The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

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!

Monster Hunter (2020)

Byrd and Matt are joined by frequent guest host Trev (Days of Future Podcast and Failure to Franchise), as well as independent game developer Alex Rushdy (13AM Games) to unpack the recent film, Monster Hunter directed by Paul WS Anderson.  This Sony/Toho/Tencent/Constantin Films co-production (yes, there's that many studios involved) based on Capcom's hit video game series landed exclusively in theaters with little fanfare at an unfortunate height for the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition to our review, Alex gives us a history of the Monster Hunter game franchise, we discuss early versions of the script, the controversy over a removed scene, melted chocolate, and more!  Listen and enjoy the show!

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) Spoiler Review

Byrd and Matt are joined by frequent guests Tom and Trev to unpack the recent cross over film, Godzilla vs. Kong.  We give our review, as well as discuss the film's long road to completion, director Adam Wingard, cut subplots, and the future of the MonsterVerse.  So how did the rematch nearly 60 years in the making fare?  Listen and find out!

Bonus Episode: Godzilla vs. Kong Snack Review with the KT Family!

Byrd and Matt conduct a taste test experiment with their children and significant others to review recent Godzilla vs. Kong tie in food.  Byrd is joined by Kim and Julia, and Matt is joined by Sara and Landon to review FYE's exclusive Ultimate Showdown Titan 1lb Milk Chocolate bar, the Kong Banana Crunch milk chocolate bar, the Godzilla Fiery Chipotle dark chocolate bar, and the Godzilla heat ray hot sauce.  How did these snacks fare with our better halves and small children?  Did the podcast erupt into complete chaos?  Listen and find out!