Diva in the Netherworld (1980)

[Enshohma]

As with the my thread on the obscure 2000 Japanese film "Doreijuu"

http://www.clubtokyo.org/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=9201

I'm posting this for both sharing the world of lesser know Japanese giant monsters and to try to get information on it by those here who may know more or better yet, have actually seen it. Today, I bring up the 1980 film 'Diva in the Netherworld' or better known by its Japanese title 'Utahime Makai Wo Yuku'. The following info on this film comes from 'the Japanese Cinema Encyclopedia' by Thomas Weisser and Yuko Mihara Weisser and although that book is pretty terrible as far as well known monsters are concerned, like Godzilla and Gamera, its rather well done as far as the more bizarre films and the following synopsis among them:

Micki (Yoko Kurita) is the most talented and most famous classical singer of modern times. At least, that's the premise here. She and her stage partner, Donald (Kiyose Fujiwara), become lost in the netherworld of the undead, a land where they encounter a cannibal-with and hordes of gigantic prehistorical monsters. But these two unlikely warriors are also decedents of a vampire and a wolfman, respectively, and they must bring honor to their families. In this netherworld, superstar Micki learns the high price tag for her earthly success. Sort of like an adult version of Neverending Story. Lots of breakneck action and high-spirited fighting set in a predominately dreamlike terrain. The characterization is purposely broad, accented by the highly kitsch and very gaudy art design. This movie could have easily inspired Robert Rodriguez's Dusk to Dawn (1995) and in similar fashion both films were not accepted by general audiences at their time of release, but today are considered cult masterpieces.

Going back to Enshohma now: now with the above said, I have no idea wither of not the prehistoric monster(s) of the film are straight interpretations of existing dinosaurs or more imaginative creations and /or designs. Just something to keep in mind and I hope you have enjoyed, or at least been pleasantly freaked out.

http://www.fjmovie.com/horror/t4/84.html