Episode 52: Latitude Zero (1969) (The South China Sea Disputes)

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Kaijuvision Radio

Get into the bath of immunity, then put on your gold or vinyl outfit and prepare yourself for an overwhelmingly positive review of this humorous and underrated piece of Toho history! While the Americans and Japanese on the production staff got into frequent arguments, at least the costume department had fun! Unlike the painfully square reporter Perry Lawton, I’d have stayed in Latitude Zero and never returned to the surface. Though this film didn’t perform well, it holds a special place in the hearts of many tokusatsu fans. I showcase the American actors and put the story into context by relating it to similar adventure and Utopian literature and movies.

The related topic for this episode is The South China Sea Disputes – with Google Earth Pro video on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q-v_DlTVeI

The YouTube video of only part 3 with Google Earth video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfOVZTItHjE

This episode is dedicated to Joseph Cotten, Cesar Romero, Patricia Medina, and Richard Jaeckel.

I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi and Sean Stiff. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.

Full Episode (Parts 1/2/3) YouTube Video:

Separate Part 3 Google Earth YouTube Video:

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 2:11

Part 1 – Film Description: 2:11 – 10:16

Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 10:16 – 41:01

Part 3 – Related Topic: 41:01 – 1:02:23

Closing: 1:02:23 – End

Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Bloomingdale Park (St. Mary’s River), Fort Wayne, Indiana

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

“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)

Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)

G-Fest XXVI (2019) Panel: Alien Invasions w/Giant Monster Messages

Posted on July 24, 2019 by Kaijuvision Radio

This is our G-Fest Conference panel, which took place at 12:00pm (CDT) on July 14, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. In it, we compare and contrast alien invasion stories in movies from the Godzilla franchise and from American kaiju/sci-fi movies. I connect the stories from the Godzilla movies to events and trends in Japanese history, while Taylor connects the stories from American films to events and trends in American history. I highlight events from World War II, post-war globalization, nationalism, and the Japanese stock market crash in 1989/1990. Taylor highlights events from the Great Depression, the Red Scare, resource management, and technology.

I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi, Sean Stiff, William Mize, and Eric White. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.

MP3:

Co-Hosts: Brian Scherschel and Taylor Hensley

Editor/Director/Video: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Crowne Plaza O’Hare, Rosemont, Illinois

“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)

Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)

Episode 51: Godzilla: King of the Monsters (US) (2019) (Eco-terrorism/Climate Change)

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Kaijuvision Radio

A lot of critics know and understand the basics of the 1954 Godzilla, but they have less of an understanding of what makes a great Godzilla sequel. This movie has by far the most Toho magic of any non-Japanese Godzilla movie to date. I address the box office, the critical reviews, and how the way this film was edited is a big reason for the film’s underperformance. The related topic for this episode is eco-terrorism and climate change.

This episode is dedicated to director Michael Dougherty.

I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi, Sean Stiff, William Mize, and Eric White. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 2:16

Part 1 – Film Description: 2:16 – 12:14

Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 12:14 – 1:16:53

Part 3 – Related Topic: 1:16:53 – 1:38:49

Closing: 1:38:49 – End

Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: Lincoln Bank Tower (left), Allen County Courthouse (center), and The PNC Building (right), Fort Wayne, Indiana

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

“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)

Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)

Episode 50: War of the Gargantuas (1966) (The Ascension of Emperor Naruhito)

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Kaijuvision Radio

With beautiful cinematography, detailed miniatures, and lots of work involving water, War of the Gargantuas is an incredible movie! Russ Tamblyn gives us a natural and cool performance in his role as Dr. Stewart. This movie is so refreshingly itself. The related topic for this episode is the recent ascension of Emperor Naruhito.

This episode is dedicated to actor Russ Tamblyn.

I’d like to send a shout-out to our patrons Kyoei Toshi, Sean Stiff, and William Mize. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.

MP3:

Introduction: 0:00 – 5:09

Part 1 – Film Description: 5:09 – 12:38

Part 2 – Opinion and Analysis: 12:38 – 34:48

Part 3 – Related Topic: 34:48 – 51:35

Closing: 51:35 – End

Host/Editor/Director/Scenic Videos: Brian Scherschel

Video Location: South Anthony Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana

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

“Torii Gate” Banners: Kevin Geary (kevincgearydesign.com)

Logos: Nanoparticles (www.fiverr.com/nanoparticles)

Episode 49: Frankenstein Conquers the World (1965) (Ryuichi Shimoda et al. v. The State)

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Kaijuvision Radio

I address the film’s depiction of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and how that scene is edited for the English-language version. Frankenstein is a stand-in for atomic bombing victims in this movie. I’ll pay attention to the scientific ethics explored in the story too. This movie is when screenwriter Takeshi Kimura started using a pseudonym, and with this movie, I don’t blame him. The related topic for this episode is Ryuichi Shimoda et al. v. The State, the case where atomic bomb victims sued for reparations.

This episode is dedicated to Showa era screenwriter Takeshi Kimura.

I’d like to send a shout-out to our patron Sean Stiff for donating at the Kaiju Visionary level and William Mize for donating at the Kaiju Commander level. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it.