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Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
IDW Publishing has sent SciFi Japan an exclusive preview of the first seven pages from issue #7 of Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, their ongoing Godzilla comic book series. The issue features the space monster Gigan plus the giant robots Moguera and Jet Jaguar.
We also have a look at the Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Vol. 1 TPB, collecting the first four issues of the series.
Both Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #7 and Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Vol. 1 TPB will be available from comic shops and retailers on Wednesday, December 18th. Continued…
IDW has provided SciFi Japan an advance look at Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #10, coming to comic book shops and retailers in March 2014. The issue features Sanda and Gaira from the classic Toho film, WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (フランケンシュタインの怪獣 サンダ対ガイラ, Furankenshutain no Kaijuu: Sanda Tai Gaira, 1966).
Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #10
Writer: Chris Mowry
Artist: Matt Frank
Colors: Priscilla Tramontano
Editor: Bobby Curnow
Cover: Matt Frank
With many monsters now inhabiting a new home, peace seemingly descends on Earth. Little does humanity realize that the greatest danger now lurks under the waves! Lucy and the Kaiju Watchers will have to act fast to determine the nature of the new threat!
Retailer Incentive Variant
Cover: Jeff Zornow Continued…
On February 26th, the Australian label Madman Entertainment will release REAL (リアル〜完全なる首長竜の日, Riaru Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi, 2013) on Region 4 DVD.
Based on Rokuro Inui’s award-winning novel A Perfect Day for Plesiosaur, the film is directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the internationally renowned filmmaker best-known for his ground-breaking horror films PULSE (回路, Kairo, 2001) and CURE (キュア, Kyua, 1997). The movie stars Takeru Sato, who played the title role in last year’s domestic blockbuster RUROUNI KENSHIN (るろうに剣心, 2012), and Haruka Ayase, whose many credits include the blind swordswoman in ICHI (市, 2008). Continued…
Today has been a big one for GODZILLA fans as Warner Bros. ramps up their publicity campaign for the highly-anticipated 2014 remake from director Gareth Edwards. This morning the studio released a GODZILLA teaser trailer and one sheet poster; and now they’ve followed up with the first high-res stills from the film.
We’ve added the new photos to this morning’s trailer article so you can find all the latest materials in one place. Just click this link and enjoy!
Today, Warner Bros. released the teaser trailer and theatrical one-sheet for GODZILLA. A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, GODZILLA will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, except in Japan, where it will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. Legendary Pictures is a division of Legendary Entertainment. Continued…
Keanu Reeves (THE MATRIX trilogy, SPEED) makes an explosive return to action-adventure in 47 RONIN, Universal Pictures’ epic 3D fantasy-adventure. Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 outcast samurai. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors. Continued…
Trendmasters prototype figure collector Jonathan Shyman — co-author of the popular GODZILLA: THE SERIES toy article — has shared ten Godzilla television commercials transferred directly from Trendmasters’ press materials and master tapes.
The TV spots cover multiple Godzilla toy lines and figures from both the classic Toho series and the American remake from TriStar. As an added bonus, Jonathan has included an unreleased commercial for GODZILLA: THE SERIES. Continued…
Source: Pony Canyon, Inc., Electro 89
Official Site: god-tongue.com (Japan)
GOD TONGUE — the popular, late-night Saturday TV show hosted by Ogiyahagi and Gekidan Hitori. Since its premier in 2005, it has given birth to many popular segments, such as “Majiuta Senshuken” and “Majigirai 1/5,” and its DVDs have sold 500,000 copies. It has a zealous following of fans, like the characters played by Masami Nagasawa and Mirai Moriyama in the movie Moteki who are shown enjoying the program. Its most popular segment is “The Kiss Pressure Game” in which comedians must improvise an act while they resist kissing the sexy idols who tempt them.
Now the comedic game is brought to the big screen in the feature film GOD TONGUE: KISS PRESSURE GAME THE MOVIE (ゴッドタン キス我慢選手権 THE MOVIE, Goddotan Kisugaman Senshuken THE MOVIE, 2013). Continued…
A vivid, visceral Macbeth adaptation, THRONE OF BLOOD (蜘蛛巣城, Kumonosu-jo, 1957), directed by Akira Kurosawa, sets Shakespeare’s definitive tale of ambition and duplicity in a ghostly, fog-enshrouded landscape in feudal Japan. As a hardened warrior who rises savagely to power, Toshiro Mifune (YOJIMBO) gives a remarkable, animalistic performance, as does Isuzu Yamada (BLACK RIVER) as his ruthless wife. THRONE OF BLOOD fuses classical Western tragedy with formal elements taken from Noh theater to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
DUAL FORMAT BLU-RAY/DVD
Catalog #: CC2323BDDVD
UPC: 7-15515-11241-3
SRP: $39.95
Release Date: January 7, 2014 Continued…
Source: Pony Canyon, Inc., FilmPressPlus
Official Site: mogura-movie.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Richard Lormand
SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from an upcoming Japanese movie.
Pony Canyon and FilmPressPlus have issued more detailed production notes for THE MOLE SONG -UNDERCOVER AGENT REIJI- (土竜の唄 潜入捜査官 REIJI, Mogura no Uta Sennuu Sosakan REIJI). Based on Noboru Takahashi’s long-running crime manga, the film is an epic adventure from actor Toma Ikuta, director Takashi Miike (13 ASSASSINS, SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO, AUDITION, ICHI THE KILLER), and screenwriter Kankuro Kudo (PING PONG, MAIKO HAAAAN!!).
THE MOLE SONG -UNDERCOVER AGENT REIJI- opens in Japanese cinemas on February 15, 2014. Continued…
On January 7, 2014, Discotek Media will release MONSTER RANCHER: COMPLETE SEASON 1 on DVD. The set collects the English dubbed episodes 1-26 of the series that aired on the FOX Network in 1999.
Genki Sakura is an avid player of the Monster Rancher video games. After winning a tournament hosted by the game’s creators, Genki gets a special CD-ROM that can unlock monsters in his game at home. It’s real-life fun when the disk magically transports him to the world of Monster Rancher!
There, he saves Holly and her eyeball monster Suezo from the evil Black Dino Squad! Genki creates his very own monster, Mocchi. And they team up with the gentle stone giant, Golem, in their search for the stone disc that contains the legendary Phoenix. Continued…
High-Res Photos of Upcoming Godzilla Foe Figure from Bandai
Source: Bluefin Corp.
S.H.MonsterArts Official Site: tamashii.jp/shma (Japan)
Special Thanks to Xavier Lim
Following the release of Battra comes one of the most requested S.H.MonsterArts releases of all time — S.H.MonsterArts Mothra!
Sculpted by Yuji Sakai, this exquisite GODZILLA VS MOTHRA (ゴジラVSモスラ, Gojira tai Mosura, 1992) kaiju action figure depicts Mothra in intricate detail with a brilliant color-scheme and vivid bright blue eyes. Even her furry insect exterior has been replicated! Continued…
Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
IDW Publishing has sent SciFi Japan an exclusive preview of the first seven pages from issue #6 of Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, their new ongoing Godzilla comic book series. The issue features the space monsters Gigan and Orga, the giant robot Moguera, and a nod to Marvel’s Godzilla series from the 1970s.
Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #6 will be available from comic shops and retailers on Wednesday, November 27th. Continued…
SciFi Japan has updated our list of English and Japanese titles for live action and animated movies, television programs and home videos produced and/or released by Toei Co., Ltd. (東映株式会社). Several older titles have been added, as well as new Toei releases from 2013 and upcoming titles announced for 2014.
Rather than relying on any of the many unofficial fan translations, this list features the official English titles created and used by Toei. Information has been culled from multiple sources, including materials from Toei’s International Sales & Promotion Department and Ishimori Production, US copyright registrations, Toei sales catalogs and publicity materials, Toei screenings at film festivals and trade shows, and organizations such as the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan (of which Toei is a founding member) and UniJapan. Continued…
IDW today announced their solicitations for February 2014, which includes the ninth issue of their ongoing comic book series, Godzilla: Rulers of Earth. The issue features a flashback story illustrated by Jeff Zornow.
Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #9
Writer: Chris Mowry
Artist: Jeff Zornow
Colors: Priscilla Tramontano
Editor: Bobby Curnow
Cover: Jeff Zornow
Before Godzilla was king, there was another! King Caesar makes his comic book debut in a tale set thousands of years in Earth’s past, in a battle that sets the stage for today’s world of monsters.
Retailer Incentive Variant
Cover: Matt Frank Continued…
The Japanese toy company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of their Toho, Kadokawa/Daiei and Tsuburaya Pro giant monster figures scheduled for release in late December 2013.
X-Plus’ monster figures can be purchased directly from the company’s official Shounen Ric website. Shounen Ric offers Limited Editions of the figures with exclusive features or bonus pieces not available from other retailers.
Source: Pony Canyon, Inc.
Official Site: mogura-movie.com (Japan)
Scheduled for release in Japan in February 2014, THE MOLE SONG -UNDERCOVER AGENT REIJI- (土竜の唄 潜入捜査官 REIJI, Mogura no Uta Sennuu Sosakan REIJI) will have its world premiere in November at the International Rome Film Festival. Based on the hit manga series, the film is a collaboration between actor Toma Ikuta, director Takashi Miike, and screenwriter Kankuro Kudo. Continued…
A melody that led to lies. A song that led to love.
From Kotomi Aoki’s best-selling manga series The Girl Who Loved Lies comes the live action feature film THE LIAR AND HIS LOVER (カノジョは嘘を愛しすぎてる, Kanojo wa Uso o Aishisugiteru). The movie will be released in Japan by Toho this December. The following press notes are courtesy of international sales agent, Pony Canyon, Inc. Continued…
SciFi JAPAN TV takes you on a tour of Tokyo – through the eyes of Godzilla!
No other districts of Tokyo have felt Godzilla’s wrath as much as Ginza, Nagatacho, Shinagawa, and Odaiba. Join us to see the sights and discover the history of Godzilla’s favorite stomping grounds! Continued…
Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
IDW Publishing has sent SciFi Japan a preview of the first seven pages from issue #5 of Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, their new ongoing Godzilla comic book series. The issue features a battle between Rodan and Varan by guest artist Jeff Zornow.
Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #5 will be available from comic shops and retailers tomorrow, October 30th. Continued…
Prolific director Takashi Miike, a leading figure that has a special connection with the upcoming Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia (Barcelona, Spain), returned to the festival for screenings of his latest works.
Arriving from Japan on October 18th, Miike attended screenings of LESSON OF THE EVIL (悪の教典, Aku no Kyoten, 2012) and SHIELD OF STRAW (藁の楯, Wara no Tate, 2013), presented in collaboration with the Japan Foundation. The director was welcomed with a standing ovation in the master class he offered at the Festival and where the book dedicated to him by the Festival was also presented.
The prolific Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike said that he felt truly moved by his welcome at the Festival. The session also was put to good use to present the book Sitges dedicated to him this year. The director receives the Festival’s honorary award and, in addition to SHIELD OF STRAW and LESSON OF THE EVIL, a retrospective of his works was shown. Continued…
In December 2013, the Japanese toy company X-Plus Co., Ltd. will debut their new colossal painted soft vinyl figure line, the “Gigantic Series”, with Godzilla 2001 from the movie GODZILLA, MOTHRA, KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (ゴジラ・モスラ・キングギドラ 大怪獣総攻撃, Gojira Mosura Kingu Gidora: Daikaijuu Sookoogeki). The following product specs and high-res photos are courtesy of X-Plus.
X-Plus’ monster figures can be purchased directly from the company’s official Shounen Ric website. Shounen Ric offers Limited Editions of the figures with exclusive features or bonus pieces not available from other retailers.
Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network), Tokyo International Film Festival
Official Movie Site: kiyoku-yawaku.com (Japan)
Can people love again after losing someone special?
The summer they were 15, Kanna’s childhood friend Haruta died. “I’ll never love anybody again…” But when she meets Roku, time — frozen since that day — begins to tick again.
BEYOND THE MEMORIES (潔く柔く, Kiyoku Yawaku) is an exquisite, heart-wrenching tale of love. The movie is based on Kanna’s Story, the final chapter of Kiyoku Yawaku, a masterpiece by the charismatic Ryo Ikuemi, who has been a top girls manga artist for 30 years with a following of devoted fans. This legendary bestselling manga has sold over 2.95 million copies and is her first work to be adapted into film. Continued…
IDW today announced their solicitations for January 2014, which includes the eighth issue of their ongoing comic book series, Godzilla: Rulers of Earth.
The issue will be daikaiju free-for-all featuring Godzilla, Rodan, Varan, Anguirus, Jet Jaguar, Titanosaurus, Kumonga, Zilla and the Garguntuas Sanda and Gaira. Continued…
The Japanese toy company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of their Toho, Kadokawa/Daiei and Tsuburaya Pro giant monster figures scheduled for release in late November 2013.
X-Plus’ monster figures can be purchased directly from the company’s official Shounen Ric website. Shounen Ric offers Limited Editions of the figures with exclusive features or bonus pieces not available from other retailers.
Source: Fuji Television Network
Official Site: kiyosukaigi.com (Japan)
In 2011, critically acclaimed screenwriter, producer, film director and entertainment pioneer Koki Mitani secured his reputation as Japan’s leading writer-director with A GHOST OF A CHANCE (ステキな金縛り, Suteki na Kanashibari), the No.1 Japanese live-action film of the year. Now the filmmaker returns with his latest undertaking; the historical epic THE KIYOSU CONFERENCE (清須会議, Kiyosu Kaigi, 2013) starring 26 of Japan’s top stars.
In 1582, before the unification of Japan, Nobunaga Oda was forced to take his own life at Honno-ji Temple during a violent revolt led by Mitsuhide Akechi. Following Oda’s death, Japan held the Kiyosu Conference — the “conference that changed the course of history” — to resolve the Oda clan’s succession of leadership. Mitani gives us his unique interpretation of the intricate web of human relationships involved in this process as the brave general Katsuie Shibata and Hideyoshi Hashiba, who would later unify Japan, engage in a battle of wits, deceit and bargaining. Continued…
The colossally popular Zatoichi films make up the longest-running action series in Japanese history and created one of the screen’s great heroes: an itinerant blind masseur who also happens to be a lightning-fast swordsman. As this iconic figure, the charismatic and earthy Shintaro Katsu became an instant superstar, lending a larger-than-life presence to the thrilling adventures of a man who lives staunchly by a code of honor and delivers justice in every town and village he enters. The films that feature him are variously pulse-pounding, hilarious, stirring, and completely off-the-wall.
This deluxe dual format Blu-ray/DVD set features the string of twenty-five Zatoichi films made between 1962 and 1973, collected in one package for the first time. Continued…
On October 29th, THERMAE ROMAE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION will be released on Region 1 DVD by Discotek Media. The 2012 anime is based on Mari Yamazaki’s manga, Thermae Romae (テルマエ・ロマエ, Terumae Romae), which also inspired the hit live action movie of the same name.
Rome in the year 128 AD. Bathhouse architect Lucius Modestus is having trouble coming up with ideas for his future designs. After losing his job for refusing to adapt to the current times, the depressed Roman stops by a strange bathhouse that happens to have a time traveling drain! He is sucked into it and transported to a modern day Japanese bathhouse!
While confused by his surroundings, he’s amazed by some of their incredible bathhouse innovations. Taking these ideas back to Rome, he incorporates them into his own designs and soon becomes famous all over Rome for his new and innovative ideas.
THERMAE ROMAE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION contains episodes 1-10. Continued…
Earlier this month, SciFi Japan posted information and photos of the giant monster figures scheduled for release by X-Plus Co., Ltd. in late October 2013, including unpainted prototypes of Toho’s Spacegodzilla and Tsuburaya Productions’ Ultra Seven, Alien Pega and Kanegon. The final designs have been approved so X-Plus has now provided photos of the fully painted figures. Continued…
