Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Available At G-FEST XVII!
"The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" Available At G-FEST XVII!
by Armand Vaquer
Those of you thinking about taking a kaiju vacation to Japan are in luck!
Attendees for this year's G-FEST XVII in Chicago will be able to pick up a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan at the Monsterland Toys booth in the dealers room.
So be sure to stop by Monsterland Toys and pick up a copy while supplies last!
Above, Yuu Asakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
"Destroy All Planets 2010": The Case of the Missing DVD
"Destroy All Planets 2010": The Case of the Missing DVD
by Armand Vaquer
An alert fan discovered today that the Retromedia DVD, Destroy All Planets 2010 has "mysteriously vanished" from Amazon.com's website.
No doubt this may be due to the issues Ryan Clark and other fans raised pertaining to the rights issue at Amazon.com and several kaiju-oriented message boards.
This is probably a cautionary move on Amazon.com's part until the rights issues are resolved.
UPDATE: The DVD is still being offered at Amazon.com.
FOR THE RECORD: Kaiju historian August Ragone commented on several message boards about the rights issues. I had quoted him as he has the most knowledge on Japanese movie companies, DVD & screening rights and many other facets. As his comments are on several public message boards, I took the liberty in quoting him. Unfortunately, I should have given him a "head's up" first. It was not my intention to box him into the fray which may give someone the impression that this was an "August vs. Retromedia" situation. It wasn't. He also expressed that he'd like to also hear what Carl Craig has to say in his commentary. He was only speaking as a fan and not in any official (or otherwise) capacity with his role in Shout! Factory's Gamera releases. I apologize if that is the impression given.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Drop the Lime
Dudes. Dudettes. I graduated. I got a place in New York. I didn't get a job, but I'm working two internships. And hey, maybe some day I'll find somebody that wants to pay me for doing something or other. Point being, I now have time to blog again. At least I'll have time to blog until I get a job and start doing things like paying rent, buying groceries, and being a certified old, boring grownup.
Anywho, I'd like to start things off with a new Drop the Lime track. The track is called "Sex Sax," and it bangs. As you may have guessed from the title, the song features a good bit of sax. And it's sexy. Similarly, the video focuses on a sax-playing gent who luckily runs into a bevy of pretty ladies. Oh, and the video's cameo-heavy like whoa.
Drop the Lime — Sex Sax from Trouble & Bass on Vimeo.
P.S. If any of you New Yorkers wanna book me to DJ or pay me to work at a deli or something along those lines, chirp at me. Please. I need to pay rent and buy pasta and ketchup.
P.P.S. Tell me what's good in New York. Where do I go to get cheap drinks? Where do I meet fun people? Where do I find cute ladies? Etc.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
"Destroy All Planets 2010" Controversy - Part II
"Destroy All Planets 2010" Controversy - Part II
by Armand Vaquer
Avery Guerra, who has been a reliable source for news and behind-the-scenes info on many movie productions, posted this message from Fred Olen Ray at the Monster Zero message board about the Destroy All Planets 2010 DVD controversy:
"I have never been contacted by anyone associated with these films in the ten years we have distributed them except about five years ago when I emailed Daiei to ask about buying rights to the wide screen versions and they told me they didn't own the US rights. Toei likewise denied knowing anything about THE MAGIC SERPENT which we also tried to buy the wide screen rights for at the AFM three years ago.
Otherwise as far as we know there are no rights issues "a'brewing".
The biggest point that everyone is missing is that I only put this out because I was led to believe that the fans wanted it. I had no intention, or desire, to do this, all my usual distribution outlets had turned it down... but I was encouraged by fans to invest in doing the commentary, which we did, but then thought better of putting the show out as it would have to compete with a plethora of other editions.
Continual and repeated emails from fans made me want to offer it to them, but I didn't believe there was enough people really wanting it to do a big run so I went the Amazon.com route so copies would only be created for those who really wanted it... why can't anybody see that I only tried to give them what they kept asking me for? I could give a OH GODZILLA! WHAT TERRIBLE LANGUAGE otherwise... this could have stayed on the shelf for the rest of my life and I wouldn't care. I'm not going to make any real money off the Amazon release, it was done strictly for the fans who asked me for this. It might move a grand total of 25 copies, who knows? Get a life guys, I have bigger and better things to do. The DVD company is my hobby, not my business, I do it for the fans... but probably should have known better.
On different points "Ryan" posted his slander in Amazon's "Customer Review", a section created so that people who have actually bought products on Amazon can view them, then create a review of them. It's not your private flame forum, dude. If this basement dweller doesn't understand the concept of "customer review" then maybe someone should cut him off from a word processor.
Secondly, Copyright registrations begin with the letters PA, not V... don't you kids ever do your homework? The copyright registration the other ignorant guy puts forth is also BS... that's a transfer letter and has nothing to do with registration. Period. He hasn't a clue about copyright laws.
The item you mention is probably a transfer for banking purposes, I don't even need to look at it to know it's not a registration of copyright. Please write 100 times "I will know what I'm talking about before embarrassing myself on-line again".
Third, I'm legally not able to disclose the details of the settlement we made regarding this film and its legal action. However, drop your own dime and search the LA Court records... it's there as far as I know...
After all is said and done DESTROY is already out on 30 different labels and has NEVER been out of print on Retro in almost 10 years... I'd say the horse is out of the barn on this one."
FRED
Removed by request of the quoted person for failure to seek permission and being taken out of context
I wonder if Ray tried to contact Kadokawa Pictures through their Los Angeles office when he began this project. It would have only taken a simple phone call at the very least. (I even have their number programed into my cell phone.)
He said he sent emails to Daiei five years ago (was he aware that Kadokawa took them over around about that time or earlier and released Gamera The Brave in April 2006?). We all know that emails get lost, deleted (people thinking they're spam and other reasons) and it appears he might have emailed the wrong person. A traditional business letter would have been more appropriate in this instance (but that's just my opinion), sent via registered or certified mail if need be.
For the record, I happen to like Ray's output and have posted articles about his movies my blog and at Monster Island News, so I have nothing against him. In the blog posts on this DVD, I tried to be even-handed (by posting both sides of the matter) and just stuck to the facts as we know them. He can get permission to release the documents giving him the DVD rights from the parties involved. Doing so could possibly put to rest this matter.
It appears something fell though the cracks involving this particular DVD.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Best of the Interwebz
Fight Over "Destroy All Planets" Rights Brewing
Fight Over "Destroy All Planets" Rights Brewing
by Armand Vaquer
A new controversy is brewing over whether or not a Gamera DVD being issued by Retromedia is legitimate or not. Cries of "bootleg" are being posted at the Monster Zero message board. Is it?
The movie in question is Retromedia's DVD of Destroy All Planets 2010 which features a commentary by one of the movie's stars, Carl Craig.
At issue is whether Retromedia has the rights to issue the U.S. version of this movie. Shout! Factory is slated to release the same movie (the subtitled Japanese version) in a few months and this is seen by some as a bit of one-upsmanship by Retromedia.
The movie was originally released in 1965 by Daiei, which was bought out by Kadokawa Pictures.
Removed by request of the quoted person for failure to seek permission and being taken out of context
Fred Olen Ray, who is the owner of Retromedia, said this in a response to Ryan Clark's review post at Amazon.com:
Since this program only became available yesterday it's physically impossible for "Ryan" to have seen it or even have received a copy of the DVD. Your "review" is a lie and obviously fueled by a personal agenda. Retromedia was the first company to ever present the AIP-TV Gamera films to the public on DVD and quickly became the source of material for all the cheap DVD labels that flooded the market afterwards. Retromedia also successfully initiated and won a copyright case based on their release of DESTROY ALL PLANETS, so your claim of illegality is BS as well. This DVD doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. It's simply the best edition of the AIP-TV version of the film ever released on DVD and it has an actors commentary track with star Carl Craig. That's all it advertises as being and that's what it is. Next time try watching the film first before rendering your "opinion", and if you happen to work for a rival DVD company, I'd have to say I'm disappointed... these kind of smear tactics are nothing less than juvenile.
[Note: Ryan Clark never claimed to have viewed the DVD nor received a copy of it.]
Removed by request of the quoted person for failure to seek permission and being taken out of context
If all U.S. rights to this film reverted back to Kadokawa (by virtue of buying Daiei), then Retromedia would be in hot water. However, if Fred Olen Ray is correct in claiming that he has the U.S. rights over the U.S. version (and can provide the paperwork to back that up), then he should be able to continue to offer the movie. At this point, no back-up material has been provided by Ray (he's welcome to send it me me and I'll be happy to post it).
Removed by request of the quoted person for failure to seek permission and being taken out of context
[*"Dubious Comforts" is the handle of a member of the Classic Horror Film Board forum. - A.]
He continues in a subsequent post:
Removed by request of the quoted person for failure to seek permission and being taken out of context
To see the CHFB thread for the above quotes, go here.
It will be interesting to see how this one plays out. The courts may have to be the ultimate decider in this matter.
DESTROY ALL PLANETS Gets A DVD Release While No One Was Looking
Sources: Fred Olen Ray / Sidelong Glances of a Pigeon Kicker /Carl Craig / Avery Guerra
Sometimes good things come to those who wait, and if you have been waiting for the deluxe DVD release of "Destroy All Planets" (Gamera vs. Viras), you have been waiting for a few years.
In preparation for this article I had to look back, way back, into my archives to try and remember just when I first learned of Retromedia's plans to release a special edition DVD of "Destroy All Planets". Much to my surprise, I had to go back to the days before Monster Island News was a blog, back when the site was kensforce.com (remember that), which was pre 2007, probably something like 2005 or 2006. When you get older your memory isn't as crisp my friends.
I do recall talking to Carl Craig, who played Jim Morgan in the film, about him recording the commentary tracks for the release and I did write an article about that, but alas, since kensforce.com is gone, so is that article, so I couldn't pin down the exact date all of this started.
Anyway, since I hadn't heard a peep about it in a few years, I figured that the project had been scrapped.
Well, imagine my surprise when I was forwarded an email from Fred Olen Ray of Retromedia to announce that this long-forgotten DVD had been released and was now for sale on Amazon.com through their "on demand" program.
That means that the DVD is not produced until someone orders it, which also means that it will take about 48 hours for the product to ship out.
It seems with all the talk about Shout! Factory's release of both "Gamera, The Giant Monster" and "Gamera Vs. Barugon", "Destroy All Planets" was able to fly onto the online retailers listings under the radar. Well, as under the radar as a giant turtle with fire shooting out of it can get.
In fact, the release was done in such a covert manner that there isn't even any mention of it on the Retromedia website. Honestly, none whatsoever.
According to Ray, "We've transferred an original 16mm AIP-TV print and color corrected it two times to produce the best version of this film available"
"But the real reason to catch this Special Edition is the commentary track by American star, Carl Craig," He adds, "His recollections of the film making process is fascinating. Hosted by Brett Homenick and Damon Foster, recorded in Chicago by our own Randy Carter."
While I was doing all of my research, I did manage to dig up my 2005 interview with Carl Craig. I thought it would be cool to give everyone a preview of what will undoubtedly be on the commentary track for "Destroy All Planets" by posting a few excerpts here:
MIN: Destroy all Planets was your only acting job and it has been noted that you never really wanted to become an actor. For those fans who may have never heard the story, how did you end up being cast as Jim Morgan in the film?
CC: I was an American serviceman's kid in Japan from 1965-1969. My mother is Japanese and her older brother (my uncle) lived next to a Daiei producer. The producer was telling my uncle that Kenji Yuasa had finally gotten approval from Daiei management to have an American in the upcoming Gamera film but they were having a problem finding someone for the part. My uncle explained that he had a nephew that was blond and blue-eyed that spoke Japanese fluently. Numbers were exchanged and when I came home from school one day, my father explained I was going down to audition for a movie part. The rest is history.
MIN: Some of the Gamera films that were produced later also had story lines that featured young people. Were you ever considered for parts in those films? Was Jim Morgan ever considered as a character in those films?
CC: I was never approached or asked to do another Gamera feature. I left Japan in 1969 (the year after Destroy all Planets was done) and was not available anyway.
MIN: What is you fondest memory of working on the film?
CC: Getting out of school for almost 3 months. I had a limo driver and a tutor go to and from the set everyday.
MIN: I read on your website (gone now) about the passing of Gamera director Noriaki (Kenji) Yuasa. Was he a great influence on your life? How did his influences help mold that young man into the man you are today?
CC: Yuasasan was a gentle man. He was great with children and specifically me, a rookie on the set. He was calming, yet very forceful and made his point to me very clearly. He expected me to act when I had no acting experience. He was very fair and expected nothing less than 100% attention to detail. I sorta have that quality but feel I am very fair in my interpersonal relationships.
MIN: Are you surprised at how many fans there are worldwide of the Gamera films? Did you ever think that some 30+ years later people would still remember your role as Jim Morgan?
CC: I was rather freaked out actually. I attended my first convention in 2000 (shortly after it was discovered that I was Carl Craig aka Jim Morgan) I was amazed at all the stories told to me about fans who indicated their sentiments about the film. They called it their favorite Gamera movie. I am still amazed at the fanfare and the following. That is why I make every effort to share my experiences, the memorabilia and my experiences that I have from the film.
MIN: Have you remained a big Kaiju fan throughout the years? If so what are some of your favorites?
CC: I always liked Godzilla and Bob Eggleton made me a believer again. I liked the new Gamera from Kanekosan but feel loyalty to the Yuasa era Gamera. I have seen all the modern Gamera films. I own them all.
MIN: Many fans may not know that after Destroy All Planets you went on to become an Air Force Pilot and an advisor to former U.S. President George Bush. What are you most proudest moments from your post Gamera career?
CC: I retired from the Air Force as a Field Grade officer and senior pilot. I flew the venerable F-4 Phantom and the sleek T-38 Talon. I can say that I lived a dream by accomplishing those feats. I am a 18+ year Federal Law Enforcement officer in the Department of Homeland Security. The duty tour at the White House was an interesting one. I took two oaths to defend the constitution and have worked with some great people, doing an important and sometimes thankless job. I am proud of my Japanese heritage but I am most proud to be an American in a country with no boundaries for those that wish to push the envelope!
Sometimes you are afforded an opportunity of a lifetime. What you do with those opportunities says a lot about yourself. In my case a chance to act in a Kaiju film as a young kid. The other, a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a jet pilot. Lastly, to serve my country in a capacity where dedication to duty, difficult times in leadership and horrific events (Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11, etc) compel us all to act in a way we feel fit to express ourselves. Some may never have the opportunities that I had, some may never have something that significant in life just presented to you. I had to work to accomplish my goals in life. I have been successful in some and a failure in others but those failures were not because I didn't try hard enough. One must remember that no one owes us anything. If we expect to succeed in life, we must make the effort, time and time again, until we reach the level we desire to achieve. Failures can be expected, how we deal with failure also makes us better people. My favorite saying is; "Loyalty above all, except honor." Be sure you understand that loyalty has a price and that price cannot exceed the statute of honor. Doing the right thing all the time will get you far in life, selling yourself short of doing the right thing because your loyalty is misplaced, is a sad way to travel the roads of life. The first time you sell yourself short, you'll never be able to look yourself in the mirror ever again. I am proud of the fact that I can still look myself in the mirror, every day!
See Also: Shout! Factory To Release Gamera Vs. Barugon DVD July 6th! / A Classic Movie Monster Comic Strip - The Monsters That Devoured Canarsie / Monster Uber Geekdome- Ultraman Collages, Playing Cards & Alien vs Pooh / Shout! Factory To Release Gamera DVD / Scientists Ready To Unleash "Gamera" And Giant Cows Upon Mankind / Showa Gamera Movies To Be Released By Shout Factory / ADV Films: Rest In Peace / Ayako Fujitani Returns To The Spotlight In Michel Gondry’s Interior Design / "Gamera The Brave" Box Art / Gamera The Brave Comes To DVD December 30th!
Fictional Style Icon - Chuck Bass.
- You should be able to use your name as a pick-up line/excuse for everything that you do. everything.
- You can never, never, never wear enough purple. Seriously, what is up with all the purple?
- Scarves are an essential signature piece. People should be able to tell that you're in the building if they find your scarf randomly draped over some piece of the architecture/furniture.
- If you are in your teens, and you don't already own several fabulous suits then you're quite obviously behind the times.
- If you can't find a way to make something match in your outfit, you're just not trying hard enough. As evidence, I submit this photo where the roses in the hand of Chuck clearly matches the hanky in his jacket pocket. Now that is committment to matching pieces.
- If there's only one girl you can *ahem* "get up" for, then you probably love her. Just sayin'.
- Cardigans, blazers, tailored pants, loafers, ties, buttondowns, cufflinks and so forth don't have to be boring.
- When you're too important to smile a well-rehearsed "I'm currently in the midst of some deep brooding" look is one of you best accessories.
- Yes, constantly having a glass of scotch/whisky/gin, or a mobile phone in your hand does count as accessorising.
- You're not Chuck Bass. Obviously. Because he is Chuck Bass.
Now, without further ado I'm off to curl up on my couch with my own (rather large) glass of scotch and watch some more Gossip Girl.
Until next time, xo.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Illustrating the Choosing Process - Directors
This morning, Variety published an article by Tatiana Siegel. It was a very detailed report regarding the job market for directors today. Due to our country’s recession, financial struggles have started hitting the film market. This has lead to directors who had high quotes (which usually says how much they are paid per a film) like Ridley Scott or Michael Bay or possibly even Spielberg to lower their quotes. Even after that, some studios may feel it is too much money to be paid to said director. Because of this, a lot of new and young directors are being hired on because they have lower quotes.
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However, while names were given in the report for some of the productions, "Godzilla" still remains director-less. However, with this information, we Godzilla fans can assume that unless Toho says something, Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers - for sake of financial security - will hire a fairly young director. Is this bad? In some ways, yes, because they would be inexperienced. However, it may be a young director who may respect the source material but yet not necessarily be a fan or like it - such as "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan. However, if a bigger name is chosen to helm the project, then we can see that Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures are really going for a good amount of money. How far can Godzilla’s pop culture status carry him?
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A Night Of Ultraman And Yo Gabba Gabba! At The JACCC
Source: Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
A quick little note for Japanese sci fi fans in, and around, Los Angeles. This Friday (5/25/10) the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center will be holding an event for the whole family with characters from the kids show, "Yo Gabba Gabba!", old-school episodes of "Ultraman" and a musical performance by "DJ Ultraman".
Here is the info from the JACCC website:
Movies on the Plaza: Ultra Gabba Gabba!
Summer Outdoor Film Series
Free Screening Double Feature!
Friday, 06.25.10 7pm
The JACCC, Visual Communications, and Giant Robot present present the perfect way to kick off the Summer with a series of FREE outdoor film screenings and musical performances. Movies, food trucks, and lively music all come together in the JACCC Plaza as families, friends and downtown L.A. neighbors join in on the festivities under the Little Tokyo sky.
First up, a free double feature for both the young, and young-at-heart. Come meet the characters MUNO, BROBEE, and PLEX* from the innovative hit TV show YO GABBA GABBA! and and watch some of your favorite episodes projected on an outdoor screen. The night continues with the iconic Japanese sci-fi show ULTRAMAN, with DJ sets by DJ Ultraman. Food truck Lomo Arigato, serving up Japanese/Peruvian food, will be there too!
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs.
JACCC Plaza
Free Admission
Happy Hour all night!
The JACCC is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street (between 2nd and 3rd Streets) in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, just blocks away from the Los Angeles Music Center and the new Disney Hall.
Phone: (213) 628-2725
E-Mail: info@jaccc.org
Website - JACCC
*Characters will be available for meet and greet from 6:30-8p on a first come, first served basis only. Please arrive early, as we cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to meet them.
See Also: Over 100 Vintage Kaiju Toys Invade The Morikami Museum / Godzilla (And Friends) In The News 05/03/10 / Japanese Giant Monsters And Robots In The News 04/23/10 / In The Absence Of Godzilla, Japan Has Had A Real Giant Monster Boom! / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/05/10 / The Godzilla Many Americans Have Never Seen - Ryusei Ningen Zon (Zone Fighter)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Knowing The Producers
Pictured above are the three producers likely to have the biggest influence on this production
(in order): Yoshimitsu Banno, Roy Lee, and Dan Lin.
Written by Evan Brehany
Edited by Donny Winter and Evan Brehany
As to date, the only names given to us connected to the Legendary Picture’s Godzilla project are a list of producers. Executive and general producers. Through this article we shall introduce the producers' job and how their influence on a project could make or break a film.
Definition of "Producer"
Merriam-Webster world dictionary defines producer as such, ": a person who supervises or finances a work (as a staged or recorded performance) for exhibition or dissemination to the public." With that being said, while the director has the final word on the creative standpoint of the production, the producer does write the check therefore the producer can control certain aspects of production.
Producers
The producers that are presented with Legendary Picture’s Godzilla are Dan Lin, Roy Lee, and Brian Rodgers. Dan Lin is the first name to come up. A fresh faced Asian member to the Hollywood game, his resume does show some modest hits, including "Terminator: Salvation" (2009) and the recent smash hit "Sherlock Holmes" (2009). Dan does have some history with Legendary Pictures, specifically regarding his involvement with the film "10,000 BC" (a film done with the same crew that did the 1998 Godzilla flop). In an interview on the red carpet for "Terminator: Salvation" about being involved with set franchises and rebooting them, he said, "You want to honor the original mythology and at the same time bring in new fans so it’s a type rope." Dan Lin also mentioned that "we decided it was important to set up the mythology before we start the movie." When being interviewed specifically for "Terminator: Salvation", a film which is part of a franchise, two things stuck out which he said were good decisions for the quest to bring in new fans: the hireling of Christian Bale (of Batman fame) and Sam Worthington (who Dan called "a great new actor" before his work in "Avatar" (2009) and "Clash of the Titans" (2010)).
The next name is Roy Lee. A Korean-American producer of 41, Roy Lee is the largest name in the business when it comes to Asian remakes done by American studios. His projects includes the Ring Series, Grudge series, "Dark Water", "The Uninvited", "Eight Below", "Internal Affairs", "My Sassy Girl", "Shutter", "The Eye", "The Echo", and the up coming remake of "Oldboy". According to "The New Yorker", Roy’s job is that he "watches videos of every Asian movie ever made". Sounds fair enough, maybe even to the point that he may have seen some of the Godzilla films. When looking upon his resume, one seems to notice a pattern. Specifically, adaptations in which Roy Lee produces and a member of the original is also on (director or writer usually) is a box office success and is critically acclaimed. It’s hard to judge him. Genessee Kim said this about Roy, "Roy Lee is the man Asian studios turn to when they want top dollar for a Hollywood reincarnation of their successful original films." Not much is said about this producer’s involvement with the creative aspect of the film. Though any similar trends in the Grudge series and the Ring series (the American films) could reveal what could be his style. Along with that, with his tendency to bring in talents from the film franchise he reboots with Hollywood, Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira may not be the only names connected to the Godzilla franchise we may ultimately see.
The last name on the producers list is Brian Rogers. A producer with lesser experience with his only noticeable credits being a producer to some Z-List productions, his most notable title is that of a SFX artist, working on accouple of episodes of "101 Deeds for Eddie McDowd". However, it should be noted that he was part of the group that was to produce the film, "Godzilla: 3D To The Max". Recently he released an interesting comment that warranted a great deal of attention. At the 3DNext Summit, Rogers claimed, "Clash of the Titans' is important here...because it made the industry realize that you cannot do substandard 3D and charge full pricing." This has led fans to think that this film may be going for the extremes - either real 3D or 2D. Chances are it is going to be in 3D. Please refer to Ken’s write up for more information [http://godzilla2012.blogspot.com/2010/06/reason-to-be-optimistic-about-godzilla.html].
Definition of "Executive Producer"
Now, we go to the executive producers list. We have Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira, and Doug Davidson who are filling the job. Now, an executive producer is different from a regular producer. According to Wikipedia, an executive producer, "In major productions, can sometimes be a representative or CEO of the film studio. Or the title may be given as an honorarium to a major investor. Often they oversee the financial, administrative and creative aspects of production, though not always in a technical capacity. In smaller companies or independent projects, it may be synonymous with creator/writer. Often, a "Line Producer" is awarded this title if this producer has a lineage of experience, or is involved in a greater capacity than a "typical" line producer. E.G - working from development through post, or simply bringing to the table a certain level of expertise."
Producers
According to that definition, it sounds good. So let’s look at Yoshimitsu Banno. I think that all who read this blog knows who he is. The director of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah", one of the more obscene but darker (in it’s own right) Godzilla films. Banno, has shown that while the film he made back in 1971 was extremely influenced by the culture at the time, he managed to get the allegorical structure of the original Godzilla in with his film, making it a fan favorite and an effective anti-pollution film. Now, it is said that executive producers do have some influence over the creative aspects of the film, similar to a general producer. Because of this, he is up there with Dan Lin and Roy Lee. Now, with his age and the fact that he has actually worked on a Godzilla film (and some other Toho non-Goji tokusatsu works), that demands a certain amount of respect. Hopefully what ideas he does have will be taken into consideration and used.
Now, let’s go to Kenji Okuhira. He is not well-known, though he was united with Banno with the infamous "Godzilla: 3D to the Max" project. However, his shining achievement is with him being the producer of the award winning 1999 film, "Pups". Obviously due to his Japanese decent, he could be one who has seen the Godzilla films and may just as well also know what he is doing. If so, this is another creative mind which can help balance out the equation.
The last name is Doug Davison. Here is where the story starts to go full circle. The important part is that he has a history with one of the producers: Roy Lee. Together, the duo is most notably known for the finding of the company Vertigo Entertainment - an intermediary company that sells the remake rights for Asian films, on behalf of the rights-holders, to American studios and such. So most of the projects that Roy Lee is involved with, Doug also is. Most of the titles he also works with are done through Vertigo Entertainment.
What does this tell us? With producers having almost the same amount of power as directors, this gives us a good idea of what is to come from this side of the equation. As we are still waiting for the other important parts of the equations: screenwriter, director, and composer, we can at least now speculate and hope that what we are going to get is good.
Somewhere In Sony's Warehouse...
Somewhere In Sony's Warehouse...
by Armand Vaquer
While there's anticipation for further news about Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. new Godzilla movie amongst G-fans, artifacts of the last U.S. production still languish in Sony Studios' warehouse in Culver City, California.
A friend was recently inside Sony's warehouse and shot the above cell phone photo of the Emmerich-Devlin Godzilla from 1998 (commonly known to U.S. Godzilla afficionados as G.I.N.O. or "Zilla" from Godzilla Final Wars).
He says there's many statues and advertisement materials stored in the warehouse. If the opportunity presents itself, he'll shoot more and better pictures and will send them.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Op (Thrift) Shopping
Until next time, xo.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Best of the Interwebz
I love the weekend. Is it sad a big portion of loving the weekend has to do with me being able to catch up with all the wonderful blogs that I read? I end up with so much to try and squeeze in during the week that all the great blogs I read get neglected, which is precisely why Saturday is the perfect day for a link round-up! Here we go...
LOL-tastic. Where The Streets Have Sexual Names.
A great tutorial for embellishing a tank top from Alisa Burke.
How To Piss Off An Introvert. Love this. I completely agree, and identify.
Another great tutorial, this time for painting shoes found over at Lyric Art.
Gertie helps with vintage pattern sizing over at Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing.
I am in love with Corrine from Frock and Roll, so read her post about fun things to do for under $20. Then read this one about rockstar style, and general wardrobe pilfering. Then just read everything she posts.
Really digging this post by Chelsea of Bright Side Dweller about hiding her bitch face. I get asked invasive questions about my cleft quite often, and usually the most invasive ones come from complete strangers. But being a bitch only confirms their suspicision that I'm a bitch.
True Life: I Grew Up in a Queer Household. I found this really touching, and hope that when I have children I can bring them up in a similar way.
Going GaGa by Stace from Tee & Fame is a beautiful collection of images of my current favourite pop start. Drool, drool. Also, the video she links to of a classical rendition of Gaga and Beyonce's Telephone is awesome!
The Seventeen Magazine Project is something I find both amusing and very insightful. Ever wondered what it would be like to actually follow all that magazine advice for a whole month? Here's your answer.
Until next time, xo.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Reason To Be Optimistic About Godzilla 3D (2012)?
Source: The Wrap
Ever since Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros announced their plans to produce another American made "Godzilla" movie back in March, fans have been waiting quite patiently for any news about the film to surface.
And still they are waiting.
At the time of the official announcement, Legendary execs stated that word of the films director would be coming, 'very soon', but here we are some three months later, and still no word on that front.
Sorry.
In fact, since that initial announcement, there has been nothing coming out of the studio about "Godzilla" at all. Not even rumors.
Well, I wish I had HUGE announcement for you today, but alas, all I have is tidbit, a scrap, a mere morsel of "Godzilla" movie news, and even this is a bit of a stretch.
At the 3DNext Summit on Monday, "Godzilla" producer, Brian Rogers, spoke out about how he thought that the medium (3D), was misused in "Clash of the Titans", stating, “’Clash of the Titans’ is important here, because it made the industry realize that you cannot do substandard 3D and charge full pricing.”
Well , like I said, not much 'meat' there, and I'm certain that many of you are scratching your head wondering why I even brought up this quote in the first place?
Though it has not officially been stated, it is a forgone conclusion that "Godzilla" is going to be made in 3D, and why not, all new fantasy and sci fi films are being shot that way since "Avatar".
Now, this is why I think Rogers statement is reason for some optimism in regards to the upcoming "Godzilla" movie. Since the film is being produced by Legendary Pictures, the same folks that brought us, "Clash of the Titans", it would appear that the film makers are taking a good hard look at the mistakes made in that prior film, in hopes of not repeating them.
Which should come as very good news to all "Godzilla" movie fans around the globe.
The echoing theme for "Godzilla" seems to be, 'don't make another G98' and 'give the fans what they want', again more reasons for optimism.
Also, if you want to read into it, the fact that Legendary Pictures hasn't rushed the selection process for a director, echoes these concepts. Meaning, that they are taking their time to find the right guy for the job instead of going for someone 'trendy' or 'hot at the moment', kinda like the Ryuhei Kitamura hiring at Toho for "Final Wars".
Not that the hiring was totally wrong, just Toho had other directors in their stable that probably had a better understanding of "Godzilla" movies than Kitamura did, and who could have produced something a little more, fan-friendly, than what the action movie director did.
And no, I'm not picking on the director. I'm just using the situation to hammer home a point about how I feel that Legendary Pictures, in all likelihood, is taking the right approach here.
There is no need to rush things, and even though "Godzilla" movie fans have been getting ulcers waiting for some news, they ultimately would rather wait, and have things done right, then have the studio rush into things and make a movie nobody likes.
Geez, for such a small bit of information, I really ran with it. Guess it just goes to show how excited we all are to see an American "Godzilla" movie, right?
Maybe in this case, no news is good news?
See Also: Godzilla 2012 Facebook Group Update - 500 Members And The Thread Of The Week!/ Godzilla 2012 (And Gamera) In The News 05/06/10 - A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Rumors / What Went Wrong With Godzilla 98? - Inside The Mind Of Dean Devlin / Godzilla 2012 In The News 04/15/10 - The Angry Edition! / Godzilla 2012 - A Plot Idea That, I Think, Will Make Everyone Happy / Godzilla 3-D, Godzilla 2012, Rumors And Misinformation Abound / Godzilla 2012 Going To Be In 3D And Screened At IMAX Theaters?
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Monday, June 14, 2010
Anime.com Japanese Monster Book Reviews
Anime.com Japanese Monster Book Reviews
by Armand Vaquer
Anime.com has posted reviews of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan along with Steve Ryfle's Japan's Favorite Mon-star and August Ragone's Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters on a page entitled, Godzilla and Other Monster Movies.
Each were reviewed by Brian Cirulnick.
There are also reviews of kaiju DVDs on this page.
To check out the reviews, go here.
What I Wore Today (Long Weekend Edition)
I had a great long weekend, how about all you other Aussies out there? Three retail-free days of complete bliss (and house-cleaning, but lets not mention that part). On Saturday The Boyfriend and I headed into Southbank and traversed the botanical gardens, before heading over to the Lifeline Bookfest. We ended up spending about $100 on second-hand books, some of which had the tags still on them. Anyhow, the day was about as freezing as it was awesome, so I layered up.
Vest: Kmart, $19
Long-sleeved Shirt: Trade Secret (Sass), $12.95
Jeans: Kmart, $30
Vans: Present from my wonderful mother!
Jumper: Trade Secret (Just Add Sugar), $24.95
Singlet: Trade Secret (Lovable), $5
Jeans: Trade Secret (Lee Riders), $19.95
S-T-R-A-N-G-E Necklace: Made by The Boyfriend
"Lord of the Rings" Ring: A present from one of my wonderful mothers friends!
JEEZ STACEY, WHY DON'T YOU JUST BUY ALL YOUR CLOTHES FROM YOUR WORK?
This ring is probably one of my most treasured possessions. I love it, and have had huge freak-outs many times after almost losing it. I'm so bad with jewellery, hence why this is the only expensive piece I own. As a sidenote, one of the times I almost lost it was having a sword fight with a friend in his garden using foam swords, and making lightsaber noises. I made a particularly ridiculous sword move, and it flew off my finger into the garden. So yeah, I'm cool.
On Monday I intended to be productive, but ended up watching lots of Season 5 of House and playing hours of The Sims 2 instead.
Outfit Rundown:
Knit Vest: Trade Secret (Lee Rider), $29.95
Long-sleeved Shirt: Trade Secret (Sass), $12.95
Jeans: Target, $20, DIY distressed by me.
Until next time, xo.
Friday, June 11, 2010
KING KONG Done Wrong In Bangladesh
Sources: Robert Hood / Avery Guerra
Over the decades there have been some truly awful movies made about "King Kong". Many of these include, "King of Kong Island", "King Kong's Fist", "King Kong Lives", the UK made "Konga" and the American/Korean co-production, "A*P*E", which in the eyes of most monster movie fans, is the worst ever produced.
Well, that is until now. I believe we have a new champion.
Granted, "A*P*E* is a mess of a monster movie, but compared to the new "King Kong" made in Bangladesh, the film actually looks palatable.
Really, this new "Kong" film has to be seen to be believed. Think of it as a typical "Bollywood" musical with a giant gorilla in it.
In other words, a remake of the 1976 Dino De Laurentiis film, with musical numbers.
No, really ........ I'm serious.
Along with all the singing and dancing, there are some of the worst special effects ever featured on celluloid. So bad that Ed Wood would be jealous. Oh, and where they ran out of money for effects, they just inserted footage from the 1976 "Kong".
Now, I don't know anything about copyright laws in Bangladesh, but I can only assume that there will be some phone calls placed to lawyers after this gets out.
True, film makers in Bangladesh don't have the money or resources that their counterparts in Hollywood do, so after the money gets shelled out for actors, dancers, choreographers, song writers and the like, there just isn't any left for a decent monkey suit or cardboard for buildings.
That is a given.
A loosely translated press release for the film stated that "Banglar King Kong" is the product of the combined efforts of director Iftekar Jahan and producer Sharmin Osman for the government backed FDC (the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation).
Apparently in the document Jahan rambles on and on about how wonderful the advanced computer generated effects are in his movie.
Which says one thing to me. Jahan has never seen his own movie.
Jahan also mentions in the release that the "Kong" costume and the CGI software used in his movie were purchased in the US, that the film was filmed in remote areas of Bangladesh, and that the film stars Munmun, Danny Sedak, Shamim Osman, Afzal Sharif and Kazi Hayat.
Here is the rather brief synopsis for "Banglar King Kong":
King Kong comes to Bangladesh in search of love, and finds it.
Well ........ that pretty much sums it up doesn't it?
From the trailer, which is quite lengthy, it is more than obvious that this is nothing more than a direct rip-off of the 1976 remake of "King Kong" with some singing and dancing thrown in to appeal to cinema goers in Bangladesh.
Hey, if ya thought that the 'ice skating scene' in Peter Jackson's "King Kong" was bad, imagine having to sit through two hours of that kind of stuff?
Why can't people just leave "King Kong" alone?
Geez.....
Here, if you think that you can stomach it, are some photos, and the trailer that keeps on going for "Banglar King Kong":
Shout! Factory To Release Gamera Vs. Barugon DVD July 6th!
Watch out Barugon, Gamera’s back this Summer!
GAMERA VS. BARUGON – SPECIAL EDITION
Presenting the North American DVD debut of the original Japanese version of the second GAMERA movie in anamorphic widescreen from a newly restored High-Definition master
SMASHING ONTO DVD ON JULY 6, 2010
FROM SHOUT! FACTORY
Returned from his exile into space, Gamera is the last survivor of a species of colossal chelonians, rumored to have originated 8,000 years ago from the lost continent of Atlantis. This titanic terrapin is feared by adults and loved by children.
Hot off the heel from the excitement of fan favorite Gamera, The Giant Monster – Special Edition DVD, Shout! Factory will unleash the second film in the original series, Gamera Vs. Barugon – Special Edition on July 6, 2010. The DVD contains a collectible reversible cover, a special booklet featuring an essay by actor Kojiro Hongo, audio commentary with August Ragone and Jason Varney, publicity galleries and widescreen presentation of the original movie from an all-new HD master and more! Packed with heart-pounding action and jaw-dropping fun, the collectible Gamera Vs. Barugon – Special Edition DVD is priced to own at $19.93.
Even though Japan's Self-Defense Forces sent Gamera hurtling into space in a giant rocket at the climax of Gamera: The Giant Monster, a stray meteor soon collides with his flying metal prison, freeing the ginormous turtle and allowing him to spin back to Earth. That sounds like it spells doom for Japan, but when another colossal creature named Barugon is awoken from an ancient slumber, all Hell breaks loose. And only Gamera can stop him.
After three greedy Japanese explorers steal a rare opal in New Guinea, not realizing that it is actually a monster egg, and unwittingly subject it to infrared radiation, it hatches and grows to immense size. Barugon is not simply bad because he's big: His elongated tongue, itself a deadly weapon, can emit a freezing spray, while he has the ability to shoot a deadly, laser-like rainbow from his back. And when our favorite fire-spitting Gamera becomes trapped in the creature’s frozen grip, mankind looks like it could be doomed. Can one of the explorers, Keisuke Hirata (Kojiro Hongo, Satan’s Sword), and a New Guinea native, Karen (Kyoko Enami, The Woman Gambler), help to defeat Barugon before it plunges Japan into a new Ice Age?
Gamera Vs. Barugon, the second entry in Daiei Studios’ monster series, was directed by veteran Shigeo Tanaka (The Great Wall) and is more lavish than the original in terms of scale and scope — it was shot in spectacular color! Noriaki Yuasa (Gamera, The Giant Monster) was charged with helming the visual effects for this outing, and the results are fantastic!
The original films have woefully been underrepresented on DVD, especially releases featuring the authentic Japanese versions. Shout! Factory, in association with Kadokawa Pictures, will continue to present Gamera Special Edition home entertainment releases in North America. Upcoming highlights include Gamera Vs. Gyas, Gamera Vs. Viras, Gamera Vs. Guillon, Gamera Vs. Jiger, among others.
See Also: Gamera DVD Tuesday! (Normally Godzilla Toy Tuesday!) Free Gamera And Barugon Wallpapers! / 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
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Scarf of Many Uses
This is partially an outfit post, but mostly it is just a post celebrating the sheer awesomeness of a scarf that I bought this week. I can say without a doubt that this is the most awesome scarf in existence. Don't believe me? Well, read on my dears.
Outfit Rundown:
Singlet: Trade Secret (Lovable), $5
Belt: Trade Secret (Birdy), $11.95
Pants: Jay Jays, $10
THE SCARF IN QUESTION: Trade Secret (Envious), $16.95.
See, right now you're thinking that this scarf is just a scarf. But it isn't. This is the scarf of many uses, and as it's name suggests, it has many uses. Obviously, the first one is as a kickass scarf.
But lo and behold, this scarf is also big enough to be a blanket. Literally, it is freakin' huge, and also incredibly warm. How useful would this be on public transport when they have the airconditioning turned up too high (which is pretty much always). Next time it happens I'll be all like "Oh, it's so cold and I wish I had a blanket, OH WAIT I HAVE THIS HANDY BLANKET -SIZED SCARF", and then I'll be the warmest person on the bus or train.
You could eat a damn picnic on this scarf! It is amazing, and you should be suitably amazed. You should also ignore my manic expression, and how this wierd position is completely comfortable for me, but that isn't the point. Think of all the things you could use this scarf for! You can wear it like a crazy cat lady shawl, you can tie it around you as a top or skirt. You could use it as a tent the next time you have the strange urge to build a fort in your living room. You could probably even use it as a parachute the next time you are required to make an emergency exit from a plane at high altitude. I AM BLOWN AWAY BY THIS SCARF GUYS.
Do any of you have any items of clothing that can be used in a million different ways? Even better, can you invent any new ways to use old items of clothing?
Until next time, xo.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Godzilla DVDs At Amazon.com Up To 47% Off In June
Source: Amazon.com
Hey Godzilla movie fans! If you are missing any of the recent Godzilla DVD releases for your collection, the time to buy them is now!
For the month of June, Amazon.com is running a great sale on select Godzilla DVD titles. Most of these can be purchased for the amazingly low price of $7.99. That's a 47% savings off the $14.94 list price!
These titles include:
Godzilla GMK
Godzilla vs The Sea Monster
Godzilla Tokyo S.O.S.
Godzilla vs Gigan
Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (2002)
Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla II (1993)
Godzilla Final Wars
Godzilla vs Hedorah
Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla (1974)
Godzilla vs. Megaguirus
Godzilla 2000
Mothra 1 & 2
Godzilla vs SpaceGodzilla / Godzilla vs Destroyah
Basically all of the Sony Godzilla DVD releases.
To get these DVD titles at up to 47% off the retail price go to - Amazon Godzilla DVD Sale!
The sale ends June 28th so act fast!
Mad Scientist #21
Mad Scientist #21
by Armand Vaquer
The newest issue of Mad Scientist magazine (no. 21) is at the printers. Editor/publisher Martin Arlt will be selling the magazine next month at G-FEST in Chicago.
The issue contains (Source: Mad Scientist magazine's website):
A full-color cover by Don Marquez
I Bid You Welcome... (Editorial)
The Monster That Challenged the World!
An appreciation of Inoshiro Honda
Monster Profile: Ebirah
Artificial evolution in The Island of Doctor Moreau and The Alligator People
A selection of storyboard art from The Mist by Pete Von Sholly
Tales from the Lab
Doctor Who Season 16: "The Key to Time"
Vault of Comics: Incredible Hulk 1
Art by Fred Hembeck, Mark Jiro Okui, and John Rozum
Plus more!
One of the "mores" is a review of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. In the review, reviewer Martin Arlt states:
Ever watch a Japanese monster movie and wonder what Godzilla and his friends were destroying? Or maybe you’ve thought about taking a trip there to see things first hand. Either way, The Monster Movie Fan’s Guide to Japan should satisfy your needs. Armand Vaquer has put together a handy guide that, while tailored to the monster fan, is useful for any world traveler.
This guide is broken down into different regions of Japan. Within each region are separate entries that cover various cities and other areas. Within each entry is an explanation of famous landmarks and the monster films in which they appeared. It’s a nice mix of factual and historical information, coupled with the relevance to genre films.
To read the full review, buy the magazine! You can either get it next month at G-FEST, or order now at the website. Either way, you'll enjoy Mad Scientist as it is consistently a fun read!
Thought For The Day...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
What I Wore Today!
I hung out at home today after going to a party at a friends place last night, and this was my somewhat fancy "sitting at home" outfit. The day has been getting away from me, and I seem to have gotten nothing done except going for a ride, and discussing finances with The Boyfriend. This is going to be the first time in our relationship when we have both had an income, so things are looking pretty great right now. But anyway, onto the clothes!
Scarf (worn as belt): Groove Accessories, $5
Pants: Jay Jays, $10
Yay, I have coffee and scones to help me with my work-related homework. But on another note, these are my favourite pants. I've had them for near on three years now, which is pretty awesome since they were just a bargain table buy from Jay Jays. I wear them incredibly heavily as well, so don't let anyone tell you that cheap clothing never lasts!
How were your weekends? Anything interesting to report?
Until next time, xo.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Best of the Interwebz
Hurray, Best of the Interwebz time! Oh wait, where did the rest of the week since Tuesday go? Right, I had food poisoning (MacDonalds chicken burger, I'm looking at you!), and spent my time alternating between vomiting and sleeping. So, my week pretty much sucked - but as usual, the interwebz didn't suck half as bad as my week!
On Heavy Girls and Sexy Time is a hard, but incredibly interesting read that resonated with me in a lot of ways.
Parenting Practice And Kitties is hil-fuckin-larious. And as anyone who owns cats (as Monster Girl obviously does) knows, it is completely true.
Diana of Smiles Go With Everything instructs us on how to turn a pair of boot-cut jeans into skinny jeans.
DIY yourself some Ruby Slippers, with a little help from Lady Melbourne!
Got an old halter top? Got an old piece of costume jewellery? Then you need this Necklace Halter tutorial, which has been provided by Kathleen Frances of Grosgrain.
I love lots of the posts on Mookychick, an alternative girl community I stumbled upon this week.
Top 10 Ways To Fail At Everything is an inspiring post by Luana of Lemon Soda.
That's all folks! As you can see my list is quite DIY-heavy this week, but there were just so many awesome tutorials popping up in my Google Reader that I couldn't help but share all of them! Hope you enjoy, and share your results if you try any of them out.
Until next time, xo.