The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

Shin Godzilla- A 5 Year Retrospective with The Human Instrumentality Podcast!

Get ready for a real "two plus two cooperation" as we are joined by Joseph Schafer and Ian Cory (of the Evangelion podcast, the Human Instrumentality Podcast) to take a deep dive into Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi's radical, yet beloved Godzilla reboot.  Now with five years since the film's release, we thought there would be nobody better to join us for this retrospective look back.  We discuss how Anno and Higuchi's previous work has been informed by the kaiju genre, the film's production history and unused concepts, political messaging and real life situations referenced in the film, and the impact the film has had on the Godzilla franchise.  How does the film fare five years later?  Join us and find out!

-Human Instrumentality Podcast- https://human-instrumentality.fireside.fm/

 

-Maser Patrol's Pop Culture References in Eva panel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOW05Xpv0ww

 

-Shin Godzilla vs. Evangelion Theme Park Ride Footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uodPkOMMp_Y

 

Godzilla: Singular Point (2021)

Byrd and Matt are joined by guest hosts Tom and Kevin to discuss the divisive new Godzilla anime series on Netflix.  This co-production between Toho, Bones, and Studio Orange was a bold and different take on a Godzilla story, incorporating physics, trans-temporal theory, and wild new takes on classic characters.  We talk about the show's production history, kaiju concepts, and the split reaction from G-Fans, as well as give our own thoughts.  We also discuss how the series should impact the future of the franchise.  So how does the newest animated Godzilla adventure fare?  Listen and find out!

Dubbing Gamera, Evangelion and More with Voice Actress Tiffany Grant!

Byrd and Matt are joined by the prolific voice actress, Tiffany Grant!  Tiffany is one of the most prolific voice actresses in the dubbing world, having worked on titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, the Gamera trilogy, Vampire Hunter D, Super Atragon, Blue Seed and TONS more.   We discuss her beginnings doing dubs at ADV Films, her work dubbing Dr. Nagamine in the Gamera trilogy, her iconic performance as Asuka in Evangelion, her work adapting English scripts for dubbing, having to use studio mandated translations, the difference between animation and live action dubbing, and more!

The Legacy of Kong with Author Ray Morton!

Author, script consultant and film historian Ray Morton stops by the podcast to discuss all things King Kong!  Ray wrote History of a Movie Icon, the definitive book on the Kong franchise.  We discuss a wide range of Kong-centric topics including Ray's book, his audio commentary on the recent Kong '76 blu ray, the history of the Kong series, varying interpretations of the original film, common falsehoods about the "spider-pit" scene, the character's complicated legal rights, Kong's impact on pop culture, and more!  We also catch up with Ray and get his thoughts on the recent Kong films.  Sit back and join the conversation!

Ray's website- www.raymorton.com
Ray's twitter- https://twitter.com/raymorton1

The Final War (1960) aka World War III Breaks Out

Byrd and Matt discuss the rare Toei disaster drama, The Final War.  The film takes inspiration from the same story as Toho's more often seen The Last War from the following year and tells the stories of several groups of average Japanese citizens as the Cold War escalates into a nuclear apocalypse.  In addition to the film, we also talk about how it competed with The Last War and how they compare, Japan's Cold War anxiety, and more!  But first, we have a brief news roundup and discuss the recent Godzilla Boss Coffee commercial, the recent Godzilla ride at Seibuen Amusement Park, and the announcement of Hideaki Anno's Shin Kamen Rider.  Relax and enjoy the show!

Ape vs. Monster (2021)

Byrd and Matt are joined by guest host Trev (Days of Future Podcast/Failure to Franchise) to discuss the Asylum's recent b-movie blockbuster, Ape vs. Monster.  Created to cash in on this year's anticipated crossover, Godzilla vs. Kong, the film focuses on a giant ape and a giant lizard who come into contact with a space virus and grow huge.  In addition to our review, we discuss Eric Roberts, the film's truly bizarre performances, and how we see the Asylum adapting to the modern age.

Novelizing the Monsterverse With Author Greg Keyes!

Byrd is joined by Kevin Derendorf (Maser Patrol) and Justin Mullis (Man Creates Dinosaurs blog) to interview prolific author Greg Keyes!  Greg has had an extensive career as a novelist, but is most known to kaiju fans as the author of the graphic novel Godzilla: Dominion, the Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Godzilla vs Kong novelizations, and the Pacific Rim: Ascension novel.  He's also written books for Star Wars, Interstellar, Planet of the Apes, and more.  This extensive interview touches on the novelization process, adding his own story beats to adaptations, how he uses his fascination with mythology in writing for the Monsterverse, following studio rules, how his work can differ from the films, advice for young writers, and more!  Sit back and join the conversation!

War of the God Monsters (aka The Flying Monster) (1985)

Byrd, Matt and Kevin discuss the low budget South Korean kaiju oddity, War of the God Monsters!  This obscure film uses stock footage from various Tsuburaya kaiju tv shows to string together a story about global warming awakening angry dinosaurs and the perpetually angry scientist who warns the masses.  The film was virtually lost until the recent blu-ray release from SRS Cinema.  In addition to our review, we discuss the movie's origin and reputation, the pre-2000s Korean film industry, "cut and paste" film making and more.  But first, we give our first impressions of Godzilla: Singular Point so far, our thoughts on Legendary's talks for a Son of Kong film, and Byrd and Matt review the Godzilla vs. Kong "Ultimate Showdown" energy drink.  Relax and enjoy the conversation!

Into the Asylum with Ape vs. Monster Director Daniel Lusko!

Byrd and Matt are joined by director Daniel Lusko to discuss his new film Ape vs. Monster from the Asylum!  We discuss how he got started in the business, the Asylum's production model, working with extremely limited time and money, how he chooses projects, the "mockbuster" formula, Eric Roberts, taking pride in making low budget movies, and more!

Pacific Rim: The Black- Season One (2021)

Byrd, Matt and Kevin discuss Netflix's recent Pacific Rim anime series, which was released in early March of 2021.  This co-production between Legendary and Polygon Pictures takes place after the events of Pacific Rim: Uprising and follows two young siblings who encounter gangsters, kaiju, and more on a quest to find their missing parents.  How does the season stack up and why is it so difficult to review?  Listen and find out!