Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Sachiko Ikenouchi
The Japanese toy company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of their giant monster figures scheduled for release in late March 2015.
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Source: Diamond Comic Distributors
Special Thanks to Deborah Moreland
Diamond Comic Distributors has provided SciFi Japan with information and photos for a half-dozen new Godzilla items that will be available in comic book shops beginning April 2015. These Godzilla products are also listed in Diamond’s February Previews Catalog, on sale now.
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The King of the Monsters Returns to Deal Destruction and Wage Battle with Classic Enemies
Source: BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. press release
Official Site: godzilla.bngames.net (Japan), bandainamcogames.com/godzilla (US)
Leading videogame publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. has announced GODZILLA for Western audiences coming to both the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.
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Sneak Peek at the Latest Issue of IDW’s Godzilla Comic Book Series!
Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer and Matt Frank
IDW Publishing has provided SciFi Japan with an exclusive preview of the first five pages from Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #20. The issue — featuring Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, Battra, SpaceGodzilla, Baragon, Megaguirus, Kumonga, Gaira and Sanda and the new Trilopod monsters — will be available from comic shops and retailers on Wednesday, January 28th.
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Source: Cinedigm, GKIDS Inc., Bender/Helper Impact
Official Movie Site: yumetokyoki.com (Japan), gkidsfilms.com/kingdom (US)
Special Thanks to Geovani Rocha
GKIDS and Cinedigm are offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win the Studio Ghibli documentary, THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS (夢と狂気の王国, Yume to Kyoki no Ohkoku, 2013), on DVD.
First premiering at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS is a fascinating, never-before-seen look inside the quirky and wonderful world of Studio Ghibli, creators of masterpieces like PRINCESS MONONOKE (もののけ姫, Mononoke Hime, 1997), MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro, 1988) and the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001). Granted near-unfettered access to the notoriously insular Studio Ghibli, director Mami Sunada follows the eminent director Hayao Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki, and the elusive and influential “other director” Isao Takahata, for a year as the studio rushes to complete two films, Miyazaki’s THE WIND RISES (風立ちぬ, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) and Takahata’s THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA (かぐや姫の物語, Kaguyahime no Monogatari, 2013).
THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS will be available from retailers on January 27th, but here is your chance to win the DVD for free!
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Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
IDW Publishing has announced solicitations for Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #23 and Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Vol. 5 TPB. Both publications are coming to comic book shops and retailers in April 2015.
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Nominated Best Animated Feature
Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Click Communications press releases
Official Movie Site: kaguyahime-monogatari.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Tyler Gagnon
From Studio Ghibli, the studio that brought you SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001), MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro, 1988), and THE WIND RISES (風立ちぬ, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) comes a powerful and sweeping epic that redefines the limits of animated storytelling and marks a triumphant highpoint within an extraordinary career in filmmaking for director Isao Takahata. Announced today as an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature, THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA (かぐや姫の物語, Kaguyahime no Monogatari, 2013) is a critically praised film that features the best of Japanese folklore and artful animation.
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Source: Home Box Office, Inc.
Official Site: Godzillamovie.com (US), godzilla-movie.jp (Japan)
Following the theatrical run; Blu-ray, DVD and digital release; and Video on Demand screenings; Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA (2014) will make its pay cable debut this Friday, January 16th. The film will premiere 7:55 PM on Time Warner’s Cinemax, with additional screenings scheduled on the various Cinemax channels into March. GODZILLA will also be added to Cinemax’s On Demand and Max Go services.
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Source: Chikyu-Boueigun (Japan)
Japanese kaiju product manufacturer Chikyu-Boueigun has announced new Godzilla and Baragon statues for their Toho Monster Collection. Sculpted by Studio Nero, the figures depict the two monsters as they appeared in GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND 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, Kingughidora: Daikaiju Soshingeki, 2001).
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Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Sachiko Ikenouchi
The Japanese toy company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos for the Limited Edition “light up” version of Gigan (1972). The figure — depicting the cyborg monster as seen in its first appearance, GODZILLA VS GIGAN (地球攻撃命令 ゴジラ対ガイガン, Chikyuu Kogeki Meirei Gojira Tai Gaigan) — will be released in late February 2015.
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Source: Lucky Red
Official Site: doraemon-3d.com (Japan)
The 3D computer animated feature STAND BY ME DORAEMON (STAND BY ME ドラえもん, STAND BY ME Doraemon) was the top-grossing anime film in Japan for 2014. The movie is directed by Ryuichi Yagi and Takashi Yamazaki, who previously collaborated on FRIENDS: NAKI ON MONSTER ISLAND (friends もののけ島のナキ, Friends: Mononoke Shima no Naki, 2011).
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Source: Fuji Creative Corporation
Official Site: psycho-pass.com
PSYCHO-PASS — the hardboiled, gun-slinging sci-fi anime series from Katsuyuki Motohiro (BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN), Gen Urobuchi (PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA) and Production I.G, the studio behind GHOST IN THE SHELL (攻殻機動隊, Kookaku Kidootai, 1995) and BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE （ブラッド ザ ラスト ヴァンパイア, 2000） — comes to the big screen with PSYCHO-PASS THE MOVIE (劇場版 PSYCHO-PASS サイコパス, Gekijooban Saikopasu). Toho will release the film in Japanese cinemas on January 9th, while FUNimation will bring it to North America at a date TBA.
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Source: Diamond Comic Distributors
Special Thanks to Deborah Moreland
Have some Christmas money burning a hole in your wallet? Then you’re in luck… Diamond Comic Distributors has provided SciFi Japan with information and photos for a dozen new Godzilla items that will be available in comic book shops beginning January 2015. Additional Godzilla products are also listed in Diamond’s January Previews Catalog, on sale now.
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Limited Edition “Toho Monster Memorial: Eternal Godzilla” Autographed by Haruo Nakajima
Source: Bandai Co., Ltd.
Official Site: lalabitmarket.channel.or.jp/godzilla
Bandai continues the celebration of Godzilla’s 60th anniversary into early 2015 with the Toho Monster Memorial: Eternal Godzilla (東宝怪獣メモリアル 永遠のゴジラ, Toho Kaijuu Memoriaru Eien no Gojira) deluxe signed and framed limited edition photo print. This is the first Godzilla release in Bandai’s Memorial line, which launched in 2007 with the Ultraman franchise “Ultra Hero Memorial” and followed in 2009 with the “Rider Hero Memorial” series of Kamen Rider characters.
This collectible features a famous publicity still from GODZILLA (ゴジラ, Gojira, 1954), reproduced with state-of-the-art digital printing and matted in black with a “Toho Monster Memorial” nameplate. The silver frame includes a wall-hanging mount. A distinct serial number is included on back.
Each photo is personally autographed by suit actor Haruo Nakajima, who played Godzilla in the Toho films from the original GODZILLA to 1972’s GODZILLA VS GIGAN (地球攻撃命令 ゴジラ対ガイガン, Chikyuu Kogeki Meirei Gojira Tai Gaigan). Mr. Nakajima signed the prints in gold metallic ink to better contrast with the black and white image.
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Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
IDW Publishing has announced solicitations for Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #22 and the trade paperback collection of the Godzilla: Cataclysm mini-series. Both publications are coming to comic book shops and retailers in March 2015.
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The Climactic Ending to the Acclaimed Mini-Series!
Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
IDW’s Godzilla: Cataclysm mini-series concludes with issue #5, on sale tomorrow. The five part series takes place years after the monster apocalypse that nearly destroyed mankind. As one of Godzilla’s most devastating foes emerges, Hiroshi must come to terms with his role in the Cataclysm. Will his actions be enough to rectify the mistakes of the past?
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Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
IDW Publishing has provided SciFi Japan with a preview of their Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Vol. 4 Trade Paperback, collecting Godzilla: Rulers of Earth issues #13–16.
Both Godzilla: Rulers of Earth Vol. 4 TPB and Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #19 will be available from comic shops and retailers on December 17th.
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Jet Black Figures Available in January 2015
Source: Marusan Toys, Inc.
In January, Marusan Toys will reissue a trio of their classic Toho monster vinyl figures with new jet black colors. The lineup includes Godzilla — first released in 1966 — Mechagodzilla from GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA (ゴジラ対メカゴジラ, Gojira Tai Mekagojira, 1974), and the original Mogera from THE MYSTERIANS (地球防衛軍, Chikyuu Boeigun, 1957).
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Source: ACTV Japan
This week SciFi JAPAN TV continues its celebration of the 30th anniversary of THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (Gojira, aka GODZILLA 1985) with an extended SciFi JAPAN TV EXTRA episode of our exclusive interview with the film’s special FX director, Teruyoshi Nakano. This time Mr Nakano discusses the design and action of a new Godzilla for a new generation.
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New Monsters in Latest Issue of IDW’s Godzilla Comic Book Series!
Source: IDW Publishing
Special Thanks to Kahlil Schweitzer
IDW Publishing has provided SciFi Japan with an exclusive preview of the first five pages from Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #19. The issue — featuring Godzilla, Battra, Mothra, Megaguirus and the new Trilopod monsters — will be available from comic shops and retailers on Wednesday, December 17th.
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Source: Kadokawa Shoten
Official Site: hobby.dengeki.com
Rising production costs and dwindling ticket sales hammered the Japanese film industry in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Struggling to find new ways to lure moviegoers into theaters, in 1969 Toho launched the Champion Festival series, a children’s block that packaged a movie packaged along with a mix of cartoons and short features. Nineteen different Toho Champion Festivals were released through 1978, premiering during the New Year, summer and/or March school vacations. All of the Godzilla films from ALL MONSTERS ATTACK/GODZILLA’S REVENGE (ゴジラ・ミニラ・ガバラ オール怪獣大進撃, Gojira, Minira, Gabara: Oru Kaijuu Daishingeki, 1969) through TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (メカゴジラの逆襲, Mekagojira no Gyakushuu, 1975) were first released as part of the Toho Champion Festivals.
Dengeki Hobby Books, an imprint of Kadokawa Shoten’s ASCII Media Works, recently released Godzilla Toho Champion Festival Perfection (ゴジラ 東宝チャンピオンまつり パーフェクション, Gojira Toho Chanpion Matsuri Paafekushon), a new book on the history of the Champion Festivals.
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Source: Madman Entertainment
Special Thanks to Ben Pollock
A tale of the true tragedy of war and innocence lost.
On December 10th, the Australian label Madman Entertainment will release Studio Ghibli’s GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (火垂るの墓, Hotaru no Haka, 1988) on Blu-ray and Region 4 DVD. Directed by Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata (POM POKO, THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA), the groundbreaking GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES is one of the most haunting and affecting films on war.
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Digital HD Available December 9th; DVD Arrives January 27th
Source: Cinedigm Entertainment Corp., Cinedigm, GKIDS Inc., Bender/Helper Impact
Official Movie Site: yumetokyoki.com (Japan), gkidsfilms.com/kingdom (US)
Special Thanks to Geovani Rocha
On January 27th, distributor GKIDS brings the documentary THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS (夢と狂気の王国, Yume to Kyoki no Ohkoku, 2013) to DVD, in conjunction with Cinedigm. The film will also be available for early digital download on December 9th.
THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS is a fascinating, never-before-seen look inside the quirky and wonderful world of Studio Ghibli, creators of masterpieces like PRINCESS MONONOKE (もののけ姫, Mononoke Hime, 1997), MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro, 1988) and the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001). Granted near-unfettered access to the notoriously insular Studio Ghibli, director Mami Sunada follows the eminent director Hayao Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki, and the elusive and influential “other director” Isao Takahata, for a year as the studio rushes to complete two films, Miyazaki’s THE WIND RISES (風立ちぬ, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) and Takahata’s THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA (かぐや姫の物語, Kaguyahime no Monogatari, 2013).
The result is a rare “fly on the wall” glimpse of the inner workings of one of the world’s most celebrated animation studios and a rare insight into the dreams, passion and singular dedication of these remarkable creators. Plus you get to meet Ushiko, the Studio Ghibli cat!
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Source: ACTV Japan
2014 marks the 60th anniversary of Godzilla, but also the 30th anniversary of THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (Gojira, aka GODZILLA 1985), a movie that itself marked the 30th anniversary of the original GODZILLA (Gojira, 1954). This week SciFi JAPAN TV joins the film’s special FX director, Teruyoshi Nakano, to discuss the origins of this classic film that relaunched the Godzilla franchise for a new generation.
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An Amazing Look Inside the Beloved Studio Ghibli
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: yumetokyoki.com (Japan), gkidsfilms.com/kingdom (US)
Special Thanks to Ben Pollock
On December 10th, the Australian label Madman Entertainment will release the documentary THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS (夢と狂気の王国, Yume to Kyoki no Ohkoku, 2013) on Region 4 DVD.
Studio Ghibli, the brainchild of directors Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki, has captivated audiences the world over with its dreamlike, fantastical animations such as SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001), HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE (ハウルの動く城, Hauru no Ugoku Shiro, 2004) and GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (火垂るの墓, Hotaru no Haka, 1988). This documentary looks at how they managed such an amazing run, and what could be next for the beloved studio.
This past year, Miyazaki and Takahata have both directed their final films, with THE WIND RISES (風立ちぬ, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) and THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA (かぐや姫の物語, Kaguyahime no Monogatari, 2013) respectively. As Ghibli celebrates its 30th birthday, award-winning filmmaker Mami Sunada gives us unprecedented access into their unique, fascinating world.
An Official Selection of the New Zealand International Film Festival 2014.
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A Look Inside the Fantastically Mad World of the People Behind Studio Ghibli
Source: Wild Bunch, GKIDS Inc.
Official Movie Site: yumetokyoki.com (Japan), gkidsfilms.com/kingdom (US)
GKIDS, a distributor of award-winning animation for both adult and family audiences, is handling the North American release of the Studio Ghibli documentary, THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS (夢と狂気の王国, Yume to Kyoki no Ohkoku, 2013). The film is now playing at the IFC Center in New York, with additional theaters and cities to be announced.
The following English language production notes are courtesy of Wild Bunch, the international sales agent for THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS.
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PORCO ROSSO, POM POKO and TALES FROM EARTHSEA Available for the First Time on Blu-ray!
Source: Walt Disney Studios, Click Communications press release
Special Thanks to Brigid D’Arcy
In the wake of November’s Blu-ray Combo Pack release of THE WIND RISES, KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE and PRINCESS MONONOKE, Disney and Studio Ghibli present PORCO ROSSO, POM POKO and TALES FROM EARTHSEA on Blu-ray and DVD February 3rd, 2015. All three films will be available with all-new digital masters featuring HD picture and sound.
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Source: Third Window Films
Special Thanks to Adam Torel
Third Window Films have always tried hard to bring a wide variety of films from the Far East to the West, from big studio productions to minor indie masterpieces, and this project is another step in their goal to open up the West to what’s so great about Asian cinema. The NEW DIRECTORS FROM JAPAN project, hopefully the first of many (depending on its success!), is focusing on young and unique directors from Japan whose films have not received any sort of distribution in their own or any other territory.
Started through a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign which reached its goal of pre-selling 250 copies in just 3 days from its announcement, NEW DIRECTORS FROM JAPAN is a limited edition set of only 1,000 copies. This is a DUAL FORMAT release that includes BOTH a Blu-ray and a DVD of the films, as well as a separate extras DVD disc featuring interviews with all the directors involved. The release is ALL REGION for all discs so can be watched anywhere! The package also features a card-board slipcase.
With 250 copies already sold through the Kickstarter campaign, and another 400 through pre-orders, there are literally only a few hundred left, so don’t miss out!
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Hayao Miyazaki’s Final Masterpiece
Source: Madman Entertainment
Special Thanks to Ben Pollock
On December 10th, the Australian label Madman Entertainment will release Studio Ghibli’s THE WIND RISES (風立ちぬ, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) on Blu-ray and Region 4 DVD.
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Source: GKIDS Inc. press release, Wild Bunch
Official Movie Site: yumetokyoki.com (Japan), gkidsfilms.com/kingdom (US)
The new Studio Ghibli documentary, THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS (夢と狂気の王国, Yume to Kyoki no Ohkoku, 2013), opens this Friday, November 28th at the IFC Center in New York City. The film offers a fascinating, never-before-seen look inside the quirky and wonderful world of the anime studio behind masterpieces like PRINCESS MONONOKE (もののけ姫, Mononoke Hime, 1997), MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro, 1988) and the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001).
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