11.30.2018: Godzilla vs. Megalon Daikaiju Re-Discussion

We are back in the 1970s, man! And we’re taking another look at another film that might not have gotten a fair shake the last time around, we’re talking about 1973’s Godzilla vs. Megalon on this episode of the podcast.

We originally covered this in episode 30, and I know I did not give this film enough attention at the time, so hopefully this episode rectifies this from our prior discussion. Since we originally covered this, the commentary by Stuart Galbraith and Steve Ryfle was kind of released and then definitely added the the commentaries feed. Godzilla vs. Megalon is a fan favorite for many, many people – but the movie’s history and the history of that history is really intriguing if you’re into behind-the-scenes stuff.

Big thanks to Clancy for coming over to watch this giant monster gem with me – and thanks to the listeners for sending in their homework

MEGALONIC MUSIC:
1. Main Titles by Riichiro Manabe from Godzilla vs Megalon (1973)
2. Mystery Science Theater 3000 audio clip from Episode 212 (Jan 1991)
3. Godzilla vs. Megalon US Theatrical Trailer Audio (1976)
4.  Defeat Megalon by Masato Shimon & Riichiro Manabe from Godzilla vs Megalon (1973)

SUGGESTED VIEWING:
Steve Ryfle & Stuart Galbraith’s “guest commentary” on the Kaijucast Commentaries
Godzilla vs. Megalon‘s Monster Exploitation & Promotion Campaigns
Godzilla vs Megalon Comic Book Freebie
Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Godzilla vs Megalon episode

DAIKAIJU DISCUSSION NEXT MONTH?
As you are all aware, next month is December – and the holidays have really already begun, haven’t they? Woo – such a busy time for everyone right? It’s gonna be a little nuts at the HQ, so Kyle has decreed this December a holiday from homework (of the kaijucast variety, that is) – enjoy a month off, listeners!*

 

*If you feel like you must do something kaiju-related, make sure to check out our FB group – we might have another watch party!

11.03.2018: Interview with Godzilla Suit actor Tsutomu “Tom” Kitagawa

Today is Godzilla’s 64th birthday! …and while Tokyo is celebrating with a big Godzilla Festival in Shinjuku, I thought this would be a very appropriate day to release this interview with Godzilla suit and stunt actor Tsutomu Kitagawa,  recorded at this year’s Monsterpalooza in Pasadena California. We had Kitagawa on the podcast once before during a panel at G-Fest with Shinichi Wakasa (see episode #87: Godzilla Meets His Maker).

Kitagawa’s career started with Japan’s stunt crew working in a myriad Super Sentai series. From 1975 through 1998, he was jumping, punching and kicking his way towards becoming the King of the Monsters.

I absolutely love hearing these actors’ stories of their journey and becoming the different kaiju or even to being the Godzilla and of course,  I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to hear Kitagawa’s story. Hopefully we’ll have him on the podcast again in the future!

MUSIC FOR MILLENNIAL MONSTERS:
1. Godzilla X The Fleet Escort Force by Michiru Oshima from Godzilla Tokyo SOS (2003)
2. The King Of The Monsters Returns by Nobuhiko Morino from Godzilla Final Wars (2004)

10.31.2018 Godzilla Final Wars Daikaiju Re-Discussion

Are you ready for Operation Final War!?

That’s right, folks we are once again talking about the 28th film in the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla Final Wars (2004). This movie was out first ever daikaiju discussion, so that’s right… it’s been almost 9 years since we talked about this movie in a discussion format. Do you long time listeners feel old yet??

I’ve been digging our new discussion format, because I’m a crazy busy body apparently, but I really wanted to give this movie more than it deserves for this episode. We went for the deep dive, people! Believe it or not I didn’t cover everything that we could have about this film.

To some, Godzilla Final Wars is the ultimate tribute film to the entirety of Toho’s kaiju and special effects history

Hope you enjoy the episode – please make sure you check out the awesome Godzilla Final Wars linkage down below!

OPERATION MONSTER MUSIC:
1. Gigan Awakens by Daisuke Yano from Godzilla Final Wars (2004)
2. Nichiei News (M1) from Godzilla X Megaguirus (2000)
3. Gotengo Launch by Keith Emerson from Godzilla Final Wars (2004)
4. Godzilla Final Wars (2004) Japanese Trailer Audio
4. Godzilla vs Tokyo by Zebrahead from G.Lasts… Tribute To Godzilla 50th (2004)

SUGGESTED VIEWING:
Concept Art from Godzilla Final Wars on TohoKingdom
Final Wars TV Spot featuring shots from the LA hubbub
One big compilation video of all the events: Parade, Star Ceremony and the Chinese Theater Premiere
Kaiju Vision Radio episode on Godzilla Final Wars 

DAIKAIJU DISCUSSION:
I was reviewing the list of discussion films and have decided that we need to another “classic” for November’s movie. Your homework assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to watch the 1973 Godzilla vs. Megalon and turn in your thoughts, questions and reviews for the discussion episode before November 23rd.

 

 

 

10.17.2018: Horror in Kaiju + chat w/Ultraman Screenwriter Chiaki J Konaka

I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR, FOLKS!

The change of summer to fall, the cloudy skies before the rains… plus the month of October / Halloween Season!

Thus it’s time to get spooky! We’ve gathered around the ouija board to ask a very important question of the Godz: “Are kaiju movies horror?” I guess the correct question would be more like: what counts as horror in a kaiju film? I have never really considered the kaiju genre to be more than influenced by horror but both Gretchen and Jeff are big time horror nerds, so I thought that would be a good subject for the roundtable-style chat.

Before we dive into our discussion of the scariest aspects of these movies, part of this episode is a brief chat with Ultraman and horror screenwriter Chiaki J Konaka. Konaka was the guest of honor at this year’s HP Lovecraft Film Festival and we were fortunate to have a few minutes to chat with the writer. Big thanks to the film festival organizers for the interview hookup!

Make sure you chime in on the Kaiju Corps Facebook Group to let us know what you thought about this horrific episode – or if we missed some of your favorite horrifying moments in kaiju cinematic history?

MONSTROUS MUSIC:
1. Matango International Trailer Audio (1963)
2. Feel in My Heart (Reference Music) from War of the Gargantuas (1966)
3. Frankenstein Conquers the World US Trailer 1965)
4. Shadow In The Sky by Akira Ifukube from Rodan (1956)
5. Skulls In The Stars by Necronomidol from VOIDHYMN (2108)

SUGGESTED VIEWING:
Chiaki J Konaka’s Website 
Maser Patrol Podcast:
– Cthulhu Mythos in Japan Part 1 
– Cthulhu Mythos in Japan Part 2
– Cthulhu Mythos in Japan Part 3
– Cthulhu Mythos in Japan Part 4

NECRONOMIDOL
Anti-Idol: Japan’s Beautifully Bonkers Pop Movement by “This Exists”
Kaiju Transmissions Podcast episode on Tokusatsu Body Horror
Portland Horror Trivia with Jeff and Clancy (and more!)

DAIKAIJU DISCUSSION REMINDER:
Later this month, I’m subjecting my co-hosts to Godzilla Final Wars, the final Godzilla film of the Millenium era. It’s been ages since I’ve sat down to watch this one and I’m kind of looking forward to dipping my toes into this unique film in the franchise. If you’d like to send in your homework (aka your thoughts questions and reviews) for the episode, please do so before October 21st and use our handy form.

*Hey, we know that poster image is all cobbled together in photoshop from all manner of japanese poster elements – if you recognize what any of those are from, you deserve a kaiju cookie!

 

09.30.2018: Terror of Mechagodzilla Daikaiju Re-Discussion

We’re back with a closer look at one of the films we have covered many moons ago, back in 2011 when the podcast was only on episode 28! This episode (#245) is our Daikaiju Re-Discussion for the 1975 Terror of Mechagodzilla. I’m joined for the discussion by Adam Alexander, of the Monster Project (and Die Like Gentlemen) and Dave Helfrey for the discussion, but we’re also welcoming Ishiro Honda’s biographers Ed Godziszewski & Steve Ryfle back to share their thoughts on Ishiro Honda’s return to Godzilla and his closing chapter to the Showa series.

During our analysis of this film, several sources were used for research:
Ishiro Honda: A Life In Film, From Godzilla to Kurosawa by Ed Godziszewski & Steve Ryfle
Classic Media’s Terror of Mechagodzilla Commentary by Keith Aiken & Bob Johnson
A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series by David Kalat
AkiraKurosawa.info for Ikio Sawamura’s mini bio

TERROR OF MECHA-MUSICA
1. Invaders’ Last Moments by Akira Ifukube from Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
2. Terror of Godzilla US TV Commercial (1978)
3. Condensed AIP Terror of Mechagodzilla Intro (1978)
4. Kaiju Daisenso: Ending from Terror of Mechagodzilla by The Monster Project (2007)

SUGGESTED VIEWING/LISTENING:
Adam’s episode about the Monster Project (circa 2011)
The Monster Project on Bandcamp
Titanosaurus Roars: According to WikiZilla –  Ultraman Ace’s Brocken
Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, From Godzilla to Kurosawa
MyKaiju’s Memories of the Terror of Mechagodzilla Prologue
Godzilla ’94 Fan-made Comic

CATASTROPHIC EVENTS:
10/5 – 10/7 HP Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, OR w/ Chiaki J Konaka (and much much more)

DAIKAIJU DISCUSSION:
What have I done??? I’ve agreed to take a deep look at our first ever film in the discussion schedule, Godzilla Final Wars (2004). If you’d like to watch this film and then send in your thoughts, questions and reviews for the discussion, please make sure to do that before October 21st. Thanks, I hope!