Fukushima Meltdowns)

Posted on May 30, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

At last, it is time. Fasten your seat belts, kaiju fans. It’s like this movie was made for Kaijuvision Radio. Just as I was planning a podcast emphasizing the connection between the Godzilla franchise and international affairs, this masterpiece was delivered to me on a silver platter. This episode is our masterpiece. After our film description, part two is my opinion on the big picture of this incredible movie. Part three is a detailed chronological rundown of the film, and we will tie it to the events of 3/11. Our related topics are the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdowns.

This episode is dedicated to the victims of the 3/11 disaster, Plant Manager Masao Yoshida, the Fukushima 50, the U.S. service members who participated in Operation Tomodachi, U.S. Forces Japan, and the JSDF.

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

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 2:42

Part 1 – Film Description: 2:42 – 9:02

Part 2 – Opinion of the Big Picture: 9:02 – 1:04:45

Part 3 – Chronological Rundown: 1:04:45 – 3:10:52

Closing: 3:10:52 – End

“The Big Picture” written by Brian Scherschel

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Lincoln Tower and Allen County Courthouse, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Video: Brian Scherschel

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

Episode 36: Godzilla (US) (2014) (2014 Reinterpretation of Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution)

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

In the penultimate episode of Road to Shin Godzilla Month, Brian and Nate discuss Godzilla’s return to America with Legendary Pictures’ 2014 reboot directed by Gareth Edwards. Your hosts channel Siskel & Ebert again, only in reverse: Nate loves this film but Brian thinks it’s a mixed bag. They also draw several literary and historical parallels—including Riki-Tiki-Tavi and Saigō Takamori, the real-life last samurai—to this movie, which launched the MonsterVerse. While this is an American film, our related topic is the 2014 reinterpretation of Article 9 of the Japanese constitution.

Next week, our Godzilla Journey comes to a head with the most in-depth analysis of Shin Godzilla you’ll hear in English.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 2:02

Part 1 – Film Description: 2:02 – 7:32

Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 7:32 – 1:18:42

Part 3 – Related Topics: 1:18:42 – 1:43:30

Closing: 1:42:30 – End

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel and Nathan Marchand

Video Location: Pisgah Marsh (Pisgah Lake), Pierceton, Indiana

Video: Brian Scherschel

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

Episode 35: Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) (Abenomics)

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

At the midpoint of Road to Shin Godzilla Month, Brian and Nate come to the Millennium Series’ explosive finale, commemorating the 50^th Anniversary of Godzilla. Though this is the last entry of the series, it’s the first Internet Age Godzilla movie – and a valentine to G-fans. It resembles live-action anime as well as a live video game. Brian marvels at the redesign of his boy Gigan, and Nate argues that, in some ways, this is a “remake” of Destroy All Monsters that’s better than the original. Since there’s a ten-year gap in the franchise after this, our related topic is Abenomics.

This episode is dedicated to Akira Takarada.

On May 30, our Shin Godzilla episode will be the most in-depth analysis of that film in English.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 1:38

Part 1 – Film Description: 1:38 – 8:08

Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 8:08 – 1:11:59

Part 3 – Related Topics: 1:11:59 – 1:37:13

Closing: 1:37:13 – End

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Fish Ladder Park (Grand River), Grand Rapids, Michigan

Video: Brian Scherschel

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

Episode 34: Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) (Deflation in Japan)

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

Road to Shin Godzilla Month marches on with the final entry of the “Tezuka Trilogy,” a film that astonished Brian and Nate on the re-watch. Nate was surprised that this direct sequel to the previous film—which disappointed him—actually made good use of Kiryu having the original Godzilla’s soul grafted to it. Brian thinks the special effects are a loving tribute to the artistry of classic tokusatsu. Also, Mothra has never looked as good as she does in this film. Much like Mothra vs. Godzilla, this movie doesn’t attempt many new things, but it does them all well. Our related topic is deflation in Japan.

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.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 1:44

Part 1 – Film Description: 1:44 – 8:08

Part 2 – Opinion and Discussion: 8:08 – 46:48

Part 3 – Related Topics: 46:48 – 1:12:72

Closing: 1:12:72 – End

Host: Brian Scherschel

Co-Host: Nathan Marchand

Editor: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: South Side High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Video: Brian Scherschel

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

Episode 33: Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) (Women in Godzilla Movies, Makiko Tanaka)

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Kaijuvision Radio

Road to Shin Godzilla Month has begun! We’re counting down to our big episode on Godzilla’s latest reboot, starting with the “Kiryu Saga.” Brian and Nate get a little Siskel & Ebert-ish as they discuss the second entry in the “Tezuka Trilogy,” which features the third incarnation of Mechagodzilla. The movie has great cinematography and characters and some fun kaiju action, but Nate thinks the story missed some great potential with its wonderful new concept for Mechagodzilla. Since this film once again features a strong female lead, our related topics are women in the Godzilla films and the firing of Makiko Tanaka.