Seeing Gamera at Kadokawa Cinema!

As part of the ongoing Yokai/Tokusatsu Film Festival at Kadokawa Cinema in Yurakucho, I caught a screening of Gamera vs. Viras (a.k.a. Destroy All Planets, 1968) last night, as well as a screening of Gamera vs. Jiger (a.k.a. Gamera vs. Monster X, 1970) tonight. 

Last night's screening of Viras was billed as the "director's cut" of the movie, but for the life of me I couldn't notice any differences. The movie still played virtually the same, so whatever differences there were must have been fleeting.

The screening for Jiger tonight got off on the wrong foot, as the 4K projector experienced technical difficulties, delaying the start of the movie for several minutes. It's a rare treat to see Showa Gamera films on the big screen, so I was quite pleased to have such an opportunity. 

The Yokai/Tokusatsu Film Festival!

Starting July 16, Kadokawa Cinema Yurakucho is hosting the Yokai/Tokusatsu Film Festival, which, as you can probably tell, focuses on Daiei's catalog of special effects films, mostly from the Showa era. The lineup is incredible, featuring the Showa Gamera, Daimajin, Yokai, and a bevy of ghost films from the golden age of Japanese cinema.

Today, I saw the 4K restoration of 100 Monsters (1968), the first of Daiei's late-'60s Yokai trilogy. It's a fun film, and it look flawless in 4K. Suffice it to say, I'll be returning to the theater to catch more titles.

 I even picked up a couple of souvenirs from the lobby. I just hope I can find room for all this stuff!

Godzilla Photo Exhibition 1954-2019 at Yurakucho Marui!

A rocket-gun used from Godzilla Raids Again (1955) through Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972). Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Friday evening, November 2, Jacob and I attended the Godzilla Photo Exhibition 1954-2019 on the 8th floor of Yurakucho Marui, which ran from October 21 through November 4. There were many enlarged photos on display (which I'd seen before in books over the years), but what really caught my attention were the props used in various films over the years. Let's take a look at what was on hand.

A patrol car used in such films as Mothra (1961) and King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962).

The Tokaido Express train car from Godzilla (1954).

The high-powered laser-beam vehicle from Godzilla 1985 (1984), designed by Takashi Naganuma.

Naturally, I just had to pose with such cool props.

And that's a wrap!

Out and About in Ginza

The Yurkakucho Mullion Building. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

While walking around Ginza today, I took some photos of a couple of familiar locations. One was the Yurakucho Mullion Building (as seen in Godzilla 1985), and the other was the Hattori Clock Tower atop the Wako department store (as seen in Godzilla '54). Enjoy!

GODZILLA SHOW SPACE! Checking Out Godzilla's History Up Close and Personal!

With special thanks to a friend of mine who gave me a ticket to this exhibit, I made plans to view Godzilla Show Space in Yurakucho today. Unlike most other exhibits I've attended in Japan, photography was allowed in all areas. In fact, you were even allowed to touch some props from the Godzilla films! It doesn't get any fan-friendlier than that. Anyway, with all that out of the way, let's get on to the photos!