The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

Beware the Blob!

First up for our October horror series this year, Byrd, Matt and Tom discuss everyone's favorite hungry glob of goo, the Blob!  We discuss the original 1958 indie sensation, its completely bonkers 1972 sequel Beware the Blob, and the gore drenched 1988 remake from Chuck Russel and Frank Darabont.  We discuss the history of all three films, the real life inspiration for the Blob, and the canceled Blob films that almost were (including remakes from Rob Zombie, Joe Lynch and Simon West).  Enjoy the conversation!

Legend of Dinosaurs & Monster Birds (1977) with John LeMay! (Commentary)

Byrd and Matt are joined by author John LeMay (The Lost Films, Kong Unmade) for a special audio commentary for Toei's 1977 oddity, Legend of Dinosaurs & Monster Birds.  Inspired by the success of Jaws and a recent upswing in sea monster sightings around the globe, the film was touted as one of the most expensive Japanese productions ever made, only to become widely regarded as one of the absolute worst Japanese monster films ever made.  Join us as we watch the film and grill John on being an uber fan of this film, as well as discuss its inception, fun trivia factoids, and more!

Unmade King Kong Films with John LeMay!

Byrd and Matt are joined again by author John LeMay to discuss his new book, Kong Unmade.  The book covers the proposed/canceled King Kong films, including Universal's Legend of King Kong, Willis O'Brien's King Kong vs. Frankenstein, the original screenplays for the original 1933 film and Peter Jackson's remake, and less discussed projects suc has Abbott and Costello Meet King Kong, Funimation's animated Kid Kong, Mario Bava's Baby Kong, and more!  Byrd also contributed an essay for the book that covers the early career of Willis O'Brien and the making of 1925's "proto-Kong" film The Lost World!  Join us as we chat about all of the above and more!

Godzilla's Revenge 50th Anniversary Retrospective w/ Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski (Live at G-Fest 2019)

At this panel from G-Fest 2019, Ishiro Honda biographers Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski (authors of Ishiro Honda: A Life In Film) took a look at the making of Godzilla's Revenge.  The authors offer a critical examination of Ishiro Honda's most misunderstood entry in the Godzilla franchise.  Topics discussed include the origin of the film, Ishiro Honda's direction, the cast, special effects sequences, and more.  Enjoy!

Thanks to Ed and Steve for allowing us to release this audio and to Christopher Marti for recording it.

Dawn of the Monsters with 13AM Games and Seismic Toys!

Byrd and Matt are joined by special guests, game creator Alex Rushdy (of 13 AM Games and Seismic toys) and Chris Oglio (of Seismic toys) to discuss the upcoming independent kaiju video game, Dawn of the Monsters, and its accompanying vinyl figure.  We talk about what goes into creating an independent video game that can get wide distribution, the monsters and gameplay, and what it takes to start an independent toy company and get a figure made, and their plans for the future.  Kick back and enjoy!

Bandai and Tsuburaya w/ Kevin Derendorf and RJ Axen (Live Panel at G-Fest 2019)

At G-Fest 2019, Matt was joined by blogger/author Kevin Derendorf (Maser Patrol, Kaiju For Hipsters) and toy reviewer RJ Axen (BoatsCanFly on YouTube) for a panel discussion about the history between Bandai and Tsuburaya Productions, and how this relationship has affected the Ultraman franchise in recent years.  Enjoy!

KT Live at G-Fest 2019: 30 Years of Godzilla vs. Biollante!

At G-Fest 2019, Byrd and Matt were joined for by authors John LeMay (The Lost Films, Kong Unmade) and Kevin Derendorf (Kaiju for Hipsters, Maser Patrol blog) for a live episode dedicated to Godzilla vs. Biollante!  We take an in-depth look at the 1989 classic, including unused scripts, the making of the film, the manga adaptation, and more!  Relax and enjoy!

Kaiju Crescendo! Concert Reflections with John DeSentis and Erik Homenick

Byrd, Matt, and Tom are joined by returning guests composer John DeSentis and Akira Ifukube biographer Erik Homenick to discuss and reflect on the Kaiju Crescendo concert that took place this past July at G-Fest 2019. The concert featured music by Akira Ifukube and Masaru Sato, as well as Michiro Oshima performing her own Godzilla music in her first ever live performance (including new Godzilla music written for the event). We talk about what it takes to organize an event like this, working closely with Michiru Oshima, music selection, creating the suites, and Godzilla fighting serpents in Lake Michigan, as well as insights into these three iconic composers and their creative methods. We also discuss the piano concert held at G-Fest by Patrick Godon and Ifukube student Reiko Yamada, and what went into that event. Enjoy!

The Lake Michigan Monster with Director Ryland Brickson Cole Tews

Tom interviews director Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, director/star of the upcoming micro-budget monster indie, the Lake Michigan Monster!  The movie recently won the audience award for Best International Feature at the Fantasia Film Festival, and played to an enthusiastic audience at G-Fest 2019.  The two discuss Tews' roots, his inspirations, the problems with improv, creature design, having a film on the festival circuit, how he managed to make a 50s style monster movie for $7,000, and a crazy pitch for Road House 2 (in space)!.  Enjoy!

Please check out Lake Michigan Monster on Facebook or follow Ryland Tews on Instagram for upcoming distribution details and to see if the film will be playing at a fest near you!

Festivals, Fanzines and more with Bob Johnson!

Byrd and Matt are joined by special guest Bob Johnson (SciFi Japan, Planet 8 Podcast, GodzillaFest) to discuss a variety of topics including the pre-internet days of kaiju reporting, Russ Tamblyn, the birth and demise of Markalite magazine, clueless Ultraman directors, doing Godzilla DVD commentaries, forming SciFi Japan, a Mothra cast reunion, malfunctioning Ultra suits, and planning GodzillaFest, the largest theatrical Godzilla movie marathon in the country!

GodzillaFest 2019 will be held on August 23-25th at the Balboa theater in San Francisco, CA.  Tickets can be purchased at https://www.cinemasf.com/balboa/godzilla-fest/