Epic Fan Fic "Mothra and Godzilla: Future Destiny" completed!

By Donny:

"It is terrifying how quickly time seems to go by. As of a week ago I managed to complete Mothra & Godzilla: Future Destiny. After two difficult years of strenuous work and dedicated study, the piece of fan fiction managed to turn out well with positive feedback.I would like to reach out to those aspiring fan fiction writers out there who are discouraged by the complexities of producing a piece of literature---regardless the size. I cannot begin to name the number of times I wanted to give up, or thought that it was a lost cause but I feel that determination pulled me through successfully. There were days when I thought my writing was awful, and times when I thought my writing was phenomenal. I was self-conscious about what people thought about my work, but I realized that it really doesn't matter what other people think. What matters is what the writer thinks---if the story completes that person in some fashion.If there are ever difficulties whether it be being stuck in a rut of writer's block or something as simple as not knowing something, get help! Don't be afraid to ask someone else their opinion because that's what makes a writer improve---constructive criticism and reflection.I must say, it has been so fun writing Future Destiny Book I. While I am sad that it is finished (and happy at the same time), I am definitely looking forward to writing Book II.Here are links to two of the locations the story is posted at:

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5611630/1/Mothra_Godzilla_Future_Destiny_Book_Ihttp://s4.zetaboards.com/KaijuGalaxy/topic/7836060/"

What was Christmas for me

Well, like I said, I didn't attend the Atlanta screening of DAM, presented by the Silver Scream Spook Show, making it two that I have missed since GMK a year ago. With that being as it is, Christmas went the way it would have if there was no DAM screening: buying memorabilia. More specificaly, I have continued the quest to get a good majority of G3 merchandise. So, though it does expose my family's ebay name, here are links to the things I have thus far bought off of ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Movie-Pamphlets-in-Japanese-GIII-Gamera-3_W0QQitemZ360173157770QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMagazines?hash=item53dbfe3d8a

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gamera-3-Japanese-Visual-Encyclopedia-Book-Godzilla_W0QQitemZ390063105601QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5ad192a641

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gamera-3-Revenge-of-Iris-Thai-Movie-Poster-1999_W0QQitemZ380171701908QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5883ffce94

http://cgi.ebay.com/Shusuke-Kaneko-Gamera-3-1999-Japanese-Movie-POSTER-B_W0QQitemZ350292801801QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518f13f909

Along with that, I also bought some stuff in store, including:

http://www.collectiondx.com/node/3818

And the remake of my favorite horror film (which isn't made by John Carpenter):

http://z.about.com/d/horror/1/0/R/9/0/-/ChildrenofCorn09.jpg

I know that it is unusual for me to make personal posts like this with this blog, but it is the end of 2009 so remembering what Jack Burton always says when the lighting crashes, the rain comes down in sheets thick as lead, and the pillars of heaven shake: "What the hell?"

S.S.S.S. Update

Due to unforseen circumstances, me and my family cannot attend this round of the S.S.S.S. Sorry everyone.

-Evan

2009 In Review

NOTE: I HAVE WRITTEN THIS BEFORE THE DAM SHOWING

Well, 2009 is over with and we are now over with the first decade of the new millennium. 2009 has been a very good but yet a very bad year for me, but I do not have much to complain about. So what exactly happened in 2009 with me? Let’s see…

Kicking off the year in January was the theatrical screening of GMK at the Atlanta, GA theatre, the "Plaza Atlanta". Seeing a Godzilla film on the big screen was quite mystifying. But the other stuff surrounding it, like the free memorabilia and the merchandise which I got, brought a new dimension to it. Quite frankly, I have and will keep on calling it a "mini-G-FEST". January also ushered in an era in which I have started taping off of my computer screen rare footage of Godzilla-related stuff. This includes trailers, event footage, 8mm film, and just a plethora of material.

February was a pale time for me. I ensued "Operation GOJIRA" for the umpteenth time. Later I would find that it was a big waste of time. March was just as a bland. April, still bland. Well, bland except for one factor: my friends supporting me. I have three friends specifically who have supported me by sending me, for lack of a better term, gifts. And I got to thank these people for showing me a lot of stuff. This is merchandise such as "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Godzilla" by Ed Godziszewski, DVD copies of the Toho Unused SFX tape, Godzilla Fantasia, Legend of Godzilla, and a lot more other stuff. They know who they are and if they are reading this, I would like to thank them again for their continued support.

May - specifically the end - was the genesis of something special. THIS BLOG! Out of the wanting to get Kaiju Galaxy forums more active and wanting to have a blog which would become, in time, a beacon of information for all. While this is slowly happening, there are still some knots which needs to be undone. But most of those knots have been untangled.

June was mainly inactive, with July being a threshold. First day of June, I was blessed to finally see what is my favorite kaiju film ever, "Gamera 3: Incomplete Struggle". And it is exactly that, my favorite kaiju film. Gamera is treated like a human character, it is dark and yet fun. The only thing I could really count against it would be the lack of the rumored cut ending of Gamera and Gyaos still duking it out with a sign of humanity either on the brink of or is already extinct.

July came, and I spent what time I had for the rest of the break on the forums. There were two forums of special note which I should mention: Clubtokyo and Tohokingdom. With Tohokingdom, I was allowed back on after a year’s suspension. And right now, it is actually quite cool. Thanks partially to Tohokingdom, I have learned some things, such as fine lining my skills of critically and personally ratings films and such. On the other side is Clubtokyo Forums. Except that I acted cocky. I acted on the defensive too much, and argued points which I was wrong about. That, and my big mouth. Through my ranting, I also became an infamous member. Then at the end of the month -coinciding with a funeral - my blog was hacked (I was tricked into giving away information). And another person - or the same - tricked me into thinking he was a certain person. So, in the end, I got banned from Clubtokyo (maybe the best thing for a while) and the possible end of a friend ship (I post comments on the aforementioned friend’s blog every now and then).

August was spent getting stuff back in gear for the school year. Starting high school! Though this is a subject I never talk about, I might as well let out some details for once. School has been going great. And in fallowing my late father’s footsteps, I decided to have the classes that you are allowed to choose consisting of computers (something I am naturally good at), physical fitness (if you saw me in real life, though I can hold my own it hasn’t helped any), and the thing which my father took up - engineering.

September was to be a good month, with "Rodan" being shown at the Plaza Atlanta. Though I didn’t go due to my mother suddenly getting ill, though one thing happened: my love for the critically terrible Children of the Corn series being resurrected once the remake came out after hearing for years on end about an eight film which never came into fruition. And now since a second remake is on the way, I am happy.

October and November consisted of just running the blog, keeping people updated with news and such while getting along with school with nothing really getting into the way. December is now here, and along with a renewed interest in Super Sentai due to news of the original MMPR being re-aired in HD and tweaked special effects (which alarms me ever so slightly, hopefully SciFiJapan will do a report on this shenanigans). Also, not to mention a restored love for "The Big-O" since seeing the official adult swim boards going a little slow along with the release of the Chogokin figure.

This year has been a good year, starting good with a mediocre middle and ending with flying colors. My collection is bigger, I am a moderator on two of my favorite forums, I can scratch being published in G-FAN off my bucket list (and I am still writing stuff, I hope to get a piece on G3 in soon with pictures from my collection). I want to thanks the friends I have had and the friends I have made along the way for making this such an awesome year.

Kaiju Double Feature In Florida

Are you alone this Christmas? Do you find yourself with nothing else to do after comming home from a relative's house after the most peaceful night of the year? Well, you are in luck! The SantaFe College is hosting for the rest of the Fridays and Saturdays of this month a double feature of "Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster" and "Gamera vs. Jaiger". More information can be found here:

http://www.joshuadraper.com/project01_sfcmovietheater/

If you going to Florida to see these screenings and you are North of Georgia, don't forget to also stop by the Plaza Atlanta to see a 35mm screening of "Destroy All Monters" this Saturday!

Looking for Someone Who Can Speak Japanese

Currently, my good friend and fellow Georgian citizen Avery Guerra has found out of an independent kaiju film that is like Gamera: "Ichimotsu", or also known as "Daikaiju Gami" for the rated G reasons. You can read about it here: http://roberthood.net/blog/index.php/2009/12/22/a-rival-for-gamera/

The point is that the film is not going to reach US shores in a legible form unless someone who is fluent in Japanese - in all three forms (writing, speaking, and reading) - is willing to translate the film for free. If you know of someone, leave a comment and please let me speak to you about this. Some canidates are already being looked through by me, but still drop me a message below. This is important!

Gift from GVAMP

Well known for being a head honcho over at Tohokingdom forums, GVAMP has asked me to post three templates for e-mails to diffrent companese onto the blog. These templates are mainly for the news that Sony within the next three years may release all their Heisei Godzilla/Mothra titles onto DVD on quality releases along with G2K. Also included is stuff for the Ultraman fans who wants to write to their favorite TV station to have them show their favorite Japanese Super Hero on TV. However, GVAMP asks that you send e-mails to only companese that own multiple stations. Here are the templates:

MESSAGE NO. 1
To Whom It May Concern:

I’ve read recently online that your company is considering reissuing your Godzilla titles from the 1990s series along with the Rebirth of Mothra trilogy. I must say that it’s a wonderful idea because I would love to have proper releases for most of these films. “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah” and “Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle For Earth” were released in Pan and Scan format on DVD. If you are indeed planning on re-issuing these titles, I would buy the set or individual releases in a heartbeat. Also, something I would like to see on the discs would be the trailers for the films. I’m not expecting deluxe editions of these films but a trailer would be nice, as well as complete prints of the film (no missing credits) and proper English subtitles.

Thank you,


MESSAGE NO. 2
To Whom It May Concern:

Dear ,
I was curious if you had any plans or would be interested in licensing any of the TV shows from the Ultraman TV series. I think it would be a big hit especially if you got the license for some of the older stuff. I know for a fact that I would watch it since I’m a huge fan of that type of show. If you have any plans to license it when could we expect it to air on ? If you don’t have any plans then you should at least consider it.

Thank you,


MESSAGE NO. 3
To Whom It May Concern:

Dear , I was wondering if you would be interested in releasing any thing from the TV shows in the Ultraman series? I know there’s a lot of interest in the older stuff, mainly "Ultraman". I know that Ultraman has been released by BCI and now Millscreek but the thing with those releases are that they aren’t sanctioned by Tsuburaya, the company responsible for creating the character. I won’t bore you with back story but the company had legal issues with another company and they where cleared up recently. I know a lot of fans would buy a reissue of the first set if you worked close with Tsuburaya in releasing it since they have all the original materials for the show (something that wasn’t utilized in the first set). Other possible series you could look into would be "Ultra Q", which was a precursor to "Ultraman". Also consider "Ultraseven" which was the second show in the series. Another good show to release would be "Ultraman Nexus" since it’s very popular with fans. The reason I contacted your label is because I know your label has released many genre titles so I figured you’d be the ones to contact.

Sincerely,

KaijuGalaxy Updates

Well, Donny Winter (co-founder of the KaijuGalaxy community) has an update for us reguarding the main site:

"After much difficult work and effort, the Kaiju Galaxy website has undergone a face lift giving it a more professional appearance. Of course there are still some kinks to work out, but that should be done in good time. Here is a list of the newest features:

-A 6 selection tool bar.
-Drop down buttons on each button
-Easier navigation

More centered and professional look. Feel free to browse the site and submit feedback through our “guest book” and “e-mail” feature. I'd like to personally thank Sahra Rau (wolfprincess2007) for the hard work she has put into the site's new look."

Thanks Donny and Sahra!

2 Weeks Notice - DAM

Well, it is two weeks till DAM. The holidays are seemingly upon us and I hope that all who read this blog - especialy fans living in Georgia - are comming to see this film which was originaly given a wide theatrical release 40 years ago this year. So, while we think about the upcomming DAM showing, let's also think about the other tokusatsu films the Plaza Atlanta - in association with the Silver Scream Spook Show - has shown this year!

And just for the hell of it...

Godzilla's Green... Again... For "Godzillabout"

News seems to be going slow this day and age. However, it seems like a new fashion in kaiju merchandise is going on - mostly with cell phones. Enter "GODZILLABOUT". A set of officialy made icons have been produced and are being used on cell phones and jackets (do not know if the jackets are official or fan made though). Check it out!

Check out the link!

http://www.t-entamedia.com/html/pressrelease/2009/rel091119_1.pdf

Monster Attack Team... No Worries

If any of you have tried visiting the official site for the ressurected Monster Attack Team fanzine and found it alarming that the link is no longer working. No worry! I have spoken to Michael Keller and here is where the site is moving to:

www.monsterattackteam.com

Limited Figure From "Mothra vs. Godzilla"

Nothing much is being presented news wise in the Godzilla side of things. Or for that matter Gamera, though in terms of Ultraman stuff those of you who are interested are sure to want to know that next month the Ultraman Belial action figure is comming out. So, here is just something which I found which I thought was interesting. How many of you have seen the 1980 re-release poster for "Mothra vs. Godzilla"?

The artist who drew the picture of Godzilla on the poster is L. Matsumoto. The art of Godzilla on the poster is obviously not the Mosu-Goji suit. Instead, it is Matsumoto's interpretation of the Shodai-Goji design. Recently, the design has been blessed with a 40 CM tall vinyl embodiment limited to 100 copies. The link below shows a plain grey version of the figure. The image below is of a red hard copy on display.

Link:
http://www.zerogoodsuniverse.com/assort/goods/godzila_black.html

Review: CHAW (2009)

WARNING: Major Spoilers Ahead.

What happens when you mix baby pigs, a small town, talking dogs, a cop with a pregnant wife, a mentally handicapped mother, a crazy woman, and a hunter hung up on a hook in a Saw-esque barn about to be cut up because the same aforementioned woman wants him to call her mommy? You get the newest monster film out of Korea: Chaw. But how does Chaw fair? Well, thanks to my friend Keith, I got a copy (complete with making of, deleted scenes, ect.) and I saw the film.

ALTERNATE OPENING: If I had to compare Korean monster films to other monster films, here is how it would go: Gwoemul would be Gojira, D-War would be Gamera, Yonggary (both) would be Guilala, and last but not least Chaw would be Jaws. The film is a thrill ride that sometimes uses old monster film "jump scene" tricks and puts then into new use and much more.

Unlike it’s predecessors, CHAW takes place in South Korea’s beautiful country side. The colors are nice and strong for all of the sets. This is the biggest stand out with the film. And many of the forested areas are of a creepy air - forests, an orange orchard, and other plant places with dense vegetation. Some of this plays on one of the reasons why "Children of the Corn" had at least a little bit of eeriness: a dense field of organized plants is creepy. But the forest scenery is also creepy. The hunter’s expertise in finding stuff makes it interesting and the boar’s roar is something which makes your heart feel a little disturbed. It also serves as a not-so-well-told underlying message in the film: the problems with cross breeding. More on that when you actually see the film.

Like it’s Japanese genre counterparts, Chaw takes the rout of being comedic mixed with horror. Much like the film "Gwoemul", the film does keep a current feeling of dread and terror through out the film. Such gimmicks such as the usual shot of someone walking and then all of a sudden getting hit by something are used to good effect with this film. The comedy does work though in most cases, such as when they were filming the examination of the boar’s fecal matter and hair. But there are times which it is unneeded. Sure, the actors deliver solid performances but it is sometimes not the performance that is flawed, but what they have to do. This brings me to some complaints.

But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t some moments of brutality, especially if you are an animal lover like me. Though it makes me a paradox though since I live in Georgia - a state which part of it’s economic gain is it’s hunting appeal due to the vast forests we have in this state. The first two and a half minutes of the film is actually hunting footage. Deer, boar, and other beasts are shown being killed. Brutality is also sprinkled through out the film, like the scene when the boar’s children are killed. They use pig noises for the squals and stuff and well, just keep in mind that you need to do what you need to do to. That thought is going to keep those more animal inclined through the film.

Other than the times of unnecessary comedy, a thing I have beef with is an unexplored plot device. I haven’t seen the deleted scenes, but there could have been a sub plot in which the only cast member under 14 could have been shown to have had ties with the boar (evidently, the boy’s guardian knows that he is feeding the boar human food!) Another gripe I have is not so much with the film as much as the people who have reviewed this film. Many say that the CGI is bad. While higher than SciFi Channel standards, the CGI is not the best. But it is good enough. Why grade the CGI so badly? There isn’t even that much of it in it. In my opinion, if CGI was such a problem, they should have had Younggu-Art do the touch ups. For what CGI there is in the film, I feel it gets the job done.

While not a terribly great film, the film is a good film and again makes the monster part of Korean cinema look good. It is better than what SciFi Channel produced and critically better than D-WAR (not personally though). When the film gets distribution in the states, I hope a lot of you take it upon yourselves to watch the film. It is sure to be a fun thrill ride.

Rating: 3.5/5

Recomended

More On Book "The Heisei Godzilla Chronicle"

Here are some links to a lucky Japanese fan's blog who went to some events which were done to celebrate Koichi Kawakita's 20th anniversary of taking over the Godzilla series and the new book "The Heisei Godzilla Chronicle". Enjoy!


http://blog.livedoor.jp/yakannabe/archives/51336556.html
http://blog.livedoor.jp/yakannabe/archives/51336625.html
http://blog.livedoor.jp/yakannabe/archives/51337360.html
http://blog.livedoor.jp/yakannabe/archives/51338882.html

Comfirmation: DAM at S.S.S.S.

Well, this topic at Tohokingdom says it all. Better get your bags packed!

http://www.tohokingdom.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=23498

News On Legendary Picture's Godzilla Project

It isn't news from me which shall be bestowed upon you, the reader. This is of youtube member DeviantSon. Evidently, he knows someone who knows someone who knows what is going on with the epic sounding venture. While some on youtube have made videos on the project - which mostly consist of fan speculation and the maker's own wishes for the venture, DeviantSon seems to have a real fountain of information with him, along with the other usual stuff. Watch some, eh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTqy9N_mYy0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO6o_Smn1Rg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cANxNp3Qck
http://www.youtube.com/user/DeviantSon13#p/u/3/vxSyQ7FDapA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JZrXuvURxc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VwywLJcilc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgq_fc5R0UM

I shall be getting more information soon on this information.

Interview with Frank Gillen

Well, it is just natural to want to know about the man who has started a new phase in the youtube part of the Tokusatsu fandom. Frank Gillen is the creator of "TokusatsuReviewV3" (link in links bar). From this youtube channel, all of the big names in the Godzilla video buisness contribute to this channel to make an awesome collage of work. So without further delay, here is my interview with Frank Gillen AKA EatIt41. I would like to thank him for taking time out of his schedule for talking with us.

-

1. So, how long have you been a Godzilla fan?

-

According to my father, as old as 3 or 4 is when I started.

-

2. How were you first exposed to kaiju eiga?

-

My dad told me that every Saturday or Sunday after my nap I would sit down to watch the "TNT Monstervision". My dad knew I liked dinosaurs so He thought I would enjoy Godzilla and I've been hooked ever since.

-

3. How has your passion for tokusatsu eiga changed through out the years?

-

Lets put it this way, I went from a boy who loved trains to a boy who loved dinosuars. Then to a boy who loved dinosuuars who ate trains. But I have become more into the overall history of the tokusatsu series.

-

4. How did it come to you that you need to have a youtube channel (talking about your EatIt41 channel)?

-

I made this channel a long time ago just so I could watch videos becuase at the time I had no videos made.

-

5. How is your EatIt41 account holding out?

-

Its doing well. Recent videos have not been recieved as well due to lack of advertising.

-

6. How did it come to create the TokusatsuReviewV3?

-

Originaly it was called "Nori Imports" and I was never going to host it, just showcase the show. But as I worked on the outline, I created this channel for all kaiju fans to come together.

-

7. What were the goals of the TokusatRevuewV3 channel?

-

My goal is to unite all fans into a single place or something like that.

-

8. What are some features which you want to keep up (news reports, toy review, event coverage, ect.)?

-

I would like to keep up with the news but so many others have done this so I'm just keeping it a variety show for now.

-

9. You got some great youtube members contributing to the channel. How do you keep up quality control?

-

I try to keep the fans involved but I tipically ask the more experienced fan on staff for the show. But don't get me wrong, I love the fan submitted stuff, just people need to actually submit and not ask me million times.

-

10. Where do you see the channel going in the future?

-

Hopefully just make it a well known licenced channel with t-shirts or something.

-

11. What problems have you experianced with the TRV3 channel?

-

My weekly video output on top of high school is hard so I am struggling with that.

Heisei Film Festival Pics

Guess what props are on display here:

News on Blu-Ray Discs

Has anyone check out the page for the blu-rays? They updated some of them with pics form the new special features:

http://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/monokuro.htmlhttp://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/radon.htmlhttp://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/godzilla1984.htmlhttp://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/vskingghidorah.htmlhttp://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/rengoukantai.html

Not only that, but the stats for the third wave's Heisei releases have been updated. It seems like all the Heisei releases are going to have the same "new" special feature: shows exactly where in Japan the kaiju go through. Something simular was done for the Cloverfield blu-ray...

Godzilla's Mellons (AKA Worst Article Title Ever)

Mellons. To 8th graders, they are the things which teaches about genes/seeds. To commedians, they are the ultimate synonym for the woman's mammary glands. But now they got a new name: something that Godzilla advertises. After advertising beverages which usualy get slack (Dr. Pepper and Kirin Beer's canned coffee), we now see Godzilla being used to sell mellons. Just got one thing to say: Godzilla has big mellons.

Yes, this is an actual product in Japan.

Ultraman Belial - An Appreciation

Already receiving positive reviews from critics on both sides of the Pacific, "Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie" has become one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film has in it a remarkable thing in it other than it’s original plot, good acting, and intense action sequences which make the Matrix films look like kid’s fare: the first real Evil Ultraman. Like all good tokusatsu protagonists, the sometimes have to be named after biblical entities (Legion). So enter Ultraman Belial. Many people have compared him to as if Ultraman would have bonded to the symbioite which created Marvel comics characters like Venom or Carnage. Ultraman Belial "is tits". This is an appreciation for him.

The character has been host to a lot of merchandise. A theatre exclusive trading card was released. Two shirts were released in 3 sizes. An action figure is to be released this December. And a bunch of videos have popped up, showing the antagonist using electronics and how to have proper manners in the multiplex. So, let’s look, shall we?

http://www.youtube.com/user/g2kmaster#grid/user/F297D42B4E559F22

TokusatsuReviewV3's New Episode

The ingenious youtube channel created by Frank Gillen (EarIt41), "TokusatsuReviewV3" - which collects the tallent of the most note-worthy of kaiju fans who make youtube videos - let me do an episode. It is below. It is not the best episode, but there is going to be a fallow up to it. Another thing is scratched off my bucket list. But that doesn't mean that I wouldn't want to do it again! Plus, I think that this is the first video I have done in a long time which exposes my face.

New Toho Blu-Rays

Today, the official Toho Tokusatsu Blu-Ray DVD site revealed the fourth wave of blu-rays being released on March 19, 2010. The films being released are "Mothra vs. Godzilla", "Ghidorah, The Three Headed Monster", and "Godzilla X Megaguirus". For their regular SFX films, "The Mysterians" and "Atragon" are being released. Unlike the third line - which only had one of it's title prevail with newly produced special features, all of the DVDs in this fourth wave have newly made special features - even "Godzilla X Megaguirus". The spects are the same as the other blu-rays. Below is links and translations of what is on the disc other than the film:


"Ghidorah, The Three Headed Monster"
http://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/sandai.html
Special Features:
-Theatre Notice (HD quality)- making of (8mm film) (SD quality)
- interview with actor Nakashima Haruo (Godzilla) (SD quality)
-"Monster Ghidorah" 8mm Film release + FLEXI (SD quality)
-"Space Monster Ghidorah" DVD Book (from original DVD) (HD quality)
-Tokusatsu Toho University Encyclopedia SF (SD quality) [NEWLY PRODUCED]
-Audio Commentary (Eiko Wakabayashi , interviewed by Toshiaki Sato)

"Mothra vs. Godzilla"
http://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/vs_goazilla.html
-Theater notice (HD quality)
-Godzilla vs. Mothra 1980 re-release cut (HD Blow-Up)
-"Godzilla attacks Tokyo" 8mm + FLEXI (SD quality)
-"Godzilla attacks Tokyo" DVD Book (HD quality)
-Career of Molding Godzilla (tentative HD quality) [NEWLY PRODUCED ]
-Tokusatsu Toho University Encyclopedia SF (SD quality) [NEWLY PRODUCED]
-Audio Commentary (Kenji Sahara interview by Kurashiki Yasuo)

"The Mysterians"
http://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/bouei.html
-Theatre notice (HD quality)
-Earth Defense's Soldiers Toho Champion Matsuri Festival Edition (HD quality) [FIRST TIME RELEASED! ]
-SF Encyclopedia Tokusatsu Toho University (SD quality) [NEWLY PRODUCED]
-Audio Commentary (Shinji Higuchi and Koichi Kawakita interviewed by Yasuo Kurashiki)

"Atragon"
http://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/kaitei.html
-Theatre notice (HD quality)
-1968 edit of Atragon (HD blow up) [FIRST TIME RELEASED ]
-Gotengo Encyclopedia (Tentative HD quality) [NEWLY PRODUCED]
-Tokusatsu Toho University Encyclopedia SF (SD quality) [NEWLY PRODUCED ]
-Audio Commentary (Okiharu Kajita and Takeshi Nuda)

"Godzilla vs. Megaguirus"
http://www.toho-a-park.com/tokusatsu-bd/vs_megagirasu.html
- Theater Notice (HD quality)
- Dispatch (HD Blow-Up)
-TV Spot (SD quality)
- Making (SD quality)
- Shibuya, Tokyo Bay Hen Location Guide Godzilla series (tentative HD quality) [Journal first! ]
- Audio Commentary (Director Masaaki Tezuka / special effects director Kenji Suzuki and Misato Tanaka)
- Audio Commentary (Composer Michiru Oshima and score producer Kitahara Kiyoko)

"...We wish you a merry Christmas so give us some Goji!"

It’s that time of year. The time of year when the northern hemisphere is looking at snow and cold weather while the southern hemisphere is looking at what we just went through which made our electric bills sky rocket. The time of year which people actually strive to have that thing called "world peace" and almost reach it. The time of year which we celebrate either the birth of a Christian deity or a man in a red suit who’s image was perfected by the Coca-Cola company and life story based on a Catholic saint. I am talking about Christmas! And even though Japan’s main religion is Shinto (for those who do fallow a religion in Japan), that does not stop them from celebrating the awesome time of year!


The fallowing photos were taken on Dec. 1, 2007. As you can see, the fairly popular Kiryu-Goji exhibition suit which has fallowed from exhibit to theatrical event to promotional shows to a blu-ray stand to even a kiosk advertisement is here with Santa Claus giving joy to the little children of Japan and gives up tokusatsu otaku something to look at.

New Toy Photos

Not much news today, but some more photos. Just to note, the Desu-Goji figure is already sold out on the one web site it was being sold on. Start checking those aution sites! Plus, notice the diffrent bases that are made for the King Ghidorah figure, which though not pictured, also has some varieties. The KG figure also comes with orange colored hair.

Heisei Film Festival Update

The "Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah" section of the film festival is now playing, and along with it I bestow onto you this flyer for a figure which we have mentioned before.

Interview with Kyle (Deadzilla; Jangozilla)

I have been meaning to do more fan interviews and stuff, and Kyle is the one person who I had in mind. Actually this interview was originally to be done back over summer break, but I kept putting it off (due to trying to get more news pumping through the site which I have successfully done now). But as I said, I have been meaning to do some stuff for Kyle, a great youtube member and kaiju fan. So, here is the interview. And remember, even though it is dead, let’s try to give your support to Kyle since at least I and accouple more youtube kaiju fans want to see his next fan film, "Godzilla 3". Now, here is the interview. NOTE: I AM GOING TO CONTACT BLOGGER ABOUT THE SPACING. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED...

1. Would you say that you joined youtube when Godzilla fans on youtube were still few?

Possibly, there wasn't as much toy reviewers as you see on the YouTube community today. Then again I remember the numerous fan works online such as music videos, stop motions, toy collections, tribute videos, etc. etc. So I wouldn't say few but growing Godzilla fanbase on YT.

2. What was your original goal for your youtube channel?

I never really had a goal for YouTube but just upload my random works with I and my school friends which would be a channel for my classmates and I to view our works, also the chance for me to comment and favor Godzilla music videos in the good ol days before Toho's YouTube Raid, Hence the reason why I'm "Deadzilla" on YT and "Jango_Zilla" on other web places.

3. How much of that goal have you achieved?

Like I said I never really had a goal but I've gotten a chunky amount of subscribers due to the toy reviews, stopmotions, and short films.

4. Your trademark is the excellent films you make. How did the idea come by?

Filmmaking really didn't occur to me until I began to watch the original 1933 King Kong and of course Gojira 1954 over and over again in my freshman year in highschool 2005. The effects, the acting, and the fun behind the scenes reeled me into creating my first short film, King Kong vs. Godzilla. (My 2008 version) I wanted to make a movie with REAL people in my sohpmore year but unfortunately the idea never got off the ground. It wouldn't be until my 2007 Junior year that I would meet the nicest people who helped me bring my dream to life.

5. How would you critique yourself when it comes to you and your films?

Well, in KVG (KongVGodzilla) it's my first time at stop motion which shows a beginner being born. The human characters is also the birth of beginning people for the Godzilla Universe. Come sequel time Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, Which was filmed before the prequels, was a little improvement from KVG. The actress knew that she had done this before so she was a little more comfortable this time. In the Prequels(Mothra vs. Godzilla and Godzilla vs. Gamera) I clearly improved especially with KOTM. (King of the Monsters), although I wish I could have had human characters for them so they could explain the storyline, the humans for my current films REALLY needed time because we would rush these to make it to the deadline for the final exams for my video class, but they still suceed as the "cheezy" characters.

6. One of the more unique things about you is that you are Native American. How do you think your culture effects your view on kaiju eiga?

Well I don't think my culture has anything to do with my love for the Kaiju genre but the fact that it's rare to get any Japanese Godzilla merchandise out here in the Navajo Reservation, maybe that has something to do with WWII (Navajo Code Talkers lol.) Although I will say this, my culture is VERY traditional about stories of the "Monster Slayer" which do resemble the Ancient Mothra history in the films, which are very interesting for me to look into and research and try to come up with ideas for future projects.

7. About how rare is kaiju merchandise - even just DVDs and other stuff?

Japanse merchandise in general is hard to come by out here in Shiprock,Farmington, and Kirtland. If I'm lucky I'll find a store with expensive easy to find Bandai figures in ABQ. DVDs can be easliy found at my local Hastings and F.Y.E. My Bandai Creation figures on the other hand have been adopted by me from KB Toys, but now that they're dead I'm going to have to travel out of town to find a Toys R Us in order to get future BC figures. Once in awhile I'll find someone selling a Godzilla item under $3.00 which are easy steals for me. If you keep your eyes open out here, you'll never know what you'll find.

8. Noobs. Use this question to rant about them.

Some noobs are good and some are bad. The GOOD ones LEARN from thier mistakes and move on. The BAD ones NEVER seem to learn, they'll annoy, and they get demanding. Nowadays on any of my videos some random person will request me to review a Kaiju figure that I don't even own. It really annoys me that they are too lazy to check out my collection video and see what I have first before they blindly request something I dont even own, I'll ask if I have the figure and the poor fool will easily get offended and hold a stupid grudge against me for being a "jerk." The good noobs I always respect for. When a good noob requests something I don't have and I ask if I have it, they'll apologize and learn from thier mistake. Theyre are other good noobs who'll worship the uppers. Right now I have a fan who goes around on YT with my name "Deadzilla" because he was "inspired" by me to make his own videos. I respect that because it shows that I have a fanbase that I thought would never exist for me.

9. Other than Atari and KaijuCollector, what other kaiju sites are you part of (MySpace doesn’t count)?

There was my oldest online buddy's (Solidus Godzilla on YouTube) Space Godzilla Realms/Kaiju Empire which was made back when GTokyo SOS came out. By the time GFW came out, the Kaiju drought had begun in which we lost users that would visit regularly at the website/forums. Another was Godzilla Shrine which I forgot once since the Kaiju Drought begun.

10. You have expressed trouble with your new Godzilla film. Could you go into detail with it?
After talking to my friends about it, Let's say that everyone was not too enthusiatic about it. Some are too busy with thier education to help out and some are moving away to pursue thier dreams. I thought about it and said, "We had a good run guys, I think it is time that we go our separate ways for now. Godzilla will come back one day when everyone's ready to come back to it, but not now, let's pursue our dreams and have fun." I guess you can say G3 is dead for now, but who knows? Maybe in 2-3 years we'll start talking about it with better equipment and software, right now I don't have the power to make the superior films that were done in highschool, and with this economy, I don't think I'll be able to get $600-$1000 to spend on equipment, $300-500 for food to feed the crew, and $100-250 for props. That doesn't mean I'm done with Godzilla, I'm considering on doing a mini-series that revolves around Gigan's retreat from Earth and Godzilla and his son and a possible filler film which should lead up to the events for G3. For now College has kept me from doing anything new and I must concentrate along with the greatest people who helped me with the Godzilla saga.

11. Could you talk about your involvement with the youtube channel TokusatsuReviewV3...

I havent done much but just submit videos for the contests that Frank has created and upload News-type vids. But it's exciting to contribute to a channel that's trying to reach every Kaiju Fan out there in the world. I know that Frank Gillen was excited to do something that would be for Everyone in the Kaiju Nation. I'll tell him ideas and he'll be joyed to hear them. Right now I told him of a Christmas Special I'd be interested in doing and he's loving the idea so far. Working with TokusatsuReviewV3 has been a great side-hobby for me and it has allowed me to show my short films to people who have yet to see them. I would say anyone that loves Godzilla, Gamera, Ultraman, or Kamen Rider should check out the channel.

11. Since you live more on the Western side of the country, is it easier tog et kaiju merchandise?

I don't know much about the eastern fans availability of finding memorabilia but I will tell you that it's hard to come by Japanese Godzilla items here in NM. I've only been able to find Japanese Merchandise at ease in California. Otherwise I've been able to find American items with a sharp eye here in NM. Due to that I've been buying my stuff online such Ebay and Amazon.

13. Any last words?

The Godzilla fandom has intoduced me to many good people online and in the real world. The series is like Transformers, it intoduces many unique characters to love and write fiction about. Godzilla shouldn't be compared to Gamera and Ultraman, but it should bring the fans together because all of us are like brothers and sisters, we love Kaiju and we should love it together and have fun. If it wasn't for my love for Godzilla I don't where I'd be today possibly doing stuff on Transformers or StarWars and I would possibly would have met more jerks than I do today.

I would also advise members of Kaiju Galaxy forums to watch this video:

Happy B-DAY KaijuGalaxy...

New Images

Here are some new images surrounding the Kawakita Heisei film fest in Japan!

Heisei Godzilla Tribute

This is my tribute to Kawakita's work on the Heisei series (all my Heisei Godzilla stuff 1989-1995. Notice the Godzilla Origins Gvs.D Holo poster on the side). What is yours? Send me it and I will post it.

Heisei Film Festival News

Leave it to Tom and Diane of Clawmarktoys to cover the Film Festival. They have just posted it on the clubtokyo message board:

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/ClubTokyoC/message/11098

You got to love them.

Gamera's Take Over Of Korea Coverage

As previously reported by SciFiJapan, the 6th annual JMEFF is showing the whole Gamera trilogy. Luckily, one of the members of the Korean "Big Monster Club" organization named "Artgihun" has posted onto his blog some coverage of the event. It is very awesome. The collection, to the pics of Kaneko, to even the revealing of alternate ADV Cover artwork. Take a look/see?

http://blog.naver.com/artgihun/20093335739

http://blog.naver.com/artgihun/20093335561

http://blog.naver.com/artgihun/20093335333

http://blog.naver.com/artgihun/20093426031

http://blog.naver.com/artgihun/20093425373

Hong-Gi Hun's collection looks awesome.

SciFiJapan's report:

http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2009/11/11/gamera-invades-korea/

New Variations of Godzilla Figures Being Released - Not Bandai Though

In celebration of the Kawakita Anniversary (that everything seems to be revolving around), Hazwagumi is releasing accouple of diffrent variations of some older figures which you can get that the Heisei film fest or buy in stores starting Dec. 1. Each figure is 16cm tall. The line-up as fallows:

-3 Mire-Gojis ("G2K" variant, "GXM" variant, "Fire" variant, and "pearl" variants)

-GMK Goji

-2 diffrent "Flying Shi'ie" Daisenso-Gojis

-2 diffrent Mosu-Gojis (head diffrences)

-2 Showa King Ghidorahs (One regular, one fire, both with base)

Good luck looking for these in your local Mandrake shop! And as you can see below, even Koichi Kawakita and company likes the figures!

*Special thanks goes out to ZoneFighter73 for pointing out that these figures are new variations, not just new.

First Look: Godzilla Soundtrack Perfect Collection Box 6

What you see above is one the best chirashi I have seen in some time. On the reverse side it shows off the Koichi Kawakita Godzilla film festival and the advent of Godzilla on the blu-ray format. But it also shows something: we finally get a look at the cover of the much awaited "Godzilla Soundtrack Perfect Collection Box 6". If someone can read the Japanese on the chirashi, please post a comment regarding what is going to be the extra disc in the set (we already know it is film "Godzilla vs. Megaguirus to "Godzilla: Final Wars"). This is awesome!

Humax Theatre Exclusuives: A Closer Look

As previously reported, Japan's Humex theatre is showing all of the Heisei films from "Godzilla vs. Biollante" to "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah" in celebration of Kawakita's 20 years worth of contributions to the Godzilla series - which is still continuing today in the form of the Deagostini's magazines and working on 2006's CT-R Godzilla game and even making some expensive merchandise - and the release of Kawakita's newest publication, "Heisei Godzilla Chronicle". While looking for news on blu-rays - even the posibility of a box set of blu-rays being release (as being done with Toho's Kurosawa films), I found a store selling some theatre exclusive stuff. Links are below for you to behold. Enjoy! (image feature not working right now).

http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/142600;jsessionid=471C5E91B66F6A50CC690DFA336EBA06
http://www.amiami.com/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/142598;jsessionid=471C5E91B66F6A50CC690DFA336EBA06
http://www.amiami.com/shop/?vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=CGD-5140

Japan's "Grissom Gang" to hold theatrical screening of "Godzilla: Tokyo SOS"

The Kiryu Saga seems to be getting lots of attention lately. A new blu-ray display utilizes the suit pre-scar and a Kirin beer company advertisement campaign is using the 2002 duo of Hideki Matsui and Godzilla. Now, in time for Nov.'s many activities mostly centered around Koichi Kawakita, the "Grissom Gang" is holding Japan's second screening of "Godzilla, Mothra, Mechagodzilla: Tokyo SOS" this year (the other was durring the premier of "Raiga"). So if you are in Japan, don't miss the chance to see this awesome tribute to the Showa series!

Link:

http://movie007.hp.infoseek.co.jp/schedule0911.htm#abayo (scroll down the page)

BTW, it is too late, the film has already been shown for the two days it was alloted. It was shown over the weekend. But go to the link and see a theatre exclusive calendar given to those with some extra pocket change. Made courtesy of toy maker http://cast-web.net/

New Blu-Ray Stand Sighting

Looks like Toho has set up another awesome stand, this time utilizing the Kiryu-Goji suit (2002 varriation w/o scar). This is not in Tokyo, but rather Takasaki which is in the Gunma Prefecture. Take a look!

Advertisement like this can only mean one of two things: the Blu-Rays are going good or Toho needs the extra publicity. Or maybe the last two films of the Kiryu saga will be comming soon to blu-ray? (I say last two since they have already released some films which are in the Kiryu Saga continuity - Gojira, Mothra, and Rodan) Either way, this is the third Godzilla-related happening this month, along with the Kirin's advertisements for their new canned coffee, "Fire", and the celebration of Koichi Kawakita's new book and his 20th anniversary becoming the SFX director of the Heisei Godzilla series. And just for comparison, the one in Akihabara:

Koichi Kawakita's New Book: "Heisei Godzilla Chronicle"

Turns out I may have found the reason for the Heisei film festival that will be going on this November - it is coinciding for a new book Koichi Kawakita has written/assembled on his work on the Heisei Godzilla series. It is aprox. $50 and is comming out this month on the 17th. Contains 272 pages of information! Now time for some pics:

Links From The Kiryu Saga

In case if anyone is interested, I have currently found some links to some interesting material on some Japanese sites which deals with exhibits and other stuff that relates to the final two films of the Kiryu Saga, "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla" and "Godzilla, Mothra, Mechagodzilla: Tokyo SOS". The first is of the exhibit which opened durring GXMG. While I do not remember the exhibit's name, one of the features of the exhibit I do remember is that there is a part which you could see how much of "GXMG"'s science is real.

http://www.higashi-nagasaki.com/z/gz_e030106.html

The second and third links pertain to the second film, "Godzilla: Tokyo SOS". The first is something simular to what people have seen with Toho's in-store advertisement Akihabara.

http://www2.odn.ne.jp/guccya-strange/machi/hmv/hmv.htm

The third linksis of a press/public event held back on Nov. 26, 2003. Toho usualy holds these kinds of events for publicity.

http://homepage2.nifty.com/HIRAO/tobu-ws.htm

Better save those rare images onto your hard drive!

Godzilla/Kawakita Film Festival This Nov. In Japan

The second half of 2009 belongs to one person: Koichi Kawakita. And I am not surprised. He has his own SFX company, he was and probably is still one of the largest stock holders with Toho, and he is now becoming very active with Godzilla again, which hasn’t happened in such a way since he directed the siutmation footage in the CT-R Godzilla game. Currently, DeAgonstini is publishing a magazine which by this time next year will cover the entire Godzilla series plus some other Toho SFX films. Luckily, Koichi Kawakita is writing some of the text for these magazines, which is something awesome since he has been involved with Godzilla since 1962’s "King Kong vs. Godzilla".

Kawakita is also being honored in a way with the Heisei series - a series 6/7 his (SFX wise) - being released on blu-ray. Not only is it the 10th anniversary of which Kawakita became the next "Tsuburaya" or "Nakano" for Godzilla, but the first two movies he worked on ("Godzilla vs. Biollante" and the award winning "Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah") are released this year on blu-ray. While only the 1991 film got a new special feature, it also marks the eternal preservation of the special features which have been passed down from the DVD format which got it from the 3 disc LD sets which were made possible by Kawakita and are rightfully Kawakita’s babies.

All of this good stuff for Kawakita and the Heisei Godzilla series sounds too good to be true. But it is not and there is more. If you are dropping off in Japan in the next month, you would be wise to go by a film festival celebrating Kawakita’s work on the Godzilla series hosted by the Humax Cinema. The films will be the ones Kawakita was the director of special effects for, "Godzilla vs. Biollante", "Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah", "Godzilla vs. Mothra", "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla", "Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla", and the dramatic "Godzilla vs. Destroyer". The first image above is actually a scan of the back of the chirashi for the event. Here is a list of dates and times for the event:

11/13(Fri) - 15 (Sun) "Godzilla VS Biollante"
11/14(Sat) - Talk with Koichi Kawakita and actor Koichi Ueda
11/16 (Mon) to 18 (Wednesday) "Godzilla VS King Ghidorah"
11/19 (Thu) to 21 (Sat.) "Godzilla VS Mothra"
11/22 (Sun) to 24 (Tue) "Godzilla VS Mechagodzilla"
11/25 (Wed) - 27 (Fri) "Godzilla VS Space Godzilla"
11/28 (Sat) - 30 (Mon) "Godzilla VS Destoroyah"

The Humax Theatre is located in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. Ticket price to each day’s event will be around $13 (1,300 yen). Though not said yet, more activities are being planed for the 21st and 28th. More information can be found on the official web site whose link is below:

http://www.humax-cinema.co.jp/cinema/special/gozzira.html

NOTE: THE PARAGRAPHS BEING SO CLOSE TOGEATHER IS BLOGGER'S FAULT, NOT MINE.

Godzilla's Latest Venture in Japan's Economy

Product placement and Godzilla go together like green eggs and ham. Most notably, Godzilla has been used to advertise drinks. He is known in the US to have helped the Dr. Pepper company make some dough in 1985 when the King of the Monsters was featured in accouple of commercials by the Dr. Pepper company and when the US version of "The Return of Godzilla", aptly titled "Godzilla 1985" had most of it’s American scenes having something Dr. Pepper-related in it - from a military smart ass drinking it to the Pentagon having a Dr. Pepper vending machine. But now Godzilla is entering a new age with a new company asking for his pop-culture status as help. Guess who?

It was a company shown in "Gamera: Giant Monster Midair Showdown" and "Gamera 2: Advent of Legion", with the latter being used to more extent. The company is also based on a Yokai-esque entity which was a focal point in the latest remake of "The Great Yokai War". Give up? It’s Japan’s own Kirin beer company. Evidently they have made a new coffee beverage called "fire". But Godzilla is not alone.

Also helping to add star value to the mostly viral advertisement campaign is a person who has been nick-named Godzilla since he came over for a little while to play for the Yankees (and I own the New York Times issue which calls him this; thanks to my grandfather in NY): Hideki Matsui. Many fans know that when he came over here, he was nicknamed "Godzilla" for his Japanese nationality and his skill. Hideki would also gain popularity when he makes a came in the 2002 film, "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla". In something most probably more than coincidence, the Godzilla suit used for the campaign is in fact the Kiryu-Goji suit (variation unknown).

At the link below, you can easily navigate through the main Kirin beer website to find good of all sorts. There is a commercial, a making of the commercial, and a message from Hideki himself. Also of interest are some exclusive screen savers, which the picture at the top shows what it looks like on my laptop. Better save them onto your hard drive before they are gone!

http://www.beverage.co.jp/fire/index.html

Special Thanks Goes To James Ballard for notifying me that "Fire" is an energy drink...