T.C. Candler's Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Faces in 2014 and 2013, and received Jewelry World's Best Woman of the Year award in 2015. The 28 year-old model first made her screen debut as Sanju in Toshiro Saiga's HOGI-LALA (2002), under the stage name "Kuniko Ishigami". With numerous television and screen credits, Ishihara recently starred as Kanoe Kumoi in Hideo Tanaka's MONSTERZ (2014) and as Hange in Shinji Higuchi's ATTACK ON TITAN (2015).
The official katakana title logo in the style of the 1954 original.
While the supporting cast has yet to be revealed by Toho, principal photography has already begun, under the title "シン・ゴジラ" (Shin Gojira), which was announced as official during the press conference on September 22nd. This title has been rendered in katakana, the writing system usually reserved for foreign words — with "Gojira", of course, being "Godzilla" — while "Shin" is a triple-entendre reading of the kanji characters for "新" (new), "真" (true), "神" (god), according to the film's Supervising Director Hideaki Anno, best known to fans throughout the world for NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.
Shooting panic scenes in Tokyo's Ota Ward. Photo by Shimpei Kanada.
Toho is confident in Hasegawa abilities in being the pillar of SHIN GODZILLA's cast, in representing the best Japan has to offer, to which the actor stated, "It's no exaggeration to say that he's world-famous, so who wouldn't want to be involved in a Godzilla production?" and shouted, "I want to give this role all I've got!" His fellow cast member, Takenouchi declared that after 61 years since the original, this will be the 29th and best of them all, "With a deeper message." While she received the offer over the phone, Ishihara shouted "Alright!", but now she's feeling the pressure from all of her English dialogue. She admitted, "Sometimes it's so frustrating, I just wanted to cry."
What will the new Japanese Godzilla look like? The world awaits!
It was previously stated that the Big G appearing in SHIN GODZILLA would be taller than the 108-meter long creature appearing in Gareth Edwards' GODZILLA (2014). Undoubtedly, when this new Godzilla is finally revealed, for the first time in twelve years, he'll garner even far more attention than the human cast. More importantly, what will this new "Shin Godzilla" look like? Are the rumors of his design and designers true? And how will he be brought to life? So, stay tuned for more details as it develops, as the true King of the Monsters returns to the screen once again!
Based on various Japanese news reports including Sanspo.com and the official "Shin Godzilla" website.
Previous reports on SHIN GODZILLA:
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
HOSTING SHOUT'S "KAIJU MOVIE MARATHON"
24-Hours of Japanese Monster Movies and Me!
新番組『怪獣映画大会』登場！
The monstrous event starts this Saturday at Midnight, Eastern Time!
Prepare yourselves for something monstrous on July 18th...
Shout! Factory TV has teamed up with the original monster fan magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland, to bring you the Kaiju Movie Marathon! Featuring nine classic Showa-era kaiju eiga (Japanese monster movies) from Toho Studios, spotlighting Godzilla, including hand-picked episodes of Tsuburaya Productions' ULTRA Q (1966) and ULTRA SEVEN (1967), streaming live for 24 hours on July 18th (from midnight to midnight Eastern Time). Hosted by Yours Truly!
Back in March, I was approached by a creative team at Shout! Factory to see if I wanted to be involved in this project, and I couldn't say no. Not only because this would be a fantastic opportunity, but because it was a chance to become a full, red-blooded, American Horror Host, just like my childhood hero, Bob Wilkins of "Creature Features" fame (if just for one day). They forwarded a rough script and told me to "make it your own." And that's exactly what I did.
We shot all of my segments in late June and I hope that everyone will enjoy them — I tried to keep it light, have fun with the material, but also be informative, drop some little known facts, and be completely respectful to the films and the genre (why wouldn't I? I love these films). I brought along some of my favorite Bullmark figures, several original movie posters, and some "Creature Features" tributes to decorate the set (shot at Chronicle Books in San Francisco).
Director Brian Blum, Cameraman Michael Bloom, and I had a blast!
This weekend's event will stream at www.shoutfactorytvlive.com. For mobile, tablet and connected TV devices the marathon is accessible via the Pluto TV app. The marathon is also available via Pluto TV (CH 427) in the living room (Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Chromecast and Apple Airplay), on the go (apps for iOS, Android and Amazon) and at your fingertips on PCs, Macs via the web.
THE "KAIJU MOVIE MARATHON" SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
12:00 am — GODZILLA: The Uncut Japanese Original (1954)
01:45 am — ULTRA Q (1966)
05:15 am — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
06:30 am — GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS (1954)
08:15 am — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
09:00 am — RODAN (1956)
10:30 am — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
11:15 am — GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955)
12:45 pm — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
01:30 pm — GODZILLA VS. THE THING (1964)
03:15 pm — GHIDRAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964)
05:00 pm — MONSTER ZERO (1965)
06:45 pm — GODZILLA'S REVENGE (1969)
08:15 pm — TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975)
10:00 pm — Repeat: GODZILLA: The Uncut Japanese Original (1954)
11:45 pm — Repeat: GODZILLA'S REVENGE (1969)
01:15 am — Repeat: TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975)
Just a note on the episodes I picked for this special presentation; all of them were not picked as the best of their respective series, but as the best of the kaiju-oriented episodes of each show. So, tune in for the kaiju calamity on July 18th, and live tweet with #godzilla. Shout! Factory TV and Famous Monsters of Filmland will be giving away prizes to fans and viewers of the marathon, including a $100 gift certificate for Shout! Factory merchandize.
In the words of Bob Wilkins, remember to "Watch Horror Films... Keep America Strong!"
(Viewers outside North America can view via Channel 427 on Pluto TV.)
The monstrous event starts this Saturday at Midnight, Eastern Time!
Prepare yourselves for something monstrous on July 18th...
Shout! Factory TV has teamed up with the original monster fan magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland, to bring you the Kaiju Movie Marathon! Featuring nine classic Showa-era kaiju eiga (Japanese monster movies) from Toho Studios, spotlighting Godzilla, including hand-picked episodes of Tsuburaya Productions' ULTRA Q (1966) and ULTRA SEVEN (1967), streaming live for 24 hours on July 18th (from midnight to midnight Eastern Time). Hosted by Yours Truly!
Back in March, I was approached by a creative team at Shout! Factory to see if I wanted to be involved in this project, and I couldn't say no. Not only because this would be a fantastic opportunity, but because it was a chance to become a full, red-blooded, American Horror Host, just like my childhood hero, Bob Wilkins of "Creature Features" fame (if just for one day). They forwarded a rough script and told me to "make it your own." And that's exactly what I did.
We shot all of my segments in late June and I hope that everyone will enjoy them — I tried to keep it light, have fun with the material, but also be informative, drop some little known facts, and be completely respectful to the films and the genre (why wouldn't I? I love these films). I brought along some of my favorite Bullmark figures, several original movie posters, and some "Creature Features" tributes to decorate the set (shot at Chronicle Books in San Francisco).
Director Brian Blum, Cameraman Michael Bloom, and I had a blast!
This weekend's event will stream at www.shoutfactorytvlive.com. For mobile, tablet and connected TV devices the marathon is accessible via the Pluto TV app. The marathon is also available via Pluto TV (CH 427) in the living room (Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Chromecast and Apple Airplay), on the go (apps for iOS, Android and Amazon) and at your fingertips on PCs, Macs via the web.
THE "KAIJU MOVIE MARATHON" SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
12:00 am — GODZILLA: The Uncut Japanese Original (1954)
01:45 am — ULTRA Q (1966)
05:15 am — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
06:30 am — GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS (1954)
08:15 am — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
09:00 am — RODAN (1956)
10:30 am — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
11:15 am — GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955)
12:45 pm — ULTRA SEVEN (1967)
01:30 pm — GODZILLA VS. THE THING (1964)
03:15 pm — GHIDRAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964)
05:00 pm — MONSTER ZERO (1965)
06:45 pm — GODZILLA'S REVENGE (1969)
08:15 pm — TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975)
10:00 pm — Repeat: GODZILLA: The Uncut Japanese Original (1954)
11:45 pm — Repeat: GODZILLA'S REVENGE (1969)
01:15 am — Repeat: TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975)
Just a note on the episodes I picked for this special presentation; all of them were not picked as the best of their respective series, but as the best of the kaiju-oriented episodes of each show. So, tune in for the kaiju calamity on July 18th, and live tweet with #godzilla. Shout! Factory TV and Famous Monsters of Filmland will be giving away prizes to fans and viewers of the marathon, including a $100 gift certificate for Shout! Factory merchandize.
In the words of Bob Wilkins, remember to "Watch Horror Films... Keep America Strong!"
(Viewers outside North America can view via Channel 427 on Pluto TV.)
Saturday, July 4, 2015
SHOUTING KAIJU & STREAMING SUPERHEROES
ULTRA Q & ULTRA SEVEN on Shout! Factory TV!
ストリーミング『ウルトラQ』と『ウルトラセブン』VOD !
Watch episodes of ULTRA Q online anywhere or on your TV via Roku!
Launching this past February, Shout! Factory TV is a free "premiere digital entertainment streaming service that brings timeless and contemporary cult favorites to pop culture fans," with the "highest quality video available for all titles," free-to-consumer ad supported, original videos, special bonus behind-the-scenes featurettes, and live programming (such as the Mystery Science Theater 3000 Turkey Day Marathon).
Watch episodes of ULTRA SEVEN online or on your TV via Roku!
On July 1st, the service uploaded all 28-episodes of the classic 1966 kaiju-fantasy series ULTRA Q (click link to start viewing), precursor to ULTRAMAN, and 48-episodes of the 1967 sci-fi superhero series ULTRA SEVEN (click to start viewing), which followed ULTRAMAN, produced by Eiji Tsuburaya's world-renown Tsuburaya Productions, and are fully subtitled in English!
So, for any of those of you in North America who passed on picking up the either or both of these series on DVD from the Shout! Factory label — here's your chance to see both of these classic series and find out what all the fuss is about. So, tune in and kaiju out!
Watch episodes of ULTRA Q online anywhere or on your TV via Roku!
Launching this past February, Shout! Factory TV is a free "premiere digital entertainment streaming service that brings timeless and contemporary cult favorites to pop culture fans," with the "highest quality video available for all titles," free-to-consumer ad supported, original videos, special bonus behind-the-scenes featurettes, and live programming (such as the Mystery Science Theater 3000 Turkey Day Marathon).
Watch episodes of ULTRA SEVEN online or on your TV via Roku!
On July 1st, the service uploaded all 28-episodes of the classic 1966 kaiju-fantasy series ULTRA Q (click link to start viewing), precursor to ULTRAMAN, and 48-episodes of the 1967 sci-fi superhero series ULTRA SEVEN (click to start viewing), which followed ULTRAMAN, produced by Eiji Tsuburaya's world-renown Tsuburaya Productions, and are fully subtitled in English!
So, for any of those of you in North America who passed on picking up the either or both of these series on DVD from the Shout! Factory label — here's your chance to see both of these classic series and find out what all the fuss is about. So, tune in and kaiju out!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
RETURN OF THE "KAIJU SAKABA" MONSTER BAR!
Brew, Snacks, and Kaiju Come to Osaka in April
『元祖怪獣酒場』が大阪なんばに登場 ! 2015年4月下旬オープン！
Kanegon welcomes you to Osaka's new "Original Monster Bar" in April!
On the eve of this month's closing of the "Kaiju Sakaba" (The Monster Bar) in Kawasaki, near Tokyo (with a cryptic notice on their website concerning the spot undergoing "relocation"), Tsuburaya Productions has just announced a new pub: "Genso Kaiju Sakaba" (The Original Monster Bar) will be opening in Osaka this coming April for a daily immersive experience of drinks, eats, and monsters, monsters, monsters. If you've been lucky enough to visit the Kawasaki pub, you know how fun it will be!
Crazy Kanegon is cooing koo-koos to open shop this spring in Osaka!
While the Kawasaki pub was "managed" by the nefarious insectoid alien, Baltan (seen in Ultraman), the Osaka spin-off will be similarly "managed" by the whimsical and weird money-munching mutant, Kanegon (from Ultra Q)! The new website (Japanese only) has put a call out soliciting for part time staff at this new location near Nanba Station, Osaka. So, next time you're in town, be sure to stop in and hang out with the Ultra Monsters!
Kanegon welcomes you to Osaka's new "Original Monster Bar" in April!
On the eve of this month's closing of the "Kaiju Sakaba" (The Monster Bar) in Kawasaki, near Tokyo (with a cryptic notice on their website concerning the spot undergoing "relocation"), Tsuburaya Productions has just announced a new pub: "Genso Kaiju Sakaba" (The Original Monster Bar) will be opening in Osaka this coming April for a daily immersive experience of drinks, eats, and monsters, monsters, monsters. If you've been lucky enough to visit the Kawasaki pub, you know how fun it will be!
Crazy Kanegon is cooing koo-koos to open shop this spring in Osaka!
While the Kawasaki pub was "managed" by the nefarious insectoid alien, Baltan (seen in Ultraman), the Osaka spin-off will be similarly "managed" by the whimsical and weird money-munching mutant, Kanegon (from Ultra Q)! The new website (Japanese only) has put a call out soliciting for part time staff at this new location near Nanba Station, Osaka. So, next time you're in town, be sure to stop in and hang out with the Ultra Monsters!
Monday, March 2, 2015
ULTRAMAN MONUMENT UNVEILED IN FUKUSHIMA
New Tributes Unveiled in Tsuburaya's Hometown
来たぞ我らのウルトラマン像 ! 故・円谷監督の出身地に ...
Mayor Hashimoto with 4-year old Ultra Fan, Kosuke Mastsuzaki.
On March 1st in Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, four fiberglass statues were unveiled of Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Gomora and Eleking along the street where the house that Eiji Tsuburaya (1901-1970) was born in once stood — honoring the birthplace of the legendary film-maker who created the traditional Japanese cinema art form of Tokusatsu (special visual effects). Mayor Katsuya Hashimoto, hopes these installations will help attract more tourism to Sukagawa.
Statue of one of the most popular of all the Ultra heroes, Ultra Seven!
Interviewed by the Asashi Shimbun's Naoyuki Takahashi, Hashimoto said, "When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, we had citizens who helped many others rather than dwelling on their own personal disasters. I want our city to be full of such citizens who embody the Ultraman spirit."
The mighty Gomora roars in the night along peaceful Taimatsu-dori!
This is not the first cooperative between the city of Sukagawa and Tsuburaya Productions, the company that Eiji built. As part of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the company, in May of 2013, Sukagawa was officially christened as the Sister City to the "Land of Light," the homeworld of Ultraman in the Nebula — becoming the virtual town of "Sukagawa M78: Town of Light." With the city hall accepting resident registration applications (!).
The eerie Eleking howls during the Full Moon over Sukagawa City!
This was followed by the unveiling of an actual stone, art deco-style edifice of Ultraman in front of Sukagawa's main train station on July 7, 2013 (the fictitious birthdate of Eiji Tsuburaya, which falls on the Tanabata), commemorating the "Sister City" status. Of course, there have been Ultraman statues and a permanent exhibit at Fukushima Airport since 2008, including displays with some original props from the pantheon of the long-running series.
The beautiful art deco-style Ultraman sculpture at Sukagawa Station!
On December 28, 2014, the first of six "Ultraman Mailboxes" was christened at Fukushima Airport, a co-op between Japan Post Co., Ltd., Tsuburaya Productions, and the Fukushima Airport Building Co,, Ltd. Letters and Postcards dropped into these special mailboxes will be postmarked with a special design incorporating Ultraman with Peonies, the official flower of Sukagawa. The others are stationed at various locations around Sukagawa.
Sukagawa's Postmaster drops in the first piece of mail into the box!
Needless to say, Sukagawa has other, and older tributes to the "Old Man" and his children from the Ultra Series — and while there's always the Soshigaya "Ultraman Town" walk in Tokyo, one really just needs to take a side trip to the birthplace of Eiji Tsuburaya to get closer to where it all began.
Only in Japan... (and that's why its awesome.)
Mayor Hashimoto with 4-year old Ultra Fan, Kosuke Mastsuzaki.
On March 1st in Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture, four fiberglass statues were unveiled of Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Gomora and Eleking along the street where the house that Eiji Tsuburaya (1901-1970) was born in once stood — honoring the birthplace of the legendary film-maker who created the traditional Japanese cinema art form of Tokusatsu (special visual effects). Mayor Katsuya Hashimoto, hopes these installations will help attract more tourism to Sukagawa.
Statue of one of the most popular of all the Ultra heroes, Ultra Seven!
Interviewed by the Asashi Shimbun's Naoyuki Takahashi, Hashimoto said, "When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, we had citizens who helped many others rather than dwelling on their own personal disasters. I want our city to be full of such citizens who embody the Ultraman spirit."
The mighty Gomora roars in the night along peaceful Taimatsu-dori!
This is not the first cooperative between the city of Sukagawa and Tsuburaya Productions, the company that Eiji built. As part of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the company, in May of 2013, Sukagawa was officially christened as the Sister City to the "Land of Light," the homeworld of Ultraman in the Nebula — becoming the virtual town of "Sukagawa M78: Town of Light." With the city hall accepting resident registration applications (!).
The eerie Eleking howls during the Full Moon over Sukagawa City!
This was followed by the unveiling of an actual stone, art deco-style edifice of Ultraman in front of Sukagawa's main train station on July 7, 2013 (the fictitious birthdate of Eiji Tsuburaya, which falls on the Tanabata), commemorating the "Sister City" status. Of course, there have been Ultraman statues and a permanent exhibit at Fukushima Airport since 2008, including displays with some original props from the pantheon of the long-running series.
The beautiful art deco-style Ultraman sculpture at Sukagawa Station!
On December 28, 2014, the first of six "Ultraman Mailboxes" was christened at Fukushima Airport, a co-op between Japan Post Co., Ltd., Tsuburaya Productions, and the Fukushima Airport Building Co,, Ltd. Letters and Postcards dropped into these special mailboxes will be postmarked with a special design incorporating Ultraman with Peonies, the official flower of Sukagawa. The others are stationed at various locations around Sukagawa.
Sukagawa's Postmaster drops in the first piece of mail into the box!
Needless to say, Sukagawa has other, and older tributes to the "Old Man" and his children from the Ultra Series — and while there's always the Soshigaya "Ultraman Town" walk in Tokyo, one really just needs to take a side trip to the birthplace of Eiji Tsuburaya to get closer to where it all began.
Only in Japan... (and that's why its awesome.)
Friday, March 7, 2014
MOVE OVER GIDGET, ULTRAMAN GOES HAWAIIAN
"Ultra Hawaii" Promotes Vacations for Japanese
ウルトラマンタロウ、父、母が初めてのハワイ旅行!!
Shaka Taro and Jessica Michibata at launch event. Tokyo Pop Online
TOKYO: On March 6th, Ultraman Taro appeared on stage with Jessica Michibata, a Argentine-Japanese fashion model, to promote the launch of the "Ultra Hawaii" campaign of travel packages to the five islands — with a decidedly superheroic sense — by the Hawai‘i Tourism Japan Authority, and with the cooperation of twelve major travel companies. The campaign features Ultraman Taro, and his parents, Father of Ultra and Mother of Ultra, as well as Ultra Monsters, Baltan and Pygmon, acting as tourists and extolling the beauty and romance of Hawai'i.
This is Ultra Hawaii promotion video. ©Tsuburaya Productions
"Ultra Hawaii" has been organized to bring more tourism to the islands, as well as to get more Japanese to take their vacations in these special roadshow packages aimed at families, as well as couples who want to have a second honeymoon, renew their marriage vows, or celebrate wedding anniversaries. The Hawai‘i Tourism Japan Authority was established in January of last year, and is launching these special "Ultra Hawaii" packages starting in April 2014. A full-blown website went online March 5th, featuring the famous Tsuburaya Productions' characters.
Waikiki Surf Lesson in O'ahu. ©Tsuburaya Productions
The website not only features photos of the Ultra Family enjoying the beauty of Hawai'i, but also a series of humorous videos of the Ultra Family (as well as Baltan and Pygmon) dramatizing what you can also do on one's dream vacation to the six major islands: O'ahu, Hawai'i, Maui, Kaua'i, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi — each island available in separate and roadshow packages. The great Ultra Family and Ultra Monster suits were created by master monster maker Fuyuki Shinada (GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack).
Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar. ©Tsuburaya Productions
Interestingly, the 1974 Ultra Series, ULTRAMAN LEO, is currently airing ever Friday night in Hawai'i on Honolulu's KIKU-20 (and ULTRA SEVEN was broadcast on KHON-2 back in 1975). Please visit the "Ultra Hawaii" website to see the great photos, check out the promotion videos, and download some beautiful desktop and screen savers — and join them on Facebook (Japanese only) — Mahalo, Ultraman!
Poolside Yoga at the Embassy Suites. ©Tsuburaya Productions
Shaka Taro and Jessica Michibata at launch event. Tokyo Pop Online
TOKYO: On March 6th, Ultraman Taro appeared on stage with Jessica Michibata, a Argentine-Japanese fashion model, to promote the launch of the "Ultra Hawaii" campaign of travel packages to the five islands — with a decidedly superheroic sense — by the Hawai‘i Tourism Japan Authority, and with the cooperation of twelve major travel companies. The campaign features Ultraman Taro, and his parents, Father of Ultra and Mother of Ultra, as well as Ultra Monsters, Baltan and Pygmon, acting as tourists and extolling the beauty and romance of Hawai'i.
This is Ultra Hawaii promotion video. ©Tsuburaya Productions
"Ultra Hawaii" has been organized to bring more tourism to the islands, as well as to get more Japanese to take their vacations in these special roadshow packages aimed at families, as well as couples who want to have a second honeymoon, renew their marriage vows, or celebrate wedding anniversaries. The Hawai‘i Tourism Japan Authority was established in January of last year, and is launching these special "Ultra Hawaii" packages starting in April 2014. A full-blown website went online March 5th, featuring the famous Tsuburaya Productions' characters.
Waikiki Surf Lesson in O'ahu. ©Tsuburaya Productions
The website not only features photos of the Ultra Family enjoying the beauty of Hawai'i, but also a series of humorous videos of the Ultra Family (as well as Baltan and Pygmon) dramatizing what you can also do on one's dream vacation to the six major islands: O'ahu, Hawai'i, Maui, Kaua'i, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi — each island available in separate and roadshow packages. The great Ultra Family and Ultra Monster suits were created by master monster maker Fuyuki Shinada (GMK: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack).
Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar. ©Tsuburaya Productions
Interestingly, the 1974 Ultra Series, ULTRAMAN LEO, is currently airing ever Friday night in Hawai'i on Honolulu's KIKU-20 (and ULTRA SEVEN was broadcast on KHON-2 back in 1975). Please visit the "Ultra Hawaii" website to see the great photos, check out the promotion videos, and download some beautiful desktop and screen savers — and join them on Facebook (Japanese only) — Mahalo, Ultraman!
Poolside Yoga at the Embassy Suites. ©Tsuburaya Productions
Thursday, February 6, 2014
DEAD MONSTER DISPOSAL IN "DAY OF THE KAIJU" New, Independent Film by Kazuhiro Nakagawa!
新世紀怪獣映画『怪獣の日』!
"Haruo, I really think we're going to need a bigger dump truck..."
DAY OF THE KAIJU (Kaiju-no Hi) is a new, independent film produced in the town of Hinode, located in Nishitama District, Tokyo City. From town's official website: "In previous monster movies, Godzilla was created as an anti-nuclear metaphor to bring attention of social issues. In this production, the monster is a symbol of the radioactive waste from nuclear power plants."
The story begins following a giant monster landing at Ogasawara Island, which disappears into the sea from moral wounds inflicted by the Self-Defense Forces. Currents eventually wash the carcass onto the beach of a small town, and the film depicts the events in the aftermath of such an event...
DAY OF THE KAIJU was written and directed by Kazuhiro Nakagawa.
Check out the first trailer, below:
Friday, July 12, 2013
"PACIFIC RIM" IS A RESOUNDING WINNER!
Guillermo del Toro's Epic Made a Grown Man Cry
デル・トロ監督の『パシフィック・リム』は勝利です！
Limited edition Japanese poster for Guillermo del Toro's mecha epic.
Yes, I had to see PACIFIC RIM on opening day... I grew up watching everything from ULTRAMAN to MOTHRA, and all that was in-between — including anime series such as BRAVE RAIDEEN and VOLTES V. Yes, PACIFIC RIM made a grown man cry. That man was me. Throughout, we were laughing with the funny bits, clapping and shouting during the amazing battle scenes, and we all left the theater buzzing... And those tears were tears of joy.
In short, PACIFIC RIM made me feel that my boyhood dreams of piloting a super robot were brought to thrilling, vivid life. I'm not saying that this was like the first time I saw STAR WARS when I was a kid, but if I were the same age seeing PACIFIC RIM for the first time, now, that's exactly how I'd feel (sans the John Williams fanfare). You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll thank Guillermo for being alive. I mean it. Really.
Del Toro's epic is the best, most satisfying American-made genre blockbuster in years. While the STAR WARS prequels left me cold, this bringing the SHOGUN WARRIORS to life made me feel like a kid again —best yet, PACIFIC RIM is not remake, a sequel or a video game, but an original creation. It sheds the usual, cliched negative cynicism for a refreshing humanitarianism and a true sense of wonder.
Never mind the so-called critics blasting the film, with pat allusions to POWER RANGERS and TRANSFORMERS, which only reveals their ignorance, and proves that they know not of what they speak — don't listen to these idiots. Ignore them. As Harlan Ellison said, "Without research, without background, without understanding, it's nothing. It's just bibble-babble. It's like a fart in a wind tunnel, folks."
If you've ever cheered the heroic actions of JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT or was riveted to the battle royale of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, then PACIFIC RIM was made for you — and it was made to introduce a whole new generation to the sheer joy those films and television shows brought us. So, go see PACIFIC RIM this weekend —sure, it's not Japanese, but it's the closest anyone's ever come — it's truly more than meets the eye.
Thank you, Guillermo.
Limited edition Japanese poster for Guillermo del Toro's mecha epic.
Yes, I had to see PACIFIC RIM on opening day... I grew up watching everything from ULTRAMAN to MOTHRA, and all that was in-between — including anime series such as BRAVE RAIDEEN and VOLTES V. Yes, PACIFIC RIM made a grown man cry. That man was me. Throughout, we were laughing with the funny bits, clapping and shouting during the amazing battle scenes, and we all left the theater buzzing... And those tears were tears of joy.
In short, PACIFIC RIM made me feel that my boyhood dreams of piloting a super robot were brought to thrilling, vivid life. I'm not saying that this was like the first time I saw STAR WARS when I was a kid, but if I were the same age seeing PACIFIC RIM for the first time, now, that's exactly how I'd feel (sans the John Williams fanfare). You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll thank Guillermo for being alive. I mean it. Really.
Del Toro's epic is the best, most satisfying American-made genre blockbuster in years. While the STAR WARS prequels left me cold, this bringing the SHOGUN WARRIORS to life made me feel like a kid again —best yet, PACIFIC RIM is not remake, a sequel or a video game, but an original creation. It sheds the usual, cliched negative cynicism for a refreshing humanitarianism and a true sense of wonder.
Never mind the so-called critics blasting the film, with pat allusions to POWER RANGERS and TRANSFORMERS, which only reveals their ignorance, and proves that they know not of what they speak — don't listen to these idiots. Ignore them. As Harlan Ellison said, "Without research, without background, without understanding, it's nothing. It's just bibble-babble. It's like a fart in a wind tunnel, folks."
If you've ever cheered the heroic actions of JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT or was riveted to the battle royale of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, then PACIFIC RIM was made for you — and it was made to introduce a whole new generation to the sheer joy those films and television shows brought us. So, go see PACIFIC RIM this weekend —sure, it's not Japanese, but it's the closest anyone's ever come — it's truly more than meets the eye.
Thank you, Guillermo.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
UPDATE ON "ULTRA Q: THE COMPLETE SERIES"!
Specs for Shout! Factory's Upcoming Release
Iconic opening title animation will remain in beautiful B&W!
With the release of the news of Shout! Factory's impending release of ULTRA Q (see previous blog entry), there has been wild speculation on internet concerning the contents of this forthcoming set — since the series was remastered for HD 1080p and colorized for the domestic Japanese Blu-ray release by US-based Legend Films (who handled the colorization work on Ray Harryhausen's B&W classics) — since Shout! Factory's page for listed this title as being "color."
Ziggy Namegon and the Mollusks from Mars are slimier in B&W!
Now, the the truth can be told; according to Shout! Factory's VP of Acquisitions and Production, who spearheaded licensing the rights to ULTRA Q and ULTRA SEVEN, "I've seen it on (the check) discs; (our release will be) in B&W." So, there you have it; this release of ULTRA Q will be in it's original chiaroscuro color format, which made it so atmospheric — therefore, we can assume that the aforementioned colorized version will not be included in this release.
Yuriko and Jun, can't believe their ears — it's in Japanese!
Also, since there were no other details on neither the Shout! or Amazon listings, rumors began swirling that perhaps the "lost" English language tracks produced back by Film House Inc. in Toronto, back in 1966, might also be included — since they were unearthed as a result of the research on my book a few years ago. Cliff's reply was short and to the point: "(This release) is in Japanese with English subs."
Garamon is a-gog that he's finally going to be discovered in the US!
Containing all 28 B&W episodes on six discs (with a total running time of 690 minutes), the street date for ULTRA Q: THE COMPLETE SERIES is August 13, 2013 with an MSRP of $59.97. Format: NTSC. Region Encoding: Region 1. Includes extensive on-screen liner notes by Yours Truly on the development and production of the series. You can pre-order from Shout! Factory or Amazon, today!
Friday, May 10, 2013
SHOUT! FACTORY UNLEASHES "ULTRA Q"!
Seminal Sci-Fi Series on US DVD August 13th
伝説の特撮番組『ウルトラQ』は米国DVDで登場！
Shout! Factory's package design for the forthcoming DVD release.
THE TRUTH CAN FINALLY BE TOLD... ULTRA Q is coming to DVD in the US from on August 13th! Eiji Tsuburaya's seminal 1966 science fantasy series, which spurred the creation of ULTRAMAN, is finally receiving its long-overdue release in North America, thanks to Cliff MacMillan of Shout! Factory, who has pushed through releases of the original GAMERA film series, neglected movies such as MESSAGE FROM SPACE, and tokusatsu teleseries, including ULTRA SEVEN and JOHNNY SOKKO. Details as to the contents of this release have yet to be officially announced, but I was contracted to provide content for their momentous home video releases of ULTRA Q and ULTRA SEVEN back in 2011.
So, for those unfamiliar with ULTRA Q, here's what I wrote for the DVD package copy:
“For the next 30 minutes, your eyes will leave your body and arrive in this strange moment in time…” In the world of ULTRA Q, the very fabric of nature is warped into a state of unbalance, and all manner of strange phenomenon and unearthly creatures threaten the very future of mankind! On the scene are a world-renowned scientist and his young friends — a female photojournalist, an aviator, and his co-pilot — who investigate these supernatural menaces. When sheer military might is futile, the intrepid team comes to the rescue, armed solely with their ingenuity and scientific prowess, to quell these malevolent forces and restore the balance of nature.
The precursor to ULTRAMAN, ULTRA Q is a seminal science-fantasy television series in the monstrous mold of THE OUTER LIMITS and THE X FILES. As deeply ingrained in Japan’s pop culture as THE TWILIGHT ZONE is in America’s, ULTRA Q is available for the first time ever in its entirety on DVD! Eiji Tsuburaya, the visual effects wizard behind GODZILLA, RODAN, and MOTHRA, creates a spectacular cavalcade of bizarre beasts and mass mayhem in each and every episode of this wildly popular series. Never before broadcast in North America, ULTRA Q stars Kenji Sahara (RODAN), Hiroko Sakurai (ULTRAMAN) and Yasuhiko Saijo (SON OF GODZILLA).
As with previous Japanese releases from Shout!, I wrote extensive liner notes on the making of the series, which will *not* be in a booklet this time, but rather on one of the actual discs, itself (which you scroll through to read). This essay contains numerous facts about the development, production, and even the lost English Dubbing, never before published in English! But, it's the fans who make these things happen — so please support these releases from Shout! — because, if you don't support them with your dollars, those "Bean Counters" in the front office will be led to believe there's no market in the US for these films and television series! So, order "ULTRA Q: The Complete Series" today!
Stay tuned for more information as it is cleared for release!
• Pre-order ULTRA Q from Shout! Factory
• Pre-order ULTRA Q from Amazon
Shout! Factory's package design for the forthcoming DVD release.
THE TRUTH CAN FINALLY BE TOLD... ULTRA Q is coming to DVD in the US from on August 13th! Eiji Tsuburaya's seminal 1966 science fantasy series, which spurred the creation of ULTRAMAN, is finally receiving its long-overdue release in North America, thanks to Cliff MacMillan of Shout! Factory, who has pushed through releases of the original GAMERA film series, neglected movies such as MESSAGE FROM SPACE, and tokusatsu teleseries, including ULTRA SEVEN and JOHNNY SOKKO. Details as to the contents of this release have yet to be officially announced, but I was contracted to provide content for their momentous home video releases of ULTRA Q and ULTRA SEVEN back in 2011.
So, for those unfamiliar with ULTRA Q, here's what I wrote for the DVD package copy:
“For the next 30 minutes, your eyes will leave your body and arrive in this strange moment in time…” In the world of ULTRA Q, the very fabric of nature is warped into a state of unbalance, and all manner of strange phenomenon and unearthly creatures threaten the very future of mankind! On the scene are a world-renowned scientist and his young friends — a female photojournalist, an aviator, and his co-pilot — who investigate these supernatural menaces. When sheer military might is futile, the intrepid team comes to the rescue, armed solely with their ingenuity and scientific prowess, to quell these malevolent forces and restore the balance of nature.
The precursor to ULTRAMAN, ULTRA Q is a seminal science-fantasy television series in the monstrous mold of THE OUTER LIMITS and THE X FILES. As deeply ingrained in Japan’s pop culture as THE TWILIGHT ZONE is in America’s, ULTRA Q is available for the first time ever in its entirety on DVD! Eiji Tsuburaya, the visual effects wizard behind GODZILLA, RODAN, and MOTHRA, creates a spectacular cavalcade of bizarre beasts and mass mayhem in each and every episode of this wildly popular series. Never before broadcast in North America, ULTRA Q stars Kenji Sahara (RODAN), Hiroko Sakurai (ULTRAMAN) and Yasuhiko Saijo (SON OF GODZILLA).
As with previous Japanese releases from Shout!, I wrote extensive liner notes on the making of the series, which will *not* be in a booklet this time, but rather on one of the actual discs, itself (which you scroll through to read). This essay contains numerous facts about the development, production, and even the lost English Dubbing, never before published in English! But, it's the fans who make these things happen — so please support these releases from Shout! — because, if you don't support them with your dollars, those "Bean Counters" in the front office will be led to believe there's no market in the US for these films and television series! So, order "ULTRA Q: The Complete Series" today!
Stay tuned for more information as it is cleared for release!
• Pre-order ULTRA Q from Shout! Factory
• Pre-order ULTRA Q from Amazon
Thursday, November 3, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA!
November 3, 1954
The Big G from DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968)! ©Toho Co., Ltd.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Monster of the Month
Drill Devil-Beast: DORILLING
ドリル魔獣ドリリング 「サンダーマスク」より
©Toyo Agency/Hiromi Productions
Height: 56 meters • Weight: 4,200 metric tonnes • Origin: Japan Alps • Original Appearance: THUNDER MASK (1972-73) Episode 9 “Bore Through the Earth!" • Design: Makiho Narita • Fabricator: Ekisu Productions
Bemking, the self-proclaimed "Ruler of the Universe," created this cybernetic colossus at his base on the surface of the Moon. Activated in the Japan Alps, Dorilling's mission is to bore massive tunnels to collapse major urban centers and plunge the human order into chaos. The monster's razor-sharp claws can smash solid rock, his drill trail can be weaponized, and his three 100,000 horse-power, head-mounted drills, can bore through five meters of solid steel in five seconds. These powerful drills can also be launched as guided missiles, which return to its housing after striking. Dorilling's deadly Nitroglycerine-spewing flame thrower, located in his mouth, can easily demolish buildings in a single strike.
Imagined by Makiho Narita, a former illustrator who worked for the "God of Manga," Osamu Tezuka, the artificially-engineered Devil-Beasts featured in THUNDER MASK are some of the weirdest and evocative creatures to ever grace Japanese television. Seriously. Produced during the peak of the "Henshin Boom" of the early 1970s, THUNDER MASK was among sixty superhero shows that aired between 1971 and 1979. This series has never been released on home video, and thus is virtually unknown outside of Japan because of the tangled web of ownership issues between the investors. It's a shame, because cool monsters like Dorilling, with his "Rocket Punch"-like drill missiles, must be seen to be believed.
©Toyo Agency/Hiromi Productions
Height: 56 meters • Weight: 4,200 metric tonnes • Origin: Japan Alps • Original Appearance: THUNDER MASK (1972-73) Episode 9 “Bore Through the Earth!" • Design: Makiho Narita • Fabricator: Ekisu Productions
Bemking, the self-proclaimed "Ruler of the Universe," created this cybernetic colossus at his base on the surface of the Moon. Activated in the Japan Alps, Dorilling's mission is to bore massive tunnels to collapse major urban centers and plunge the human order into chaos. The monster's razor-sharp claws can smash solid rock, his drill trail can be weaponized, and his three 100,000 horse-power, head-mounted drills, can bore through five meters of solid steel in five seconds. These powerful drills can also be launched as guided missiles, which return to its housing after striking. Dorilling's deadly Nitroglycerine-spewing flame thrower, located in his mouth, can easily demolish buildings in a single strike.
Imagined by Makiho Narita, a former illustrator who worked for the "God of Manga," Osamu Tezuka, the artificially-engineered Devil-Beasts featured in THUNDER MASK are some of the weirdest and evocative creatures to ever grace Japanese television. Seriously. Produced during the peak of the "Henshin Boom" of the early 1970s, THUNDER MASK was among sixty superhero shows that aired between 1971 and 1979. This series has never been released on home video, and thus is virtually unknown outside of Japan because of the tangled web of ownership issues between the investors. It's a shame, because cool monsters like Dorilling, with his "Rocket Punch"-like drill missiles, must be seen to be believed.
Friday, February 1, 2008
IT MUST BE SNOWING IN HELL... THE "X" RETURNS!
Guilala Strikes Back for Director Minoru Kawasaki
川崎実監督の「ギララの逆襲 洞爺湖サミット危機一発」登場！
The infamous Giant Space Monster and Director Kawasaki (right).
TOKYO: After 40 years, he's back! The extraterrestrial creature Guilala from Shochiku’s infamous 1967 feature GIANT SPACE MONSTER GUILALA (Uchu Daikaiju Girara), better known as THE X FROM OUTER SPACE, will be featured in an all-new film from director Minoru Kawasaki, GUILALA STRIKES BACK: CRISIS AT THE LAKE TOYA SUMMIT (Girara-no Gyakushu Toyako Samitto Kiki Ippatsu, 2008). While the original film, directed by Kazui Nihonmatsu, is somewhat of a "forgotten" title in Japan, THE X FROM OUTER SPACE was a frequent staple of US television syndication for two decades via American International Television. Currently, the North American rights are currently held by Janus Films/Criterion (maybe its time for "Criterion Collection" special edition?).
On January 29th, Shochiku held a press conference to announce the production of GUILALA STRIKES BACK: CRISIS AT THE LAKE TOYA SUMMIT with Director Kawasaki (pictured above, right) and several of the cast members in attendance. In this new kaiju eiga (monster movie), the greatest scientific and political minds in the world gather at the G-8 Summit at Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Japan -- but disaster strikes when a Red Chinese spacecraft plummets to earth, carrying spores of the space monster, and crashes near the city of Sapporo. Soon, Guilala grows, rising from the wreckage, and begins to terrorize the countryside, threatening the G-8 Summit. Kawasaki declared his hopes to ignite a new Kaiju Boom and help spawn the revival of the Japanese monster movie genre.
Director Kawasaki is a lifelong kaiju fanatic, and has directed a number of independent low-budget features, all of which were infused with his own brand of humor, such as IKO-CHAN: THE EARTH DEFENSE GIRL (Chikyu Boeigun Shojo Iko-chan, 1987) and the long-running DEN ACE series. More recently, he has been garnering global attention via international festivals with his left-of-center comic sensibilities in titles such as THE CALAMARI WRESTLER (Ika Resurâ, 2004), EXECUTIVE KOALA (Koara Kachô, 2005) and THE CRAB GOALKEEPER (Kani Gôrukîpâ, 2006) -- of the latter, Kawasaki said, "It's like Forrest Gump, but with a crab." Shochiku decided to let him have a go at reviving their Guilala after seeing his parody of Shinji Higuchi's THE SINKING OF JAPAN (Nippon Chinbotsu, 2006), THE WORLD SINKS EXCEPT JAPAN (Nihon Igai Zenbu Chinbotsu, 2006).
Not one to waste time, Kawasaki has already cast members of the "Social Satirical Short Story Group," The Newspaper: Matabei Watabe, Akira Matsushita and Hide Fukumoto, who are already quite familiar to the Japanese for their satirical impersonations of real-life Japanese politicians. Matsushita (pictured above, left) will be reprising his famous "Prime Minister Junsaburo Koizumi," a parody of the real former Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi. Watabe and Fukumoto are also aping real-life Japanese politicos attending the film's summit when Guilala strikes. Kawasaki himself shares his name with a member of the House of Councillors, so could this film be a personal statement?
Forget CLOVERFIELD, GUILALA STRIKES BACK: CRISIS AT THE LAKE TOYA SUMMIT commences lensing in March with an eye for a nationwide release in July (to coincide with the real-life G-8 Summit at Lake Toya). But, will a real monster crash the party at G-8? Can life imitate art? Ah, only in the movies...
The infamous Giant Space Monster and Director Kawasaki (right).
TOKYO: After 40 years, he's back! The extraterrestrial creature Guilala from Shochiku’s infamous 1967 feature GIANT SPACE MONSTER GUILALA (Uchu Daikaiju Girara), better known as THE X FROM OUTER SPACE, will be featured in an all-new film from director Minoru Kawasaki, GUILALA STRIKES BACK: CRISIS AT THE LAKE TOYA SUMMIT (Girara-no Gyakushu Toyako Samitto Kiki Ippatsu, 2008). While the original film, directed by Kazui Nihonmatsu, is somewhat of a "forgotten" title in Japan, THE X FROM OUTER SPACE was a frequent staple of US television syndication for two decades via American International Television. Currently, the North American rights are currently held by Janus Films/Criterion (maybe its time for "Criterion Collection" special edition?).
On January 29th, Shochiku held a press conference to announce the production of GUILALA STRIKES BACK: CRISIS AT THE LAKE TOYA SUMMIT with Director Kawasaki (pictured above, right) and several of the cast members in attendance. In this new kaiju eiga (monster movie), the greatest scientific and political minds in the world gather at the G-8 Summit at Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Japan -- but disaster strikes when a Red Chinese spacecraft plummets to earth, carrying spores of the space monster, and crashes near the city of Sapporo. Soon, Guilala grows, rising from the wreckage, and begins to terrorize the countryside, threatening the G-8 Summit. Kawasaki declared his hopes to ignite a new Kaiju Boom and help spawn the revival of the Japanese monster movie genre.
Director Kawasaki is a lifelong kaiju fanatic, and has directed a number of independent low-budget features, all of which were infused with his own brand of humor, such as IKO-CHAN: THE EARTH DEFENSE GIRL (Chikyu Boeigun Shojo Iko-chan, 1987) and the long-running DEN ACE series. More recently, he has been garnering global attention via international festivals with his left-of-center comic sensibilities in titles such as THE CALAMARI WRESTLER (Ika Resurâ, 2004), EXECUTIVE KOALA (Koara Kachô, 2005) and THE CRAB GOALKEEPER (Kani Gôrukîpâ, 2006) -- of the latter, Kawasaki said, "It's like Forrest Gump, but with a crab." Shochiku decided to let him have a go at reviving their Guilala after seeing his parody of Shinji Higuchi's THE SINKING OF JAPAN (Nippon Chinbotsu, 2006), THE WORLD SINKS EXCEPT JAPAN (Nihon Igai Zenbu Chinbotsu, 2006).
Not one to waste time, Kawasaki has already cast members of the "Social Satirical Short Story Group," The Newspaper: Matabei Watabe, Akira Matsushita and Hide Fukumoto, who are already quite familiar to the Japanese for their satirical impersonations of real-life Japanese politicians. Matsushita (pictured above, left) will be reprising his famous "Prime Minister Junsaburo Koizumi," a parody of the real former Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi. Watabe and Fukumoto are also aping real-life Japanese politicos attending the film's summit when Guilala strikes. Kawasaki himself shares his name with a member of the House of Councillors, so could this film be a personal statement?
Forget CLOVERFIELD, GUILALA STRIKES BACK: CRISIS AT THE LAKE TOYA SUMMIT commences lensing in March with an eye for a nationwide release in July (to coincide with the real-life G-8 Summit at Lake Toya). But, will a real monster crash the party at G-8? Can life imitate art? Ah, only in the movies...
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