What I Wore Today!

Hello there lovelies,

My apologies for the especially crappy pictures today. I wanted to do some outdoor outfit shots, but it is pouring down rain. I'm not complaining, I actually love this weather for the weekend, but it makes outfit shots atrociously hard. Hahaha, I'm also somewhat of a hot mess this morning, because I couldn't be bothered with makeup, or doing my hair. I love me. When you go to Woolworths dressed like this at 8AM, people look at you like you're a drunk teenage single mum who forgot her baby. I hate people. (I don't have anything against teenage, or single mums by the way. Or even drunk mums, so long as someone is watching their kids. I just know they get lots of death stares).

Outfit Rundown:
Long-sleeved shirt: Trade Secret (Sass), $12.95
Singlet (underneath shirt): Trade Secret (Living Doll), $2
Jeans: Trade Secret (Otto Mode), $24.95
Boots: Kmart (Grosby), $30

I hunted long and hard for a good pair of skinny jeans. When I first started doing outfit photos, I got it in my head that skinnys made me look like I weighed a million kilos. I hated it, so I stopped wearing them, and got rid of all my old pairs. What I realised later though, is that it's not skinny jeans in general that look bad on me - just ill-fitting pairs, in the wrong colours. These ones fit perfectly, and are just the right shade of dark denim. They are so dark, that in most of the photos I took this morning, the camera was registering them as black. But they look great, and make me feel incredibly sexy. The point of this story being that it is well worth taking the time to get jeans that fit you properly!

KITTEH HALP WIHT OUTFIT PHOTOZ?

How are you today? Are you guys enjoying your weekends?

Until next time, xo.

Best of the Interwebz

Hello there lovelies,

Once again, say hello to my collection of the best of the interwebz this week.

Sal of Already Pretty tells us there is No One Right Way To Look Great. Also, she gives great thrifting lessons.

Before You Were Hot is cute and a little hilarious.

No Worries Gossip Girl Fans, Chuck Bass Lives. Because I have to admit that even I was worried when I heard that Chuck gets shot in the finale of the third season.

Musing of an Inappropriate Woman - You Are Not Your Muffin Top. It's so damn true.

11 Ways To Be More Positive from Jacque of A Quirky Girl's Thoughts. Cute.

Max California made a tutorial for Batman Begins Boots, which are super-easy to make, and coincedently, super-awesome.

How The Male Angler Fish Gets Completely Screwed. Hil-freaking-larious. From The Oatmeal, of course.

I am so freaking glad that Em from Lick My Cupcakes has started blogging again. I missed you!

Tatter Skirt Tutorial by Matey Couture. AWESOME.

Until next time, xo.

Shinji Higuchi Bringing Monster Magnitude 9 To Television

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Nippon Cinema / Toho Kingdom / Avery Guerra

Japanese special effects master, Shinji Higuchi (Heisei Gamera Series), has developed a brand new giant monster television series for late night television called, "MM9" (Monster Magnitude 9).

The series will take place in an alternate universe, where Japan is constantly attacked by monsters. MM9 is a special unit of Japan Meteorological Agency who's job it is to predict the arrival of these monsters in very much the same way that the National Weather Service predicts rain and snow.

When the monsters do show up, and you know that they will in every episode, a team of monster specialists called “Kitokutai” are dispatched to combat them. Only one problem, these specialists are not from the military, so they don't have any weapons. The group will have to rely on their skills, knowledge, and experience to prevent the monsters from reducing Japan to toothpicks.

That's a new twist! You would think that a group that specializes in dealing with 200ft tall creatures would get a maser tank or two......or at least a bazooka or something?

"MM9" stars Anna Ishibashi as the teams rookie, Sakura Fujisawa, along with Machiko Ono as Sakura's mentor, Mikazuki. Rounding out the cast are Issei Takahashi, Yasuhi Nakamura, Satoru Matsuo, Sarutoki Minagawa, Takako Kato, and Yutaka Matsushige.

"MM9" also has a great list of directors lined up, including Tomoyuki Furumaya, Kiyotaka Taguchi and Ataru Oikawa. So far all of the shows episodes have been written by Kazunori Ito (Patlabor, Gamera).

Back on April 1st, posted a fake message, that hinted that this show was coming, about a new series called, "XX9". The post featured the cast of "MM9" dressed in sci fi costumes with futuristic weapons.

As a late night sci fi dorama "MM9" will go toe-to-toe with Kadokawa's "Daimajin Kanon".

"MM9" is set to premiere July 7th on the Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS).

Why can't we get any great shows like this here in America?

See Also: New Images And Video From "Daimajin Kanon" / In The Absence Of Godzilla, Japan Has Had A Real Giant Monster Boom!

Thought For The Day...

Found on Tumblr ages ago - if you know the creators link, let me know because I've lost it!

I don't think I'm really working anymore. And I certainly know that once I reach my goals I certainly won't be working anymore. How about you?

Until next time, xo.

Godzilla 2012 Facebook Group Update - 500 Members And The Thread Of The Week!

Written By: Ken Hulsey

I want to apologize for the lack of posts over the past couple of days, and "Godzilla Toy Tuesday" will return next week. I decided to seize the opportunity due to the lack of Godzilla, or other Japanese giant monster news, this week to work on my other two blogs, "Monster Island News" and "Cryptomundo".

I did, however, think that it was about time that I posted an update on the Facebook group associated with this site, the very popular "Godzilla 2012 - Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros (Fan Group)".

Let's see, the last time I posted anything about the group was way back on April 5th...wow....has it been that long? At that time I was jumping-up-and-down because the number of members had reached '300'. Well, I'm happy to report that the group has sailed past the 500 hundred member mark to 543 members at this moment.

My thanks go out to all of you for joining!

As expected, due to the lack of news coming out of Legendary Pictures about "Godzilla 2012", the frantic pace of new members joining, new wall posts and new discussions has slowed to a more steady crawl.

Fans have taken the opportunity to post photos of their favorite Godzilla designs, both from films and fan made, in hopes of swaying the folks over at Legendary Pictures to either go 'retro' or with something new and unique looking in the new film.

One member, Anthony Acker , posted this pic of a rather peaceful looking Godzilla and King Kong holding hands. I'm sure that I speak for everyone when I say that I support peace in many forms, but I'm sure every red-blooded monster movie fan would rather see Kong and Big G throwing rocks at each other and smashing Nagoya Castle into balsa scraps.

That leads me to a feature I would like to start posting on a regular basis called "Godzilla 2012 - Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros (Fan Group) Thread Of The Week", where I post an entire discussion board post including replies.

This week, due mainly to the fact that a director for "Godzilla 2012" still hasn't been named yet, I have chosen - "Who will Direct?"

With 38 replies this has been the most active thread on the Facebook group so far.

Here we go!

Who Will Direct?

David Nunez I was wondering who will direct this new Godzilla movie? I think it could be an established Kaiju movie director like Kaneko. Nobody said it had to be an American director.

Kenneth Lee Hulsey Yes, this could be a 'make-or-break' decision! If the name Michael Bay comes up...I'm jumping off the Golden Gate!

Not likely to see a Japanese director here....going to be American for sure, but who could do a film like this justice?

David Nunez Thats a good question Kenneth if its an American director it has to be someone who knows the genre. Right now I cant think of anyone off hand.

Kenneth Lee Hulsey That would be the real problem, no American director knows how to do one of these. I can't see them bringing in someone from Japan.

Unfortunately, we Americans aren't very good at making giant monster flicks....well, not since the 60s anyway.

David Nunez Who directed Cloverfield? That was a good movie imo.

Mark Torchia I would love to see Matt Reeves (who directed Cloverfield) or even JJ Abrams himself handle this. They get Daikaiju Movies. They get the fans. They're "nerds" like the rest of us. LOL. But....as far as JJ goes, isn't he exclusive to Paramount?

Kenneth Lee Hulsey Yes, they are hooked in with Paramount, but yes, those guys could do "Godzilla 2012" right.

Any other ideas?

David Nunez How about Quinton Tarentino or Tim Burton I have heard both of those guys like kaiju movies. But for now I like the idea of Matt Reeves or JJ Abrams.

David Nunez Reeves I mean

Kenneth Lee Hulsey Quinton Tarentino is an interesting choice! He said in a recent interview that he wanted to do a Godzilla film...and he understands Asian cinema......hmmm

My wild card was Norman England....he's an American living in Japan...he's worked on several Godzilla films.

Not a big name...but he has the credits.

David Nunez I didnt know Norman was a director? Wel he for sure could do it.

Kenneth Lee Hulsey Norman has been making indie films in Japan for a few years now...find a copy of "The iDol"...a very good film!

David Nunez You think Norman can handle a high budget movie? If so then he has my vote.

Kenneth Lee Hulsey He has been trying to get a big scale alien invasion flick made in Japan for a bit.

He once told me that he didn't want to do a kaiju film....so he may not have any interest in this...

Bryan Singer or Christopher Nolan anyone?

Nolan has ties with Legendary and Warner Bros......could be?

David Nunez I get the feeling that Warner Brothers and Legendary want to make this Godzilla movie the right way so I think they will go with someone they feel could be qualifyed. I wonder who it will be?

David Belmont Montoya Maybe Tim Burtn could do Godzilla 2012 good. he's put godzilla cameos in a bit of his films, and he has the twisted mind to make Godzilla serious, yet action-packed.

Arlo Hansen While I like Tim Burton and many of his movies, I don't feel strongly towards him directing the next big Godzilla installment (sorry).

Quentin Tarentino I like for he has an understanding for Asian films and has wanted to make a Godzilla film for a while.

Christopher Nolan is another good choice for he did justice to the recent Batman franchise...but then again his films are too dark and serious and many people may want a balance between that and humor (like Star Trek or Sherlock Holmes). However if he can pull that off the he has my vote.

Peter Jackson is an unlikely candidate (for I hear he doesn't like Godzilla) but it would be an interesting hypothetical situation for he has a knack for pulling off EPIC movies.

Michael Bay........please shoot me if that happens, stick with Transformers pal!

J.J. Abrams would be one of my top candidates for this project but since he's exclusive to Paramount it would be very unlikely that he would be pulled into the project.

From what I have been hearing this movie is going to be a "modern epic" as well as a "reimagining of the original films" so I am expecting that Warner Bros. and Legendary will hire a director who has a broad understanding for the Godzilla series (unlike Emmerich) and is able to pull off a great story with morals, great human drama mixed with all that kaiju rampaging and battling we all love.

Overall , It would be cool if we saw either Quentin Tarentino or Matt Reeves direct it.

David Nunez I think the best thing Warner Brothers should do is get a well known kaiju movie director to direct the movie like Kaneko or Okawara. I would hope that the movie would be dark and horrific.

Ian Jentsch I wish Guillermo Del Toro could direct, but he's far too busy with The Hobbit and many other projects. He really understands monsters, plus his fantastic cinematic vision would be unique and cool for Godzilla, but still have nice retro feel to it.

Evan Brehany I think they are gonna go with an American director since the Japanese are going to have alot of influence over the producing. After all, they get to write the checks. ;) But seriously, I would like to see JJ Abrams take this. Just not in the same form as CLOVERFIELD. Traditional filming would be good. Other names could be Tarantino (if his idea is done correctly, I can see some pluses with his idea), Scorcesse (I've seen August explain this one), Burton (lots of fans are saying no to this), John Carpenter (I'd rather not, he's getting old and I don't want a death on set. FAV US DIRECTOR), and maybe the dude who did THE INCREDIBLE HULK and the remake of CLASH OF THE TITANS (I got a feeling it is going to be good). I say ultimately go with Scorcesse. He is the best in the line up, plus name recognition. Assured quality.

Though now... Mr. Nunez did bring up a good point. Being the Kaneko fanboy I am, I wouldn't mind him having his shot with a US film. After all GGOTU was successful here in the US - spawn a comic book series and toy line. Plus, I heard Kaneko does respect American filmmaking style and did a part in that movie NECRONOMICON.
March 31 at 12:55pm · Mark as Irrelevant · Report · Delete Post
Charles X. Thao Me! I have directing experience and have been a Goji-fan since forever. Make it so fellow fans, and you will not regret!

Ian Jentsch I think some fans took Tarantino's "I have a Godzilla movie I really want to do" statement waaaay too seriously. Quentin also had a Bond film idea he "really wanted to do". The man's a fan who likes to share his fan-ficty ideas, that's all.

David Nunez Without egos getting in the way do you think this new Godzilla movie might have 2 directors? Or at least one director giving advise on Godzilla? Keep in mind this movie will also be seen in Japan. So it might be a good idea if it had some Japanese film influence.

Without a doubt some of the people from Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers have got to go to G-Fest 2010 this year for a Q&A session and hear what the fans have to say. I think this could help in getting the right director for the movie.

Evan Brehany When it comes to directoral influence, I hope Banno influences some. Tree huggers ftw!

Ian Jentsch You know just because a director has saids they like Godzilla, or they Godzilla movies had some influence on them when they were younger doesn't mean they're clammering to make a Godzilla movie.

Eric Chandler OMG there are so many directors out there picking one is tough, but I the person to know the material inside and out and have passion about it as well. If that makes sense. Heck if a woman directed this that would be surprised. So I really don't know, sorry.

Javier Antonio Munoz i really dont think the director is really the main focus the main focus should be a good writter to write a good godzilla script and allright actors...as for the terrantino rumors i wouldnt like him to take the helm i think he is to wild for a godzilla movie i really loved what shusuke kaneko did and admired what matt reeves did...beacuase if this godzilla movie changes everything than it will all be in vain just like Gino....what if toho could have kaneko and reeves do a colabotrtive joint

David Nunez I kind of like the idea of Kaneko & Reeves co directors for G2012. nice suggestion Javier. You also made a good point about who will write the story. I am kind of curious about that myself.

Domenic Betters I'm down with either Reeves since i loved Cloverfield.

Or the long shot of peter jackson doing it.

Javier Antonio Munoz Peter Jackson are you serious? he hella kan the only way king kong was made good was cuz of that hot blondy

Eric Chandler Who was the guy of directed Hellboy? I don't think he'll do it, but its a thought.

Jesse Laythe My top directors are:
Neill Blomkamp
Louis Letterier
Tim Burton
Martin Scorsese

David Nunez Well aside from Tim Burton which of those other director is a fan of Kaiju movies and might have some understanding of what makes a good daikaiju movie?

Erik Cornell Personally I would like to see Jan De Bont and maybe even Steven Spielberg directing the film together.

I truly felt that although De Bont's 1994 version of Godzilla was flawed origin wise, he PERFECTLY nailed it's personality and iconic character.


Javier Antonio Munoz i never heard of that guy

Erik Cornell He was originally supposed to direct GINO, and his version was infinitely better (though far from perfect)

Here is the synopsis of the version of the film he made:

http://www.kaijuphile.com/rodansroost/scrapyard/godzillavsgryphon.shtml

Here is designs that where considered to be used in his take on Godzilla:

http://web.me.com/toddtennant1/G94/G94.html

Want to get in on this one? Well, you can either go to to Facebook and join the group Godzilla 2012 - Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros (Fan Group) or continue on at the bottom of this post. The choice is yours!

See Also: Godzilla 2012 Facebook Group Passes The 'Magic 300' / Godzilla 2012 Facebook Group Update: Continued Success! / Godzilla 2012 Facebook Group Update: Immediate Success!

Of Love And Studded Belts

Hello there lovelies,

As I write this, I am very certain that the one clothing item that I will never abandon is the studded belt. I have owned at least one studded belt since the beginning of high school, and I wear them until they quite literally fall apart. I remember "repairing" one that my grandmother brought back from England with safety pins, until there was so little of the belt left that my repairs were pointless. At the present moment, I believe that I own three different studded belts. I find this amusing because people always said that I would "outgrow" them as I matured - and there are things that I have outgrown. But even after I ditched the dog collars, and stopped looking like I'd lost a fight with a lawnmower, my love for studded belts is still hanging on. When you think about it, it's not that surprising. I can think of some good reasons why studded belts are made to be loved!

1. They are practical. Well, studded belts are just like regular belts. As such, they're rather good at holding up your skirt, pants, lederhosen, or other bottom-body garments.
   


2. They add interest to a plain outfit. Even when you're wearing a t-shirt and jeans, a studded belt seems to make you look a little more interesting. A bit more like you, you know, put some effort into getting dressed this morning and didn't just pick up the closest t-shirt and jeans, regardless of their cleanliness and stumble out of the house. Not that I ever do that.
   


3. They keep people away from you on public transport. I know public transport, and I know studded belts, and I have discovered that even a little bit of studded goodness is enough to keep all but the most nosy and inquisitive traveller away from you. Meaning you get that cramped little seat all to yourself. Bonus!
   


4. They make me feel safe, and confident. This may not apply to everyone, but the good ol' studded belt makes me feel good. I feel sexier, and just more like myself when I'm wearing one. I think everyone has items like this, that just make them feel better about everything. And this my dears, is the most important reason why I will keep wearing my studded belts, whether they are in fashion or not, and whether other people like them or not.

Ok, so maybe keeping people away from you on public transport isn't actually a good reason to like something - but the confidence thing is. What about you guys? Do you have clothing items/accessories that make you feel heaps better while you're wearing them? Things that you feel lost without? Items that seem to characterise your identity in textile form? Well if you do, I know exactly what you're talking about, because my studded belts are all those things.

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Ke$ha

Hello there lovelies!

I have a confession to make. It's terribly embarrassing, but I would totally hang out with Ke$ha with no pants on. Not because I think it was a particularly smart move for her to replace a letter in her name with a dollar sign, but because the bitch has style. Her crazy messy hair makes me miss my long hair, and I am obsessed with her "I-look-like-an-affluent-crackhead" fashion choices.

Oh, I am such a sucker for ripped clothing. And there are more rips in this than...well, something with a lot of rips in it. Slasher stockings and converse - always a good decision.

Ke$ha is totally bad ass. If you don't believe me check out her boots. Or the way she is gnawing on that chain she's wearing. Actually, I'm not quite sure exactly what she's doing, but she looks hot still.

LOVE THIS. Anyone wearing a cape in public is my kind of person. And I love those crazy bandage-looking pants. Go you crazy, awesome bitch!

I don't know how keen I am on her actual music though? I love the outfits in this clip, although you can barely see them in the crappy videos I've been able to find. I have to admit that I am highly amused by this song though, even with everyone talking crap about it. Oh Ke$ha, your love is my drug. Man, what a lame joke that was. I think I'm going to go on that note, because my rambling can't get much worse from here on in.

Until next time, xo.

New Photos And DVD Release Info For “Deep Sea Monster Raiga"

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: J-Film2009 / JETRO-USA / Taito International Comedy Film Festival / Starchild /Raiga Blog / Avery Guerra

It has been almost a year since Shinpei Hayashiya's film, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", made it's debut at the “Tokusatsu Kaiju Tengoku” (SFX Monster Heaven) film festival in Tokyo last June. Since that time, things have been very, very, quite, with no new reports coming out of the "Raiga" camp.

That is, until today.

Indeed, it has just been announced that the film will, finally, be released on DVD, in Japan, on August 25th.

Here is the scoop:

...... Global Warming is the catalyst for unleashing giant monsters on Japan. The melting of the southern polar ice causes a disruption in Earth's ecosystem that causes the migration of the monsters to the island nation.

The largest of the sea monsters is a beast called "Raiga", which unleashes it's "Inconvenient Truth" on Tokyo just like Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra and Rodan have numerous times.

Reportedly, there are four different monsters in the film, "Raiga", and three others. You can get a look at one of them in the photos below.

Here are the film's details from the DVD:

“SHINKAIJÛ RAIGA” (2009)
English Title: RAIGA, the Monster from the Deep Sea
Genre: Sci-fi
Format: Digital Betacam / 85min / Color
Year of Production: 2009
[Theatrical] Release Date (Japan): June 27, 2009
Production Company: Crossroad
Director: Shinpei Hayashiya
Producers: Atsuko Iwai
Screenplay: Shinpei Hayashiya
Director of Photography: Toshiharu Nakagawa
Music: Keiichiro Kitazono
Main Cast: Yukijiro Hotaru, Miyu Oriyama

Also in conjunction with this upcoming release of "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", now being called, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea", three new English language synopsis have surfaced, and several new photos have been released.

First, here are the synopsis:

Set 60 years after the events from the previous film “Deep Sea Monster Reigo”, the threat of global warming is causing the southern polar ice-cap to slowly melt. Because of this, the ecosystem is disturbed and sea monsters are heading to Japan. [As] if things couldn’t get any worse, a huge sea monster by the name of Raiga arrives at Asakusa and begins its path of destruction on the town. (J-Film2009)

A monster from the deep-sea attacks again! This time in Asakusa, where many temples attract visitors from not only Japan, but also all over the world, the sparkling thunder brings a gigantic monster from the deep-sea with deadly fangs. It will burn Asakusa to ground. (JETRO-USA)

The second theatrical film directed by Shinpei Hayashiya, a rakugo master (comic storyteller). Raiga, the evolved version of the deep-sea aquatic dinosaur “Reigo” from his first film Deep Sea Monster Reigo, runs rampant in the town of Asakusa! …

It has been over six decades since the battle of Deep Sea Monster Reigo and Battleship Yamato. As global warming worsens, throwing the ecosystem off balance, a disaster approaches Japan. A mysterious, massive creature emerges from the nearby ocean and a fishing boat encounters an ominous deep-sea creature in Tokyo Bay. Then a giant monster “Raiga” lands in Asakusa, Tokyo! The Taito Guard is called out at the request of the government, and a cut-throat battle beyond all imagination begins… (Taito International Comedy Film Festival)

Just like in Minoru Kawasaki's 2008 film, "Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit!", "Raiga" is part monster movie, part comedy, that lampoons the giant monster genre, while also paying a respectful homage to it.

I was actually half tempted to add, 'music video' to that description, due to the fact that director Shinpei Hayashiya spent almost as much time promoting the singing careers of his three young leading ladies, Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu, as he did for his monster movie.

For those of you who don't know, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea" is actually a sequel to Hayashiya's 2005 film, "Deep Sea Monster Reigo", which was set during World War II and told the story Japanese battleship Yamato and it's confrontation with a giant monster in the remote Pacific.

As you have probably gathered, the events in "Raiga" take place in modern times.

No word yet on any possible DVD release for "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep" here in America.

Here is the website for the Japanese DVD - http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/raiga/

Here are the photos, plus the films trailer, now with English subtitles:

See Also: In The Absence Of Godzilla, Japan Has Had A Real Giant Monster Boom!

Market Research

Hello there lovelies,

Well, I actually ventured out into the world today! I went all the way into Brisbane City, to Kustom Krafts, which is an amazing alternative culture/handmade market that runs every so often. I was so disappointed that I didn't have wads of cash to spend, because there was so much incredible stuff there that I was lusting after. And, I got to briefly meet Max California, and have a look at Vincent Black Clothing in the flesh (just so you know, they're both just as awesome as they look online). Oh, and I got high fives from Max's son Vincent, who is possibly the most adorable child I have ever seen. All in all, an awesome day. Anyway, after being inspired by Kustom Krafts I'm doing some quick market research for The Boyfriend.

As you guys know, he makes pretty much all the jewellery that I wear. He's tried selling it on eBay and Etsy, without a whole lot of success. We're thinking of trying to hook him up with a stall at the next Kustom Krafts, and a few other markets round the place. Have a look at the pictures here (I apologise in advance for the crappiness of some of them). What we really want to know is this:

1. Would you buy this stuff?
2. If you would buy this stuff, how much would you pay (keeping in mind that every ring in one of these pieces is closed by hand, using two pairs of pliers)?

Argh, you can't see the stone. But this is a stretch necklace, incorporating a pendant that was originally from another chain, which snapped.

Non-stretch, clasp necklace with broken image pendant.

Stretch bracelet, and non-stretch bracelet.

Another non-stretch necklace, with Emily The Strange pendant.

Hard to see, but it is a non-stretch necklace with Emily The Strange pendants incorporated into it (spelling S-T-R-A-N-G-E).

Oh, all the others are stainless steel, except for these which are brass and copper. Two stretch bracelets here, and a permanent anklet.

If you could give me your thoughts, I will love you forever. Or, if you would prefer and you live close enough, I'll make you some cookies. And I do give mean lovin', and cookies.

Until next time, xo.

Chali 2na & Rusko

Hot damn! I've been sitting on this track for a week and never got a chance to listen. With dubstep maestro Rusko on production and Jurassic-5 legend Chali 2na on the microphone, we've got a winner folks. It's awesome to see serious hip-hop artists doing original dubstep tracks. Kind of wonder why Rusko didn't try to get it on his album (which is the absolute dopeness as well).

Get it for free at RCRDLBL

Ghidrah: The Three Headed Monster - Continental Press Book Text

Written By: Ken Hulsey

In 1965 Continental Distributing put out a press book full of add slicks and articles to promote their release of "Ghidrah: The Three Headed Monster" here in America.

Included inside are some news stories, written by the distributor, to be printed in local newspapers and magazines while the movie was in theaters.

Also included were, "add slicks" for the film. These are the images you find in the entertainment section of the newspaper that normally feature a graphic of the films poster art with a square at the bottom for theater and show time information.

I thought that it would be fun to publish the text from this press book for fans to read through. I believe that you find it interesting just how an American company would publicize a Japanese monster film.

I find it funny that in several of their pre-written articles for the press, Continental states that Ghidrah has four legs.

Makes you wonder if the person who wrote them even watched the film?

I just happen to have a copy of this Showman's Manual in my collection. As luck would have it, I was able to get this rather rare piece of Godzilla movie history autographed by Yasuyuki Inoue and Akinori Takagi at the "Godzilla X Mothra X MechaGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S." American premiere at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood (2004).

Summit Meeting of Monsters Saves Earth

It's not the leaders of nations who gather for a Summit Meeting at Mt. Fuji to save the world, but three infamous monsters....Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra..when they attempt to conquer an "outsider" in "Ghidrah..The Three Headed Monster" the new Tohoscope / Eastmancolor thriller which opens at the...(Insert Theatre Name)..Theatre on....(Insert Opening Date)...

Each a specialist in destruction, it takes a bit of doing on the part of strategists to convince the world levelers that their own existences are threatened by the arrival from outer space of a behemoth that has three heads working for it and some new intergalactic techniques to use in wiping out a planet. Once united in a common cause, the monsters whip up the most incredible battle scenes yet to be seen on the screen.

Master special effects creator, Eiji Tsuburaya, is again responsible for the action which calls for the realistic destruction of ships at sea, the city of Yokohama and villages unfortunate to be in the path of the havoc-bent monsters. Directed by Ishiro Honda, renowed for his contributions to this specialized field of science fiction motion picture making, "Ghidrah - The Three Headed Monster" was produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka for the Toho Company. It is being released by Continental, a division of Walter Reade-Sterling, Inc.

"Ghidrah - Three Headed Monster" Fiction Or Fact?

"Ghidrah - The Three Headed Monster" the Eastmancolor thriller which opens at the...(Insert Theatre Name)...Theatre on....(Insert Opening Day)..., brings up a reverse question, is it fiction or fact?

"Way out" science fiction magazines and cartoons of a decade or two ago have been proven to be amazingly accurate in predicting the future. Today, they are being examined with a new respect. Too many of their space predictions have developed from fiction to fact.

Two veterans of the science fiction field director Ishiro Honda and special effects expert Eiji Tsuburaya have been making motion pictures which deal with monsters created by the imbalance of nature through the radio-active results of the atom and hydrogen bombs. According to them, man's experimentation with the inner secrets of the Universe created a breed of monsters such as Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra. Enlarged beyond human imagination, they have inflicted their monstrosities upon trembling peoples, cities and nations. Nuclear defense devices used against them strengthens rather than diminishes their powers. The latest of the teams fertile imaginations deals with a meteorite which manages to pierce earth's atmosphere without being consumed by the friction. Once settled on the new planet, it cools off and goes through an incubation period. The disturbed elements of nature are the midwife to the strangest creature yet to be born on earth. The metallic shell splits in half and a tremendous fireball roars into the sky becoming GHIDRAH, the monster to end all monsters. Equipped with four legs (again..?), coliseum sized wings and three heads, no spanking is necessary for it to breath out fiery flames from each of its mouths as it surveys a new world to ravage.

Like the radio-active fallout which can have freakish genetic effects on humans, could a disruption caused by man-made satellites and space crafts wandering into space cause a shift in the solar order of wandering meteorites so that they are diverted to a new gravitic earth force? If so are they capable of bringing foreign life to this planet?

The reality of that threat is yet to be seen. However, the Toho Production deals with the problem as if it has already occurred. They have lined up three of earth's most formidable monsters...Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra ..to challenge the intruder from space. Born to destroy anything that stands in their paths, their showdown with Ghidrah is fore-ordained. Technically and dramatically, "Ghidrah - The Three Headed Monster" is the company's most ambitious project to date.

Filmed in Tohoscope. "Ghidrah - The Three Headed Monster" was produced by Tomoyki Tanaha (Tomoyuki Tanaka) and is being presented by Walter Reade-Sterling through its Continental Distributing Division.

GHIDRAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER

The balance of the universe has been upset by the entrance into earth's atmosphere of a brilliant meteorite. The people are totally unprepared for the shock of seeing a three-headed monster with wings, flames spewing forth from its multiple mouths, emerge from the fireball from outer space. It is GHIDRAH! Its giant wings lift it into flight as it soars off to ravage the planet Earth.

Godzilla and Rodan are reactivated from hibernation because of this upset in the balance of the universe.

Royal Princess Salno of Selgina, a small country between the two worlds, appears before the unbelieving people as a beautiful Prohetess (EIKO WAKABAYASHI) and proclaims herself to be a Martian. Naoko (YURIKO HOSHI), an enterprising girl reporter , is the only person to befriend her until Detective Shindo (YOSUKE NATSUKI), the reporter's brother, takes her into protective police custody to guard her against a group of thugs, headed by Malness (HISAYA ITO) who are determined to kill her.

Naoko takes the prophetess to Mt. Fuji where Ghidra does battle with Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra, the massive caterpillar who comes to their assistance.

NEW MONSTER PROVES THREE HEADS BETTER THAN ONE

It was bound to happen! Forget the axiom that two heads are better than one. The very latest in world destroyers is one head up on it as proven in "Ghidrah - The Three Headed Monster" the new Tohoscope / Eastmancolor thriller which opens at the..(Insert Theatre Name) ..Theatre on..(Insert Opening Date).. Those veteran one headed monsters, Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra are on hand to learn this new lesson the hard way.

Purely an outer space product, Ghidrah comes equipped with four legs (?), a set of coliseum size wings and multiple mouths that spew out three times as much destruction at the crack as the earth born monsters can do singly in a month of Sundays. The obvious solution is for Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra to stop tearing at each other's throats long enough to put their combined heads together to drive the foreigner out of their territory, which means our of this world.

Shinichi Sekizawa, an expert on the extra-curricular activities of delinquent monsters, conjured a screenplay which affords Godzilla and Rodan with scenes to exhibit their individual specialties, than adding Mothra to combine their talents for the inevitable showdown with Ghidrah on the slopes of Mt. Fuji. The built-in violence of each contestant automatically brings about a smash climax when irresistible forces meet an immovable object and the earth literally trembles from the impact.

"Ghidrah - The Three Headed Monster" was produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka for the Toho Company. A Walter Reade-Sterling presentation, it is being released through its Continental Distributing Division which has to acknowledge that three heads are better than one.

The Monster Movie Report 05/21/10 - The Return Of Dracula, The Creature, Frankenstein? Giant Spiders And Eggs Run Amock!

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Famous Monsters To Bring Back The Creature, The Mummy, Frankenstein And Others To The Silver Screen?
Source: Bloody Disgusting / Avery Guerra

Just wanted to tip everyone off to some interesting news that is breaking at Cannes.

According to a source at the movie festival, the newly revived, "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazine has announced that they are getting into the movie making biz.

So far, the magazine, once owned by the legendary publisher, Forrest J Ackerman, has a slate of five classic Universal horror franchises that they either wish to relaunch, or remake.

Check out these titles: Dracula: Reborn, Mummy: Resurrected, Frankenstein: Regenerated, Werewolf: Reloaded and Creature: Returns.

Not much else has surfaced about these potential new monster films, obviously based on the classic monster films of the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Is this true? Could "Famous Monsters" be about to start making their own films?

We'll wait and see. This could just be a rumor.

I wonder what Universal will have to say about this?

Tibor Takacs And Nu Image Are About To Unleash SPIDER IN 3D!
Sources: JoBlo / Avery Guerra

Are we living in the second 'golden age' of monster films or what?

If you are a huge fan of classic monster movies, like me, then you should be literally smiling ear-to-ear with all the news of remakes and monster movie franchises be 'reborn' or 'relaunched'.

As most of you know, Universal is presently working on reworking all of their classic monster films, namely "Creature From the Black Lagoon", "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" for a modern audience, and, if you read my article yesterday, it looks as if the publishers of "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazine are looking to produce a series of their own films based on these monsters as well.

Then, of course, there is the news that Legendary Pictures will be producing a new "Godzilla" movie for a 2012 release as well.

Amazingly enough, the films of the next decade are starting to look a lot like the ones seen in the 1950s' and 60s', with film makers leaning more towards films that feature creatures from outer space and monsters that can step on tanks and swat airplanes, and thanks to "Avatar", just about all of these new, 'retro-style' films will be coming at you in 3D.

For those of you who don't know, 3D films are another throw-back from the 1950s' as well.

That brings me to today's topic, a newly announced giant monster flick called "Spider In 3D", which is just beginning production at Nu Image studios. The film, which will be directed by Tibor Takacs (The Gate) is an obvious homage to films like "Tarantula", "The Deadly Mantis" and "Black Scorpion". Films that used to make peoples skin crawl some 40+ years ago.

Here is the synopsis:

A new species of poisonous spider is discovered in the caves of Afghanistan and inadvertently makes its way to New York City where it mutates to gigantic proportions and wreaks havoc on the entire city.

Sounds kinda like the plot for "Tarantula" and "The Deadly Mantis" mixed together doesn't it?

As I mentioned before, "Spider In 3D" is in the early stages of development, so there is no cast or producers attached to the film yet.

3D Spiders attacking New York? You can't get any more retro than that. Well, unless you make a movie about a giant ape attacking New York that is.

This Egg Will Eat You For Breakfast!
Source: Avery Guerra

Eggs have always gotten a pretty bad rap as being...well.....bad for you.

You know, that whole Cholesterol thing.

Well today I have an egg that is very, very, bad for you, not because it may lead to a potential cardiac issue, but because it is 200 feet tall and mad as hell.

Take that FDA!

Born as a lark, "Giant Egg Attack!", has grown (literally) from a joke movie trailer, to a music video/song, to a pseudo religion and a modern bit of folklore, to a short film.

Let me explain. Last year two Norwegian musicians, Geir Are Mo and Jan R. Bakken, took their love of monster movies and combined it with their love of omelets, to create a fake movie trailer about a giant egg that runs amok.

Though the whole thing was created as a joke, the two Viking descendants envisioned much, much more, from their creation.

Geir Are Mo explains, "Yes, the trailer was just a faux. But I will make more videos of it [The Egg] in the future."

"I’m actually a musician and me and a friend [Jan R. Bakken] have a band to make silly and weird music just for the fun of it. At one point it all evolved into a [pseudo] religion, made up out of dumb lyrics and themes, where we were supposed to pray to forks (yeah, the thing you eat with. In Norway, it’s called Gaffel). Later I recorded a song called “The Mortal Egg That Eats Me”. (If you’re interested, you can find almost all the songs here http://www.tonne.co.nr/)."

"Anyway, as a joke we decided to make the Eggs a mythical gigantic creature in the “gaffismic religion” we created — so that’s where it all started. We later thought about how cool it would’ve been if it was in a giant monster movie. So last summer [Jan] came over to my house. We filmed a few shots around the farm where I live and later that night I finished the trailer."

From that trailer, and song, the whole giant Norwegian egg idea kinda took on a life of it's own, and before the duo knew it, they were working on series of short films, which then in turn, mutated into one, not so short film.

Though Geir Are Mo and Jan Bakken's first love is music, the pair have been working on "Giant Egg Attack!" in their spare time and have been able to put together some fun shots of the Egg rampaging through a city.

"There is still a lot of work to be done ....... Sadly this has taken too long time because of things getting in the way. However, the video WILL be finished when I've got some time to work with it!"

Indeed, film making can be rather time consuming. So, I guess we will have to be patient for "Giant Egg Attack!" to be completed.

Here are a couple examples of what the two Norwegians have been able to do so far:




A religion that worships forks? Giant eggs? Boy, the folks in Norway sure love their breakfast foods. I bet Denny's or IHOP would make a killing there.

Mazinkaiser (1999)(2001) OVA

A Giant Robot Thursday Movie Review!

Written By: Ken Hulsey

In 1997 Banpresto approached Go Nagai about creating an advanced version of his famous mecha, Great Mazinger, for the later stages of their Super Robot Wars video game. The design Nagai came up with, Mazinkaiser, is arguably the most powerful mecha ever created. The robot proved to be so popular that it was eventually added to the Mazinger canon (storyline). In 1999 a seven episode OVA (Original Video Animation) anime series was produced to tell the origin of the mecha.

Many American fans may not be too unfamiliar with the Mazinger Z storyline, which aired under the name Tranzor Z shortly after Robotech became popular. Many American children also got to play with a 3 foot tall Mazinger which was released as part of Mattel’s Shogun Warrior line of toys in the late 1970s’. I had one and so did most of my friends.

In the original series Mazinger Z was always pitted against some lame robot that was created by the enemy of the Photon Energy Research Laboratory, Dr. Hell, whose henchman (henchwoman?) Baron Ashura would always oversee the attack. In typical Japanese superhero style the enemy robot would always win through the majority of the fight until Mazinger Z would unleash all its power and destroy it. I always wondered why Dr. Hell never just built one robot and put it aside. Then built another robot and put it aside and so on and so on till he had an army to kick Mazinger’s butt?

In the Mazinkaiser series Dr. Hell finally got a clue. Baron Ashura leads an army of nasty robots into battle against both Mazinger Z and The Great Mazinger (a later advanced version of Mazinger Z) and succeeds in scoring a victory. As the Great Mazinger is sent packing the Mazinger Z is all but destroyed. The machines pilot Kouji Kabuto escapes and follows an automated signal to a hidden cave where he finds a holographic message from his grandfather, Juuzou Kabato, who designed and built both Mazinger.

Dr. Hell rebuilds the Mazinger Z and sets out to destroy the Photon Laboratory. The Great Mazinger proves to be no match for the army of lead by Ashura who is piloting the former defender of Japan. Just as all seems lost the enemy forces begin to be blasted apart by an unseen mecha. Out of the smoke steps the Mazinkaiser piloted by Kabuto. This new machine begins to run amok destroying everything in its path. After the enemy forces had been vanquished the Mazinkaiser engages the Great Mazinger! This new machine is far too powerful for the inexperienced Kouji to control. He does manage to pull in the machines reigns just before it begins to destroy the laboratory. It is no wonder that Juuzo Kabato felt his creation was far too powerful and kept it secretly hidden. As the series proceeds Kouji spends hours perfecting his piloting skills and eventually learns to control the mighty Mazinkaiser enough to finally defeat Dr. Hell and his minions.

Mazinkaiser is a great mini-series, which combines badass robot fights with plenty of comic relief and good amount of topless girls. Yes, this one is geared for the guys. As a fan of the original Mazinger Z series I was very pleased with the way this series continued that storyline, taking it further and showcasing newer technology. As a fan of Japanese mecha, the Great Mazinger especially, I was very impressed by the design of the Mazinkaiser. It is the greatest of the greats hands down. I recommend this one to anyone who ever fired missiles out of their Shogun Warriors hand in an attempt to shoot their cat. Don’t pretend like you never tried it!

Mazinkaiser (1999)(2001) OVA
Directed By: Masahiko Murata
Produced By: Kichou Minami, Koji Morimoto, Satsuki Mizuno, & Yashima Tokuhara

Cast:

Ai Uchikawa as Sayaka Yumi
Akiko Hiramatsu as Lolly
Fumihiko Tachiki as BossHiroshi Yanaka as Tetsuya Tsurugi
Jouji Yanami as Professor Yumi
Kousi Tomita as Doctor Hell
Mitsuki Saiga as Jun Honoo
Sayaka Aida as Shiro Kabuto
Shiho Kikuchi as Roll
Goro Naya as Juzo Kabuto
Haruko Kitahama as Baron Ahura (Woman)
Hidekatsu Shibata as Baron Ashura (Man)

Runtime: 7 - 30 minute episodes
Color: Color
Sound: Stereo
Released: 2001 (USA Video)

See Also: More Info On Jules Urbach's Shogun Warrior Movie "Gaiking" / Giant Robot Toy Thursday! - Robotech Edition / DreamWorks Courting Tim Burton To Unleash Their Monsterpocalypse /Giant Robot Toy Wednesday! - Mazinger Edition / New Images From Won Shin-yeon's 'Taekwon V' / Japanese Giant Monsters And Robots In The News 04/23/10

What I Wore Today

Hello there lovelies,

This is a fabulous outfit for an evening after a gruelling day of work, when you are completely knackered and start falling asleep in the middle of sentences. This vest-ish thing, which I like to refer to as a blanket with arms is incredibly warm, soft and comfortable. Black jeans are my good old standby, thus making this perfect for curling up on my couch, cuddling my kitties and complaining about my various work-related injuries (how one person can walk into so many metal fixtures is beyond me).

MY JEANS BLEND INTO THE COUCH AND MAKE ME HAVE NO LEGS! Anyway.

Outfit Rundown:

Knitted vest/pullover/blanket with arms: Trade Secret (Lee Riders), $29.99
Singlet: Trade Secret (Living Doll), $2

Jeans: Kmart, $30

Back view (since I know you all wanted to look at my butt). Seriously though, I think I am going to live in this thing while I'm at home this Winter. I just can't wait until it gets cold enough for me to start wearing my newly acquired pirate jacket. It's the one in the middle here - the military style one with the cool looking buttons, and embroidered shoulders. I think it makes me look like a pirate, and I'm dying to wear it. However, I am sleepy and have rambled about clothes for long enough.

Until next time, xo.

Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/19/10 - Norman England Talks DEATH KAPPA, Toho Goes 3D And Lindsay Lohan (WTF)?

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Not too much to talk about on the Godzilla and Japanese monster movie front, but I did discover a couple of articles that I think that everyone will find interesting.

For starters, I have a new blog post from our dear friend, Norman England, where he talks a little bit about the "Death Kappa" premiere and some of the other movie projects he has been involved with over the past few weeks.

After that, there is an interesting article about how Toho is going to produce the first ever 3D film in Japan. No, it's not a monster movie. No, it's not a sci fi film, and, no, it's not a fantasy film. Oddly the studio who made a name for themselves by producing such films has opted to make an action movie in 3D, namely the third "Umizaru" film, which is about a coast guard rescue team.

Lastly I have a story about "Godzilla: Final Wars" director, Ryuhei Kitamura........well, actually the story is about gonzo actress, Lindsay Lohan, being cast in "Black Friday 3D", but Kitamura will be at the helm. Amazingly the plot sounds a little like the director's prior effort, "Sky High".....kinda. It's about vengeance...and a serial killer.....anyway.

Here we go:

Full Steam Ahead!

I don't know if this is a blog or simply a list of things I've done between time point A and time point B. I wouldn't mind writing more often and in more detail, if only time permitted. Not even sure where to begin...

Well, since my last entry, I attended two screenings at Imagica. The first was "Death Kappa," an upcoming giant monster film by director Tomoo Haraguchi. It was the premiere screening of the film and attended by the staff and cast. I was there finishing up my story on the film for Fangoria magazine.

I love watching films at Imagica. Nice, large, cushiony seats, a bright clear screen and some booming audio. As "Death Kappa" isn't a major release it was screened in the smaller theater on the lot, but even that's not bad. Still, the large theater is my favorite screen in Japan and I've seen a number of big films there over the years.

Read More

Japan's 'Godzilla' studio enters 3D films
AFP

A major Japanese studio known for its "Godzilla" monster films plans to enter the booming 3D movie business this year with an adaptation of a manga series, it said Tuesday.

Recent Hollywood three-dimensional hits "Avatar" and "Alice in Wonderland" have scored huge success in Japan, whose first major domestically produced 3D film will be released in September, top distributor Toho Co. Ltd., said.

Toho will distribute the third installment in the live-action "Umizaru" series about coast guards to more than 400 theatres across Japan, starting September 18.

"It will be the first 3D production of a major Japanese film," a Toho spokesman said. A team led by major network Fuji Television was in charge of production and Toho would distribute the movie, he added.

Read More

Lindsay Lohan Ready For 'Black Friday 3-D'?
Moviefone (blog) - Bryan Enk

'Black Friday 3-D' tells the story of a brother and his friends who seek revenge after his sister is brutally attacked, a journey that puts them in the path of a serial killer named Tyler Hillburg. The film will be directed by Ryuhei Kitamura ('The Midnight Meat Train,' 'Godzilla: Final Wars').

Read More

See Also: Godzilla In The News 05/13/10 - A Great Godzilla Retrospect, Godzilla Goes A Dancing?, And Bambi Didn't Have A Chance / Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/11/10 - How Does King Kong vs Godzilla Rank Among Monster Battles? More Gamera And Kamen Rider DVD Stuff / Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/06/10 - Rina Akiyama Rides The Metro To Promote Kamen Rider And Return Of Godzilla Actor Kei Satô Passes / Godzilla 2012 (And Gamera) In The News 05/06/10 - A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Rumors / Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/03/10 (Part 2) / Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/03/10 / Godzilla In The News 04/21/10 - Big G Influences Fashion And Music, Plus The Top 5 G Films According To CNN / Godzilla In The News 04/19/10 - Obama Worried Jolly Green Giant/Godzilla Conflict Could Destabilize Region / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/15/10 - The Angry Edition! / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/12/10 / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/08/10 / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/04/10 - Happy Easter! / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/01/10 / Godzilla 2012 In The News 03/31/10

BRB, Saving A Princess

Hello there lovelies,

My lack of posting this week isn't due to my laziness, but my reignited obsession with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (which is almost the same as my laziness, but not quite). This may come as a shock to some, but I can be quite the little gamer when the mood strikes me, and this is one game that I come back to over and over. I first played it in primary school, and have since played the entire game through at least five times, and played the "child" part at least ten times. No matter how hard I have to shake my good old Nintendo 64, or how loudly I have to cry to make it keep working, I'll do it. I grew up with this game, and I like to think I've learned alot from it.

Anyone who is familiar with any game in the Zelda franchise will know that these games test your logic skills. They make you turn your brain inside out, wish you could burn holes into the T.V. with your eyes, and if you're anything like me, they make you swear and throw your controller across the room. But when it comes down to it, these games are more about brain than brawn. The enemies aren't particularly hard to beat - if you can figure out the trick to it. There is very little bloodshed, but lots of infuriatingly difficult puzzles. This is one of the main reasons I love Ocarina of Time - who wouldn't love a cool video game that exercises your mind and isn't reduced to mindless gore?

The other reason I love this game (apologies to anyone who I spoil, but this game did come out over 10 years ago) is that although you're trying to save a princess, she doesn't really need saving. At the end of the game, you find out that she is the one that has been helping you all along, and without her, you would have been useless. It is the princess who supplies the hero with all the things he needs to complete his quest - without Princess Zelda, Link wouldn't be a hero, just some dude blundering around in the dark. Call me crazy, but I think that this is pretty cool.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the Water Temple.

Until next time, xo.

P.S. Read the article by Vanessa, at Chicken Soup for the Dorky Soul that inspired all this madness.

Gamera DVD Tuesday! (Normally Godzilla Toy Tuesday!) Free Gamera And Barugon Wallpapers!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Shout! Factory

Okay, I know this is when all of you expect to see my weekly piece about hard to find Godzilla toys on Amazon.com, but, as you know, "Gamera: The Giant Monster" comes out on DVD today, so, I thought that it would be a good idea to let the titanic turtle rule the day.

I can only assume that if you are either a fan of Godzilla, or Ultraman, that you are most likely a Gamera fan as well, and for the past decade, you have had to suffer through any number of poor quality DVD releases of the American versions of these Japanese monster films.

Well, today that all changes, thanks to Shout! Factory, and their upcoming releases of the original Japanese versions of these Gamera films, starting with "Gamera: The Giant Monster", today, and continuing with "Gamera Vs. Barugon" on July 6th.

The difference between these DVD's, and the horrible versions of the Americanized, public domain, Gamera films is night-and-day. No more scratchy images, poor dubbing and chopped prints.

These babies are in widescreen, with crisp colors, unedited in the original Japanese with English Subtitles.

For decades American fans have longed to see these films as they were intended, as the Japanese did in their theater seats.

Here is the info from Shout! Factory:

From Japan – the country that brought us such mythical movie monsters as Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and King Ghidorah – storms Gamera, the titanic terrapin feared by adults and loved by children. On May 18, 2010, Shout! Factory will unleash Gamera, The Giant Monster – Special Edition on DVD for the first time in its unedited original version, with English subtitles — in anamorphic widescreen from an all-new HD master. The DVD includes a 12-page booklet with an essay by director Noriaki Yuasa, a photo gallery, trailers and more. The collectible Gamera, The Giant Monster Special Edition DVD is priced to own at $19.93.

Like all classic monster movies, it is the folly of man that unleashes a ginormous beast upon the world. This time it is literal fallout from the Cold War — a Soviet bomber is shot down over U.S. airspace in the Arctic Ocean, with the massive radiation from the resultant atomic explosion awakening the ancient, gargantuan Gamera. A long-forgotten legend of the lost continent of Atlantis, the 200-foot-long, fire-eating turtle isn't in a good mood, and proving impervious to all manmade weapons, the colossal chelonian smashes a cataclysmic swath across the globe. But when he arrives in Tokyo, a small boy forms an odd connection with him, allowing authorities to unleash “Plan Z.”

The classic Gamera was directed Noriaki Yuasa, who helmed all seven of the original Gamera entries in the Showa era series between 1965 and 1971, and stars Eiji Funakoshi (Fires On The Plain), Harumi Kiritachi, Junichiro Yamashiko and Jutaro Hojo (Wrath of Daimajin). The subsequent franchise was more kid-friendly (yet ironically bloodier) than Godzilla, who became less menacing and more cuddly himself during the Sixties. The Gamera series was creative in the monstrous nemeses that it pitted against the towering turtle, the most famous being the flying, pointy-headed Gyaos, who was resurrected for the successful trio of movies in the Heisei-era series between 1995 and 1999.

Created by the same company who brought Zatoichi to the screen, Daiei Studios’ titanic terrapin is the only true rival to Toho’s King Of The Monsters, able to hold his own at the box office and secure a place in the hearts of kaiju eiga (Japanese monster movie) fans around the world. The original films have woefully been underrepresented on DVD, a especially release featuring the authentic Japanese versions.

In searching the Shout! Factory website, I discovered these two wonderful Gamera (above) and Barugon (below) wall papers free for download.

Here are some outside reviews of "Gamera: The Giant Monster":

Gay for Gamera: To Live, To Love, To Stomp on Tokyo
QS (blog) - Alonso Duralde

Take that damn Steel Magnolias DVD out of your player already and make room for a real scenery-chewing monster.

Shout! Factory releases a Special Edition of Gamera, The Giant Monster on May 18, and it's a must for everyone who loves kaiju (that's Japanese for "monster") movies. And who doesn't love a zipper-backed beastie laying waste to scale models of Japanese cities?

Read More

REVIEW: 'Gamera, The Giant Monster' DVD
Pop Culture Zoo - Joseph Dilworth Jr

When I was a kid one of the things I looked forward to the most on the weekends was the Creature Double Feature, which aired on a TV station out of Boston, channel 56. Every Saturday the station would air two movies back to back drawn from a stable that included the Universal Horror movies from the 1930s to 1950s, the 1950’s Hammer Studios and American International Pictures films, along with a healthy does of early Roger Corman horror films and, most importantly to me, the Toho Studios “giant monster/man-in-suit” films from the ’50s through the ’70s. This is where I developed a great affinity for the early monster and horror films and also where I discovered Godzilla. I was an instant fan of the giant green monster, but he would take a back seat once I saw the first Gamera film. The gigantic turtle has been my favorite of all the Japanese giant monsters since then. Now, Shout Factory has released a great edition of the film Gamera: The Giant Monster and I couldn’t be happier.

Read More

Gamera is a giant, fire-spewing turtle monster -- and that never goes out of style
Los Angeles Times (blog

Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's, um ... a giant turtle that spins and spews fire as it flies through the air? That's right, it's “Gamera: The Giant Monster," which destroys everything that stands in its path -- save for little children. Aww, hard shell -- soft heart!

On Tuesday, Shout! Factory releases a DVD of the original 1965 Japanese horror film produced by the Daiei Motion Picture Co. as a direct competitor to Toho Studio’s established monster, the mighty Godzilla.

The competition didn't really go so well for the massive sabre-toothed, turtleshell terror.

While the Japanese version of “Godzilla” is actually a well-made, effective thriller, “Gamera” is pretty cheesy with all the seams showing -- including visible wires and rinky-dink miniatures. And poor Gamera -- the team that designed and created him must have learned their craft from a school that advertised on matchbooks.

“Gamera” was made at the height of the Cold War and just a year after such nuclear war flicks as “Dr. Strangelove” and “Fail Safe.” And in this film, Gamera is a prehistoric species awakened from his Arctic slumber during an atomic blast in the region during a dogfight between U.S. fighters and Soviet bombers that have flown into U.S. airspace.

Read More

Turtle Soup: 'Gamera, the Giant Monster'
Express from The Washington Post (blog)

"Gamera, The Giant Monster" is not an especially good movie. It's an admitted rip-off of the popular "Godzilla" craze that stomped through Japan in the early '60s, and every element points to its quick-buck origins: The story is outlandish and convoluted, the acting wooden and broad, the direction one step above hackwork, and the effects decidedly primitive. Even Noriaki Yuasa, who made the movie in 1965, calls it "technically outdated and juvenile." In 1991, "Mystery Science Theater 3000" made particularly hilarious sport of it.

So why does "Gamera" hold such a fascination for generations of Japanese as well as American filmgoers, even 45 years after its release? Why has Gamera survived when other kaiju flicks have long ago breathed their last fireball and destroyed their last city?

According to Shout! Factory's new DVD edition of the '65 flick, that longevity has more to do with the monster itself and very little to do with any of the cinematic niceties we ascribe to "good" movies. First of all, he's a giant turtle. Not a giant lizard or a giant bird or even a giant moth, but a giant, bipedal turtle. That by itself is endlessly and weirdly entertaining. As a turtle, Gamera shoots fire out of his mouth, lets loose an ear-splitting screech and can fire jets out of the limb holes in his shell, which spin him like a flying saucer. Two enormous tusks on his bottom jaw give him the appearance of a scaly warthog.

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Gamera, The Giant Monster (Special Edition) DVD Review
IGN - Arnold T. Blumberg

If you were one of those kaiju fans who gravitated to the Gamera series instead of the sprawling Godzilla saga, you were probably the sort of kid that liked to be an outsider; you know, the type that likes the really edgy band no one else likes, at least until they become popular. Now of course the flying turtle has his following and a reputation built on multiple films from different eras; nevertheless, Gamera always seemed to come in number two in the Japanese giant monster race. Ah, but did he try harder? Taking a look back at his very first appearance, you'd be hard pressed to think so.

Born out of an appreciation for the same '50s rampage romps that fueled the creation of Gojira himself – more on that later – this debut adventure for Gamera is similarly dark and destructive, with a sledgehammer-subtle commentary on the forbidding frontiers of science. Things kick off with a nuclear explosion in the Arctic that awakens a giant turtle under the ice. Yes, Gamera is out and about that early in the film, and his existence is explained briefly by a character postulating that the creature may have lived in Atlantis a long time ago. Huh? Never mind, the movie distracts you with the only English-speaking actors they could scrounge up in 1965 Japan to play the most inept and inarticulate American military officers this side of an Ed Wood movie. And make no mistake, they're hysterical! See how you forgot to ask why none of this makes any sense?

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Coming Soon!

And let us not forget that Shout! Factory will be releasing "Gamera Vs. Barugon" on July 6th. Though the distributor has not made a formal announcement about this release, Amazon lists it as a single disc, in widescreen format, in Japanese with English Subtitles.

One can only assume that it will be of the same quality as the "Gamera, The Giant Monster – Special Edition" release.

Fans can click on the link box provided to preorder "Gamera Vs. Barugon" before it's July release date.

Here are some more Gamera DVD releases.....for those of you who like the 'old-school' Americanized versions:

Attack Of The Monsters (aka Gamera vs. Guiron) $7.98

War of the Monsters (aka Gamera vs. Barugon) $7.98

Gamera vs. Monster X / Monster from a Prehistoric Planet $9.98

Destroy All Planets $7.98

Gammera the Invincible $7.98

See Also: Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/11/10 - How Does King Kong vs Godzilla Rank Among Monster Battles? More Gamera And Kamen Rider DVD Stuff / Godzilla Toy Tuesday! Godzilla vs The Micronauts And Gamera In A Box / Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/03/10 (Part 2) / Killer Kaiju Monsters: Strange Beasts of Japanese Film (Ivan Vartanian)(HarperCollins)(2010) / Info On Shout Factory's 'Gamera The Giant Monster' And 'Gamera vs Barugon' DVD Releases / A Classic Godzilla Comic Strip - The Monsters That Devoured Canarsie / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/05/10