Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US!
Bob Wilkins' "Creature Features" Returns!
Tuesday, October 13 • San Francisco
THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US!
BOB WILKINS' CREATURE FEATURES RETURNS!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 @ 7:00 PM
BALBOA THEATER, SAN FRANCISCO
Go back in time! A complete 1973 Bob Wilkins "Creature Features" show with original show segments, TV commercials, guest interview with Forrest J. Ackerman, and feature film "Creature Walks Among Us" all on the big screen! The third film in the "Creature From The Black Lagoon" series finds the Gillman terrorizing San Francisco. The only safe place to be on Tuesday will be at the Balboa Theatre for this special "Creature Features" event. The first "complete" 1970's "Creature Features" screened in 30 years! Don't miss it this time as it will only be shown once and will never be released on DVD! Free movie posters for new horror films will be given away at the door! Hosted by former "Creature Features" host, author John Stanley!
• See the Event Trailer on Youtube!
• Click here for Advance Tickets!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
HALLOWEEN TIME IS HERE AGAIN!
Let The Festive Hauntings Begin!
Happy Halloween from "The Munsters"! ©Universal Studios
Saturday, September 12, 2009
TOHO VISUAL EFFECTS DVD COLLECTION
New Bargain-Priced Magazine & DVD series!
「東宝特撮映画DVDコレクション」新発売!
GODZILLA (1954) is the subject of the first issue. ©Toho/DeAgostini
A couple of years back, Tokyo-based imprint, DeAgostini, launched a successful series of magazines on Tatsunoko Productions' seminal anime series SCIENCE NINJA TEAM: GATCHAMAN (1972). All three GATCHMAN series are being released in 68 issues, and is currently in the 40s. What really made this a hit, was that each biweekly issue contained a DVD of the corresponding episodes, which were merely the same (and expensive) pressings released a few years earlier, at a substantially lower price. While this must've been harsh for those who bought the original DVD releases, those who held out can pick them up for much less, and get a cool magazine, too.
The premiere issue of GATCHAMAN. ©Tatsunoko/DeAgostini
Each issue of the DeAgostini's magazines are slickly produced, with great, eye-catching layouts, are stuffed with excellent images, and are simply must-haves for fans. Publishing scores of pop and culture series, they have also published similar DVD series with "The STAR TREK Best Episode Selection" (featuring NEXT GENERATION, DEEP SPACE NINE and VOYAGER), "The X FILES DVD Collection", "The STARGATE DVD Collection" and "The Toei Jidaigeki DVD Collection", among many others in their line-up. Now, DeAgostini is about to do the same for Toho's Visual Effects Catalogue.
Issue Two: MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964). ©Toho/DeAgostini
Launching on September 29th, the premiere issue of the "Toho Special Visual Effects Movie DVD Collection" will feature the original GODZILLA (1954). Each glossy, biweekly issue will focus on a particular film, jam-packed with photographs, with minimal text, and featuring sections on Production Backgrounds, Actor Biographies, Staff Profiles, Monster Guides, Weapons Encyclopedias, Advertising Museums, and a special column on each film by Visual Effects Director Koichi Kawakita. The DVDs also come in their own protective amaray cases, featuring the original Japanese movie posters emblazoned on their jackets.
Issue Three: GHIDRAH (1964). ©Toho/DeAgostini
Sounds good? It gets even better — the premiere issue will sell for the special introductory price of ¥990 ($10.65), with the succeeding issues retailing for only ¥1,990 ($21.40). This is an absolute steal compared to Toho Video's DVDs for the films, which retail for around ¥5,000 ($55.00) — and these are the same DVDs — plus, you get the fully-illustrated magazine to boot! DeAgostini has officially announced that there will be an astounding 55 issues of the "Toho Special Visual Effects Movie DVD Collection" in all, and that the subject of each issue will not be released in any particular chronological, or categorical, order.
Issue Four: ATRAGON (1963). ©Toho/DeAgostini
While the premiere issue will tally in at 22 pages, the following installments will feature 14 pages. The second issue, released on October 13th, is devoted to MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964). On October 27th, issue three will feature GHIDRAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964), with issue four spotlighting ATRAGON (1963) on November 10th. MOTHRA (1961) takes center stage in issue five on November 24th. Additionally, DeAgostini is offering special binders, which will hold 14 issues each, and will go on sale in October at the special introductory price of ¥690 ($7.60). Additional binders will retail for ¥1,290 ($14.22) each. The publisher is also offering special coupon-redeemable wooden DVD racks (in black lacquer) in each volume, starting with issue three.
Issue Five: MOTHRA (1961). ©Toho/DeAgostini
This is going to be a great series, and I've already reserved the premiere issue. Those who have held out on picking up the Toho Video DVDs because of their relatively high MSRPs (between $50-$60), and are also holding off on Toho's Blu-rays, will do well by getting their hands on DeAgostini's latest series — the magazines are worth the ¥1,290 without the DVDs. While you can't order them directly from DeAgostini outside of Japan, you can get them through Japanese booksellers in the U.S. And if you've got a region-free DVD player, what the hell are you waiting for?
GODZILLA (1954) is the subject of the first issue. ©Toho/DeAgostini
A couple of years back, Tokyo-based imprint, DeAgostini, launched a successful series of magazines on Tatsunoko Productions' seminal anime series SCIENCE NINJA TEAM: GATCHAMAN (1972). All three GATCHMAN series are being released in 68 issues, and is currently in the 40s. What really made this a hit, was that each biweekly issue contained a DVD of the corresponding episodes, which were merely the same (and expensive) pressings released a few years earlier, at a substantially lower price. While this must've been harsh for those who bought the original DVD releases, those who held out can pick them up for much less, and get a cool magazine, too.
The premiere issue of GATCHAMAN. ©Tatsunoko/DeAgostini
Each issue of the DeAgostini's magazines are slickly produced, with great, eye-catching layouts, are stuffed with excellent images, and are simply must-haves for fans. Publishing scores of pop and culture series, they have also published similar DVD series with "The STAR TREK Best Episode Selection" (featuring NEXT GENERATION, DEEP SPACE NINE and VOYAGER), "The X FILES DVD Collection", "The STARGATE DVD Collection" and "The Toei Jidaigeki DVD Collection", among many others in their line-up. Now, DeAgostini is about to do the same for Toho's Visual Effects Catalogue.
Issue Two: MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964). ©Toho/DeAgostini
Launching on September 29th, the premiere issue of the "Toho Special Visual Effects Movie DVD Collection" will feature the original GODZILLA (1954). Each glossy, biweekly issue will focus on a particular film, jam-packed with photographs, with minimal text, and featuring sections on Production Backgrounds, Actor Biographies, Staff Profiles, Monster Guides, Weapons Encyclopedias, Advertising Museums, and a special column on each film by Visual Effects Director Koichi Kawakita. The DVDs also come in their own protective amaray cases, featuring the original Japanese movie posters emblazoned on their jackets.
Issue Three: GHIDRAH (1964). ©Toho/DeAgostini
Sounds good? It gets even better — the premiere issue will sell for the special introductory price of ¥990 ($10.65), with the succeeding issues retailing for only ¥1,990 ($21.40). This is an absolute steal compared to Toho Video's DVDs for the films, which retail for around ¥5,000 ($55.00) — and these are the same DVDs — plus, you get the fully-illustrated magazine to boot! DeAgostini has officially announced that there will be an astounding 55 issues of the "Toho Special Visual Effects Movie DVD Collection" in all, and that the subject of each issue will not be released in any particular chronological, or categorical, order.
Issue Four: ATRAGON (1963). ©Toho/DeAgostini
While the premiere issue will tally in at 22 pages, the following installments will feature 14 pages. The second issue, released on October 13th, is devoted to MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964). On October 27th, issue three will feature GHIDRAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964), with issue four spotlighting ATRAGON (1963) on November 10th. MOTHRA (1961) takes center stage in issue five on November 24th. Additionally, DeAgostini is offering special binders, which will hold 14 issues each, and will go on sale in October at the special introductory price of ¥690 ($7.60). Additional binders will retail for ¥1,290 ($14.22) each. The publisher is also offering special coupon-redeemable wooden DVD racks (in black lacquer) in each volume, starting with issue three.
Issue Five: MOTHRA (1961). ©Toho/DeAgostini
This is going to be a great series, and I've already reserved the premiere issue. Those who have held out on picking up the Toho Video DVDs because of their relatively high MSRPs (between $50-$60), and are also holding off on Toho's Blu-rays, will do well by getting their hands on DeAgostini's latest series — the magazines are worth the ¥1,290 without the DVDs. While you can't order them directly from DeAgostini outside of Japan, you can get them through Japanese booksellers in the U.S. And if you've got a region-free DVD player, what the hell are you waiting for?
UPDATE (09.16.09): Here's the official "Toho Visual Effects Collection DVD" Commercial now airing on Japanese television.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
THE ATRAGON STRIKES AGAIN!
Aoshima's Diecast GFW Goten-go!!
新世紀合金 轟天号 ゴジラファイナルウォーズ版!
Retailers order form for the new GODZILLA FINAL WARS version.
Last October, Aoshima, under its "Miracle House" division, issued an amazing diecast replica of the Goten-go from Toho's ATRAGON (1963). As part of the "Shin Seiki Gokin" (or "New Century Alloy") line, this nearly 14" monster is not only predominantly diecast, unlike the line's previously issued Maser Cannons from THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966), but it also boasts some of the same special features seen in the original film.
For starters, all of the bow and aft stabilizers, as well as the conning tower, retract into the hull of the ship, by spring-loaded manual operation, and button release. You can simulate the airborne juggernaut streaking through the sky to challenge the Mu Empire, or drilling through the very earth itself to reach the very heart of the enemy's power center. No other version of the Atragon released commercially boasts these features.
But, here comes the pièce de résistance, powered by three AAA batteries, the iconic bow drill actually operates, in both forward and reverse — and the battering ram at the tip also undulates. But, wait! There's more... The aft engine nozzles as well as the bottom lifting jets glow, very brightly, via LED bulbs. "Blinding" might be a better word. This amazing toy for big boys also comes in two editions, "Normal" and "Weathered" (which is a limited edition) — the former comes with one Mu Power Console and two Goten Task Force Soldiers in full gear.
Without question, Aoshima's achievement is, the greatest mass-market product based on this famous movie warship ever issued — hands down. Of course, that's my opinion, and I absolutely love the almighty Atragon (known in Japan as the "Goten-go") and the original Honda-Tsuburaya film. So, I was hoping that Aoshima would come up with another great "Toho Mecha" as a follow-up... I'm still undecided on what to make of this follow-up, hitting Japanese hobby shop shelves next month:
Is this déjà vu? No, it's the Goten-go from the opening scenes of GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004). While they may look identically, superficially, to the non-fan, the revamped Goten-go features sharper, sweepback stabilizers, and a redesigned conning tower and deck guns. These are more blocky than the smoother, rounder tower and guns of Shigeru Komatsuzaki's original design — and I don't really care for this modern reworking.
As for the diecast itself, it has the same special features as the 1963 version issued by Aoshima last year, because it's virtually the same toy. The only differences are the aforementioned stabilizers, conning tower and guns. Everything else is the same, exact product. Now, if you're a completist (I gave that delusion up a long time ago), you're going to want to grab one of these puppies when it's released in September. As for me, it should come as no surprise that I will remain extremely content with the 1963 version.
And, contrary to that last statement, I will continue to look forward to newer. bigger and better versions of the original Atragon/Goten-go that will be released in the future. In the meantime, I still have that 32" vinyl kit from Paradise to build...
Retailers order form for the new GODZILLA FINAL WARS version.
Last October, Aoshima, under its "Miracle House" division, issued an amazing diecast replica of the Goten-go from Toho's ATRAGON (1963). As part of the "Shin Seiki Gokin" (or "New Century Alloy") line, this nearly 14" monster is not only predominantly diecast, unlike the line's previously issued Maser Cannons from THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966), but it also boasts some of the same special features seen in the original film.
For starters, all of the bow and aft stabilizers, as well as the conning tower, retract into the hull of the ship, by spring-loaded manual operation, and button release. You can simulate the airborne juggernaut streaking through the sky to challenge the Mu Empire, or drilling through the very earth itself to reach the very heart of the enemy's power center. No other version of the Atragon released commercially boasts these features.
But, here comes the pièce de résistance, powered by three AAA batteries, the iconic bow drill actually operates, in both forward and reverse — and the battering ram at the tip also undulates. But, wait! There's more... The aft engine nozzles as well as the bottom lifting jets glow, very brightly, via LED bulbs. "Blinding" might be a better word. This amazing toy for big boys also comes in two editions, "Normal" and "Weathered" (which is a limited edition) — the former comes with one Mu Power Console and two Goten Task Force Soldiers in full gear.
Without question, Aoshima's achievement is, the greatest mass-market product based on this famous movie warship ever issued — hands down. Of course, that's my opinion, and I absolutely love the almighty Atragon (known in Japan as the "Goten-go") and the original Honda-Tsuburaya film. So, I was hoping that Aoshima would come up with another great "Toho Mecha" as a follow-up... I'm still undecided on what to make of this follow-up, hitting Japanese hobby shop shelves next month:
Is this déjà vu? No, it's the Goten-go from the opening scenes of GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004). While they may look identically, superficially, to the non-fan, the revamped Goten-go features sharper, sweepback stabilizers, and a redesigned conning tower and deck guns. These are more blocky than the smoother, rounder tower and guns of Shigeru Komatsuzaki's original design — and I don't really care for this modern reworking.
As for the diecast itself, it has the same special features as the 1963 version issued by Aoshima last year, because it's virtually the same toy. The only differences are the aforementioned stabilizers, conning tower and guns. Everything else is the same, exact product. Now, if you're a completist (I gave that delusion up a long time ago), you're going to want to grab one of these puppies when it's released in September. As for me, it should come as no surprise that I will remain extremely content with the 1963 version.
And, contrary to that last statement, I will continue to look forward to newer. bigger and better versions of the original Atragon/Goten-go that will be released in the future. In the meantime, I still have that 32" vinyl kit from Paradise to build...
Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!
Aoshima's original 1963 diecast ATRAGON is the one to get!
• Aoshima's official Shin Seiki Gokin Toho Mecha webpage.
• CollectionDX's review of Aoshima's original Atragon with video.
Aoshima's original 1963 diecast ATRAGON is the one to get!
• Aoshima's official Shin Seiki Gokin Toho Mecha webpage.
• CollectionDX's review of Aoshima's original Atragon with video.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
BANDAI's GIANT MONSTER APPAREL!
Designer Daikaiju from Yoshihito Sugahara
バンダイの大怪獣 Tシャツ!
Sugahara breaths new life into the original! ©1954 Toho Co., Ltd.
A dynamic design of the golden triple-threat! ©1964 Toho Co., Ltd.
The original flying terrapin of terror! ©1965 Kadokawa Pictures
Guilala from THE X FROM OUTER SPACE! ©1967 Shochiku
These amazing high-end t-shirts, designed and executed by noted artist Yoshihito Sugahara, have been commissioned by Bandai's apparel division, and are available online and through various brick-and-mortar outlets in Japan only. Sugahara has designed a number of shirt for Bandai; everything from Ultraman through Toei Heroes, and are pretty damned impressive. While they may be well-worth tracking down for the hardcore fan, be forewarned: they range in price from $30-$39 USD.
I'll be also be featuring more samples of Bandai and Sugahara's tokusatsu t-shirt designs in future posts — stay tuned!
Sugahara breaths new life into the original! ©1954 Toho Co., Ltd.
A dynamic design of the golden triple-threat! ©1964 Toho Co., Ltd.
The original flying terrapin of terror! ©1965 Kadokawa Pictures
Guilala from THE X FROM OUTER SPACE! ©1967 Shochiku
These amazing high-end t-shirts, designed and executed by noted artist Yoshihito Sugahara, have been commissioned by Bandai's apparel division, and are available online and through various brick-and-mortar outlets in Japan only. Sugahara has designed a number of shirt for Bandai; everything from Ultraman through Toei Heroes, and are pretty damned impressive. While they may be well-worth tracking down for the hardcore fan, be forewarned: they range in price from $30-$39 USD.
I'll be also be featuring more samples of Bandai and Sugahara's tokusatsu t-shirt designs in future posts — stay tuned!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
IT'S COMIC-CON TIME AGAIN!
Godzilla & Eiji Tsuburaya Represented!
JULY 23rd-26th @ SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
For that last two days, I have been immersed in the biggest gathering of its kind in the world: Comic Con International. Despite being sold out in advance for the first time in its history, the crowds have seemed tame on Thursday and Friday... It's the calm before the storm, as today, Saturday, promises to be a proverbial madhouse.
That's good and bad; I'm signing copies of my book today, Saturday, July 25th at the Chronicle Books booth (#1506), and hope that I don't get lost in the fan feeding frenzy in the Exhibitors Hall today... For those attending and interested, my signing will take place between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm -- come on down!
Tomorrow, Sunday, July 26th in Room 8, I will be hosting a tribute to the kaiju eiga of Eiji Tsuburaya, entitled "Eiji Tsuburaya & The Master of Monsters" (listed in the program guide simply as "Masters of Monsters"). Running from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm, show features over 200 behind-the-scenes photographs and production designs from Tsuburaya's major monster movies, from GODZILLA (1954) through LATITUDE ZERO (1969).
So far, Comic Con has been another blast... details to follow after recovery... hope to see you here!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
DAIMAJIN KANNON REVEALED:
Sneak peek at the all-new character!
「大魔神カノン』登場!
From "Newtype: The Live", July 2009. © Kadokawa Publishing
A blow-up focusing on the face. ©Kadokawa Publishing
Even though I received my copy of the magazine about three weeks ago, I didn't have time to post these photos before leaving for G-Fest in Chicago. But still, after being home for a week, and working on other projects, I finally got around to it — so, here you go!
According to the article in the July 2009 issue of Newtype: The Live, this new Daimajin character will stand 20 meters tall (approximately 66 feet), which is significantly taller than the character featured in the original 1966 trilogy.
Click here for my previous blog entry: Giant Majin Strikes Again! about the upcoming television series, DAIMAJIN KANNON, currently shooting in Japan. The miniature effects are being shot in Studio No. 1 at Kadokawa Studios (formerly Daiei).
Kadokawa has announced that the series will premiere this October. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months!
The 289-foot Great Kannon in Kita-no-Miyato Park, Hokkaido. Any resemblance is strictly coincidental.
From "Newtype: The Live", July 2009. © Kadokawa Publishing
A blow-up focusing on the face. ©Kadokawa Publishing
Even though I received my copy of the magazine about three weeks ago, I didn't have time to post these photos before leaving for G-Fest in Chicago. But still, after being home for a week, and working on other projects, I finally got around to it — so, here you go!
According to the article in the July 2009 issue of Newtype: The Live, this new Daimajin character will stand 20 meters tall (approximately 66 feet), which is significantly taller than the character featured in the original 1966 trilogy.
Click here for my previous blog entry: Giant Majin Strikes Again! about the upcoming television series, DAIMAJIN KANNON, currently shooting in Japan. The miniature effects are being shot in Studio No. 1 at Kadokawa Studios (formerly Daiei).
Kadokawa has announced that the series will premiere this October. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months!
The 289-foot Great Kannon in Kita-no-Miyato Park, Hokkaido. Any resemblance is strictly coincidental.
Friday, July 10, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EIJI TSUBURAYA!
July 10, 1901 - January 25, 1970
円谷英二への誕生日おめでとう!
The Father of Japanese Special Visual Effects, 1960.
Click here for more about Eiji Tsuburaya.
The Father of Japanese Special Visual Effects, 1960.
Click here for more about Eiji Tsuburaya.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
GODZILLA EVENT POSTPONED!
Show to be rescheduled for 2010
Due to unforseeable scheduling conflicts this summer, the GODZILLA & THE MONSTERS OF MASS DESTRUCTION event slated for the Castro Theatre in San Francisco on August 21-23, has been postponed until further notice. When the event can be rescheduled, we will break the announcement here, and on our official website: shock-it-to-me.com. So, stay tuned!
We thank you for your interest and consideration, and we hope to see you in 2010!
Best Regards,
August Ragone
Organizer/Producer
Post Script: In a message from Mr. Nakajima's daughter, she said that he is sad that he won't be seeing his American fans this summer; but they are waiting to reschedule the show, and he is looking forward to meeting everyone soon in San Francisco!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VINCENT PRICE!
May 27, 1911 – October 25, 1993
Photo: John Springer Collection/Corbis
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER CUSHING!
May 26, 1913 – August 11, 1994
Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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