The Good, the Bad, and Godzilla 続・夕陽の呉爾羅

ウルトラマン＝古谷敏がサンノゼに上陸！5月17・18日！

Satoshi "Bin" Furuya, the once and future protector of the world!

SHUWATCH! Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine is proud to bring back Satoshi "Bin" Furuya to the San Francisco Bay Area to join Mr. Kenpachiro Satsuma for the Big Wow! Comic Fest on May 17th & 18th at the San Jose Convention Center! Starting at Toho Studios in the early 1960s, Mr. Furuya would become one of the greatest super heroes of all time in the visual effects series: ULTRAMAN! For 39 episodes, he captivated audiences as the silver and red alien took on hordes of giant monsters and evil aliens. The 1966 show launched a worldwide franchise spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs over the last 48 years.

Mr. Furuya also appeared from behind the mask as a regular cast member in Tsuburaya Productions' popular follow-up, ULTRA SEVEN (1967), as Agent Amagi, the Ultra Guard's computer expert. He also has small roles in such Toho classics as KING KING VS. GODZILLA (1962), GHIDRAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964), and THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966). He left acting in the 1970s to start a talent and stunt group, Bin Promotions, but has recently returned to make cameos in such genre films as the kaiju comedy MONSTER X STRIKES BACK: ATTACK THE G-8 SUMMIT (2008).

Appearing alongside Mr. Satsuma and Mr. Furuya, I will be hosting and moderating their presentations (to be announced), as well as signing the new paperback edition of my book, "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books) at the event on both days!

Stay tuned for more details on the show, guests, and more by checking out their website: Big Wow! Comics Fest!

伊福部昭の『ゴジラ』限定版LPレコード発行される！

A limited-edition complete GODZILLA score on vinyl is coming soon!

Talk about radioactive wax! Could a vinyl of Akira Ifukube's complete GODZILLA score soon be hitting turntables around the world? According to an image leaked on the interwebs today (posted below), containing a list for upcoming 180 gram vinyl audiophile pressings from the UK's Death Waltz Recording Company, it looks as though this may be true. Among the titles featured, such as Angelo Badalamenti's "Twin Peaks" and Fabio Frizzi's "The Beyond," was "Godzilla." Their website acknowledged the early leak and addressed them on their front page, including detailed information on some of the forthcoming releases, sans "Godzilla." Stay tuned for more details as they develop!

A close-up of the leaked listing of upcoming titles from DWRC.

(Thanks to Bloody-Disgusting for the heads up!)
Official Death Waltz Recording Company website

平成とミレニアムのゴジラ映画は米国Blu-rayに来る!

Blu-ray jacket art courtesy Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Following up on my breaking news of February 28th concerning the details on Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's upcoming Blu-ray releases of their Heisei and Millennium Godzilla titles, which went through several updates over following days and weeks, SPHE has finally issued their specs and cover art via their press release site. As you can see, SPHE is still sticking to their English titles, first issued on VHS and DVD back in the 1990s and early 2000s. Click on the links to go to the Amazon listings:

GODZILLA VS. KING GHIDORAH (1991)
GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA (1992)
2 Discs, MFT (Blu-ray/UltraViolet, ST) • Closed Captioned • Screen Format(s): Anamorphic • Languages: English (US) 5.1/Japanese 5.1, English (US) DS • Subtitles: English (US), French (Parisian) • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Blu-ray jacket art courtesy Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1993)
GODZILLA VS. SPACE GODZILLA (1994)
2 Discs, MFT (Blu-ray/UltraViolet, ST) • Closed Captioned • Screen Format(s): Anamorphic • Languages: English (US) 5.1/Japanese 5.1, English (US) DS • Subtitles: English (US), French (Parisian) • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Blu-ray jacket art courtesy Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

GODZILLA VS. DESTROYAH (1995)
GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS (2000)
2 Discs, MFT (Blu-ray/UltraViolet, ST) • Closed Captioned • Screen Format(s): Anamorphic • Languages: English (US) 5.1/Japanese 5.1, English (US) DS • Subtitles: English (US), French (Parisian) • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 (Destroyah) & 2.35:1 (Megaguirus)

Blu-ray jacket art courtesy Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

GODZILLA: TOKYO SOS (2003)
GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004)
2 Discs, MFT (Blu-ray/UltraViolet, ST) • Closed Captioned • Screen Format(s): Anamorphic • Languages: English (US) 5.1/Japanese 5.1, English (US) DS • Subtitles: English (US), French (Parisian) • Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

These specs do not mention any special features content, so one shouldn't have any expectations of such. Meanwhile, keen cinephiles and kaiju fans alike will notice the conspicuous absence of previous Sony releases of Takao Okawara's GODZILLA 2000 (1999), Shusuke Kaneko's GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (2001), and Masaaki Tezuka's GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (2002) from this set of releases. Curious, as Sony Pictures created a US theatrical version of GODZILLA 2000, while GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA is the first of the two-part "Kiryu Saga" which concludes in GODZILLA: TOKYO SOS. And of course, GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK is arguably the best of these latter films in both depth and execution.

Did Sony's rights elapse on some of these errant titles? Or do they have something else planned for them? Only time, and Sony, will tell. For now, stay tuned to this blog as this story develops...

Special thanks to Shawn Francis!

ガメラ生誕50周年である2015年に「何かがある」!

Gamera prepares to blast back onto motion picture screens next year!

SCOOP: Over the last week, there has been some English-language rumors spread about a new production, featuring Daiei Studio's answer to Godzilla, to hit cinema screens in 2015, based solely on a listing appearing on Japanese retail sites for the May 5th issue of Newtype the Live magazine. The listing mentions details on the production will be revealed as well as "image boards" (presentation art). While the listings are legitimate (the magazine in question is published by Kadokawa Shoten, which owns Kadokawa Pictures and Gamera), promising content on the upcoming film — that's only a fraction of what the Japanese already know.

This book first spilled the proverbial turtle soup on the new film.

The initial news was broken on February 8th in a completely different publication, "Heisei Gamera: Perfection," a 304-page book chronicling the post-1980s Gamera films, published by Kadokawa and Ascii Media Works. The major points dropped, which will be expanded upon in the upcoming May issue of Newtype the Live, include:

The pre-production tagline is "Something is out there..." (Dareka-ga aru).
Gamera in this production will come to life in a "(new) surprising form."
Producer Shigenori Takatera, is the central person at the helm. Taketera also served as a producer on KAMEN RIDER KUUGA (2000) and DAIMAJIN KANNON (2010).
The CEO of Kadokawa said the foundation of this production is, "What does today's audience want to see?"
BONUS POINT: The narrative is set in modern day and preproduction is well underway.

Stay tuned to this blog for more information as it develops!

Special thanks to Hiroshi Ban and Makoto Kobayashi.

5.24公開『キカイダーREBOOT』映像初公開！

Headshot of the all-new, updated Kikaida: your mileage may vary.

Calling all members of Generation Kikaida! Check out this six-second blink-and-you'll-miss-it teaser trailer for the upcoming KIKAIDER: REBOOT feature film hitting Japanese cinema screens May 24th, below (and check out my report on the film from this past January). Despite the fact that Kadokawa Pictures has teamed up with Toei to bring the character back to life (even casting the original KIKAIDA star, Daisuke Ban, in a supporting role) most of Toei's recent reboots, such as SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN: THE MOVIE (2012), have been critical and financial failures — universally panned by a majority of fans for looking like made-for-television movies. So, the real question is will this be a hit or another miss for Toei?

The six-second teaser trailer which broke on March 19th.

Stay tuned for more updates as the information becomes available!

Official KIKAIDER: REBOOT Website

キカイダー＝伴大介がサンノゼに登場！5月17・18日 !

Beloved KIKAIDA star Daisuke "Jiro" Ban returns to California!

This spring, Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine brings Kikaida to San Jose's Big Wow! Comic Fest on May 17th & 18th! Actor DAISUKE BAN will be joining Godzilla suit actor Kenpachiro Satsuma and Ultraman suit actor Satoshi Furuya at this year's Famous Monsters Pavilion! Mr. Ban, who played the lead role of "Jiro" in Toei's benchmark 1972 superhero series, KIKAIDA: THE ANDROID OF JUSTICE, will be meeting with fans and signing autographs all weekend! Back in 1975, KIKAIDA captured the imaginations of San Francisco Bay Area kids every Sunday night on KEMO-20 (now KOFY-20) — and we never forgot it!

Medicom backing card art for their Toei Retro Sofubi Collection!

Daisuke Ban also played the lead characters in other Henshin Hero television series for Toei Studios, such as INAZUMAN (1973), NINJA CAPTOR (1976), and BATTLE FEVER J (1979). He also had a recurring role in the RING films and is appearing in the upcoming feature film KIKAIDER: REBOOT (2014)! I will be moderating and hosting the presentations of our Japanese guests (to be announced), as well as signing the new paperback edition of my book, "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books) at the San Jose Convention Center! Please come down and welcome Mr. Ban back to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time in over ten years — don't miss this event or it will be the Denji End!

Read more about Mr. Ban's career, here!

Stay tuned for more details on the show, guests, and more by checking out their website: Big Wow! Comics Fest!

著者獣ラゴニは「BIG WOW!」で5月17-18日にゲストになります！

Big Wow is heaping on the Famous Monsters and Kaiju this year!

Adding to the great line-up of horror, sci-fi and fantasy guests this year at Big Wow! ComicFest, Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine will host the "Famous Monsters Pavilion," a special area inside the event on May 17th & 18th at the San Jose Convention Center. I will be participating this year to promote the release of the new and updated paperback edition of my book, "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books), as well as joining in with my fellow FM Grue Crew co-horts to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Big G, himself, Godzilla!

New and improved paperback edition drops May 6th: Click here!

Our special guests from Japan include Heisei Godzilla suit actor, Kenpachiro Satsuma, Original Ultraman suit actor, Satoshi Furuya, and the star of KIKAIDA, Daisuke Ban! Over the weekend, I will also be moderating their panels and presentations, to celebrate their contributions to the genre during this big celebratory year at this monstrous event in San Jose! Joining me will be multi-Hugo Award winning artist (and pal), Bob Eggelton, who has contributed all of the fantastic covers for our annual "Kaiju Issues" of FM, including four (!) amazing covers for this year's issue!

One of four Eggleton covers for FM #274 available at Big Wow 2014!

FM #274 continues our annual tradition of the wildly popular and best-selling "All Kaiju Issue" restarted in 2011 (featuring my Rondo Award-winning interview with Haruo "Godzilla" Nakajima), and each year, the response and demand has gotten bigger, and now it goes critical mass with this year's 60th Anniversary celebration! I can't say more at the moment, Mr. Eggleton's above-featured cover is the Newsstand Edition, while another of the three covers will be a Big Wow! Exclusive — and we'll unveil them all very soon!

There will be more — much more — at this year's Big Wow! x Famous Monsters event at the San Jose Convention Center... Including an all-new "Creatures Con" tribute to the legendary "Creature Features" and horror host, Bob Wilkins! Stay tuned for breaking news as it develops!

The hardcover edition of this upcoming movie poster collection!

For over 60 years, Japan has produced an incredible array of science fiction and fantasy films to delight generations of moviegoers. From the King of the Monsters, Godzilla, and the space monster Ghidorah, to the fire-breathing turtle Gamera, and invading armies of aliens. Sean Linkenback's "The Art of Japanese Monsters," gathers them all together, a complete reference guide to Japanese Science Fiction Film Posters from 1954 to present, features 230 pages of original art and advertising materials from 75 different films, and more than 1,000 color photos of items from 20 countries around the globe.

The flip side of the hardcover edition featuring Reynold Brown art!

Independently-published, "The Art of Japanese Monsters" promises to showcase Linkenback's 30-year collection, supplemented with select, rare pieces from fellow international collectors, and boasts to be the most comprehensive compendium of promotional movie materials ever published in any language. Linkenback has also prepared two editions; a hardcover edition for avid collectors and the casual fan, alike, and a limited, deluxe leather-bound edition for the hardcore collector. Below are the details:

Hardcover Edition (1,000 copies): Available though Diamond Comic Distributors, Amazon, and select booksellers. 230 pages. Suggested Retail Price: $59.99. Shipping Date: May 1, 2014 (Amazon lists a May 13, 2014 shipping date).

Leather-bound Deluxe Edition (100 copies): Available only through the official Facebook page, each copy will be hand-bound in heirloom quality leather & 20 additional pages of posters (totaling 250 pages). Comes with an exclusive 8” x 10” print by Hugo Award-winning artist Bob Eggleton (each print autographed by Toho stars Akira Takarada & Haruo Nakajima. Retail Price: $150.00. Shipping Date: June 1, 2014.

Will this new book be the "Graven Images" for Japanese Monster fans? I, for one, am looking forward to it (and hope to review it in the near future). Hopefully, we'll have a kaiju eiga companion for Ron Borst's seminal collection of classic horror movie memorabilia. For more info on "The Art of Japanese Monsters," or to reserve your own copy, visit their official Facebook page.

彼の日本の原点が削除されたときに何がゴジラになった？

Fan-made poster where 2014 is seen via 1954 eyes by Ivan Griscenko.

Now, I can be pretty outspoken because I generally have a very well-informed opinion when it comes to Japanese Cinema & Pop Culture, especially in considering their Fantasy Films, and while I certainly do champion them, I also bare no outright distain for their Stateside counterparts, either (well, mostly). As I've said numerous times, both publicly and privately, the reason why I enjoy these films, is because they are Japanese to begin with. And at the core, it is their inherent Japaneseness that which appeals to me the most.

Many American Godzilla fans, but not all of them, tend to latch on to anything stamped "Godzilla" (be it a stilted animated series or some horribly sculpted hunk of plastic), because they are hungry for any and all things related to the Big G. Yes, I do realize that the Japanese have already metamorphosed and anthropomorphized the character over the years (but it's their character in the first place). The same fans, meanwhile, are seemingly intolerant when it comes to the Japanese doing the same (i.e., Toei's SPIDER-MAN series).

Recently, I have been asked, over and over, what are my thoughts on the upcoming Legendary Pictures production. Firstly, I'm reserved (or "optimistically cautious"), because I like my kaiju eiga to be Japanese productions; even if it's the godawful, unwatchable GODZILLA FINAL WARS. I have no doubt that everyone involved on this production is doing their damnedest to make the best film possible, and technically and visually, it will be phenomenal. But, the strike against it is, that once removed from being Japanese, will the beast lose the heart of what makes it tick? The 1998 disaster proved that in spades.

With all that being said, I'm not close-minded nor stodgy enough to refuse to see it. Of course, I will see it (I'm hosting an opening night screening at Big Wow! ComicFest). The only thing that matters is what's up on that big screen, and no hopes or wishes can change that. Yes, Virginia, 10,000 American Godzilla fans can be wrong. As they were 16 years ago. Gareth Edwards is a good man, and is an up and coming director of talent, of this no one one deny — but we must also remember that this is a big studio picture and he doesn't have full creative control. Hollywood kitchens today have too many cooks.

So, what about the average Joe Blows out there? Are they ready for a mega-budget Godzilla film in the first place? Or does the Emmerich & Devlin Debacle still have a stranglehold on the public's consciousness? Is it still "too soon"? One thing's for certain, the people behind this new film have not only the legacy of Ishiro Honda and Eiji Tsuburaya to uphold and respect, but also they have to supersede and remove the blemish left by the horrendous Tristar Disaster. So, the task is nothing less than monumental for all concerned.

No matter what happens, be it glorious or apocalyptic, I'm not placing all of my hopes and dreams on this one film. Would I like to behold something as creatively and spiritually successful as Guillermo del Toro's PACIFIC RIM? Yes, of course I would. Still, for better or worse, the original Japanese films continue to capture the imaginations of new generations — the world over — and will continue to do so for years to come, regardless of what future Godzillas may bring.

新作劇場版『宇宙戦艦ヤマト2199星巡る方舟』は総集編と連続公開！

Main promo art for the upcoming all-new YAMATO: 2199 feature!

And the ship sailed on… As the credits faded out during the last episode of the hit series SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 aired on Japanese television this past year, a teaser promised an “All-New Feature Film” to be released in 2014. And while the production team, led by returning director Yutaka Izubuchi, have kept all of the details under tight lock and key, some surprising news came out of Tokyo, April 21st (Japan Time), during the “40th Anniversary Project Commencement Meeting” to open the “Space Battleship Yamato: 2199 Art Exhibition” at the Seibu Ikebukuro department store (which will run through May 7th). The capacity crowd were allowed to see over 100 pieces of original production art created for the YAMATO: 2199 series, as well as original lithographs by Nobuyuki Katoh and Kia Asamiya, the later of which were for purchase. But, that was just warming up the Wave Motion Engine…

The Yamato, Uchida, Sugo, and Nishizaki. Photo: Ryusuke Hikawa

In attendance at the press conference were Producer Shoji Nishizaki, the adopted son of the late maverick producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki (who created and produced the original 1974 YAMATO series), voice actors Aya Uchida (Yuria Misaki) and Takayuki Sugo (Captain Okita) appeared to announce the upcoming feature film, but then shocked everyone with the news that there will be two feature films, which will be released in October and December, respectively. The first, SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 ~ VOYAGE OF RECOLLECTION (Uchu Senkan Yamato 2199 Tsuioku-no Kokai), will be a 26-episode condensation of the YAMATO: 2199 series, following in the tradition of the original, box office-smashing 1977 feature, a digest of the 1974 teleseries. YAMATO: 2199 alumni, head writer Shigeru Morita is structuring the condensation, while director Takao Kato is supervising the overall production.

Voice Actress Aya Uchida, who plays Yuria Misaki. My Navi News

While the VOYAGE OF RECOLLECTION is being created as both a refresher and cliff notes for new viewers (playing in select Japanese theaters on October 11, 2014), the crux of this press conference was to announce details concerning the eagerly-awaited all-new feature film, SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 ~ ARK OF THE STARS (Uchu Senkan Yamato 2199 Hoshi Meguru Hakubune), opening nationwide in Japanese theaters on December 6, 2014. While details on this all-new production are still being being kept secret, wild fan speculation has projected hopes for a “Comet Empire” storyline (as seen in the 1978 feature film and the second television series or second season of STAR BLAZERS), Director Izubuchi has vehemently denied this, emphasizing that since the title is “2199,” the narrative's backdrop will indeed be taking place within the one-year voyage to Iscandar and back.

Voice Actor Takayuki Sugo, who plays Captain Okita. My Navi News

Considered the centerpiece of Yamato's 40th Anniversary, ARK OF THE STARS will feature an all-new story and all-new animation, with the general assumption that this will be a "gaiden" or "side story," but with nothing else to go on, and anticipation running high, fans are going to have to tough it out until a plot synopsis is finally made public. Director Izubuchi and his staff, many carried over from the production of YAMATO: 2199, foster a deep love for the original and have vowed to carry their passions into this completely original feature film. “40 years… It will be 40 years to the month when we encounter the Yamato again. At the time, no one could’ve imagined, 40 years later, that those whom were so impacted by YAMATO would witness such a reunion. But, it has become reality. The promise, 'We will return!' (from the original series) has now become prophetic,” said Izubuchi.

Producer Shoji Nishizaki walks in his father's footsteps. My Navi News

Proudly and gloriously hovering behind producer Nishizaki and actors Uchida and Sugo, was the brand-new, and very impressive, 1/100 scale display model of the 2199 version Yamato, which captured the attention of the standing-room mob of reporters and photographers, alike at this pivotal press conference. Closing out the event, Takayuki Sugo got into character as Captain Juzo Okita to command, “Space Battleship Yamato: 2199, 40th Anniversary Project, cast off!"

3-meter display model of the 2199 Yamato. Photo: Ryusuke Hikawa

For further information on both of these exciting feature films, stay tuned to this blog and Our Star Blazers for news and updates!

特別総集編「追憶の航海」について語る! 5月13日ヤマトーク開催!!

The new YAMATO: 2199 features will be the Yamatalk topic in May!

After the big news broke out of Tokyo this past Sunday, concerning the two new YAMATO: 2199 feature films coming in October and December, the official "Yamato Crew" website announced early this morning that previews for both VOYAGE OF RECOLLECTION (October 11th) and ARK OF THE STARS (December 6th) will be screened during the next "Much Yamatalk Night" event at Tokyo's Shinjuku Piccadilly Theater on Tuesday, May 13th.

Title design for YAMATO: 2199 ~ VOYAGE OF RECOLLECTION.

While the original theme of this "Yamatalk" event was dedicated to the "Battle at Rainbow Star Cluster," it was announced this past Monday, the main staff of VOYAGE OF RECOLLECTION, writer Shigeru Morita and director Takao Kato, will be in attendance to discuss the new compilation film, which will serve as a primer and a reminder of the events and characters over the 26 episodes of SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 (while ARK OF THE STARS is entirely new).

Title design for YAMATO: 2199 ~ ARK OF THE STARS.

But wait! There's more! There are currently plans afoot to unveil the advance poster for VOYAGE OF RECOLLECTION as well as screen the official trailer, at this event in mid-May. Additionally, the producers are planning on screening the first footage from the new production of ARK OF THE STARS in the form of the film's initial teaser trailer. This will be the first, exclusive public showing for those attending this special Yamatalk Night event:

YAMATALK SHINJUKU: "Decisive Battle! The Rainbow Star Cluster"

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at the Shinjuku Piccadilly Theater

9:00 PM: Episodes 18 - 20

10:15 PM: Yamatalk

10:50 PM: Event Closes

Special Guests: Screenwriter Shigeru Morita & Director Takao Kato

MC: Osamu Kobayashi

For further information on both of these exciting feature films, stay tuned to this blog and Our Star Blazers for news and updates!

初代『ゴジラ』と私はポートランド市に上陸 !

The digital restoration of GODZILLA is coming to Portland this week!

This coming Friday, May 2nd, the original, uncut version of Ishiro Honda's GODZILLA (1954) will be smashing onto the big screen at Portland's historic Hollywood Theatre through Monday, May 5th. But, don't worry, Kyle Yount, the host of Kaijucast, and I will be there to help you survive this Northwestern kaiju attack in our opening intro on the making of this historic film. And I will be armed with copies of the new edition of "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books)!

The first copies of this new edition will be available at the event!

Showtimes for Ishiro Honda's GODZILLA are Friday (May 2nd) at 7:00 pm, Saturday (May 3rd) & Sunday (May 4th) at 3:00 pm, and Monday (May 5th) at 9:30 pm. I will be signing advance copies of the new "Eiji Tsuburaya" before and after each screening in the Lobby — but, supplies of these early-bird copies are limited (the book goes on sale to the public on May 6th). So, come down and get a copy before the rest of the country does!

Tickets for the Friday (May 4th) & May 6th Evening shows: General Admission: $8.00 • Seniors (65+), Students & Children (12 & Under): $6.00. All tickets for the Saturday (May 3rd) & Sunday (May 4th) Matinees are only $5.00. Advance tickets are available from the Hollywood Theatre!

X星人統制官の指令：「円谷英二怪獣の使い」が今を買う！

WANTED: More Readers Like... THE CONTROLLER OF PLANET X!

The Controller orders all mankind to surrender and buy my book, EIJI TSUBURAYA: MASTER OF MONSTERS (Chronicle Books), now on sale across the solar system — including Planet X — and throughout the intergalactic structure, as well. NOW!

Now available in a deluxe paperback edition, amended and updated!

Click here forPlan 2, Item 4, Schedule 5!

初代『ゴジラ』と私はアラメダ市に上陸 !

The Big G raids Alameda this week in search of nuclear wessels!

Come join me on Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday, May 14th for screenings of the original GODZILLA (1954) at the historic Alameda Theatre in Alameda, California, as part of their "Classic Film Series." Prior to the each evening's screening, there will be a reception in the Lobby from 5:30-6:40 pm, offering the opportunity for attendees to obtain copies of the second edition of "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" (Chronicle Books), the lavishly-illustrated biography of the visual effects mastermind behind Godzilla and Ultraman.

At 6:50 pm, on both nights I will be introducing the film with a special presentation, with the film screening at 7:00 pm (running time 98 minutes). Afterwards, there will be a Q&A session, and an additional book signing (courtesy, Books Inc.). The Alameda Theatre offers Discount Ticket Packets for their Classic Film Series (Discount Packets of four are $25.00. Packets of eight are $40.00). Advance ticket packets are valid for any future Classic Films at the Alameda Theatre and never expire. General Admission only is $7.75.

Tickets are currently available, so order now!

ゴジラ壁画は60周年のための東宝スタジオの門を守る！

The Big G now looms large over the front gates of Toho Studios...

Joining the ranks of large scale murals of Akira Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI (1954) and Ishiro Honda's MOTHRA (1961) emblazoned across the studio walls of Toho, Godzilla now reigns supreme as it's face — combing forces with his 6'+ counterpart statue holding guard at the gates (also a representation of the popular 1990s-style Big G). Thanks to special effects artist, Kakusei Fujiwara for the image.

ゴジラ·ウィークはアメリカで始まった！米国Gは太りすぎですか？

Fantastic traditional woodblock-style rendering of the Big G!

The week many have been waiting, while others have been dreading, is finally here. Tonight, I'll be attending the press screening of Gareth Edwards' highly-anticipated GODZILLA (already receiving some stellar reviews). On Tuesday & Wednesday evening, I'll be hosting screenings of the original GODZILLA (1954) and signing copies of my book, "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" at the Alameda Theater (where they keep the nuclear wessels).

Then, this Friday & Saturday evening, I'll be hosting the Famous Monsters of Filmland screenings of the new GODZILLA, featuring the Japanese guests of this year's Big Wow! ComicFest, and signing my book at the Camera 12 Cinema in San Jose! But, wait! There's more! Finally (?), I'll also be appearing as a guest at Big Wow! (taking place at the San Jose Convention Center), signing my book and moderating the panels with the Japanese guests!

Plus, we'll have the exclusive pre-release of our annual "All Kaiju" issue — FM #274— with six variant covers by Bob Eggleton!

How much terror can you stand?

ギャレス・エドワーズ監督の『ゴジラ』は大成功だ！

The very striking Imax 3D poster for Gareth Edward's kaiju spectacle!

NO SPOILER ZONE: This past Monday, I attended a press/advance 3D screening of the highly-anticipated return of the King: Edwards' GODZILLA (2014), produced by Legendary Pictures. Until the film is released this coming weekend, I will be holding off on my full-blown review, which will discuss the film in far more detail. So, there will be no spoilers this time around — I will just state that GODZILLA is a must-see spectacle, which is light-years beyond the Roland Emmerich film, from the opening titles to the end credits. The crowd gasped, cheered, and pumped their fists into the air numerous times, and enthusiastic applause and thunderous hoots exploded as the screen faded to black.

Without giving away anything, Edwards' interpretation of the monster is also largely atypical of similar, braindead blockbuster Hollywood productions, and doesn't pander to the lowest common denominator in its execution. Fiercely character driven, GODZILLA's narrative and drama unfold in the tradition of the best of director Shusuke Kaneko's benchmark kaiju eiga, GAMERA 3 (1999) and GMK (2001). The visual effects are gorgeous and dynamic, and sometimes truly frightening — but it never veers into Michael Bay territory. The source of much pre-release debate, the pair of enemy monsters, designated "Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms" (MUTOs), are highly evocative of Japanese kaiju design, and are one of the film's many highlights.

With some minor — I repeat, minor — reservations, Gareth Edwards' GODZILLA is a certified champion of modern monster movies. In the words of the legendary "Creature Features" host, Bob Wilkins, "I think you're gonna like it."

白彗星帝国出現！新作劇場版『宇宙戦艦ヤマト2199 星巡る方舟』

Beautiful textless theatrical poster for the rise of the Comet Empire!

"They lied to us!"* In a brilliant move, producers of the new SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 franchise, kept insisting that they were not going to attempt a remake of the 1978 film, FAREWELL YAMATO, and the television version, YAMATO 2, both telling the story of the White Comet Empire threatening the Earth (familiar to American fans as the second season of STAR BLAZERS). Most of these deflections did indeed have a kernel of truth behind them — director Yutaka Izubuchi was quoted that he wasn't interested in adapting the later YAMATO stories into the new universe they had created for YAMATO: 2199, and that the upcoming film would still be set within the year 2199 (the original Comet Empire stories were set in 2201).

First teaser trailer: Tagline, "The new enemy is... Gatlantis!"

Finally, after months of a veil of secrecy, the plot details of the new production has finally been broken: Entitled SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 ~ ARK OF THE STARS (bowing in Japanese cinemas on December 6th), the all-original theatrical motion picture will not be a full-blown remake of the Comet Empire story that fans around the world are most familiar with, but will instead focus on an incident with the Comet Empire that occurs during the Yamato's voyage home from Iscandar. Details, herein are based solely on just-posted announcements by the official websites (which may be subject to change) — here's my translation of the official story synopsis:

Starting out on their journey home, after retrieving the Cosmo Reverse System from the planet Iscandar, the Yamato encounters the vanguard of a mysterious space fleet on the outer rim of the Large Magellanic Cloud, which suddenly appears before them. Identifying themselves as "Gatlantis," they demand the Yamato to surrender. With time running out for the Earth, the Yamato attempts to avoid an engagement, but an unknown lifeform materializes to bar their retreat. By a hairbreadth, the Yamato warps — into an otherworldly, grey-and-white space, where a strange planet hovers before them...

Is this mysterious planet the artificial interstellar citadel of Emperor Zwordar: Gatlantis? And could this strange, "gray-and-white-space," be the center of the White Comet? Or is it the "Ark of the Stars"? Stay tuned to this blog and Our Star Blazers for future news and updates!

*Star Wars reference. If you don't get it, you suck. ;)

福部昭の『ゴジラ』限定版LPレコード発行6月21日！

Cheung Chung Tat's jacket art featuring the 1990s-style Godzilla.

Back on March 12th, I broke the news that UK-based Death Waltz Recording Company had negotiated the rights to the full soundtrack of Akira Ifukube's score for GODZILLA (1954). Fully remastered from Toho's original audio materials, this release boasts the very first time the complete score has been pressed on vinyl, with exclusive art by Cheung Chung Tat. Interestingly, much like the Criterion Collection packaging, the cover art features a non-1954 Godzilla — here we have a Heisei-style Big G. You have to wonder what the process was in decided this, as I would've preferred a version of the king that actually appears in the film. Still, Tat's painting is admittedly spectacular (and the anachronistic Pacific War aircraft bare, not Rising Suns, but Death Waltz symbols — a nice touch).

Famed artist, Noriyoshi Ohrai captures the 1954 Godzilla perfectly.

All that minor art quibbling aside, Death Waltz is sparing no expense in creating this special presentation, which also features both deluxe and standard packaging for this historic soundtrack. Deluxe Gatefold Edition (limited to 400 units): 180g "Atomic Breath" (blue and white) vinyl, housed in a heavyweight tip-on, case-bound gatefold jacket printed on beautiful textured Galtex Prima card containing a full-color booklet (with liner notes by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp and "Film On Wax" Editor Charlie Bridgen), and wrapped in an Obi strip (MSRP: £22.00). Standard Edition (limited to 400 units): 180g green vinyl pressing, housed inside a 350gsm single pocket jacket with a poster (MSRP: £17.00).

Here are Death Waltz' track listings (English translations seem to duplicate those contained in the 50th Anniversary release from La-La Land Records in 2004):

SIDE 1
Godzilla Approaches
Godzilla Main Title
Medley/ Ship Music / Sinking Of Eikou-Maru
Sinking Of Bingou Maru
Anxieties On Ootojima Island
Ootojima Temple Festival
Stormy Ootojima Island
Theme For Ootojima Island
Japanese Army March I
Horror Of The Water Tank
Godzilla Comes Ashore

SIDE 2
Godzilla’s Rampage
Desperate Broadcast
Godzilla Comes To Tokyo Bay
Intercept Godzilla
Tragic Sight Of The Imperial Capital
Oxygen Destroyer
Prayer For Peace
Japanese Army March II
Godzilla At The Ocean Floor
Ending
Secret Hidden Track

While these are not for sale to the US, when has that ever stopped fans from getting what they want? Until then, you can listen to the LP in full (for a limited time) on Empire Magazine online — and it sounds amazing!

東宝スタジオのゴジラ巨大壁画が初お披露目 !

The 11-meter mural unveiled by Takarada and Edwards this morning.

Following up on my May 11th report on Toho's new mural, there was an official "unveiling" this past morning at the studios with the star of the first Godzilla film, Akira Takarada, and the director of the latest film, Gareth Edwards, acting as the "hosts" dressed up in special Big G happi coats. Interestingly, the mural was not originally intended to celebrate Godzilla's 60th Anniversary this year.

Reunited for the first time since the production of GODZILLA (2014).

Painted by Masao Hanawa, the mural was commissioned to go along with similar murals featuring scenes from Ishiro Honda's MOTHRA (1961) and Akira Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI (1954), while the aging Toho Studios was undergoing numerous renovations, major facelifts, and upgrades to the studio grounds and buildings, which had been constructed, originally, in the 1930s.

Edwards, director of GODZILLA (2014), called the mural, "fantastic."

But, in the wake of the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011, work was postponed on the proposed Godzilla mural. So, in light of the 60th Anniversary and the release of the Edwards' production, Toho brought back Hanawa to move forward on the project. The famed painter not only created the SEVEN SAMURAI mural, but was also the art director of Tokyo DisneySea Resort.

Takarada's opinion of Hanawa's work was, "Subarashii" (wonderful)!

Using the 1994 Big G as his model, featured in Kensho Yamashita's GODZILLA VS. SPACE GODZILLA, the mural reportedly took three months to complete at the cost ¥8,000,000 (roughly $78,000 USD). Completed on May 31st, Godzilla will now stand over the front gates of Toho Studios into the foreseeable future — hopefully, where he continues to reign as the once and future King of the Monsters.

Click to watch Masao Hanawa at work on the Godzilla mural.

Photo source: Oricon News Inc. & Asahi.com

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