Byrd and Kevin (with bystander Lux Edwards and sort of Matt) give a rundown of this year's G-Fest convention (which took place this past July 14-16).  We talk about the panels we both held and witnessed, the guests, and other highlights.  We also review the films we saw at the film festival, including Yoshikazu Ishii's Yuzo the Biggest Battle in Tokyo, Mike Cheslik's Hundreds of Beavers, Kiyotaka Taguchi's Daikaiju Bugon, and more!  But first we have a lengthy news roundup, including the latest on Godzilla Minus One, Gamera Rebirth, the new Kong video game, and the Godzilla and Kong vs Justice League comic.  Relax and enjoy the show!

Byrd and Kevin (with bystander Lux Edwards and sort of Matt) give a rundown of this year's G-Fest convention (which took place this past July 14-16).  We talk about the panels we both held and witnessed, the guests, and other highlights.  We also review the films we saw at the film festival, including Yoshikazu Ishii's Yuzo the Biggest Battle in Tokyo, Mike Cheslik's Hundreds of Beavers, Kiyotaka Taguchi's Daikaiju Bugon, and more!  But first we have a lengthy news roundup, including the latest on Godzilla Minus One, Gamera Rebirth, the new Kong video game, and the Godzilla and Kong vs Justice League comic.  Relax and enjoy the show!

G-Fest 2023 Recap + Kaiju News Roundup

Bob Johnson

We're joined once again by special guest Bob Johnson (SciFi Japan, Planet 8 Podcast, Bay Area Film Events) for another interview, this time discussing not one but two weekend long tokusatsu film festivals happening this summer in San Francisco.  Bob has organized UltraFest coming to the 4 Star Theater from July 21-23rd and GodzillaFest, coming to the Balboa Theater from August 18-20th.  Bob talks about the film and guest lineups, and, as always, regales us with many stories from his years in the fandom.  The interview covers post-Covid theatrical exhibition, the early days of tokusatsu tape trading, cursed Ultraman statues, tokusatsu on home video, the modern state of the genre, and more!  Kick back and enjoy the conversation!  For tickets and updates, go to https://www.bayareafilmevents.com!

We're joined once again by special guest Bob Johnson (SciFi Japan, Planet 8 Podcast, Bay Area Film Events) for another interview, this time discussing not one but two weekend long tokusatsu film festivals happening this summer in San Francisco.  Bob has organized UltraFest coming to the 4 Star Theater from July 21-23rd and GodzillaFest, coming to the Balboa Theater from August 18-20th.  Bob talks about the film and guest lineups, and, as always, regales us with many stories from his years in the fandom.  The interview covers post-Covid theatrical exhibition, the early days of tokusatsu tape trading, cursed Ultraman statues, tokusatsu on home video, the modern state of the genre, and more!  Kick back and enjoy the conversation! For tickets and updates, go to <a href="https://www.bayareafilmevents.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bayareafilmevents.com</a>!

Ultraman and Godzilla Go To San Francisco with Bob Johnson!

Byrd, Matt and Kevin discuss the brand new Skull Island animated series.  Made for Netflix by Legendary and Powerhouse Animation Studios (Castlevania) and developed by writer Brian Duffield (Underwater, Love and Monsters), the series follows a group of shipwreck survivors trying to survive on King Kong's home island.  How does the series fare as the first animated series and television venture for the Monsterverse?  Does it improve Kong's unfortunate track record in animation?  And why do we disagree with the marketing's use of the word "anime?"  Listen and find out!  But first, we discuss Toho's recent crowdfunding effort for a new Jet Jaguar suit and PlutoTV's announcement of a 24/7 Godzilla channel.  Relax and join the conversation!

Byrd, Matt and Kevin discuss the brand new Skull Island animated series.  Made for Netflix by Legendary and Powerhouse Animation Studios (Castlevania) and developed by writer Brian Duffield (Underwater, Love and Monsters), the series follows a group of shipwreck survivors trying to survive on King Kong's home island.  How does the series fare as the first animated series and television venture for the Monsterverse?  Does it improve Kong's unfortunate track record in animation?  And why do we disagree with the marketing's use of the word "anime?"  Listen and find out!  But first, we discuss Toho's recent crowdfunding effort for a new Jet Jaguar suit and PlutoTV's announcement of a 24/7 Godzilla channel.  Relax and join the conversation!

Skull Island (Animated Series, 2023)

Byrd, Matt and Kevin discuss the South Korean obscurity, 1967's Space Monster Wangmagwi!  Made (cheaply) to compete with the same year's Yongary, Wangmagwi has been a rarity up until 2023 when it got its first home video release (in any country!) via SRS Cinema in The United States.  The film was thought lost until the Korean Film Archive started doing rare showings at festivals in the 2000s, which only made giant monster fans even more curious.  The film tells of a space monster sent to destroy the population to make room for its alien overlords to populate the earth.  Along the way we have interrupted weddings, someone falling in their own poop, and a homeless child getting stuck inside the monsters head in one of the most stream of consciousness monster movies we've ever seen.  We expected weird, but nothing could have prepared us for the madness that is Wangmagwi.  So how does the film hold up to the hype it has built in its decades in hiding?  Listen and find out!

Byrd, Matt and Kevin discuss the South Korean obscurity, 1967's Space Monster Wangmagwi!  Made (cheaply) to compete with the same year's Yongary, Wangmagwi has been a rarity up until 2023 when it got its first home video release (in any country!) via SRS Cinema in The United States.  The film was thought lost until the Korean Film Archive started doing rare showings at festivals in the 2000s, which only made giant monster fans even more curious.  The film tells of a space monster sent to destroy the population to make room for its alien overlords to populate the earth.  Along the way we have interrupted weddings, someone falling in their own poop, and a homeless child getting stuck inside the monsters head in one of the most stream of consciousness monster movies we've ever seen.  We expected weird, but nothing could have prepared us for the madness that is Wangmagwi.  So how does the film hold up to the hype it has built in its decades in hiding?  Listen and find out!

Space Monster Wangmagwi (1967)

We are joined once again by our Kaiju Masterclass co-conspirator, writer Patrick Galvan (SyFy, Our Culture, Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career), this time for a full audio commentary for 1991's Godzilla vs King Ghidorah!  This 90s rematch between Godzilla and his arch-nemesis has plenty of fans, but it's often considered one of the more confusing and sloppy films in the franchise.  However, we believe it is actually more subversive than people often give it credit for, and we'll state our case on why we think it is actually one of the most misunderstood entries in the franchise.  Along with that we also talk plenty on the film's themes of Japan's bubble economy, the career of late director Kazuki Omori, common misreadings of the film's (admittedly muddled) messaging, behind the scenes details of the production and more!  So throw this Heisei classic on the tube and enjoy the show!

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) Audio Commentary

We finally take our first step into the vast "giant bug" subgenre with the granddaddy of them all, 1954's classic Them!  Along with the Beast From 20,000 Fathoms and Godzilla, this film helped kick off a new era of atomic monster film, warning the public about the threat of nuclear weapons.  Written by Ted Sherdeman (Latitude Zero) and directed by Gordon Douglas (Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye), it tells the tale of giant radioactive ants terrorizing New Mexico, as our main characters fight to stop the threat before it spreads around the globe.  This film has gone on to become one of the most influential monster films of the 50s, kicking off a whole subgenre of giant bug films and inspiring films like Rodan and Aliens.  In addition to our review of the movie, we'll talk about its turbulent production history, its far reaching influence and lasting relevance, and how the nuclear bomb has been trivialized by Hollywood in the years since its release.  Tune in and relax!

We finally take our first step into the vast "giant bug" subgenre with the granddaddy of them all, 1954's classic Them!  Along with the Beast From 20,000 Fathoms and Godzilla, this film helped kick off a new era of atomic monster film, warning the public about the threat of nuclear weapons.  Written by Ted Sherdeman (Latitude Zero) and directed by Gordon Douglas (Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye), it tells the tale of giant radioactive ants terrorizing New Mexico, as our main characters fight to stop the threat before it spreads around the globe.  This film has gone on to become one of the most influential monster films of the 50s, kicking off a whole subgenre of giant bug films and inspiring films like Rodan and Aliens.  In addition to our review of the movie, we'll talk about its turbulent production history, its far reaching influence and lasting relevance, and how the nuclear bomb has been trivialized by Hollywood in the years since its release.  Tune in and relax!

Them! (1954)

Byrd, Matt, and guest host Trev (Days of Future Podcast, Failure To Franchise) run through a superhero double feature.  First up is the recent Power Rangers reunion special from Netflix, which sees many of the original Power Rangers team return to face a robotic reincarnation of their arch enemy, Rita Repulsa.  We'll talk about how nostalgia drives the narrative, the lack of certain prominent cast members, and more.  After that we have the French Super Sentai pseudo-parody, Smoking Causes Coughing, directed by prolific surrealist director Quentin Dupieux.  This postmodern send up asks the question "What if a Super Sentai team sucked at their jobs and were ordered to go on a team building retreat where they told each other weird stories around a campfire?"  We'll talk about subverted expectations, the merits of surrealist humor, and more.  

Byrd, Matt, and guest host Trev (Days of Future Podcast, Failure To Franchise) run through a superhero double feature.  First up is the recent Power Rangers reunion special from Netflix, which sees many of the original Power Rangers team return to face a robotic reincarnation of their arch enemy, Rita Repulsa.  We'll talk about how nostalgia drives the narrative, the lack of certain prominent cast members, and more.  After that we have the French Super Sentai pseudo-parody, Smoking Causes Coughing, directed by prolific surrealist director Quentin Dupieux.  This postmodern send up asks the question "What if a Super Sentai team sucked at their jobs and were ordered to go on a team building retreat where they told each other weird stories around a campfire?"  We'll talk about subverted expectations, the merits of surrealist humor, and more.

Power Rangers: Once & Always (2023)  + Smoking Causes Coughing (2022)

For our first comic book review, we are joined by Trev and Tom to talk about IDW/Boom Studio's crossover comic miniseries, Godzilla vs The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, written by Cullen Bunn (Deadpool, The Sixth Gun, Godzilla: Cataclysm) and drawn by Freddie E Williams II (Batman/TMNT).  When Rita Repulsa decides to go to a universe without the Power Rangers, she gets more than she bargained for when she's met by the likes of Godzilla and other Toho kaiju.  When the Power Rangers follow her, they have to deal with both Godzilla and co, as well as Rita and her army of monsters.  In addition to our review, we'll talk about the challenges of adapting kaiju to comics, the conundrum of expectations, and more!  Relax and enjoy the discussion.

For our first comic book review, we are joined by Trev and Tom to talk about IDW/Boom Studio's crossover comic miniseries, Godzilla vs The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, written by Cullen Bunn (Deadpool, The Sixth Gun, Godzilla: Cataclysm) and drawn by Freddie E Williams II (Batman/TMNT).  When Rita Repulsa decides to go to a universe without the Power Rangers, she gets more than she bargained for when she's met by the likes of Godzilla and other Toho kaiju.  When the Power Rangers follow her, they have to deal with both Godzilla and co, as well as Rita and her army of monsters.  In addition to our review, we'll talk about the challenges of adapting kaiju to comics, the conundrum of expectations, and more!  Relax and enjoy the discussion.

Godzilla vs. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (2022) Comic Review

We are joined by Tom and Trev to tackle another Asylum movie, this time with the sequel to 2021's Ape vs Monster.  Ape vs. Mecha Ape brings the giant ape Abraham face to face with a mechanical doppelgänger that is carrying nuclear weapons.  Can an ape stop a mecha ape?!  Can Tom Arnold help from the comfort of his desk?  We answer these riveting questions and more.  But first, we have discuss the latest on the upcoming (and newly titled) Monsterverse film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.  Relax and enjoy the show!

We are joined by Tom and Trev to tackle another Asylum movie, this time with the sequel to 2021's Ape vs Monster.  Ape vs. Mecha Ape brings the giant ape Abraham face to face with a mechanical doppelgänger that is carrying nuclear weapons.  Can an ape stop a mecha ape?!  Can Tom Arnold help from the comfort of his desk?  We answer these riveting questions and more.  But first, we have discuss the latest on the upcoming (and newly titled) Monsterverse film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.  Relax and enjoy the show!

Ape vs. Mecha Ape (2023)

We are joined by our Kaiju Masterclass partner, writer Patrick Galvan (SyFy, Our Culture, Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career) to discuss Ishiro Honda's banned 1955 film Half Human (aka The Beastman Snowman).  Made immediately after the original Godzilla, the film tells the story of a mountain expedition to search for the abominable snowman (and a sleazy promoter looking to kidnap the creature).  The film is under a self-imposed ban by Toho due to its offensive depiction of the Burakumin minority group, and can only be watched on VHS rips from a copy that was smuggled out of Toho years ago.  In our discussion we will discuss the making of the film and explore the topic of Burakumin oppression and the very real struggles that the group still faces to this day.  We also give some time to the bizarre and incomprehensible American version of the film starring John Carradine.  Relax and enjoy the discussion!

We are joined by our Kaiju Masterclass partner, writer Patrick Galvan (SyFy, Our Culture, Ruan Lingyu: Her Life and Career) to discuss Ishiro Honda's banned 1955 film Half Human (aka The Beastman Snowman).  Made immediately after the original Godzilla, the film tells the story of a mountain expedition to search for the abominable snowman (and a sleazy promoter looking to kidnap the creature).  The film is under a self-imposed ban by Toho due to its offensive depiction of the Burakumin minority group, and can only be watched on VHS rips from a copy that was smuggled out of Toho years ago.  In our discussion we will discuss the making of the film and explore the topic of Burakumin oppression and the very real struggles that the group still faces to this day.  We also give some time to the bizarre and incomprehensible American version of the film starring John Carradine.  Relax and enjoy the discussion!

Half Human (1955)

Join hosts Byrd and Matt as they discuss all things giant monsters, tokusatsu, and Japanese fantasy films.  Come here for a regular dose of everything Godzilla, Gamera, King Kong, Ultraman and everything in between!

This is by far the best podcast on Japanese sci fi fantasy, horror, and kaiju out there!

Hands one of my favorite podcasts!

Great show and u have gained a new fan. Keep up the good work

Good listen

The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

On a new October podcast, Byrd and Matt are joined by guest host Tom to discuss Toho's "Mutant Trilogy." It is time to discuss more of Toho's human sized monsters, as we discuss The H-Man (1958), The Secret of the Telegian (1960), and the Human Vapor (1960). Although not as popular as Toho's giant monster films, the mutant films are every bit as noteworthy. As always, we have a lively discussion, as we discuss the origins of these films and give our reviews. Listen and enjoy as we discuss radioactive blobs, a teleporting serial killer, and a vapor man! But first we discuss our thoughts on the new Pacific Rim: Uprising trailer!

Toho Mutants: The H-Man, The Secret of the Telegian, and The Human Vapor!

John LeMay

Byrd and Matt welcome special guest, author John LeMay ("The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monsters" book series) on the podcast to discuss kaiju movies that almost were! It seems almost as if for every Godzilla movie that got made, there are several scripts for other movies that never saw the light of day. John's newest book, "The Big Book of Japanese Giant Monsters: The Lost Films" details that very subject. We talk to John about his book, his beginnings as a writer, the process of writing the book, and why he's so drawn to the topic of unmade films. Then we also talk our favorite unmade Godzila/kaiju projects, and the ones we would have liked to see the most. We talk about infamous lost projects like Mothra vs Bagan, Godzilla vs Batman, and the proposed Toho/Hammer co-production Nessie, as well as obscurities such as Japan SOS, Bride of Godzilla, and Godzilla vs. M. We also debunk some common myths along our way. So listen up, relax and learn about the Godzilla movies we ALMOST had!

Unmade Kaiju Movies with Author John Lemay!

Byrd and Matt discuss two creature features from South Korean director Bong Joon-ho. First we discuss 2006's The Host and dissect the film's themes and the real life incidents that influenced the film. Then we discuss the recent film Okja, which just dropped as a Netflix Original. We go deep into the themes of each film, and discuss the hot topic of what the original content created by Netflix and other streaming services means for theatrical films and big studios.

Byrd and Matt discuss two creature features from South Korean director Bong Joon-ho. First we discuss 2006's The Host and dissect the film's themes and the real life incidents that influenced the film. Then we discuss the recent film Okja, which just dropped as a Netflix Original. We go deep into the themes of each film, and discuss the hot topic of what the original content created by Netflix and other streaming services means for theatrical films and big studios.

Korea Double Feature: The Host (2006) & Okja (2017)

Sayonara Jupiter

We are joined again by Kevin Derendorf (Maser Patrol blog, Kaiju For Hipsters) to discuss two futuristic sci-fi spectacles that Toho produced in the 1980s.  The first is Sayonara Jupiter, a futuristic space opera/disaster movie combo.  The second is the 1989 dystopian mech film, Gunhed.  We get into Sayonara Jupiter's long and troubled production history, Gunhed's genesis as a Godzilla script, manga adaptations and more!  These films bolstered huge budgets and international casts, but they've earned a reputation as two of the worst Toho science fiction films of all time.  Did we find that these movies lived up to their reputation?  Listen and find out!

We are joined again by Kevin Derendorf (Maser Patrol blog, Kaiju For Hipsters) to discuss two futuristic sci-fi spectacles that Toho produced in the 1980s.  The first is Sayonara Jupiter, a futuristic space opera/disaster movie combo.  The second is the 1989 dystopian mech film, Gunhed.  We get into Sayonara Jupiter's long and troubled production history, Gunhed's genesis as a Godzilla script, manga adaptations and more!  These films bolstered huge budgets and international casts, but they've earned a reputation as two of the worst Toho science fiction films of all time.  Did we find that these movies lived up to their reputation?  Listen and find out!

Toho in the 80's: Sayonara Jupiter (1984) &amp; Gunhed (1989)

Byrd and Matt are joined by guest reviewers Tom and Trev to take a deep dive into Legendary Pictures brand new film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters!  We discuss the highly anticipated blockbuster from top to bottom.  We give our thoughts on the writing, directing, effects, characters, monsters, and the themes of the film.  We also talk about the fandom's reactions to the film and the recent divide between fans and critics.  Does the movie live up to its expectations?  Did it honor the traditions of the Godzilla franchise?  What are our predictions for Godzilla vs. Kong?  This was a SUPER exhaustive dissection of the film, and we have LOTS of thoughts on this one, so strap in for the haul!

Byrd and Matt are joined by guest reviewers Tom and Trev to take a deep dive into Legendary Pictures brand new film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters!  We discuss the highly anticipated blockbuster from top to bottom.  We give our thoughts on the writing, directing, effects, characters, monsters, and the themes of the film.  We also talk about the fandom's reactions to the film and the recent divide between fans and critics.  Does the movie live up to its expectations?  Did it honor the traditions of the Godzilla franchise?  What are our predictions for Godzilla vs. Kong?  This was a SUPER exhaustive dissection of the film, and we have LOTS of thoughts on this one, so strap in for the haul!

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) Jumbo Sized Spoiler Review!

More of Byrd's appearance on blogger/author Keven Derendorf's Maser Patrol Podcast with Justin Mullis sees the trio review Criterion's recent Showa Godzilla box set.  Also discussed is the complicated history behind why the set turned out the way it did and what content did/did not make the cut.  The two also discuss Mill Creek's massive and ambitious Ultraman release slate, as well as discuss the Ultra Q and Ultraman blu rays.  It is a good time for tokusatsu on home video, so enjoy the discussion!

More of Byrd's appearance on blogger/author Keven Derendorf's Maser Patrol Podcast with Justin Mullis sees the trio review Criterion's recent Showa Godzilla box set.  Also discussed is the complicated history behind why the set turned out the way it did and what content did/did not make the cut.  The two also discuss Mill Creek's massive and ambitious Ultraman release slate, as well as discuss the Ultra Q and Ultraman blu rays.  It is a good time for tokusatsu on home video, so enjoy the discussion!

Godzilla Goes Criterion and Ultraman Gets The Blus (w/ the Maser Patrol Podcast)

Ed Holland

Matt and Byrd are joined by special guest, Ed Holland of Monster Attack Team magazine! We interview Ed about the creation of the magazine, its hiatus, and its resurgence over the last few years! Just how does one get a high quality magazine made in 2017? Ed also tells us about being on the sets of Ultraman Powered and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. But first, we discuss Ed's relationship with the late Haruo Nakajima, who passed away shortly before this recording. Ed did a lot of stateside events with Mr. Nakajima and shared some great stories and insights! Kick back and enjoy!

Matt and Byrd are joined by special guest, Ed Holland of Monster Attack Team magazine! We interview Ed about the creation of the magazine, its hiatus, and its resurgence over the last few years! Just how does one get a high quality magazine made in 2017? Ed also tells us about being on the sets of Ultraman Powered and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. But first, we discuss Ed's relationship with the late Haruo Nakajima, who passed away shortly before this recording. Ed did a lot of stateside events with Mr. Nakajima and shared some great stories and insights! Kick back and enjoy!

Monster Attack Team with Ed Holland!

On this episode, we take a super thorough look at Shin Godzilla, the latest entry in the franchise. After 12 years, Toho have come back to release a what is arguably the most divisive and unique entry in the long running series. There is SO much to talk about wiht this movie that we had to get some special guests to help us! Join Byrd and Matt with special guests Eric, Tom (from the Second Run Podcast), and Trev (from If It Bleeds We Can Kill It and Days of Future Podcast) as they unpack every aspect of the movie. We dissect everything from the political themes, the changes to the Godzilla character, the effects, and the state of the franchise to the reaction the movie has been getting on both sides of the pond. This is a long and contentious episode, so strap yourselves in!

On this episode, we take a super thorough look at Shin Godzilla, the latest entry in the franchise. After 12 years, Toho have come back to release a what is arguably the most divisive and unique entry in the long running series. There is SO much to talk about wiht this movie that we had to get some special guests to help us! Join Byrd and Matt with special guests Eric, Tom (from the Second Run Podcast), and Trev (from If It Bleeds We Can Kill It and Days of Future Podcast) as they unpack every aspect of the movie. We dissect everything from the political themes, the changes to the Godzilla character, the effects, and the state of the franchise to the reaction the movie has been getting on both sides of the pond. This is a long and contentious episode, so strap yourselves in!

Shin Godzilla: Giant Sized Spoiler Discussion!

For our MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL, we take a look at a angry kaiju mothers! We start by talking about 1961's GORGO out of Britain. Then we talk about Nikkatsu's GAPPA: THE TRIPHIBIAN MONSTER (1967) and the long forgotten Fox television movie GARGANTUA (1998). We also touch on other angry gigantic mothers. Mothra, Jurassic Park's T-Rex, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, and more! We also touch on the part our own mothers played in our hobby, Byrd's daddy issues and the latest King Kong, Jurassic Park and Ultraman news. Happy Mother's Day!

For our MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL, we take a look at a angry kaiju mothers! We start by talking about 1961's GORGO out of Britain. Then we talk about Nikkatsu's GAPPA: THE TRIPHIBIAN MONSTER (1967) and the long forgotten Fox television movie GARGANTUA (1998). We also touch on other angry gigantic mothers. Mothra, Jurassic Park's T-Rex, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, and more! We also touch on the part our own mothers played in our hobby, Byrd's daddy issues and the latest King Kong, Jurassic Park and Ultraman news. Happy Mother's Day!

Gorgo, Gappa and Angry Kaiju Moms!

On this episode, Byrd and Matt take a look at the standalone kaiju movies of the Showa era. Godzilla wasn't the only one dominating the screen in the early days! We discuss a handful of entries from the Golden age of Toho as we discuss some of their non-Godzilla kaiju films. On the table this time are Rodan, Mothra, Varan the Unbelievable, Dogora, and Yog: Monster from Space. But first, we have news on Godzilla Resurgence's US release, the Godzilla: Total Destruction fan anime, Voltron, and more Power Rangers casting! We end with a brief plug for Arrow Video's astounding blu-ray release of Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan. Enjoy!

On this episode, Byrd and Matt take a look at the standalone kaiju movies of the Showa era. Godzilla wasn't the only one dominating the screen in the early days! We discuss a handful of entries from the Golden age of Toho as we discuss some of their non-Godzilla kaiju films. On the table this time are Rodan, Mothra, Varan the Unbelievable, Dogora, and Yog: Monster from Space. But first, we have news on Godzilla Resurgence's US release, the Godzilla: Total Destruction fan anime, Voltron, and more Power Rangers casting! We end with a brief plug for Arrow Video's astounding blu-ray release of Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan. Enjoy!

Showa Toho- Standalone Kaiju Films

Byrd and Matt talk their way through all 7 Heisei Godzilla films. Now that these movies are 20-some years old, how do they hold up? Listen and find out as we dissect each Godzilla movie from Godzilla (1984) through Godzilla vs. Destroyah (1995). Before we talk movies, we discuss news and events with the announcement of the Godzilla anime film and Byrd reports back from the Mothra Rifftrax event and a local Godzilla art gallery in Detroit. Plus, an intro with an unexpected tangent about Jason X, the Leprechaun films and the weird phenomena of movie novelizations!

Byrd and Matt talk their way through all 7 Heisei Godzilla films. Now that these movies are 20-some years old, how do they hold up? Listen and find out as we dissect each Godzilla movie from Godzilla (1984) through Godzilla vs. Destroyah (1995). Before we talk movies, we discuss news and events with the announcement of the Godzilla anime film and Byrd reports back from the Mothra Rifftrax event and a local Godzilla art gallery in Detroit. Plus, an intro with an unexpected tangent about Jason X, the Leprechaun films and the weird phenomena of movie novelizations!

Godzilla Recap: The Heisei Era

Byrd and Matt are joined by special guest Bob Johnson (SciFi Japan, Planet 8 Podcast, GodzillaFest) to discuss a variety of topics including the pre-internet days of kaiju reporting, Russ Tamblyn, the birth and demise of Markalite magazine, clueless Ultraman directors, doing Godzilla DVD commentaries, forming SciFi Japan, a Mothra cast reunion, malfunctioning Ultra suits, and planning GodzillaFest, the largest theatrical Godzilla movie marathon in the country! GodzillaFest 2019 will be held on August 23-25th at the Balboa theater in San Francisco, CA.  Tickets can be purchased at https://www.cinemasf.com/balboa/godzilla-fest/

Byrd and Matt are joined by special guest Bob Johnson (SciFi Japan, Planet 8 Podcast, GodzillaFest) to discuss a variety of topics including the pre-internet days of kaiju reporting, Russ Tamblyn, the birth and demise of Markalite magazine, clueless Ultraman directors, doing Godzilla DVD commentaries, forming SciFi Japan, a Mothra cast reunion, malfunctioning Ultra suits, and planning GodzillaFest, the largest theatrical Godzilla movie marathon in the country! GodzillaFest 2019 will be held on August 23-25th at the Balboa theater in San Francisco, CA.  Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://www.cinemasf.com/balboa/godzilla-fest/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cinemasf.com/balboa/godzilla-fest/</a>

Festivals, Fanzines and more with Bob Johnson!

Kevin Derendorf

Byrd and Matt are joined by Maser Patrol blogger and author Kevin Derendorf, who has just released the new book Kaiju for Hipsters!  Kevin's book explores obscure and rare kaiju films.  We talk to him extensively about his book and the large variety of lesser known kaiju flicks out there.  Why have so many of these films fallen through the cracks?  We'll get into that.  We also discuss a wide variety of topics including kaiju in anime, Gamera's obscure direct to video life, weird Taiwanese co-productions, kaiju short films, our favorite obscure kaiju discoveries, and more!  Tune in and enjoy!

Byrd and Matt are joined by Maser Patrol blogger and author Kevin Derendorf, who has just released the new book Kaiju for Hipsters!  Kevin's book explores obscure and rare kaiju films.  We talk to him extensively about his book and the large variety of lesser known kaiju flicks out there.  Why have so many of these films fallen through the cracks?  We'll get into that.  We also discuss a wide variety of topics including kaiju in anime, Gamera's obscure direct to video life, weird Taiwanese co-productions, kaiju short films, our favorite obscure kaiju discoveries, and more!  Tune in and enjoy!

Obscure Kaiju Movies with Kevin Derendorf!

Byrd and Matt find out what happens when "Big Meets Bigger" as they discuss the new Dwayne Johnson vehicle, Rampage, based on the video of the same name.  We discuss the history of the Rampage games, our memories of playing them when we were young, and give our thoughts on the recent film adaptation.  Did this movie break the "bad game movie" curse?  And how is it compared to recent Hollywood giant monster films?  Listen and find out!

Byrd and Matt find out what happens when "Big Meets Bigger" as they discuss the new Dwayne Johnson vehicle, Rampage, based on the video of the same name.  We discuss the history of the Rampage games, our memories of playing them when we were young, and give our thoughts on the recent film adaptation.  Did this movie break the "bad game movie" curse?  And how is it compared to recent Hollywood giant monster films?  Listen and find out!

Rampage (2018)

Byrd appears on author/blogger Kevin Derendorf's Maser Patrol podcast with blogger Justin Mullis (Man Creates Dinosaurs) to discuss the history of the Godzilla series on home video in North America.  We go through the various VHS, DVD, and Blu-Ray releases, all leading up to Criterion's long anticipated box set (which will be reviewed in detail in part 2 of this podcast).  So relax and get ready to take a trip down memory lane!

Byrd appears on author/blogger Kevin Derendorf's Maser Patrol podcast with blogger Justin Mullis (Man Creates Dinosaurs) to discuss the history of the Godzilla series on home video in North America.  We go through the various VHS, DVD, and Blu-Ray releases, all leading up to Criterion's long anticipated box set (which will be reviewed in detail in part 2 of this podcast).  So relax and get ready to take a trip down memory lane!

The History of Godzilla on Home Video (w/ the Maser Patrol Podcast)

For the third and last of our three part look at the beginnings of Tsuburaya's Ultraman franchise, Byrd, Matt, and guest host Eric discuss the third series, Ultraseven!  This was the last show that Eiji Tsuburaya would be directly involved with.  Ultraseven was focused more on hard science fiction and saw our hero fighting off different alien invaders each episode.  It took a much more earnest approach and focused more on story and theme than it did on being a simple monster mash.  Arguably the most critically praised show in the Ultra-series, Ultraseven has a lot to offer.  Tune in and enjoy the chat!

For the third and last of our three part look at the beginnings of Tsuburaya's Ultraman franchise, Byrd, Matt, and guest host Eric discuss the third series, Ultraseven!  This was the last show that Eiji Tsuburaya would be directly involved with.  Ultraseven was focused more on hard science fiction and saw our hero fighting off different alien invaders each episode.  It took a much more earnest approach and focused more on story and theme than it did on being a simple monster mash.  Arguably the most critically praised show in the Ultra-series, Ultraseven has a lot to offer.  Tune in and enjoy the chat!

Ultra-Beginnings Part 3: Ultraseven (1967-1968)

Our Kongathon comes to an end with the release of Legendary Pictures' Kong: Skull Island. Matt and Byrd are joined by Trev (of If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It and Days of Future Podcast) to discuss the latest King Kong film. We give an in-depth discussion of the film's pros and cons and decide if it lives up to the hype. We also give our personal rankings of all of the King Kong movies and discuss how the new film compares to Legendary's other kaiju films. So how does the second entry in Legendary's MonsterVerse stack up? Listen and find out!

Our Kongathon comes to an end with the release of Legendary Pictures' Kong: Skull Island. Matt and Byrd are joined by Trev (of If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It and Days of Future Podcast) to discuss the latest King Kong film. We give an in-depth discussion of the film's pros and cons and decide if it lives up to the hype. We also give our personal rankings of all of the King Kong movies and discuss how the new film compares to Legendary's other kaiju films. So how does the second entry in Legendary's MonsterVerse stack up? Listen and find out!

Kong: Skull Island (2017)- [Spoiler Discussion]

Byrd and Matt wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving with a review of the 2004 Thai film, Garuda!  (Look, there aren't a lot of movies about giant birds so this was the best we could do this time).  We discuss the film's themes and give our full review, as well as its oddly popular status as a "kaiju" movie.  But first, we talk about the news of Godzilla vs. Kong's delay and Marvel's upcoming Ultraman comics.

Byrd and Matt wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving with a review of the 2004 Thai film, Garuda!  (Look, there aren't a lot of movies about giant birds so this was the best we could do this time).  We discuss the film's themes and give our full review, as well as its oddly popular status as a "kaiju" movie.  But first, we talk about the news of Godzilla vs. Kong's delay and Marvel's upcoming Ultraman comics.

Garuda (2004)

The newest installment focuses on the third Japanese series of Godzilla films. After the Tristar movie, Toho took matters into their own hands and started a new series of films, which lasted from 1999-2004. How do these six films hold up over a decade later? Listen and find out!

The newest installment focuses on the third Japanese series of Godzilla films. After the Tristar movie, Toho took matters into their own hands and started a new series of films, which lasted from 1999-2004. How do these six films hold up over a decade later? Listen and find out!

Godzilla Recap: The Millennium Series

On a very special episode, Matt and Nick Poling (of The Monster Report) sat down with suit actor and stuntman Tom Kitagawa! Kitagawa is best known for playing Godzilla in five of the six Millennium series films, playing King Ghidorah in Mothra 3, and playing many of the heroes in Toei's Sentai series. Recorded at the Days of the Dead convention in Indiana, Matt and Nick chat with Mr. Kitagawa about his start in Battle Fever J, stunt work on the Sentai shows, the challenges of playing Godzilla, working in TV vs film, winding down after a long shoot, recovering from his recent surgery, and more! Special thanks to Cory Hannigan for translating during the interview.

On a very special episode, Matt and Nick Poling (of The Monster Report) sat down with suit actor and stuntman Tom Kitagawa! Kitagawa is best known for playing Godzilla in five of the six Millennium series films, playing King Ghidorah in Mothra 3, and playing many of the heroes in Toei's Sentai series. Recorded at the Days of the Dead convention in Indiana, Matt and Nick chat with Mr. Kitagawa about his start in Battle Fever J, stunt work on the Sentai shows, the challenges of playing Godzilla, working in TV vs film, winding down after a long shoot, recovering from his recent surgery, and more! Special thanks to Cory Hannigan for translating during the interview.

Godzilla Speaks! Interview with Suit Actor Tsutomu "Tom" Kitagawa

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