Category Archives: Pop Culture

Godzilla DVD/Blu-Ray Guide: Showa Series, Part 1

September 2, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

With Garth Edwards’ blockbuster Godzilla reboot to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray September 16, many of you may be interested in watching and/or collecting Big G’s original Japanese adventures; that’s 28 films in total. Unfortunately, unlike other long-running franchises like the James Bond series, these films aren’t all owned by the same distributor. Toho, the studio that created Godzilla, has divvied out the rights to several U.S. companies over the years, which makes collecting these films a bit difficult.

Never fear! I’m a longtime G-fan who’s spent many years collecting these films. I will be your guide into the world of Godzilla DVDs. There are lots of bootlegs out there. Accept no substitutes!

With Godzilla becoming more popular, more titles may be re-released in the future, so this guide may soon become outdated.

I’m excluding both of the American remakes: the 1998 version is hated, and the 2014 version will be easy to find. I also will exclude other Toho monster films like Rodan and Mothra and focus on just Godzilla.

This guide will be split into four parts: parts one and two will focus on the original Showa series (1954-1975), part three will be on the Heisei series (1984-1995), and part four will be on the Millennium series (1999-2004).

Here we go!

Showa Series, Part 1 (1954-1968)

Gojira/Godzilla, King of the Monsters

Simitar

This was one of the first ever G-films released on DVD, but good luck finding it. Simitar went out of business in the early 2000s. Unless you’re a hardcore collector, this and the other Godzilla DVDs it released aren’t worth tracking down. This one includes only the Americanized version of the film and not at the proper “original aspect ratio.” The special features are scarce: mostly limited to trailers for other G-films created by Simitar, a trivia game, and a cheesy documentary. The DVDs also has encoding issues.

Sony

A barebones release with the Americanized version of the film in full-screen. No special features and boring cover art. Don’t bother unless you’re a cheapskate.

Classic Media

Finally, after years of demand and waiting, G-fans got an official release. Classic Media’s DVD includes both versions of the film presented in their proper aspect ratios. It features several retrospective making-of documentaries and commentaries on both versions. Unfortunately, the Blu-Ray edition Classic Media released later includes only the original Japanese version and no special features. Regardless, the DVD is a must-have.

Criterion Collection

Gojira was added to the prestigious Criterion Collection in 2011 with this Blu-Ray. It includes both versions of the films in nearly identical presentations as the Classic Media discs. However, what may convince you to buy it is the completely new special features, including new commentaries and an interview with cast and crew members. This one is harder to find, though, since Criterion has only limited print runs for their releases. It’s worth it, though.

Godzilla Raids Again

Classic Media

Arguably the rarest of the G-films, Godzilla Raids Again was out of print on VHS for years until the mid-2000s when it was released on DVD by Classic Media. It includes both the original and U.S. versions of the film and a handful of special features, including a humorous commentary.

King Kong vs. Godzilla

Goodtimes Home Video

This barebones disc was also one of the earliest Godzilla DVDs. Long out of print, it features nothing but a full-screen presentation of the U.S. version of the film and some production notes. Admittedly, the cover is amusing since it’s obvious it was created in PhotoShop using images of the creatures from other movies. It’s not worth finding.

Universal

Universal owns the rights to all of King Kong’s films, so it released a superior DVD several years ago and then re-released it on Blu-Ray recently (though I hear this is rushed job and inferior to the DVD). The film is in widescreen, but again, it includes only the dubbed version and has no special features. Unless there’s a future release that includes the original Japanese version in widescreen, this is the one you want.

Mothra vs. Godzilla (aka Godzilla vs. Mothra and Godzilla vs. the Thing)

Simitar

Simitar made worthy efforts with these early DVDs, but they don’t stand up to the test of time. This includes only the dubbed version of the film, though it is in widescreen. It has the same special features as King of the Monsters minus the documentary. Long out of print.

Sony

Yet another cheap release from Sony with uncreative cover art, full-screen presentation, no Japanese version, and no special features. Skip it.

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This is the one to own. While Classic Media’s other releases aren’t as prestigious as Gojira, they still gave fans what they always wanted. It includes both versions of the film plus a commentary, a slideshow, and a biography on Godzilla music composer Akira Ifukube. Buy this one.

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (aka Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster)

Classic Media

After being long out of print on VHS for years, Classic Media released this noteworthy entry in the series on DVD in the mid-2000s. This is the first appearance of Godzilla’s archenemy Ghidorah and marks Big G’s shift to heroism. Like other Classic Media releases, it includes both versions of the film, a commentary, and a few other special features. Snag it!

Invasion of Astro-Monster (aka Godzilla vs. Monster Zero, Monster Zero)

Simitar

Nothing new to say about this one. It’s the same as Simitar’s other releases other than it features a different film. However, I’ll mention that I think Simitar’s DVDs have weird cover art. Out of print and not worth the time.

Classic Media

Can’t say much new here, either, but Classic Media actually did it right. Both versions of the films, a commentary, and a few other nice special features. It’s amusing to watch the Japanese version of this since American actor Nick Adams is dubbed in Japanese! Also, kudos for using the original Japanese posters as the cover art. Highly recommended.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (aka Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster)

Sony

After being a staple on VHS, Sony released this cheesy entry on DVD in the mid-2000s. The cool thing is this is the original Japanese cut of the film and can be watched in the original language or a new English dub. No special features other than a handful of trailers for other Sony films, though.

Kraken Releasing

If you’d rather have the film on Blu-ray, Kraken Releasing has that for you. It’s pretty much the same as the Sony DVD except it has the film’s original Japanese trailer instead of unrelated trailers.

Son of Godzilla

Sony

While Sony never gave their releases the star treatment Classic Media did, they were still a step up. Like Ebirah, this 2004 disc features widescreen presentation and dual language tracks. The only supplements are trailers for other Sony films released at the time.

Destroy All Monsters

ADV Films (original)

This fan-favorite is the Avengers of Toho’s kaiju films. A TV staple for years, it was never officially released to home media until 1998, courtesy of ADV Films. Unfortunately, while it featured anime-like cover art and widescreen presentation, the disc contained only the English dubbed version of the film. Seriously, it doesn’t even have a menu! Complicating matters is the fact that ADV went out of business in the mid-2000s, so this disc is out of print.

ADV Films (50^th anniversary)

ADV re-released this film on DVD in 2004 to celebrate Big G’s 50^th anniversary. Sadly, it’s the same as the first disc except with a different cover. However, they did include a soundtrack CD, which might make this out of print disc worth finding.

Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock

A few years ago, Media Blasters delighted fans by releasing Destroy All Monsters on Blu-ray (and DVD) under its Tokyo Shock imprint. Unlike ADV’s releases, it has a menu, dual language tracks, and a few special features, including a commentary. This is also the Japanese edit of the film, so fans can see the original opening credits. Unfortunately, Toho got overprotective and uppity with this release since the the special features weren’t approved, so this disc is now out of print and goes for a hefty price. It’s worth it, though. However, if you’re budget-conscious, Media Blasters recently re-released it without special features. (Why do you have to a bunch of haters, Toho?)

Next time on the Godzilla DVD guide:
Godzilla vs…the ’70s!

Movies/TV, Pop Culture

The Transformers (and Michael Bay) grow up: A Review of ‘Age of Extinction’

July 3, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

Rarely do movie franchises make it to a fourth film. Even rarer are the fourth films that are actually good.

Transformers: Age of Extinction—regardless of what critics may say—is one of those rarities.

Five years after the Battle of Chicago, the Autobots are on the run from a distrustful government and a Decepticon bounty hunter. Outnumbered, they ally themselves with a down-on-his luck inventor in a desperate attempt to keep another deadly device out of enemy hands.

(SPOILER WARNING!)

Of all the Transformers films, this is, strangely enough, the least Michael Bay-esque of them all. There are no “stupid jokes” that pervaded Revenge of the Fallen, which left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths. In fact, Age of Extinction is easily the darkest film of the franchise. There are a few “objectifying-women” shots, but only early on. There’s plenty of loud explosions and intense action, but this movie is also the most story-/character-driven film of the franchise. The only “crazy and quirky character” in the film dies 45-60 minutes in, and he’s rarely obnoxious.

In other words, Bay leaves the franchise—he claims this is the last time he will direct a Transformers movie—with a film that seems slightly atypical of his style. For many people, this will be a welcome change.

Much is crammed into this movie, which runs nearly three hours. Like Bay’s first Transformers, this story follows several groups of characters and subplots. There are nefarious government agents (including Kelsey Grammer), an eccentric technology tycoon, and, of course, the warring robots. The heart of the film, however, is the new hero, Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), a single dad with a rambunctious 17-year-old daughter. He’s also an amateur inventor looking for a get-rich-quick breakthrough. He bites off more than he can chew when he buys a rusty old semi-truck. He then discovers his daughter has a secret 20-year-old boyfriend, who joins them on their crusade with the Autobots. Their conflict keeps the fantastical plot grounded in reality. Cade is a well-meaning father trying to keep his daughter from making the same mistakes he did before, but he hasn’t quite seen that his daughter is smart and asserting independence.

All of this makes for a much less juvenile story. There is still a teenage romance; however, it’s not the focal point. Cade is likely where many 30-somethings who grew up enjoying Transformers as ‘80s kids find themselves. He’s head and shoulders above Sam Witwicky’s parents, and their harrowing adventure allows for Cade and his daughter to reconcile.

The robot cast is almost entirely new. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are the only returning Autobots; Megatron sort of returns in the form of Galvatron, a manmade Transformer (an origin different from the source material); and Peter Cullen gives a great performance as usual in creating Prime’s iconic voice. New characters include Hound, a metal stogie-smoking military truck who serves as Ironhide’s replacement; and Lockdown, a Decepticon bounty hunter who is the film’s villain. The latter is a welcome change from the megalomaniacal villains of previous films. Lockdown is as cold as his chassis and as calculating as a supercomputer.
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As for the much-hyped Dinobots, they don’t appear until the last half-hour of the movie. Yes, fans have to wait for two-plus hours before seeing their favorite robo-saurians. Is it worth the wait? Yes and no. Their personalities are underdeveloped and they don’t speak in pidgin English, but they do some cool stuff during the climactic battle, so they aren’t wasted.

The script has a more saturated story, though it’s not as crowded as the franchise’s first film. Although, the latest film does leave a few questions unanswered: What have the Autobots been doing while on the run for five years? Why would Bumblebee leave Sam? What became of the humans who had contact with the Transformers? Some may see these as oversights, but I found myself wanting to know those stories. These untold tales made the world larger. Also, Lockdown mentions he was sent to retrieve Optimus by the latter’s “creators,” but who their identity is never revealed. Is it Primus, like in the comics? Or the Quintessons, like in the original cartoon?

ILM’s special effects are, as usual, top-notch in this film. The CGI robots’ interaction with the “real world,” particularly with the humans, are the best of the series. Lockdown has one of the most expressive, articulated faces of all the robots. Coupled with his voice, he has a strong on-screen presence. Sadly, several of the set pieces are recycled. Battles take place in both Chicago and Hong Kong, two cities utilized in previous films. The action is different, yes, but new environments would’ve been appreciated.

Finally, compared to Revenge of the Fallen, Age of Extinction is the least kid-friendly of the films. Not because of the off-color humor or graphic violence, but because of language, including one f-bomb (though it goes by fast). This is unfortunate since many kids will want to see this movie. It’s a movie based on a toy line, for crying out loud! Yes, it’s PG-13, but so are the family-friendly Marvel movies.

Bay has said this is the beginning of a new trilogy. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing more—which is saying something because I was mostly happy with how the third film ended. Now that the Dinobots have appeared, I can only think of one other character who could justify another sequel. And he’s literally a big one.

Unicron.

Will he appear? The groundwork might have been laid here, but only time will tell.

Final Grade: B

Other, Pop Culture, Random Giga

What if The X-Men Had Day Jobs?

June 12, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

In this economy, even superheroes need day jobs to pay the bills.

The job search website Snagajob recently created a humorous infographic listing the skills of popular X-Men characters, then recommend day jobs for the mutant superheroes.

“What if mutants existed in real life? How could they use their skills to make a living? We asked ourselves this very question. Some powers, like mind reading, work better than others when trying to find that perfect position.”

Can you imagine Wolverine being a cook? No one would ever complain about their food at that restaurant! Wolvie is “the best there is at what [he] does,” after all. While I’m sure Jean Grey, being a super-powered redhead, would attract a lot of players to her blackjack table, even Rain Man couldn’t cheat around her. The funniest ones are Cyclops as a DOT driver using his optic blasts to clear snow off roads and Colossus being a roadie for a metal band because, well, he’s made of metal.
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While you’re checking out Snagajob, see if you can find a new job that matches your superpowers.

Movies/TV, Pop Culture

Bubba Nosferatu Lives?

April 1, 2014 Tony Lang

Cult indie director Don Coscarelli took his fandom by storm last week when a completely unexpected trailer for a fifth entry in his Phantasm franchise was unveiled, dubbed Ravager. Though the thing looks damn good and the surprise is high (the project went entirely under the radar) it did prompt at least one fan (hi!) to shout in despair WHAT ABOUT ELVIS?

If you’ve never heard of or seen Coscarelli’s Bubba Ho-Tep, you’ve missed out on one of last decade’s wackiest pieces of indie awesomeness. In a nutshell, it features Bruce Campbell as an elder Elvis, living his final days anonymously in a home he and his pal JFK must defend from a redneck mummy that sucks your soul through your . . . yeah, it’s awesome.

The movie was an instant cult classic, but nowhere near a financial smash (Campbell himself ran marketing by screening it at his book signings). The promised sequel, Bubba Nosferatu, will pair the King with his infamous manager, played by Paul Giamatti. Somehow, the two inevitably fall into limbo. Many false starts later, including Ron Perlman replacing Bruce because of those pesky “Artistic Differences,” the project is apparently still this close to happening.

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“Nothing to report right now on the sequel ‘Bubba Nosferatu,’ other than a couple months back I had an excellent dinner with both Bruce Campbell and Paul Giamatti. I can swear to you, they would make an awesome on screen team! Elvis is eternal, and his manager Col Tom Parker probably is too, so, with luck, the Gods of Graceland will help us find a path to get that movie to the silver screen.”

Forget the Gods Don, pray to your fans! With Bruce back on board, put that mother out to crowd funding and see how many fans will gladly pay for it. My guess: quite enough. If Veronica Mars can do it, it’s a walk in the park for Elvis Campbell. What say you Geeks?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXGP07vrab8

Movies/TV, Pop Culture

Closing Moment For Every Best Picture Oscar Winner

March 31, 2014 Tony Lang

Making a movie feel, look, and sound really good usually requires a great closing shot: a lingering image that either haunts the mind or carries the momentum for hundreds of discussion hours to come. If the movie itself is truly great, generally the final moment is simply unforgettable.

The folks at The Final Image, a spot dedicated to study and highlight such final frames (if there’s a whole cable channel dedicated to nothing but food, why not this?), put together an impressive and geek-tastic video montage comprised of the 86 closing images of each and every Best Picture Oscar winner since 1928. All of them starting with 12 Years a Slave and ending with . . . nah, not gonna tell. See if you can name them all!

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http://vimeo.com/88553323