Japanese Monster Movies Happy 53rd Birthday, DAIKAIJU BARAN! draconicverses, October 14, 2011 On this date, in 1958, Japanese audiences were first introduced to the third daikaiju (giant monster) to have its own film – DAIKAIJU BARAN. Four years later, American audiences would be introduced to him as VARAN, THE UNBELIEVABLE (1962). The differences between the two versions are staggering. Where GODZILLA, KING… Continue Reading
Art & Design Mock-Up For Criterion Gojira – Personal Challenge draconicverses, August 25, 2011 So apparently, from all indications, Criterion is getting set to release a Criterion Collection treatment of Ishiro Honda’s Gojira (1954). I must admit, I’ve been chomping at the bit to try my hand at the ‘Avant Garde’ style of Criterion. They always seem to try to go for a non-traditional… Continue Reading
Japanese Monster Movies Happy 45th, DAI MAJIN! Happy 44th YONGARY! draconicverses, August 13, 2011 This year is the 45th Anniversary of all 3 DAI MAJIN films. Today specifically marks the anniversary of the second film, DAI MAJIN IKARU, aka Return of Giant Majin. For some reason, it’s not connected to the previous film at all, as the third is not connected to THIS one…. Continue Reading
Japanese Monster Movies TOHO Anniversaries X 3 Today!!! (and 1 that I missed) draconicverses, August 11, 2011 There are some mighty big Toho anniversaries today! But I would be remiss if I didn’t FIRST mention one that I failed to, back on Monday. August 8 was the 36th anniversary of the release of FURANKENSHUTAIN TAI CHITE KAIJU BARAGON (1965) aka Frankenstein Conquers the World. Sorry about missing… Continue Reading
Japanese Monster Movies Happy Birthday Yog & D.A.M.! draconicverses, August 1, 2011 For the THIRD day in a row, we have Kaiju Anniversaries! 43 years ago today, Japanese audiences thrilled to the BIGGEST monster mash they’d ever seen in Kaiju Soshingeki. The following May, Americans would see that DESTROY ALL MONSTERS had more Kaiju in it then you could believe from headliners… Continue Reading
Japanese Monster Movies Happy 45th Birthday, Sanda & Gaira! draconicverses, July 31, 2011 Hot on the trail of yesterday’s 50th MOTHRA birthday, comes the 45th anniversary of the release of FURANKENSHUTAIN NO KAIJU: SANDA TAI GAIRA, released on 7/31/66 in Japan. American audiences would have to wait an unbelievable FOUR years to see it as WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS. In case you didn’t… Continue Reading
Japanese Monster Movies Happy Birthday, Mothra! draconicverses, July 30, 2011 Believe it or not, 50 years ago today, Japanese movie-goers were introduced to the longest lasting, if not the GREATEST, Giant Insect Monster, Mothra. American audiences would have to wait until the following May to meet Mothra and her diminutive handlers/priestesses, The Aelinas/Shobijin. Talk about longevity and popularity? Mothra is… Continue Reading
Japanese Monster Movies DVD Review – Icons Of Sci-Fi – Toho Collection draconicverses, July 20, 2011 Please note that this is a review of the DVD set, and NOT the films contained therein. On the surface, this is a GREAT package. In one fell swoop, and usually at a price below $20, you get three great Toho Special Effects films, directed by Ishiro Honda reflecting his… Continue Reading