EIJI TSUBURAYA: MASTER OF MONSTERS by August Ragone

[August]

[Robert Saint John]

New review from Cinefantastique, which used to be one of my favorite magazines (though I don't think there's a print publication any longer):

http://cinefantastiqueonline.com/2008/0 ... -monsters/

Generally positive with some quibbles, much like Biodrowski's reviews of the CM DVD releases.

[August]

Some of the stuff he quibbles about were either editorial decisions or things that he asserts from somewhere unknown. I had more stuff on how the films were made and effects were achieved, but Chronicle cut them and said, as I wrote the manuscript, to tone them down ("This is a pop culture book, not an academic publication").

He says that I gloss over how the effects budgets were cut over time, but actually, the budgets were pretty much the same throughout the 1960s, and Tsuburaya's miniature work and optical work kept improving. This is especially true with his war films (which have not been widely available outside of Japan), and I note this in the entry on BATTLE OF THE JAPAN SEA, which was his last completed film. The effects work is absolutely astounding throughout.

The bottom line is that you can't be all things to all people... C'est La Vie!

Meanwhile, the book has been nominated for the this year's "Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award." You can click the banner below to vote:

[kidnicky]

[August]

Thanks for the very kind words and I'm glad that you're happy with the book! As for the photo, off hand, I think you're referring to the "Science Patrol"-styled HQ building at Ultraman Land attraction park in Kyushu.

[MouthForWar]

[msunz27]

I just finished the book too. Quality stuff. Much respect and appreciation.

Quick question: On page 144, concerning the section about G vs. Sea Monster, that "rare color still" in the upper left hand corner. Is that the de-frilled "Jiras" suit with Ebirah there? That was used for those pulled-under water shots and when Godzilla got smacked in the head (aka "decapitated"), etc. etc. ? Many months ago, you enlightened me about that whole she-bang, BUT that's another thread. Thanks.

[August]

[August]

Chronicle Books Blog published an interview with me about the book and the upcoming screening and signing this Thursday:
!

[August]

[August]

On Saturday, April 26th @ 2:00 pm, I will be appearing with author, columnist, filmmaker and former "Creature Features" host, at in Clayton, California, for a monstrous double-feature book signing event. It's giant against giant in the ultimate struggle for supremacy of the world!



As a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. John Stanley covered the science fiction, fantasy, and horror scene for more than thirty years, and has authored a fistfull of books, including several editions of the lauded "Creature Features Movie Guide," which Leonard Maltin called "A must", even as Fangoria magazine called John, "The Leonard Maltin of Horror."

John will be appearing to bask in the glory of his recent magnum opus, "I Was a TV Horror Host" — a star-studded overview of the radio, film and television horror host, highlighted by a detailed behind-the-scenes look at his own journey on "Creature Features." As the legendary Ray Bradbury so aptly put it, "Everybody should read this book! EVERYBODY!"

And that means YOU!

is located at 5433 D Clayton Road, Clayton, CA 94517 (just past Walnut Creek on Ygnacio Valley Road). Call 925-673-3325 for more information.

[August]

EIJI TSUBURAYA: MASTER OF MONSTERS has received another great review, this time from Boldtype!

Click here to read the review:

[August]

Just an FYI, I will be appearing at G-Fest this year and will be signing copies of my book at the Clawmark Toys booth in the Dealer's Room!

[August]

[Cookie]

[SciFi Geek]

[August]

[SciFi Geek]

[nathanpt2000]

[August]

[godziwolf]

[kiryugoji04]

I haven't seen it anywhere in Georgia.

...but that's okay, I got it off of Amazon a long time ago. XD

[August]

I'm sure that you haven't looked ALL OVER the great state of Georgia. I've gotten e-mails from all over the country, Canada, England and other parts of Europe, from people who've purchased the book in shops in their respective countries. It was even being sold at the Ultraman Exhibit in Tokyo... So, it's out there.

[Tyler E. Martin]

[Hollywood Gothique]