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Last year, the Tokyo-based camera design, production, and distribution company PowerShovel, Ltd. introduced the Blackbird Fly, a new Twin-Reflex 35mm Plastic Camera made in several different colors. The highly anticipated Blackbird Fly has received glowing reviews from camera and photography aficionados worldwide, and the model has been a strong seller for PowerShovel.
In 2009, the Blackbird Fly received some unexpected and highly visible publicity from MASKED RIDER DECADE (Kamen Raidaa Dikeido), the 19th television series is the popular “Kamen Rider” franchise. Premiering this past January 25 on TV Asahi, the show stars Masahiro Inoue as Kamen Rider Decade’s alter ego, Tsukasa Kadoya. Tsukasa suffers from amnesia and tries to hold onto the world around him by photographing it with his camera of choice… a pink Blackbird Fly.
The camera was featured in many episodes and during the opening credits of MASKED RIDER DECADE. The resulting attention— and consumer interest— convinced PowerShovel to make a Limited Edition production run of a Blackbird Fly inspired by the show. From the “Masked Rider Decade” Blackbird Fly production run, only 50 units will be sold outside of Japan, with Freestyle Photo Supplies in Hollywood, CA the exclusive retailer for this camera in the United States. Continued…
Revolver Entertainment will release the 2007 mockumentary BIG MAN JAPAN (Dai Nipponjon) on DVD in the UK on September 21.
A middle-aged slacker living in a rundown, graffiti-ridden slum, Daisoto’s (Hitoshi Matsumoto) job involves being shocked by bolts of electricity that transform him into a stocky, stick-wielding giant several stories high who is entrusted with defending Japan from a host of bizarre monsters. But while his predecessors were national heroes, he is a pariah among the citizens he protects, who bitterly complain about the noise and destruction of property he causes.
And Daisato has his own problems – an agent insistent on branding him with sponsor advertisements, an Alzheimer-afflicted grandfather who transforms into a giant in dirty underwear, and a family who is embarrassed by his often cowardly exploits. A wickedly deadpan spin on the giant Japanese superhero, BIG MAN JAPAN is an outrageous portrait of a pathetic, but truly unique hero. Continued…
All Masked Riders Return For Heisei Series 10th Anniversary Movie
Author: James M. Ballard
Official Movie Site: www.dcd-shin.jp
With the successful revivial of the Masked Rider franchise with 2000′s MASKED RIDER KUUGA (Kamen Raidaa Kuuga), Toei Company has continued to produce new Masked Rider TV series every year. The current series MASKED RIDER DECADE (Kamen Raidaa Dikeido), which began airing in January this year, celebrates 10 years of the new era of Masked Rider productions, with the titular hero traveling between alternate Masked Rider worlds.
Now, the new movie MASKED RIDER DECADE: ALL RIDERS VS. GREAT SHOCKER (Kamen Raidaa Dikeido Ooru Raidaa tai Daishokkaa) brings together all the leading Riders since the original MASKED RIDER (Kamen Raidaa, 1971) through to the upcoming series MASKED RIDER DOUBLE (Kamen Raidaa Daburu, 2009), due to air in September. Continued…
KAMEN RIDER TV Producer to Make Major Announcement at Special Panel Presentation and Screening on July 26
Source: Kamen Rider Productions press release
Official Site: kamenridertv.com
The hit live action series KAMEN RIDER DRAGON KNIGHT will hold a special panel presentation and screening at San Diego Comic-Con International set for Sunday, July 26 from 2:45 to 3:45pm at Room 6DE. There will also be an autograph session on the same day from 1-2pm in the autograph area of the convention center.
The KAMEN RIDER Comic-Con presentation kicks off with never-before-seen footage from upcoming KAMEN RIDER DRAGON KNIGHT episodes, followed by a panel session featuring stars Stephen Lunsford (Kit/Kamen Rider Dragon Knight), Matt Mullins (Len/Kamen Rider Wing Knight), Yvonne Arias (Maya), Scott Bailey (JTC/Kamen Rider Strike), William O’Leary (General Xaviax) and members of the series’ award-winning creative team including directors Steve and Mike Wang. The event closes with an audience Q&A and a raffle drawing awarding 200 Bandai bags including action figures from the eagerly anticipated KAMEN RIDER toy line and KAMEN RIDER packs that include a backpack, cap, and t-shirt. All in attendance will be able to take home a Comic-Con exclusive KAMEN RIDER DRAGON KNIGHT poster. Continued…
AX has now greatly expanded the Rangers event with the addition of several more heroes and villains from POWER RANGERS: ZEO, POWER RANGERS: TURBO, POWER RANGERS IN SPACE, POWER RANGERS: LOST GALAXY, POWER RANGERS: TIME FORCE, and POWER RANGERS: SPD. With seventeen actors currently scheduled, this event will be one of the largest POWER RANGERS gatherings ever held in the United States.
Anime Expo 2009′s POWER RANGERS reunion will include a panel as well as a booth in the Anime Expo Exhibit Hall where fans can meet, take pictures with and obtain autographed head shots of their favorite convention-attending Rangers. Continued…
Dai Nipponjin is a sixth-generation superhero guarding his country from these outlandish “baddies,” as Daisatou calls them. But while his predecessors were national heroes, Daisatou is a pariah among the citizens he protects. His battles are broadcast late at night to diminishing television ratings while the public bitterly complains about the noise and destruction of property he causes.
And Daisatou has his own problems— an agent insistent on branding him with sponsor advertisements, an Alzheimer-afflicted grandfather who transforms into a giant in dirty underwear, and an ex-wife and daughter who are embarrassed by his often cowardly exploits.
A wickedly deadpan spin on the giant Japanese superhero, BIG MAN JAPAN is an outrageous portrait of a pathetic but truly unique hero.
After an enthusiastically received premiere at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, a successful theatrical run in Japan, and appearances at festivals both in the US and abroad, BIG MAN JAPAN will be released to theaters across America on May 15, 2009. SciFi Japan presents an early look at the film with press notes, photos, poster art and the theatrical trailer, courtesy of US distributor Magnet Releasing. Continued…
Blast off with Anime Expo and members of the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS dynasty as they storm into the Los Angeles Convention Center for one of the biggest Ranger Reunions to date at the nation’s largest anime and manga convention held July 2-5, 2009. More information can be found on the website anime-expo.org.
Power Rangers in attendance include:
· Karan Ashley: Aisha Campbell, the Yellow Power/Ninja Ranger (1994-96)
· Steve Cardenas: Rocky DeSantos, the Red Power/Ninja Ranger (1994-96)
· Walter Jones: Zack Taylor, the original Black Power Ranger (1993-94)
· Catherine Sutherland: Kat Hillard, the Pink Power/Ninja Ranger (1995-96)
· Johnny Yong Bosch: Adam Park, the Black Power/Ninja Ranger (1994-98)
· Robert Axelrod: Lord Zedd (1993-96)
In addition to attending Anime Expo 2009, the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS Reunion event will include a panel on as well as a booth in the Anime Expo Exhibit Hall where fans can meet, take pictures with and obtain autograph head shots of their favorite convention attending Rangers! Continued…
An interview with KAMEN RIDER DRAGON KNIGHT Producer/Director Steve Wang
Author: Bob Johnson
Official Sites: kamenridertv.com, Kamen Rider Productions
Special Thanks to Loren Portillo
On the opposite side of every mirror on Earth lies the parallel dimension of Ventara – a world destroyed by the evil alien, General Xaviax. The Kamen Riders were warriors from Ventara who fought Xaviax with armor and abilities powered by their Advent Decks. Unfortunately, Xaviax stole the Advents Decks and defeated all the Riders but one.
Kamen Rider Wing Knight is the sole surviving Kamen Rider – the only man who can stop Xaviax from destroying Earth the same way he destroyed Ventara. To defeat Wing Knight, Xaviax brought the Advent Decks to Earth and tricked ordinary citizens into becoming new Kamen Riders – super-powered soldiers who will carry out his evil plans.
On our Earth, there are also what sometimes seems to be two parallel dimensions, the United States and Japan. Many pieces of each culture cross the Pacific Ocean and become a part of the other, whether it is Japanese eating hamburgers and watching the latest US blockbuster movie or Americans eating sushi and watching anime.
Now Steve and Michael Wang are attempting to bring Japan’s motorcycle riding heroes to the US in a big way with the CW’s new Saturday morning TV series KAMEN RIDER DRAGON KNIGHT, a show inspired by Ishimori Production and Toei Co., Ltd.’s MASKED RIDER RYUKI (Kamen Raidaa Ryuuki, 2002). Continued…
New York Comic Con, Subway Cinema, and Nikkatsu Present World Premiere of New Japanese Feature Film
Source: Roger Bilheimer Associates press release
Official Site: New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con (NYCC) today revealed that maverick Japanese director Takashi Miike will appear at its 2009 event as a Guest of Honor and superstar actor and pop star Sho Sakurai will attend as a Special Guest. Miike and Sakurai will be at NYCC to speak about their upcoming feature film YATTERMAN—and then present the world premiere of the highly-anticipated movie, produced by Nikkatsu Studios and scheduled for release in Japan in early March. The 2009 New York Comic Con takes place February 6-8 in the Jacob Javits Center in New York, NY. Miike and Sakurai join Guests of Honor including Brian Michael Bendis, Carmine Infantino, Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, J. Michael Straczynski, and Bruce Timm and Special Guests including Seth Green, J.J. Sedelmaier, Matt Senreich, and Art Spiegelman.
“New York Comic Con is honored to have Miike-san and Sakurai-san join us this year,” NYCC Show Manager Lance Fensterman said. “New York Comic Con seeks to celebrate pop culture from around the world, and Yatterman is a stunning example of this. YATTERMAN’s nothing short of legendary, and we’re excited to be part of it!” Continued…
Let’s Rumble in the Jungle!
Author: Aaron Cooper
Source: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Inc.
Official Site: Jungle Fury
It is hard to imagine that the Power Rangers franchise is 16 years old! There are really not a lot of kid’s shows out there that can lay that type of claim for constant original programming. Us old fogies at SciFi Japan realized we’ve been ignoring this particular area of Japanese-influenced action for a little too long, so I took a look at the first two volumes of POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY entitled “Into the Jungle” and “Way of the Master”, which comprise the first 12 episodes of the series as seen on Jetix through Toon Disney in 2008. Continued…
Peter Fernandez is probably one of the more famous of the many behind the scenes heroes that work hard so we can enjoy movies and television shows from other countries. Most people who have heard of him think about SPEED RACER when Peter’s name is mentioned. And why not? Peter was the producer, director and writer of the series, as well as the voices of Speed Racer and Racer X.
However, there is so much more to the man than just one series or two characters. Since the 1940s, Peter has been a child model, a Broadway and movie actor, and a key figure responsible for most of the dubbing for movies and shows we’ve all grown up watching from Japan, China, Italy, Mexico and other countries. In addition to SPEED RACER, his long list of voice credits includes GODZILLA VS THE SEA MONSTER, ASTROBOY, ULTRAMAN, THE SPACE GIANTS, SON OF GODZILLA, GIGANTOR, STAR BLAZERS, the Sergio Leone/Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns… and even a “clean version” of George Romero’s DAY OF THE DEAD!
In this interview we tried to touch on all aspects of his life and work to give readers a better understanding of the remarkable career he has had. Even so, I feel we only managed to scratch the surface. Continued…
Riding on the success and popularity of the Toei tokusatsu (live-action) series of the 70′s KIKAIDA, JN Productions and Generation Kikaida will release another action-packed Japanese superhero DVD box set INAZUMAN on November 21, 2008. Inazuman, the Fighter for Freedom, battles mutant monsters of the evil Bamba Empire who are threatening the world.
Watari Goro, a college student, saves two youngsters from the Neo-Human Empire’s Fantom Army. The youngsters bring him to the base of the Youth League, a group of pure-hearted young mutants with psionic powers. Their leader, Capt. Sarra, awakens Goro to his own super powers that allow him to turn first into Sanagiman, then into Inazuman. After he defeats a Neo-Human monster, Goro is accepted into the Youth League, and presented with the amazing vehicle, Raijingo. Continued…
Latest News Includes New Manga Titles for 2009, an Eisner Award, and the Launch of Stan Lee & Hiroyuki Takei’s ULTIMO
Source: VIZ Media
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages.
VIZ has made several recent announcements about new and upcoming projects that includes an Eisner Award win for Tekkonkinkreet: Black & White, the launch of several major titles in 2009 (such as Naoki Urusawa’s 20th Century Boys and the Astro Boy update Pluto: Urasawa X Tezuka), and the new Shonen Jump magazine series ULTIMO, which was co-created by comic book legend Stan Lee. Continued…
Source: Paramount Home Entertainment and Click Communications
Official Website: Iron Man Movie
Special Thanks to Scott Neumyer
From Paramount Home Entertainment…
On September 30th, Paramount Home Entertainment will release the critically acclaimed box office smash IRON MAN: 2-DISC ULTIMATE EDITION on DVD and Blu-ray! What more can be said about this enormous blockbuster hit Super Hero film? IRON MAN is easily one of the year’s most exciting, inventive, and entertaining cinematic thrill rides. Directed by Jon Favreau (Elf) and boasting an all-star cast full of Academy Award nominees Robert Downey Jr. (Zodiac, Chaplin), Jeff Bridges (The Contender) and Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow) and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare In Love). With several hours of exciting bonus features, this is easily a “can’t miss” release! Get ready as IRON MAN: 2-DISC ULTIMATE EDITION blasts off on DVD and Blu-ray September 30th!!
Packaging art, pricing info and complete DVD specs for the 2-DISC ULTIMATE EDITION DVD and Blu-ray plus the Single-disc DVD are now on SciFi Japan. Continued…
After successfully adapting the original Kamen Rider for older audiences with 2005’s MASKED RIDER THE FIRST (Kamen Raidaa Za Faasuto), Toei followed up with the next saga in the story of Kamen Rider, bringing Kamen Rider V3 into the mix with MASKED RIDER THE NEXT (Kamen Raidaa Za Nekusuto, 2007).
In this one, Chiharu Kazami (Erika Mori) is a Japanese pop-idol, but with a difference… her newest song is cursed! Anyone who listens to it dies shortly after. In a twisted take on today’s disposable pop stars, Shocker is behind the scheme, using plastic surgery and cyborg science to turn out Chiharu after Chiharu as each one burns out. However, the original Chiharu (or is it the ghost of the original?) has other plans.
Now wait a minute… isn’t this a Kamen Rider movie? So far it sounds like a Japanese horror film. Well, as it turns out Kamen Rider Takeshi Hongo (Masaya Kikawada) is teaching high school science to a class that is less than attentive. One student turns out to be one of Chiharu’s best friends and sets out to find Chiharu and unravel the mystery of what is happening, with Hongo close behind. Continued…
Batman returns in the sequel to BATMAN BEGINS
Source: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Official Website: THE DARK KNIGHT
Special Thanks to Gemma Cacho and Donna Elyassian
The follow-up to the action hit “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight” reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.
With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and the committed new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham City for good. The triumvirate initially proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces The Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.
Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger (“Brokeback Mountain”) portrays arch-villain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the role of Rachel Dawes. Returning from “Batman Begins” are Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Oscar winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) as Alfred; and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) as Lucius Fox.
Take a look behind the scenes of THE DARK KNIGHT with extensive production notes and more than 50 photos from the film! Continued…
SciFi Japan Presents an Exclusive Look at the New GODMAN DVD Special; Plus a Guide for the Original TV Series
Authors: Ed Godziszewski and John Paul Cassidy
Official Site: GODMAN & GREENMAN
Additional Information and Translations by Oki Miyano and Tetsu Shiota, Anime Jungle
A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
On May 23, Toho will release a Region 2 DVD box set of episodes from the 1972-73 children’s shows GO! GODMAN and GO! GREENMAN. The set also includes New Production: GO! GODMAN, a brand new adventure in which the superhero battles five classic foes; Tsunojiras, Jilarji, Kappalge, Green-Mask… and Gaira the Green Gargantua from the classic monster movie WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS.
SciFi Japan previews the new GODMAN with an exclusive “on the set” report and photos from Ed Godziszewski. In addition, John Cassidy provides an overview and episode list for the original GO! GODMAN television show, and DVD specs for the new box set. Continued…
Godzilla director helms new GODMAN project
Author: James M. Ballard
Sources: HMV
Details of an otherwise unassuming DVD compilation make a surprising revelation. The new 3-disc DVD box set RETURN OF THE GOOD MORNING HEROES: GO! GO! GODMAN & GREENMAN (Kaetekita Ohayou Hiiroo: Yuke! Yuke! Goddoman & Guriinman), due for release on May 23rd in Japan, will compile a carefully selected choice of popular episodes from the Toho TV series GO! GODMAN (Ike! Goddoman, 1972) and GO! GREENMAN (Yuke! Guriinman, 1973).
But along with the set will come a special bonus disc featuring the tentatively-titled NEW GODMAN PRODUCTION (Shinsaku Goddoman). Attached to the new project is director Masaaki Tezuka, best known for his work on the recent Godzilla productions GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS (Gojira tai Megagirasu G Shoumetsu Sakusen, 2000), GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (Gojira tai Mekagojira, 2002) and GODZILLA: TOKYO SOS (Gojira Mosura Mekagojira Tokyo SOS, 2003), as well as the time-travel adventure film SAMURAI COMMANDO MISSION 1549 (Sengoku Jietai 1594, 2005). Continued…
New SPFX drama to re-invent image of a “hero”
Author: James Ballard
Source: Press Release
On December 5th, Japanese toy manufacturer Takara Tomy issued a press release announcing their participation in the production committee of a new special effects TV drama, TOMICA HERO RESCUE FORCE (Tomika Hiiroo Resukyuu Foosu), scheduled to be broadcast nationwide in Japan from Spring 2008.
Until now, Japanese heroes have always been depicted fighting against aliens, monsters and other adversaries. But TOMICA HERO RESCUE FORCE aims to create a new image of a hero. An “exhilarating” action series, the Rescue Force will utilize many “Super Vehicles” and “Super Tools” (based on Takara Tomy’s toys) in order to rescue people in need. The team’s battles will be against an outbreak of super disasters all over the world. The idea behind the series is to communicate the important message of pollution and the state of the global environment to children though an engaging special effects TV series. Continued…
Following the release of the original KIKAIDA series on nine individual DVDs, JN Productions now packages the follow-up series KIKAIDA 01 in a single, 6-disc set.
Kikaida 01 was the older brother of the original Kikaida and for the first half of the series battled the Hakaida Force, lead by the original Hakaida. Three other Hakaidas, each with a different weapon and each housing the brain of Professor Gill’s most brilliant scientists, made up this deadly team.
Kikaida 01 is joined in episode three by the original Kikaida and the two of them combine forces in various episodes throughout the series. Kikaida 01 is also joined by a female cyborg, Bijinda. Check out all the action in this review of the KIKAIDA 01 DVD set. Continued…
