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

光線を描き続けてきた男飯塚定雄

"Treasured Photobook" follow-up featuring animator Sadao Iizuka.

In the monstrous footsteps of Yonsensha Publishing's previous heavily-illustrated "Treasured Photobooks" on important figures of the golden age of Japanese visual effects films at Toho Studios (monster suit actor Haruo "Mr. Godzilla" Nakajima, visual effects director, Koichi Kawakita, and monster-maker Keizo Murase), comes this biography, focusing on legendary optical animator Sadao Iizuka.

In 1954, while still in high school, IIzuka was studying art under Seiji Tojo at the Nikaikai Institute of Art, when he started a part time job at Toho Studios. Chief of the Special Technical Department, Eiji Tsuburaya, put Iizuka to work in his Art Department, where the young artist worked on GODZILLA (1954), GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955), MADAME WHITESNAKE (1956), and RODAN (1956), among others.

Noticing Iizuka's artistic abilities, Tsuburaya transferred him to the optical animation department in 1957, with his first job being the ray-filled orgy, THE MYSTERIANS. His talents were seen in such films as VARAN (1958), BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE (1959), SECRET OF THE TELEGIAN (1960), MOTHRA (1961), THE LAST WAR (1961), GORATH (1962), KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962), MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA, DOGORA, and GHIDRAH (all in 1964), and even Daiei's GAMERA (1965).

Iizuka was not only responsible for the rays emitted by the Maser Cannons in THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966), but he also went on to creating the optical animation for ULTRA Q and ULTRAMAN, the same year, not to mention ULTRA SEVEN (1967). And after leaving Toho, he formed Den Film Effects with his other student, Minoru Nakano, and they worked on MESSAGE FROM SPACE (1978), the latter Heisei Godzilla films, and the recent, ULTRAMAN X (2015).

From the book's obi (paper band): "Godzilla's radioactive heat ray, King Ghidorah's gravity rays, Ultraman's Spacium Beam and Shredding Halo! These cool ray beam techniques are absolutely essential to Japanese visual effects! For more than 60 years, Sadao Iizuka continues to emit beams of light as one of the true heroes of the visual effects industry!"

This all-new, illustrated book, clocking in at a whopping 303 pages, was compiled by Iizuka and his protégé Hajime Matsumoto (Zeiram, Heisei Godzilla series, et. al.), featuring an interview (in Japanese) between master and disciple, and includes a foreword by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi (currently making the upcoming Godzilla Resurgence). Together, they illustrate the "Iizuka Method", and his indelible impact on anime and visual effects creators.

If you've ever been fascinated by the myriad of beam weapons and deadly rays in the Japanese fantasy film — this publication comes highly recommended, despite the language barrier for non-Japanese readers, with is wealth of incredible llustrations and production stills. This one now sits proudly among the best books in my own reference library.

Click on the link below to order from Amazon Japan:
SADAO IIZUKA: THE MAN WHO CONTINUES TO DRAW RAY BEAMS
Format: 8.2 x 5.9 inches
ISBN-10: 4800308518
ISBN-13: 978-4800308511
Release Date: January 8, 2016
MSRP: ¥2916 ($24.86 USD)

DISCOVER THE ORIGIN OF THE "POWER RANGERS"!

Dynamic poster for Shout! Facotry TV's Super Sentai Spectacular!

For our third marathon with Shout! Factory TV, I'll be hosting a three-hour live streaming event featuring the original Japanese episodes of DINOSAUR TASK FORCE: ZYURANGER (1992) which will be blasting out onto digital screens across the web on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 9:00 am Pacific/Noon Eastern at Shout Factory TV!

This new marathon will feature seven episodes of the original series that inspired the "Power Rangers" franchise, presented in Japanese with English subtitles. After fans have watched these first episodes during the "Super Sentai Spectacular", all 50 episodes of ZYURANGER will be available on Shout! Factory TV for free streaming.

As a returning host, I'll discuss the history of the franchise, setting the context as a long-time fan. My first experience with Super Sentai was watching the first show that started it all: SECRET TASK FORCE: GORANGER in 1976 through 1977 on KMUV-31 (Sacramento), KEMO-20 (San Francisco) and KIKU-13 (Honolulu). So, I'm an OF (Original Fan).

As with our previous marathons, this will also be interactive: Join in on the conversation with myself and other Super Sentai fans, using the hashtag #Zyuranger while you watch on Twitter, Facebook, and on Pluto TV (Channel 515), or get the Pluto TV app for tablet and TV devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Fire TV Stick, Android, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay), mobile (iOS, Android and Amazon), and on the web.

So, what's DINOSAUR TASK FORCE: ZYURANGER about?

When the sinister witch Bandora is released from her prison after 170 million years, five ancient warriors are woken from suspended animation to once again defend Earth from Bandora and her evil horde. Armed with enchanted weapons and giant mechanical deities known as the Guardian Beasts, it’s up to these warriors to defeat Bandora and her monsters before she can exact revenge upon the Earth for the death of her son.

Schedule of Episodes:*
09:05 am – The Birth
09:30 am – The Revival
10:00 am – Fight in the Land of Despair
10:25 am – Reawaken, Legendary Weapons
10:55 am – Scary Riddles
11:25 am – Arise, Daizyuzin
11:50 am – I Can See! I Can See!

*Times listed are Pacific time, approximate and subject to change.

Grab your Dino Bucklers, fire up the Guardian Beasts, and join us for the "Super Sentai Spectacular" on Saturday, January 23rd!

気まぐれなイラストで『ウルトラマン』の怪獣たち。

Bemler, the Space Monster from Episode 1.

Baltan, the Space Ninja from Episode 2.

Redking, the Skull Monster from Episode 8.

Dodongo, the Mummy Monster from Episode 12.

Hidrah, the Highland Dragon from Episode 20.

Jamila, the Mutant Monster from Episode 22.

Woo, the Legendary Monster from Episode 30.

These wonderful pieces, only a fraction of his killer kaiju gallery, were created by Kim Hu — a self-described "Artist. Illustrator. Toy designer. Toycollector"— as part of his Inktober 2015 a-kaiju-a-day challenge. The Tokyo resident, and his fantastic kaiju illustrations, can be found on Instagram or follow him on Facebook.

今『ウルトラマンネクサス』は世界中のストリーミング！

Prepare for a completely different kind of Ultraman series!

Back in December, the anime streaming service, Crunchyroll, stated that their simulcast of Tsuburaya Productions'ULTRAMAN X (2015) was so successful, that they would be adding the 2004 series, ULTRAMAN NEXUS to their on-going Ultra Series line-up (Ultraman Leo, Ultraman 80, Ultraman Max, and Ultraman Mebius) — all licensed directly from Tsuburaya and available worldwide, excluding Asia. These are all presented in the original Japanese with Subtitles available in several languages, including English.

Debuting over the Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting network on October 2, 2004, ULTRAMAN NEXUS was conceived and produced as a darker, adult-oriented science fiction drama, opposed to previous entires, which were more positive or child-oriented. Unfortunately, NEXUS was placed in an early morning timeslot, instead of prime time, and on account of poor ratings, was cut to 37 episodes from the original plan of 50. Home Video releases boasted an all-new "Episode EX" as well as an Director's Cut of Episode 29, each running 45 minutes.

From Crunchyroll's press release: Kazuki Komon, a failed Rescue Squad member, gets recruited by the Terrestrial Liberation Trust (TLT) to join the Night Raiders, a top classified special task force assembled by the TLT to protect Earth from space monsters. After undergoing stringent training, Kazuki gets paired with the cool Night Raider sub-captain Nagi Saijo for active duty — just in time for an insidious invasion of Earth, and the appearance of a "giant of light", whose mission is to protect humanity.

So, if you're looking for something truly different in the Ultra Series, or just like sci-fi series such as Dark Matter, you just might dig the story-and-character-arc-driven plot of ULTRAMAN NEXUS. And let's hope that Crunchyroll continues to bring us more Ultraman goodness in the near future, because there's still some really great stuff to be shared with the world, such as ULTRAMAN GAIA!

All 37 episodes of ULTRAMAN NEXUS launches via Crunchyroll on February 10, 2016 at 5:00 pm (Pacific Standard Time)!

後に『ウルトラマンガイア』は世界中のストリーミング！

Finally, ULTRAMAN GAIA is now available streaming worldwide!

Yesterday, when I broke the news about Crunchyroll's latest addition to their streaming service of on-going "Ultra Series" titles, ULTRAMAN NEXUS (2004), I stated a wish that there would be more coming soon, including one of my all-time favorites in the 1990s run, ULTRAMAN GAIA (1998). Today, the folks at Crunchyroll, gave me the heads up that the complete series of ULTRAMAN GAIA begins streaming today at 5:00 pm (Pacific) — and it's about damned time!

Star Takeshi Yoshioka, visiting the US in 2011 (photo: David Chapple).

Premiering on September 5, 1998, ULTRAMAN GAIA followed the success of ULTRAMAN TIGA (1996) and ULTRAMAN DYNA (1997), but broke from its predecessors' continuity to exist in a universe all its own, and a far more complex storyline, with multiple character and plot arcs that intersect beautifully, dovetailing into an incredible climax. The series is also a bit extra special for me, because I spent a lot of time on the set of the course of a month during the fall of 1998. But, even so, it's a great series.

With actors Maria Theresa Gow (left) and Ai Hashimoto (right).

At the end of the 20th Century, a network of young geniuses known as the Alchemy Stars, develop a supercomputer, CRISIS, predicting that mankind will be annihilated by an "entity of radical destruction". An international concern employs these young men to create cutting edge technology and weaponry for G.U.A.R.D. (Geocentric Universal Alliance against Radical Destruction), a secret worldwide defense network, and their tactical response organization, X.I.G. (eXpanded Interceptive Guardians).

With Brad Warner (right), Tsuburaya's International Sales director.

Several years later, during a quantum physics experiment, Gamu Takayama, a former member of the Alchemy Stars, bonds with the mysterious light of "Ultraman Gaia" in order to stop the oncoming threat to all life on our planet. But, not long after this momentous battle begins, he encounters another mysterious giant, "Ultraman Agul", who believes that protecting the Earth doesn't necessarily mean protecting mankind...

ULTRAMAN GAIA also features fantastic monster designs by Hiroshi Maruyama, a great score by Toshihiko Sahashi, and writing by Chiaki Konaka. So, what are you waiting for? You've got 51 episodes to catch up on — get a move on!

第14回「ロンド • ハットンクラシックホラー賞」始まる！

Kerry Gammill's awesome statuette of the late Rondo Hatton.

Here comes the Rondo Awards! Forget the inanity of the Academy Awards® and those flaccid Oscars© — it's time to vote for this year's nominees in 14th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards! Over the last year, I've been working with Shout Factory TV on several online marathons of Kaiju movies and Super Sentai teleseries, which pretty much qualifies me as a de-facto "Horror Host"— we're also planning more for this year, so stay tuned.

While I have not been nominated in that said category ("20. FAVORITE HORROR HOST OF 2015"), you can write me in on your ballots (which is not compulsory to complete; just vote for what or whom you want to). So, as for this "Favorite Horror Host" category, I suggest writing in: "August Ragone (San Francisco, Shout Factory TV's 'Kaiju Movie Marathon')".

Meanwhile, my blog has been officially nominated for the seventh consecutive year under "16. BEST WEBSITE OR BLOG OF 2015", which I also would love and appreciate your support. With that being said, I don't think I'll win — it's wonderful to keep receiving that "Honorable Mention" every year — it's just great being considered (perhaps I need to step my work on the blog?).

Another write-ins that should probably be recognized is our MONSTER ZERO/WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS double-feature, which I hosted last September at the Alamo Drafthouse Denver (write-in under "19. BEST FAN EVENT"). While you're at it, feel free to write me in under these, "26. MONSTER KID OF THE YEAR" and "27. THE MONSTER KID HALL OF FAME". I mean, why not? I've put in a lot of years into this game.

Putting myself aside, there are a great number of very talented folks who are up for nominations this year, so please (if you have the time) please give them your support for their amazing efforts. This is not mandatory, but it certainly would be kind of you — especially if you appreciate their fang-tastic work.

In order to submit your votes, simply copy the ballot after the jump and make your picks by highlighting your selection, or by putting an X by your selections, or by typing out your picks separately. Whatever is easiest. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VOTE IN EVERY CATEGORY. Please e-mail your picks by April 10, 2016.

Cheers and thanks — here's the ballot for 14th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards!

これが『シン•ゴジラ』出現！現実 (ニッポン) 対虚構 (ゴジラ) !!

Anno & Higuchi's "Shin Godzilla" has now been finally revealed!

On Wednesday, April 13th, Toho released the first images and trailer for the highly-anticipated GODZILLA RESURGENCE, helmed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi. Many had pondered whether a set of photos leaked on the 'net several months ago were legitimate (some denying them because they didn't want to accept the countenance of Anno and Higuchi's Godzilla). But, now all that becomes moot. This is our new Big G.

The red-hot heat seething through the fissures in Godzilla's hide.

Full of fire and fury (as seen in the official trailer linked below) our new Godzilla has the appearance of lava, hardened on the surface with cracks exposing a red-hot interior. While this iteration was reported to be brought to life via digital rendering and animatronic puppeteering, Toho is now touting a "full CG" monster. Conversely, the official trailer reveals some traditional miniature photography, and (of course) Anno/Higuchi's renown fetish for military hardware.

Humans can only run for their lives from the terror of Godzilla.

In today's press release, Toho also trumpets GODZILLA RESURGENCE will also boast the inclusion of 328 well-known actors in supporting and cameo appearances, including:

Kengo Kora (The Mourner), Ren Osugi (Hana-bi), Akira Emoto (Shall We Dance?), Kimiko Yo (Departures), Jun Kunimura (Gojoe), Mikako Ichikawa (Rampo Noir), Pierre Taki (Samurai Fiction), Takumi Saito (13 Assassins), Keisuke Koide (Cyborg She), Arata Furuta (Apartment 1303), and ex-AKB48 member Atsuko Maeda (The Complex), just for starters.

"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Anno," the Big G is such a narcissist.

The roles for the three main cast members were also revealed (and their names not quite as ridiculous as earlier mistranslations have fumbled): Hiroki Hasegawa as Rando Yaguchi, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yutaka Takenouchi as Hideki Akasaka, Aide to the Prime Minister, and Satomi Ishihara as Kayoko Ann Patterson, Special Envoy for the President of the United States.

Shot of Godzilla's dorsal plates reveal more detail from the film.

There. No super spies, psychic sisters, or suicidal soldiers seeking solace; seemingly more grounded in the vein of Koji Hashimoto's RETURN OF GODZILLA (1984), as opposed to the outlandish antics of Kensho Yamashita's GODZILLA VS SPACE GODZILLA (1994). With that being said, let's just hope it isn't a colossal bore in terms of human drama, and no sappy romantic subplot, please (yeah, I have enough aggravation).

"On wrongs, swift vengeance awaits."— Alexander Pope

GODZILLA RESURGENCE, produced by Akihiro Yamauchi, will open nationwide in Japan on July 29th and will be presented in these formats: IMAX®, 4DX®, and MX4D® giving moviegoers the ultimate sight, sound, and motion fx experience. The film's new tagline being, "Reality (Japan) vs. Fiction (Godzilla)".

GODZILLA RESURGENCE Teaser Trailer 2: 1080p (30 seconds)

GODZILLA RESURGENCE Advance Trailer: 1080p (90 seconds)

(WARNING: Be cautioned that in regards to the trailers, these are not the final visual effects shots, as the film is still in post-production. Remember that the movie is over three months away from release. Remain calm. Do not panic.)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
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!

シン・ゴジラビッグソフビフィギュア、ニッポン上陸！

Yuji Sakai's sculpt for the first Shin Godzilla figure, revealed!

Banpresto, a subsidiary of the toy juggernaut, Bandai, has revealed the first figurine based on the new version of the Big G appearing in Toho's upcoming release of GODZILLA RESURGENCE, bowing in Japan on July 29th. And while this Big G is somewhat frightening, the retail price is the complete opposite of most Japanese Godzilla figures on the market.

This 13.4" soft vinyl beauty has been meticulously created by Yuji Sakai, the foremost Big G sculptor in the world, and according to the Banpresto press release, will be released in late July, and sold in "bookstores, hobby shops, game centers, movie theaters, etc.".

So, what's the non-monstrous price for this figure? ¥620 (including tax) — that's only $5.70 USD — how could anyone go wrong with this figure at that price? There's one caveat... This is a lottery ticket price — so, while that's an amazing price on one hand, there's no guarantee you'll get one. But, as with many Banpresto products, you will see them flooding the market in no time.

Banpresto's press release also notes these disclaimers: "Release date may differ on a case-by-case basis depending on individual retailers. Will supplies last. Actual product may differ from photograph. Details are subject to change without notice."

This is our first look at the new Big G's lower legs and feet — overall, I like the way this is looking. Of course, I reserve final judgement until after I see GODZILLA RESURGENCE, itself. Crossing fingers, but not holding my breath...

Meanwhile, as part of the on-going promotions for the upcoming film, cross-promoting two big properties under director Hideaki Anno's belt is "Godzilla x Evangelion". As a bonus in the same press release, this image was included, a mock movie poster illustrated by famed Big G artist and designer, Shinji Nishikawa, for "Godzilla vs. Evangelion".

Nishikawa's fake "movie poster" for "Godzilla vs. Evangelion"!

It is not known as of this writing, if Nishikawa's mock poster, featuring the hyperbolic tagline: "Godzilla Invades!", will be sold on the retail market (Banpresto's press release also mentions two different prize posters, but no specific details), but I'm sure it will be in some form. Still, we are finally seeing the first retail products for the upcoming film, and so far, they look... monstrous.

The Banpresto Lottery Prizes are (not all are pictured):

○ A Prize: Shin Godzilla Big Soft Vinyl Figure
○ B Prize: Godzilla Head Magnet
○ C Prize: Silhouette Ruler
○ D Prize: Clear File Set
○ E Prize: Rubber Strap
○ F Prize: Mini Figure Collection
○ Final Prize: Original Poster
○ Double Chance Campaign: Shin Godzilla Big Soft Vinyl Figure

(Special thanks to Andy Perry, Stephan Lapin, and Paul Haberman for their assistance.)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
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!

バンダイの「シン•ゴジラ」ソフビで新発売！

Page one of two from Bandai's Sales Sheet for "Shin Godzilla".

Japan's giant juggernaut toy company, Bandai, recently issued their advance sales sheets for upcoming toy releases, with two pages (just making rounds on the internet) featuring their first run of toys — soft vinyl figures — based on the new Big G design appearing in Hideaki Anno's GODZILLA RESURGENCE, hitting Japanese screens on July 29th. And there's some interesting (albeit wafer-thin) info that is provoking some speculation in my kaiju-addled brain.

The top half of the ad page shows a graphic that is a promotion plan leading up to the release of the film — nothing really exciting there (based on the scant details therein). But, it's the bottom half of the ad page that is the most intriguing — and detail-filled payoff if one can read Japanese (who has two thumbs?). Three vinyl figures are to be issued, but the details of which may harbor a spoiler...

First, the non-spoiler news: Bandai's initial roll-out will be a 16.5 cm (6.5") vinyl figure of Shin Godzilla, labeled as "Godzilla 2016", the official name designation for licensing and merchandizing. Under the "Movie Monster Series" banner, this tagged figure will come 24 pieces per case, and will retail for ¥2000 ($18.50 USD). Preorders open on April 29th and will hit retailers at the end of July.

Now, here come the possible spoilers: The next pair of "Godzilla 2016" figures not only both share the same line, "(Tentative) Movie Monster Series", as well as size (16.5 cm) and retail price (¥1600/$15 USD), will come 48 to a case, are listed for release on August 1st, and both with the same catalogue designation of "Godzilla 2016", almost, with one slight — but very important — difference between them:

One has been labeled as "Godzilla 2016: Monster A" while the other is labeled "Godzilla 2016: Monster B". With these points of fact, there comes to mind only three possible answers:

One is that there are two different kaiju appearing in this film facing off with Godzilla, or appear somewhere in the story. At this late juncture, any other kaiju would require its name being registered and labeled in order to be advanced to retailers, unless the names are undergoing trademark registration. This is contrary to statements made by both Toho and the filmmakers, who've explicitly stated this is a "Japan vs. Godzilla" scenario, only.

If two guest mon-stars are not a possibility, are we to believe that there are two separate and individual Big Gs appearing in flashback or flash-forward sequences? Is it possible that there could be two forms of the same King of the Monsters, perhaps regenerating — or degenerating — during the story? Like some kaiju version of "The Incredible Melting Man"?

Or could the Big G going through a regeneration lend credence to the film's English title, "Godzilla Resurgence"? Only time will tell.

Page two of two from Bandai's Sales Sheet for "Shin Godzilla".

Meanwhile, the second page of Bandai's sales sheet reveals reissues of Bandai America's "Bandai Creation" line, under the banner "King of the Monsters Series". The first two, coming this July, will be "Final Godzilla" and "Mechagodzilla" (Kiryu), measuring 28cm (11") and 30cm (11.8"), respectfully. The latest edition to this line will be the new "Godzilla 2016", measuring 28cm (11"), is expected to drop in August. All three will retail for ¥4800 ($44.13 USD) each.

The bottom half of the second page heralds the revival of Bandai's "Movie Monster Series", kicking off at the end of July with "Millennium Godzilla", measuring 16cm (6.4"), listing for ¥1600 ($15 USD), and "Mechagodzilla 2004" (Kiryu), measuring 17cm (6.7"), listing for ¥1800 ($16.55 USD). Bandai's website is also listing a reissue of many of the 16cm vinyl figures in the "Movie Monster Series", to debut in July — which is shaping up to the "Month of Godzilla" this year in Japan.

(Special thanks to Astounding Beyond Belief)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
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!

60年後のアメリカ版『ゴジラ』!

The original one-sheet that greeted moviegoers on this date.

"This is Tokyo… a smoldering memorial to the unknown… an unknown which at this very moment still prevails, and could at any time, can lash out with its terrible destruction anywhere else in the world."

The State's huge marquee trumpeting the "King of the Monsters"!

Today marks the sixth decade in which moviegoers at Loew's State Theater in New York City first heard that great opening narration by Raymond Burr and GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS! was loosed upon an unsuspecting public... But, how did it happen? How did this Japanese-made kaiju creature feature come to our shores on that 27th day of April in 1956?

Richard Kay and Harold Ross' 1953 cheapie wasn't a jewel at all.

In 1955, producers Richard Kay, Harry Rybnick, and Harold Ross of Jewell Enterprises (Untamed Women), purchased the international rights to GODZILLA from Edmund Goldman of Manson Distributing Corporation (later known as Mason International), who discovered it via Toho's then-US attorney, Paul B. Schreibman (who was also in the distribution business with Topaz Films). Okay, my head is spinning... Anyone need a scorecard?

Producer Joseph E. Levine (1905-1987), Getty/Jack Mitchell photo.

With a potential big hit on their hands, they foresaw a problem in moviegoers accepting an all-Asian cast film. Additional investment from distribution maverick Joseph E. Levine (Walk Into Hell), Terry Turner (Should a Girl Marry?), and Ed Barison (The Golden Mistress), for a cut of the action, they decided to produce new scenes, helmed by veteran film editor Terry O. Morse (Fog Island) and written by Al C. Ward (Perry Mason), featuring an American foreign correspondent, recounting the narrative in flashback.

Morse's 1945 debut with former Universal stars Zucco and Atwill!

Kay and Rybnick brought in actor Raymond Burr, featured as the killer in Alfred Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW (1954), to play the starring role of "Steve Martin" (this was long before public heard of the comedian of the same name), and for just stepping in for insert scenes, Burr turned in a solid and somber performance — reportedly shot in five days. Japanese-American real estate agent and character actor, Frank Iwanaga (The Frogmen), played the part of Burr's interpreter, security officer "Tomo Iwanaga".

The one and only... Raymond William Stacey Burr (1917-1993).

Counter to what some critics have written recently, Morse's footage (shot by Guy Roe) was cleverly inserted into the original — although moviegoers weren't completely fooled. In retrospect, it's obvious that when Burr speaks to Dr. Yamane, it's not actor Takashi Shimura, but a double. In order to accommodate the new footage, the picture was extensively cut, rendering all the characters (save for Dr. Serizawa) less dimensional than in Honda's original.

Turner's 1960 doc-spoiltation symptomatic of his promotional style.

While much attention was paid to what was going on in a particular scene, not that much attention was given to what was being said, in Japanese (several scenes feature characters speaking out of context). Morse was probably thinking, "Who is ever going to notice?", and at the time, he was right. Dubbing only minimal footage seemed wise, since this was one of the early attempts at this technique used to prepare a foreign film for American audiences.

Lurid fare post-GODZILLA from Rybnick, Kay and Barison, 1958.

The voice dubbing talent was led by the loquacious character actor, James Hong (Big Trouble In Little China), Sammee Tong (Bachelor Father), and an as yet-to-be-identified Chinese-American actress, recording all of their dialogue over three long days, and according to Hong, without the actors ever seeing any of the footage.

You really see nothing in this 1958 Kay-Rybnick monsterless movie.

Despite the seemingly rushed schedule for Morse's inserts (and toning down the original's nuclear theme), they still manage to maintain a gritty, moody, near Film Noir feel, lending this adaptation a life all its own. In fact, Toho was compliant and well aware of the steps taken in making this adaptation — from the changes to the original, as well as approving Ward's English-language screenplay (Schreibman was Toho's LA attorney, after all).

Turner and Thompson's ballyhoo was as big as the monster, itself. (From the April 4, 1956 issue of "Variety"; owned by the author.)

Considering the producers' résumés, it was no small feat Morse had created a miracle, unlike the amateurish butcher jobs that would kill films like GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955) and KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (1962). The work of Honda, Tsuburaya and Ifukube still shines through in GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS! (and pretty potent stuff for US audiences in 1956), not diminishing its status as the greatest of the "Monster-on-the-Loose" spectacles of the period.

Newspaper ad for Loew's Poli Palace in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Based on those strengths, the film went on to huge international box-office success — which is why, 60 years after GODZILLA was unleashed in the US — not only has the world never been the same again, we're still talking about both Honda's and the version with that newspaper man who went onto a successful career as a lawyer.

With new films being produced by both Toho and Legendary pictures, Godzilla is still the undisputed King of the Monsters, as he stomps towards his centenary.

ニコニコ超会議、シン・ゴジラ1号雛型！

Maquette No. 1 on display at the Nico-Nico Conference this weekend.

First model produced for CG animators to render for the film.

This large-scale reference model is incredibly and infinitely detailed.

From this angle, this maquette is unmistakably classic Godzilla.

This production maquette also recalls the original 1954 creation.

Amazing detail on the classic-style Big G dorsal plates in this shot.

Fantastic shot of dorsal plates and tail reminiscent of Godzilla '54.

Does it seem that the tail's end is a fusion of marine life skeletons?

(Photos by Takao Yoshiba, Konfunk, Perori, and others via Twitter)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! The film bows nationwide in Japan on July 29th. Check out the official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 16, 2016: Bandai's Quartet of "Shin Godzilla" Sofubi
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
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!

4Kデジタルリマスター完全版『キングコング対ゴジラ』！

Toho's original Japanese Theatrical Program Booklet from 1962.

STOP THE PRESSES: Yes, you heard that right! Just two years after a satellite cable broadcast of the 1962 monster mash, KING KONG VS. GODZILLA, boasting it as the "complete version" (read more here), it was announced to the media last night, that a 4k restoration scan of the film was recently completed in Japan. Toho's extensive 4k digital "remaster" will premiere this July — but wait, that's not all!

The on-screen announcement (photo courtesy Kazuki Kishimoto).

Between June and August, 2016, the satellite cable outfit, Nihon Eiga Senmon Channel (Japanese Movie Speciality Channel), will be running "Godzilla: First Impact"; a retrospective hosted by several celebrities, who introduce the first Godzilla movie they saw, and what that film means to them. The retrospective commemorates the July 29th bow of Anno Hideaki and Shin Higuchi's GODZILLA RESURGENCE.

Nihon Eiga Senmon will rebroadcast the 4k restoration of GODZILLA.

In June, the 4k digital remaster of Ishiro Honda's GODZILLA (1954) will be hosted by actor and musician Ryudo Uzaki, who starred in Shusuke Kaneko's GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (2001). Also that month, Kazuki Omori's GODZILLA VS MOTHRA (1992) will be hosted by gravure model-turned-actress, Manami Hashimoto (Onechanbara).

Pin-up model Hashimoto will host GODZILLA VS MOTHRA (1992).

Honda's 1954 original will repeat in July, this time hosted by Hiroki Hasegawa and Satomi Ishihara, the stars of the upcoming GODZILLA RESURGENCE. Film producer Toshimichi Otsuki (Evangelion: 3.0) will introduce Jun Fukuda's SON OF GODZILLA (1967), while actor Shiro Sano (Godzilla 2000) will host the premiere of the "complete digital restoration" of KING KONG VS. GODZILLA — very exciting news!

The kaiju family that stays together... SON OF GODZILLA (1967).

Judoka Silver Medalist, Shinichi Shinohara, will host Omori's GODZILLA VS KING GHIDORAH (1991). Nihon Eiga Senmon has stated that there will be a total of ten celebrities, meaning that more titles and hosts are to be revealed. In the meantime, they have also announced a 24-hour Marathon of Big G movies on the eve of GODZILLA RESURGENCE, including broadcasts of five features and shorts by Anno.

Those screening during the marathon are LOVE & POP (1998), RITUAL DAY (2000), METEOR MANAGER (2002), CUTIE HONEY (2004), and THE GIANT GOD WARRIOR APPEARS IN TOKYO (2012).

GODZILLA VS. KING GHIDORAH (1991) will get an Olympic treatment.

Additionally, the celebration of Godzilla movies will also be extended to broadcasts of both Emmerich and Edwards' 1998 and 2014 feature films on Nihon Eiga Senmon's "Sunday Movie Theater". While all of this Godzilla Goodness is going to be fantastic for those in Japan to enjoy — by far, I'm the most excited by this 4k restoration of KING KONG VS. GODZILLA, naturally. And so should we all.

VHS cover for the original Toho Video release from June 1985.

When I saw the first restoration (stitched together with a worn 16mm anamorphic print) on Toho Video's VHS/Beta release way back in '85, the film was only 23 years old — now, it's 54 years old! So, you could say that this 4k digital remaster of the "complete version" has been a very, very long time coming.

(Special thanks to master kaiju artist, Yuji Kaida, for the heads up!)

4Kリマスター完全版『キングコング対ゴジラ』の比較ショット！

On October 1st of 2015, I reported on the then-upcoming Nihon Eiga Senmon Channel's satellite cable broadcast of a newly-complete and restored version of KING KONG VS. GODZILLA (read more here), which was followed up this past May 1st's breaking story on the 4k remaster of the film, which has been in sore need of a proper restoration for more than forty years (read more here).

Here are screenshots from a teaser trailer that just began running, comparing the 2015 restoration with the 2016 4k Remaster bowing on the satellite cable provider this coming July. The full teaser trailer was unavailable at press time, but will be featured in a future update once it has been uploaded by NESC. For now, there are eight images for you to compare.

Stay tuned to this blog for more updates on this story as they break!

平成ガメラ4Kデジタル復元版 BLU-RAY BOXが7月22日に発売される。

Jacket design for "Heisei Gamera 4k Digital Restoration Blu-ray Box"!

Hitting Japanese shelves this July 22nd will be a special six-disc Blu-ray box set containing the ultimate 4k restorations of all four of the Heisei Gamera films, including Shusuke Kaneko's 1990s trilogy and Ryuta Tasaki's GAMERA THE BRAVE (2006), the latter film in its first domestic BD release. For fans of the 1990s trilogy, at the very least, this set boasts the ultimate restorations of the films ever issued on any home video format.

The guts of this ultimate Blu-ray box are spilled for the first time!

The first disc of special features includes the 30-second teaser for the proposed new, upcoming film, director Kaneko's on-stage talk show from the March 20, 2016 4k screening of his trilogy, as well as Chukyo TV's 1996 documentary aired during the release of GAMERA 2: ASSAULT OF LEGION (apparently, Kadokawa's new English-language title for the film). But, wait! That's not all...

One of the 750 unpublished photos included in the special book!

Rounding out the first special features disc are original series director Noriaki Yuasa's "Gamera Special" Volumes 1 & 2 (issued on VHS in the early '90s), as well as the entirety of special features created for the original "Ultimate Box" Laserdisc set, which is pretty intensive. While the second special features disc contains an astounding 380-minutes (that's six-and-a-half hours) of interviews with 95 staff members who worked on the films! Hold on! There's more...

Three-sixth view of the soon-to-be-released Blu-ray box set!

Also contained in this ultimate digipak box set are two booklets; one not being a "booklet" at all: "G I-III Sfx & Art: Photographs" features 200 pages of 750 unpublished photographs of artwork and props from the '90s Trilogy. While the "G I-IV Complement Books (sic)" is 32-pages of interviews on the 4k restoration, updated and revised materials from the original Laserdisc booklets, and Shinji Higuchi's LD jacket designs for those releases. MSRP: ¥38000 ($349.00 USD).

To trumpet this release, these 4k restorations of Kaneko's Trilogy will be screened for three weeks, starting June 22nd through July 2nd, at United Cinemas Toyosu in Tokyo. Schedule and further details will be announced on June 1st via the theater's official website (Japanese only). While the new-old Gamera is back, can we still look forward to a new-new Gamera to love in the future? Stay tuned...

ギガンティックシリーズ恐竜戦隊ジュウレンジャーの「大獣神」！

X-Plus' first "Super Sentai Robo Gigantic" release: Daizyujin!

Best known for their large-scale, highly detailed and photo-realistic vinyl kaiju figures from a myriad of Japanese monster movies, Osaka-based X-Plus Toys, has just announced a departure from their usual suspects of Godzilla kith & kin as a part of their "Gigantic Series" run of 40cm (15-3/4") pieces. The inaugural entry in their "Super Sentai Robo" line drops this coming summer from Shonen Ric:

The detailed work of X-Plus is apparent even in this rear view.

"Daizyujin" from "Dinosaur Task Force: Zyuranger" (1992) — perhaps better known to fans outside of Japan as the "Dino Megazord" seen in the US adaptation, "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers"! Now, for the first time, famous giant robots from Toei's long-running Super Sentai series are to be issued as large, vinyl display pieces — not in hard plastic nor diecast metal.

Daizyujin wielding the mighty "Godhorn, the Dinosaur Blade"!

While the figure itself has limited moving parts and poseability, the head, shoulders, and wrists can be moved. The bonus here are the major weapons, such as the "Kyoryuken" sword and the "Mammoth Sheild", two sets of fists (one to hold the respective weapons), and a stand for the shield. Of course, the great appeal of this piece is its sheer size and incredible detail.

At the ready with the "Kyoryuken" and the "Mammoth Sheild"!

"Daizyujin" is now scheduled for release this coming July and is listed to retail for ¥24800 ($227.30 USD). Stay tuned for the future entries in this exciting new line-up from X-Plus in conjunction with Plex — I'm hoping for the giant robots from "Bioman" and "Sun Vulcan"!

待望の『ウルトラマンA』がBLU-RAY BOXとなって登場します！

Jacket design for the latest HD 2.0 Remaster of the Ultra Series!

On September 27th, Tsuburaya Productions and Bandai Visual will be issuing the latest in their "HD Remaster 2.0" roster with ULTRAMAN ACE (1972) for the Japanese market in two editions. ULTRAMAN ACE was the fifth in the long running "Ultra Series", starting in 1966 with ULTRA Q, and the fourth featuring a titular "Ultraman" character.

Slipcase for the Blu-ray box of the 5th Ultra Series from 1972!

"Under the slogan, 'The Ultra Bottom Line: All-Out War', ULTRAMAN ACE made revolutionary turns, with Seiji Hokuto (Keiji Takamine) and Yuko Minami (Mitsuko Hoshi) merging into a singular Ultra Hero, the solidarity of the 'Ultra Brothers', and a powerful leader in the 'Father of Ultra', creating a show with great appeal."

Ultra Rings included with Special Edition (actual product may differ).

ULTRAMAN ACE is an exciting series that captures the transition from the classic giant monster scenario into the "Henshin Heroes" boom, exemplified by Kamen Rider. Showcasing bizarre creatures, colorful action, as well as a man and a woman forming a singular superhero, ULTRAMAN ACE is among the best of the '70s Ultra Series!

STANDARD EDITION
52 half-hour episodes/1319 minutes
9 Discs (All Region)/Linear PCM (Stereo/Mono)
AVC/BD50G/1080p HD/4:3
MSRP ¥29800 ($273.70 USD)

SPECIAL EDITION: Amazon Japan Exclusive (First Printing)
52 half-hour episodes/1319 minutes + 60 min. (Bonus Disc)
10 Discs (All Region)/Linear PCM (Stereo/Mono)
AVC/BD50G/1080p HD/4:3
Bonus Disc (Staff & Cast interviews, etc.)
Replica "Ultra Rings" pair set
Special 78-page Booklet
MSRP ¥49800 ($457.38 USD)

『ゴジラ』(1984)は米国のDVD＆BLU-RAYに上陸！

The original, uncut Japanese original finally coming to US video!

Today, Houston-based Kraken Releasing (a label of Section23 Films, formerly ADV Films), having previously issued GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER (1966), GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH (1971) and GODZILLA VS. GIGAN (1972), announced their forthcoming release of THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (1984) for the first time ever on home video in North America this coming September 13th — and will be available in both DVD and Blu-ray editions!

While Koji Hashimoto's film was "Americanized" as GODZILLA 1985 by New World Pictures, featuring Raymond Burr reprising his role from GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS (1956), opening in the summer of 1985 at theaters nationwide (followed by record home video sales), the original, uncut Japanese version of Hashimoto's 1984 version has never been issued on home video in the US.

Kraken's press release mentions, but does not name GODZILLA 1985, which has been embroiled in an on-going dispute between Michigan-based home video label, Anchor Bay, who grandfathered the rights to the localization, and Toho International, which disputes those rights. Previously, Anchor Bay released that version on VHS, but subsequent plans for DVD and Blu-ray have been stymied by Toho.

In Kraken's press release, GODZILLA 1985 is downplayed as a "highly edited version that cut over twenty minutes of original footage and effects, changed key plot points and altered the dark dramatic tone and narrative by inserting additional scenes and humor in an attempt to 'Americanize' the film." And without addressing it directly, intimate that this version will not be included in their release.

Conversely, Kraken also trumpets their release with feature "both the original Japanese version with English subtitles, as well as an English dubbed version", which might lead one to believe that there are two, separate versions of the film in this release; one being the original Japanese theatrical release, simply titled GODZILLA, while the other being the export version, titled THE RETURN OF GODZILLA.

So, this is a case of six of one, a half dozen of the other. On the one hand, we finally have an official release of Hashimoto's uncut 1984 revival, including Toho's English dub commissioned for overseas sales; while on the other, we lose the R.J. Kizer Americanization, which was completely a product of the self-effacing, self-referential low-budget exploitation sensibilities of the '80s, which hasn't aged well.

And while both versions have been illusive on the home video front over the years, perhaps its best that Hashimoto's uncut original will finally have its time to shine and be evaluated outside of the shadow of it's American counterpart — for better or worse — and be allowed to stand on its own. It's time for THE RETURN OF GODZILLA.

DISCOVER THE SECRET ORIGIN OF THE "POWER RANGERS"!

Dynamic ad for Shout! Facotry TV's new Super Sentai Spectacular!

For our fourth marathon with Shout! Factory TV, I'll be back hosting a three-hour streaming event featuring the original Japanese episodes of FIVE STAR TASK FORCE: DAIRANGER (1993), which will be blasting out onto digital screens across the web this Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 9:00 am Pacific/Noon Eastern at Shout Factory TV — for free!

This new marathon will feature the first seven episodes from one the original series that inspired the "Power Rangers", in Japanese with English subtitles. After fans have watched these first episodes during the "Super Sentai Spectacular", immediately following, all 50 episodes of DAIRANGER will become available on Shout! Factory TV.

As a returning host, I'll discuss the history of Super Sentai, setting the context as a long-time fan. My first experience with Super Sentai was watching the one that started it all: SECRET TASK FORCE: GORANGER in 1976 through 1977 on Sacramento's KMUV-31, San Francisco's KEMO-20 and Honolulu's KIKU-13. So, I'm a real OF (Original Fan).

As with our previous marathons, this will also be interactive: Join in on the conversation with myself and other Super Sentai fans, using the hashtag #Dairanger while you watch on Twitter, Facebook, and on Pluto TV (Channel 515), or get the Pluto TV app for tablet and TV devices (Roku, Amazon Fire, Fire TV Stick, Android, Chromecast, and Apple Airplay), mobile (iOS, Android and Amazon), and on the web.

So, what's FIVE STAR TASK FORCE: DAIRANGER about?

The three Tribes of the Daos Empire — Shura, Dai and Gorma — were peaceful until the Gorma set out to conquer the planet, launching a magical war between the Gorma and Dai Tribes that lasted for 5,000 years. In the end, both civilizations were lost… until now. The evil Gorma have returned. Now, it’s up to Master Kaku to assemble a team of kids with high levels of Qi to become the protectors of the Earth known as the Dairangers!

Schedule of Episodes:*
09:05 am – L-e-e-et’s Tenshin!!!
09:30 am – I-i-i-it’s Qi-Power!!!
10:00 am – Your Souls, Please!
10:25 am – We’re Naïve!
10:55 am – The Jewels Have Come!
11:25 am – Wind, Cut Through!
11:50 am – Traito-o-or!

*Times listed are Pacific time, approximate and subject to change.

Charge up your Aura Changers, prepare to Qi Power Changeover, and join us for the "Super Sentai Spectacular" on Saturday, May 21st!

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!

お誕生日おめでとう、古谷敏！ウルトラマンとアマギ隊員よ永遠に！

At a fit 73, Satoshi "Bin" Furuya still has the right "Ultra Stuff"!

On the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the seminal ULTRAMAN series, read more about the man who played the red and silver hero from the stars, here! This July 15th-17th, Mr. Furuya will be appearing at G-Fest XXIII in Chicago, along with his co-star Hiroko Sakurai, who played Akiko Fuji. If you're a fan, its your duty to come by and wish Mr. Ultraman a very happy ultra birthday!

Read about my thoughts on Mr. Furuya, here.

THE MAN WHO CONTINUES TO DRAW RAY BEAMS The First Book on Optical Animator Sadao Iizuka

RAGONE HOSTS "SUPER SENTAI SPECTACULAR"! New Marathon Streaming Live on January 23rd

WHIMSICAL RENDERINGS OF ULTRAMAN'S KAIJU A Selection of Kim Hu's Pop Ultra Kaiju Studies

"ULTRAMAN NEXUS" DEBUTS 'ROUND THE GLOBE Crunchyroll Streams a Different Ultraman Show

"ULTRAMAN GAIA" UNLEASHED UPON EARTH! Full Series Now Streaming from Crunchyroll

RONDO HORROR AWARDS SEASON IS HERE AGAIN And here I am... Begging for more votes. Sorry.

TOHO'S UPCOMING "SHIN GODZILLA" REVEALED New Info & Trailers for GODZILLA RESURGENCE!

BEHOLD! FIRST "SHIN GODZILLA" RETAIL FIGURE Banpresto's Big Sofubi Figure Lottery Prize Toy!

BANDAI'S QUARTET OF "SHIN GODZILLA" SOFUBI Four Godzilla 2016 Figures? What Does It Mean?

APRIL 27, 1956: "GODZILLA" UNLEASHED IN U.S. The Big G's American Bow 60 Years Ago Today!

"SHIN GODZILLA" STATIONARY MAQUETTE NO. 1 Model Displayed at Nico-Nico Super Conference!

4K REMASTERING OF "KING KONG VS. GODZILLA" Premiering During Satellite Cable Retrospective

"KING KONG VS. GODZILLA" 4K REMASTER SHOTS Teaser Compares Old Master & New Restoration!

"HEISEI GAMERA" 4K DIGITAL RESTORATION BOX Ultimate Blu-ray Package Dropping July 22nd!

X-PLUS LAUNCHES THE SUPER SENTAI ROBO LINE Gigantic Series "Daizyujin" (Zyuranger) in July!

ACE OF SPACE! "ULTRAMAN ACE" BLU-RAY BOX Standard & Editions Dropping September 27th!

KRAKEN RELEASING "THE RETURN OF GODZILLA" First Time On US Home Video September 13th!

RAGONE HOSTS "SUPER SENTAI SPECTACULAR" 2! Shout Factory Marathon Streaming on May 21st

"ULTRAMAN" TURNS 50 THIS MONTH: JULY 2016! From "Weekly TV Guide" #199, June 24, 1966

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SATOSHI "ULTRAMAN" FURUYA! JULY 5, 1943