Episode 20: Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975) (Emperor Hirohito in the 1970s, the Yasukuni Shrine)

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

The Showa Series (and ‘70s month) comes to an end in this week’s episode, wherein Nate gushes over one of his favorite Godzilla films. This is a “dark™” melodrama with complex characters, lots of explosions, incredible kaiju action—and alien invaders who almost undermine the movie’s tone. Listen as Nate argues the film’s merits to Brian by connecting it to C.S. Lewis (you read that right!). Since this is the final entry in the Showa Series, our related topics are Emperor Showa’s first visit to the United States in 1971, his first press conference in 1975, and the Yasukuni Shrine.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 2:13

Part 1 – Film Description: 2:13 – 7:57

Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 7:57 – 1:05:47

Part 3 – Related Topic: 1:05:47 – 1:52:50

Closing: 1:52:50 – End

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge (St. Mary’s River), Fort Wayne, Indiana

Video: Brian Scherschel

Music: Audiophiliac (http://www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)

Episode 19: Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974) (The Reversion of Okinawa: History and Culture)

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

The first Mechagodzilla film is roughly a spoof of James Bond and a twist on The Planet of the Apes, only the apes are alien invaders! The soundtrack fits like a glove to this gloriously campy and fun movie, made to celebrate Godzilla’s 20th anniversary. Because this movie features an Okinawan kaiju, King Caesar, our related topic is the history and culture of Okinawa. Join Brian and Nate as they continue on with 70s Month – every 70s movie in the series in just one month. This episode is dedicated to Shinichi Sekizawa.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 1:49

Part 1 – Film Description: 1:49 – 6:38

Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 6:38 – 51:43

Part 3 – Related Topic: 51:43 – 1:25:09

Closing: 1:25:09 – End

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Video: Brian Scherschel

Music: Audiophiliac (http://www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)

Episode 18: Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) (The Effects of Atmospheric Nuclear Testing)

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

For a long time, this movie retained a part where the director said “Action” at the beginning of a scene. That fact is an indication that this movie was rushed as well as a bit careless, but it’s not all bad – and it can be funny. So funny in fact, it was a popular episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Brian and Nate discuss the infamous car chase, Easter Island, superhero wrestling action, and everything else about this glorious train-wreck. Our related topic is the history and effects of nuclear testing.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 1:26

Part 1 – Film Description: 1:26 – 6:10

Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 6:10 – 48:58

Part 3 – Related Topic: 48:58 – 1:10:42

Closing: 1:10:42 – End

Correction: We originally said that the director said “Cut” at the end of a scene in the movie. He actually said “Action” at the beginning of a scene.

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Lafayette Esplanade, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Video: Brian Scherschel

Music: Audiophiliac (http://www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)

Episode 17: Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) (Globalization/Trade/Corporations, 1972 Winter Olympics)

Posted on January 10, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

For this week’s episode, we present Brian’s favorite Godzilla movie! Though it’s an underrated movie, it sold the most tickets of any of the late Showa series movies (after 1968). It’s also filmed well, full of action, yet also cerebral. The movie contains a story with multi-layered symbolism, yet it has lots of fire, explosions, and monster fights. Plus it’s infused with the Japanese National Spirit. Listen to Brian and Nate synthesize everything fascinating about this movie. Our related topics are the symbolism of Godzilla vs. Gigan and the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. Our 4k video for this episode was made at a location much farther away from home than usual: New York state.

We’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi and Sean Stiff for pledging at the Kaiju Visionary level. Thank you for your support! We really appreciate it.

This episode is dedicated to Haruo Nakajima.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 1:40

Part 1 – Film Description: 1:40 – 6:33

Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 6:33 – 45:42

Part 3 – Related Topic: 45:42 – 1:19:36

Closing: 1:19:36 – End

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Donahue Memorial Park, Cornwall-On-Hudson, New York

Video: Brian Scherschel

Music: Audiophiliac (http://www.fiverr.com/audiophiliac)

Episode 16: Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) (Pollution in Japan, the Two Nixon Shocks)

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

It’s 70s Month at Kaijuvision Radio, and we begin with the most counter-culture entry in the franchise. We have a smog-based monster that kills hippies (and quite a few others)! Listen as Brian and Nate analyze and appreciate this fascinating and experimental film. Only Godzilla can “Save the Earth”. Our related topics are pollution in Japan and the Two Nixon Shocks.