The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

Yong(g)ary Double Feature

Join us as we dive into the history of South Korea's premiere giant monster, Yongary!  We start by looking at the 1967 film Yongary, Monster from the Deep, which was an attempt at cashing in on the international success of the Godzilla and Gamera films.  We talk about the long, complicated history of South Korean cinema and the country's complicated relationship with Japan, and how those factors influenced the film.  We then get into the 1999/2001 reboot Yonggary (aka Reptilian), including its notoriously troubled production history, aborted sequels, and its um... interesting director, Shim Hyung-Rae.  This is a wild one, folks.  Relax and join the conversation!

The Men Who Made Ultraman (1989)

Byrd, Matt and Kevin are back to discuss this made for TV drama recounting the creation of the original Ultraman series.  It follows a young director named Heichan (a standin for real life director Akio Jissogi) who finds himself fighting for his creative freedom while making the hit television series.  So how much did they get right in this dramatic retelling?  Listen and find out!

The Magic Serpent (1966) + G-Fest 2022 Recap

We are joined by frequent guest host Kevin Derendorf and special guest Justin Mullis to take a deep dive into Toei's 1966 fantasy/kaiju mash-up The Magic Serpent!  Since the film is an adaptation of the folk tale of Jiraiya, we discuss the origins and history of the character as well.  Byrd and Kevin also recap the highlights of this year's G-Fest convention including the panels, the guests, the films shown, and more!  But first we have some news, including the latest on the Monsterverse and the trailer for the Thai kaiju film The Lake.  

Ultraseven X (2007)

Byrd, Matt and guest host Kevin (of Maser Patrol) discuss the 20th entry in the long running Ultraman franchise, 2007's Ultraseven X!  Produced by Takeshi Yagi for the 40th anniversary of the original Ultraseven, this series brought a more adult spin on the franchise to a "late night tokusatsu" television time slot.  The more character driven show wasn't afraid to venture into more heady science fiction territory.  So how did this more mature Ultra series fare?  Listen and find out!  But first, in keeping with the theme of all things Ultra, we have the latest news and updates on all things Shin Ultraman, including the announcement of prospective sequels.  Relax and enjoy the show!

Jurassic World Dominion (2022) Spoiler Discussion

Byrd, Matt and Tom unpack the latest entry in the Jurassic Park series, the brand new Jurassic World Dominion.  This time, the three leads of the original Jurassic Park reunite to take on dinosaurs with the cast of the recent Jurassic World films.  We talk dino fight clubs, chases through Italy, underground dinosaur selling, and giant locusts (?).  Our in depth discussion of the movie leads to a larger discussion on modern blockbuster film making and how movie franchises have changed over the last 10-20 years.  So how does this anticipated sequel stack up?  Sit back and find out!

Godziban: Seasons 1 & 2 (2019-2020)

Byrd, Matt and Kevin talk about Toho's web puppet show, Godziban!  Godziban is a YouTube puppet show created by Toho and puppetry troupe Studio Koganemushi (after they were winners in Toho's Gemstone talent scouting contest).  The show follows three young Godzilla brothers, Godzilla-kun, Minilla, and Little as they practice to be great monsters and have adventures running into the likes of King Ghidorah, Baragon, Rodan, Angilas, Ebirah, Mothra and other Toho monsters.  We review the first two seasons of the show as well as cover Studio Koganemushi's history in the kaiju genre.  We also talk about Toho's Gigan suit crowdfunding campaign failing and the plans for Legendary to open a theme park in France with Godzilla and Kong attractions.  Listen and enjoy!

Pacific Rim: The Black (Season 2)

Byrd, Matt, and guest host Kevin review the second and final season of Netflix's anime series Pacific Rim: The Black.  We review the show as well as discuss the wait between seasons, and how the Pacific Rim franchise should move forward after this.  But first we talk about the new Godzilla and Kong/Call of Duty game crossover and we give our tribute to recently deceased actor Hiroyuki Watanabe.  Relax and enjoy the discussion!

Ultraman Ace (1972-1973)

We are joined by Jared Foust (Xenofauna) and Connor Anderson (Easterman's Kaiju Kompendium) for an extensive deep dive into Ultraman Ace.  The firth entry in the Ultra series brought in some changes, like recurring alien villains and the idea of two Ultraman hosts.  Although some of these ideas didn't last, Ultraman Ace brought a wackier sensibility to the franchise.  We'll talk about the highs and lows of the series, the change in approach that it took, the crazy monster designs and more!  Relax and join the conversation.

Zillafoot (2019/2021)

We are joined again by guest host Trev (Days of Future Podcast, Failure to Franchise) to discuss the recent micro budgeted Zillafoot.  This backyard indie about a giant lizard/ape hybrid was originally released in 2019, but was re-released in 2021 after adding crowd sourced scenes from podcasters, YouTubers, and others in the kaiju fandom. We also discuss the nature of modern b-movie film making and what it means to make a low budget film without being cynical. There's references to numerous kaiju films, Ultraman, and more, but does Zillafoot overcome its ultra low budget limitations?  Listen and find out.  But first, we talk about Toho's baffling relationship with fans on social media including their bizarre Godzilla twitter account and their recent crowd funding attempt for a new Gigan suit.  Check it out!

100 Shot, 100 Killed: Tribute to Akira Takarada

Matt, Byrd and Tom pay tribute to the prolific actor Akira Takarada, who passed away recently at the age of 87.  We discuss Takarada's vast career in acting, voiceover, and activism.  Our main topic is two spy spoofs Takarada starred in, 1965's Ironfinger (aka 100 Shot, 100 Killed), and 1967's Golden Eyes (aka Booted Babe, Busted Boss).  Directed by Jun Fukuda, these action comedies are stacked with many of the major Toho actors of the time and also have strong ties to the Godzilla franchise (especially Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster).  Both films are streaming on the Criterion Channel in the United States.  Are these underseen movies worth tracking down?  Listen and find out!  But first, we have a news roundup with our predictions on possible upcoming Godzilla and King Kong movies.