The Kaiju Transmissions Podcast

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.

Big Man Japan (2007)

Byrd, Matt and Tom discuss the divisive kaiju satire from popular Japanese comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto.  This mockumentary follows a washed up Japanese super hero as he fights giant monsters, deals with his estranged family, and ponders his place in the world.  All the while, the film asks questions about modern Japanese cultural identity and what it means to be Japanese.  Released in 2007, this cynical character study was widely reviled by kaiju fans, yet was embraced by cinephiles and has since become a cult classic.  What side of the fence did we fall?  Listen and find out!

Nezura 1964/Nezulla the Rat Monster

We are joined once again by Tom (Final Forum podcast) and Kevin (Maser Patrol) to discuss the new film Nezura 1964!  From 3Y Films (The Great Buddha Arrival), this low budget indie is a dramatized retelling of the making (and cancelation) of Giant Horde Beast Nezura, Daiei's pre-Gamera kaiju film about giant rats.  In addition to reviewing the movie, we also talk about the actual events that inspired it.  As an added bonus, we also review the low budget indie horror film Nezulla the Rat Monster (2002), which is often (falsely) said to be inspired by the canceled Daiei project.  But first we discuss the announcement of Legendary and Apple TV+'s upcoming Godzilla series and the future of the MonsterVerse.

Relax and enjoy the show!

Rex: A Dinosaur‘s Story (1993): A KT Holiday Special

Ring in the holidays with this special episode, as we are joined by Kevin Derendorf (Maser Patrol, Kaiju For Hipsters) and Tom Gueli (Final Forum: A Dragonball Podcast) to talk about the children's holiday dinosaur film, Rex: A Dinosaur's Story.  In 1993, Kadokawa decided to cash in on the Jurassic Park craze by making this oddity about a little girl who befriends a baby T-Rex and aids in the dinosaur's escape from greedy commercial producers.  The film (directed by Kadokawa's president at the time) also features magical Ainu, a dinosaur wearing a Santa hat, KFC, snowmobile chases, food fights, and other madcap madness.  We'll discuss those things, as well as the movie's connection to cocaine smuggling (for real), special effects legend Carlo Rambaldi's dinosaurs made for the film, the dinosaur craze of the early 90s, the suspicious similarities to Toho's Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla (1993) and more!  So sit down with some egg nog and join the fun!