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Remastered GREEN SLIME Coming To DVD From Warner Archives

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Dread Central / Warner Archives

During my decade long career of writing about sci fi and horror movies there were always two DVD releases that fans have constantly hounded me about. One was "War of the Gargantuas", which thankfully Sony (Classic Media)released in 2008, and the other was "The Green Slime", which had surprisingly remained a no-show, that is, until now.

Warner Bros has finally seen the light and decided to give all the B movie junkies out there what they want. The film will be released through the studios "Warner Archives" service, which is similar to Amazon's "On Demand", where in the DVD won't be produced until someone orders it.

In other words, there aren't copies of "The Green Slime" sitting on a shelf somewhere, when you order it, Warner Bros presses a copy and ships it out to you. It's kinda the studio's way of saving money by not producing DVDs that are just going to sit on store shelves.

However, unlike the Amazon.com service, these DVDs will not just be DVD-R copy of some old print of the film that Warner Bros found laying around someplace. This is a brand-new, remastered, print of "The Green Slime" presented in it's original widescreen (16x9 2.35 scope) format.

From what I hear, the copy is as "pristine" as it can get.

Fans can pre-order their copy of "The Green Slime" from Warner Archives before it's official October 24th release date for only $24.99 - HERE

Here is the info:

Green Slime, The (DVD, Remastered)
Made To Order DVD

Studio: Warner Bros.
Screen Aspect: 16 X 9 LETTERBOX
Run Time: 99 minutes
Packaging Type: Amaray Case
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Synopsis:

After a perilous mission to a huge asteroid, a crew returns to its space station, unaware a bit of ooze from the asteroid clings to a crewman’s uniform. The green goop grows – into murderous, tentacled monsters. And as station members fight to live, gunk from the monsters’ wounds turns into more monsters! That’s the story. Now enjoy as our heroes fight to preserve Earth and, unintentionally, our own senses of humor with a movie that Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times called “one of the funniest made-in-Japan sci-fi monster movies ever.” Kinji Fukasaku, whose later work was championed by Quentin Tarantino, directs. The world would be a far more bleak and joyless place without marvels like The Green Slime.

See Also: The 100 Greatest Monsters From Movies And Television #91 - #100 / The Los Angeles Comic & Sci Fi Con Prepares To Get Invaded By The Green Slime / The Green Slime (1968)(Toei / MGM)

Magnet To Release South Korean Monster Flick CHAW In The US As CHAWZ

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Undead Backbrain / Collider.com / Avery Guerra

Over the past half decade film makers in South Korea have really fallen in love with good old fashioned monster movies and despite what you might think, they have produced some of the genres better films over that time span.

One of these surprisingly good monster movies is Jeong-won Shin's giant boar on the loose film, entitled "Chaw", which has flown under the radar, mostly, here in the western world.

Now, thankfully, Magnet Releasing is set to bring the film to US shores under the odd title "Chawz". If you think that the film's new Americanized title sounds a little bit too much like "Jaws" you would be correct, for the folks over at Magnet are not trying to hide the fact they want people to make the mental connection.

Here is the press release:

The Wagner Cuban Company’s Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that it has acquired North American rights to CHAWZ, a wild and funny Korean monster movie about a giant, vicious pig terrorizing an idyllic countryside. Directed by Jeong-won Shin, CHAWZ is an affectionate tribute to classing monster movies that boasts fantastically gory special effects of the porcine beast attacking innocent tourists looking to pick organic vegetables.

“If JAWS was looking to branch out to dry land, without a doubt he’d want to be CHAWZ,” said Magnet SVP Tom Quinn. “Another worthy addition to the Korean monster hall of fame and the Magnet Releasing library.”

Youngjoo Suh, CEO of Finecut comments, “I’m delighted to work again with Magnolia who did a brilliant job for the distribution of THE HOST. We very much look forward to our collaboration through CHAWZ.”

The North American deal was negotiated by Magnet’s Quinn and Peter Van Steemberg with Youngjoo Suh and Luna Kim from Finecut.

And here is another synopsis:

Shock and fear wash over the quiet, peaceful town of Sameri when ecologist (Soo Ryeon) discovers the body parts of a girl in the mountains. Officer Kim Kang Su (Uhm Tae Woong), newly transferred from Seoul, gets assigned to the case, but it soon transpires this is no ordinary homicide. Cheon Il Man (Jang Hang Seon), the victim’s grandfather, is convinced that the culprit is a giant man-eating boar, and more will be claimed if the beast isn’t taken down. Kim’s own mother has gone missing, and may have already fallen victim. All interested in capturing the boar for reasons of their own, Kim, Cheon, Soo Ryeon, opportunistic hunter Baek (Yoon Je Moon), and detective Shin (Park Hyuk Kwon) head into the dangerous wilds, but will they make it back out alive?

"Chaw" .... or "Chawz" as it were, made it's debut on this side of the Pacific this past June at the New York Asian Film Festival, where it drew very favorable reviews from the fans in attendance.

Here are some great stills from the film, that were collected by Avery Guerra:

Bigfoot Movie News - Nightbeasts Premiere Info - The Bloody Rage Comes To DVD

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Brent Thomas / James Baack / Avery Guerra

Well, the Bigfoot movie craze that exploded throughout 2009 and the early part of 2010 seems to be coming to a halt, or at least taking a breather for a bit.

It seems like all that I have been writing about lately is stories about monsters from the sea, but fear not, I do have a couple of noteworthy items from the world of Sasquatch cinema to pass along to you.

I don't know if you remember back to a October of last year when I wrote an article about a very promising Bigfoot related film project called "Nightbeasts", which was written, produced and directed by film maker Wes Sullivan.

The film was to be Sullivan's first foray into 'live-action' cinema after a very successful career as a animator on such classics as "Aladdin", "A Goofy Movie", "Pocahontas" and "Hercules" for Disney.

At the time I didn't really do much of a write-up on the film, mostly because I was literally overwhelmed with harry hominid movie stories at the time, though I though the trailer that was out for the film at the time was quite good, and I thought that the story was rather interesting.

Well, almost a year has gone by since that time, and I had pretty much forgotten about "Nightbeasts" until I received an email about it's premiere earlier this week.

Also attached to the email was a link to a brand-new trailer for "Nightbeasts", which has rekindled my interest in seeing this one.

Here is the skinney:

"Nightbeasts" stars Zach Galligan (Gremlins 1&2), Audra Wise (Nip/Tuck, Miss Cast Away) and young Chad Trager, as common everyday people who, along with a group of Native Americans, are menaced by a clan of angry Sasquatch.

I know that's not much of a synopsis, but there is no official info out there about the film, so I had to go with a 'Readers Digest" condensed summery of what is seen in both trailers.

"Nightbeasts" is set to premiere at the Arpa International Film Festival at the historic Hollywood Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood California on September 24th 2010.

At this time the website for the Egyptian doesn't reflect that festival, yet, but when it does you can find out more info - HERE

I am happy to report that James Baack's film, "The Bloody Rage of Bigfoot", is now available on DVD through Amazon.com!

As I first reported back in July, Baack was able to secure a distribution deal for his film through Cheezy Flicks Entertainment, the same company that owns the rights the Charles Pierce classic, "The Legend of Boggy Creek." Well, now that deal has bore fruit and the film has been unleashed on the unsuspecting populous.

If you have been even a casual reader of MIN for the past year-and-a-half then you should know all about "Bloody Rage", due to the fact that Baack has been feeding me exclusives about the film since it was first announced in March of 2009.

If for some reason you are either new to the site, have short-term memory loss, or ya just missed it somehow, let me some up the film this way ......um ...... Bigfoot (obviously, right?) ..... um ....... hot sadistic witches, a nutso clown ..... really cheesy special effects, blood, guts, a Godzilla/Sasquatch hybrid .... oh, and it's all in 3D!

Okay, that makes the film sound crazy right? Well, there is much more here than meets the eye. The film really is a psychological thriller that incorporates all of the elements that I mentioned above, plus, and most importantly, it's a fun film to watch.

Check out the trailer:

And buy the movie below:

A Look @ Looney Tunes Super Stars: Bugs Bunny

Warner Home Video released a couple of new DVD releases of classic cartoons this week.
The first of "Looney Tunes Super Stars" DVD collections features the iconic wabbit, Bugs Bunny, starring in 15 new-to-DVD cartoons.

There has been controversy over the fact that 10 out of 15 shorts have been cropped into Widescreen dimensions. Even though WHV clearly states on the packaging: STANDARD VERSION presented in a format preserving the aspect ratio of their original theatrical exhibition. Let it be known that animated shorts produced during the 1950's were developed to be shown on both a standard and wide theater screen since CinemaScope had been introduced and was becoming the normal size for screen ratios of feature films. Personally, I do not mind the cropped versions of the cartoons, however I wish I was given the choice to view the cartoons in wide screen since I do have a wide screen television.
I have provided screen shots of the cartoons featured in the collection to let you choose if you prefer the standard or wide screen versions of the animated shorts. I do highly recommend picking up the set in order to see all of Warner Bros classics released onto home video.
"Mutiny on the Bunny" (1950)

"Bushy Hare" (1950)

"Hare We Go" (1951)

"Foxy by Proxy" (1952)

"Hare Trimmed" (1953)

"Lumber Jack-Rabbit" (1953) (released in 3D theatrically)

"Napoleon Bunny-Part" (1956)

"Bedevilled Rabbit" (1957)

"Apes of Wrath" (1959)

"From Hare to Heir" (1960)

"Lighter than Hare" (1960)

"The Million Hare" (1963)

"Mad as a Mars Hare" (1963)

"Dr. Devil and Mr. Hare" (1964)

"False Hare" (1964) (The last Bugs Bunny cartoon from the original studio)

Yogi Bear's All-Star Comedy Christmas Caper DVD

While the first Yogi Bear holiday special from 1980 was only a direct-sale MOD from "the Warner Archive" last year, Warner Home Video is releasing the 1982 holiday reunion special as a general release on December 12th.

Read more about this upcoming release here:
http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Yogi-Bear-Yogi-Bears-All-Star-Christmas-Caper/14223

StarCrash Coming To DVD And Blu-Ray From Shout! Factory

Source: Shout! Factory (Press Release)

A couple of weeks back I broke the story that Shout! Factory was going to be releasing "StarCrash" on DVD and Blu-Ray as part of their "Roger Corman's Cult Classics" line.

From the press release below, it really looks as if the video distributor has gone all-out on this one, which shout make the fans of this cult-classic, and the ultra-sexy Caroline Monro, absolutely ecstatic.

STARCRASH

Starring Caroline Munro, David Hasselhoff, Christopher Plummer,
Joe Spinell and Marjoe Gortner

2-DISC SPECIAL-EDITION BLU-RAY™ AND DVD
Digitally Remastered and Presented in Widescreen for the First Time with a Galaxy’s Worth of Special Features!

Crashing Home Entertainment Shelves Nationwide September 14, 2010 From Shout! Factory

One of the most eagerly awaited inter-galactic science-fiction adventures, released by Roger Corman’s New World Pictures, will finally be made available for the first time to the home entertainment shelves as StarCrash, directed by Luigi Cozzi, will debut September 14, 2010 on 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD from Shout! Factory, in association with New Horizons Picture Corporation. An adventure like no other, the StarCrash 2-Disc Special Edition contains anamorphic widescreen presentation of the movie with DTS HD 5.1 surround sound (Blu-ray), a reversible cover featuring vintage art for original movie posters and a payload of bonus content including all-new interviews and commentaries with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage and much more! A must-have for loyal fans of Roger Corman and Luigi Cozzi, science fiction enthusiasts and collectors, StarCrash 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD mark the latest installments from the popular ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS home entertainment series from Shout! Factory. Each Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD is sold separately. Blu-ray is priced to own at $26.97; and DVD is available at $19.93.

Produced in Italy in the wake of Star Wars’ phenomenal success, StarCrash (also known as The Adventures of Stella Star in overseas territories) became an international blockbuster in its own right. This 1979 film became one of New World Pictures’ biggest box-office hits. Critics might have laughed, by so did audiences, who grooved to its campy humor, wildly imaginative special effects (some of them quite good!) and non-stop adventure. Where Star Wars dared not go, StarCrash went -- at warp speed!

The lasting peace of the galaxy is threatened by the diabolical and relentless Count Zarth Arn (cult icon Joe Spinell, Rocky, The Godfather and The Godfather - Part II), who is determined to take the universe for himself and make each planet his plaything, each inhabitant his slave. There is no question that the Count is evil, given his propensity for cackling at every opportunity.

Can anyone save the universe from this megalomaniacal madman? Indeed there is, and she’s quite a beauty.

Brave, bikini-clad star warrior Stella Star (Caroline Munro, The Spy Who Loved Me, At the Earth’s Core) and her co-pilot Akton (child evangelist-turned-actor Marjoe Gortner, Food of the Gods, Mausoleum) are pressed into service to thwart the evil Zarth Arn’s plot. If they succeed, galactic peace will be achieved. If they fail, the universe will fall into decay and destruction at the hands of its sadistic new overlord.

Have no fear, because Stella Star is here!

The film’s zesty, star-studded cast also includes People’s Choice Award winner David Hasselhoff (Knight Rider, Baywatch) in one of his first big-screen roles, noted screen tough guy Robert Tessier (The Longest Yard, The Cannonball Run) and legendary two-time Emmy® and Tony® Award winner, and Academy Award® nominee Christopher Plummer (The Last Station, Murder by Decree, The Sound of Music) as The Emperor.

StarCrash was written and directed by fan favorite Luigi Cozzi (AKA Lewis Coates), whose other cult masterworks include Alien Contamination (an “homage” to Alien) and the unforgettable Lou Ferrigno vehicle Hercules (an “homage” to Conan the Barbarian). The film also boasts a rousing score by five-time Academy Award® winner John Barry (Dances With Wolves, Out of Africa, 10 James Bond films).

Alas, StarCrash would prove to be the only big-screen Stella Star adventure ... but as its worldwide legion of fans will attest, it was one to remember!

STARCRASH 2-DISC SPECIAL EDITION BLU-RAY and DVD BONUS CONTENT

New Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer (1.85:1) and DTS HD 5.1 Surround Sound (Blu-ray), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (DVD)

Disc One:

• Interview with writer/director Luigi Cozzi
• StarCrash: the music of John Barry, a detailed analysis of the score by
Mars of Deadhouse Music
• 2 feature-length commentaries by StarCrash historian Stephen Romano:

Commentary 1: the history of StarCrash, the making of the film and its importance in 1970s fantastic cinema.

Commentary 2: StarCrash scene-by-scene: production trivia, anecdotes and critical analysis.

• Behind-the-scenes image gallery, featuring storyboards, art, and rare, never-before-seen photos!
• Promotional art gallery, featuring photos, posters, lobby cards and early poster designs by Drew Struzan
• Fan art gallery, featuring an exclusive look at the all-new, sexy Stella Star art from fantasy illustrator Robin Greenville Evans
• Theatrical trailer with commentary by Eli Roth from Trailersfromhell.com and an all-new exclusive trailer commentary by filmmaker/editor Joe Dante!
• TV spots and radio Spots

DISC TWO
• Interview with actress Caroline Munro (60 min.)
• 17 Deleted and alternate scenes
• The complete, original StarCrash screenplay, illustrated with original storyboards and early, full-color concept art
• Exclusive 20-minute behind-the-scenes footage reel, with commentary
• The making of the special effects of StarCrash by Armando Valcauda with exclusive, never-before-seen special-effects footage

Shout! Factory will continue to present ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. Upcoming highlights include The Slumber Party Massacre collection, The Evil, Twice Dead, The Warrior and The Sorceress, Barbarian Queen, Not of This Earth, Terror Within, Streets, Angel in Red, Lady in Red, Crazy Mama, Big Bad Mama, among others.

Independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman’s storied career ranks as one of Hollywood’s most amazing success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. In 2009 he was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award for his contribution to the medium of film.

Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, William Shatner, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Carl Franklin, Jonathan Kaplan, Bill Paxton, Dennis Hopper, Curtis Hanson, Peter Bogdanovich, John Sayles, David Carradine and Sally Kirkland.

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. With its fingers on the pulse of pop culture, Shout! Factory continues to impact the entertainment media landscape through acquisition of top quality programming for home entertainment releases. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit http://www.shoutfactory.com/

Club Tokyo: A G-collectors' Database

Above, a porcelain Godzilla figure (owned by yours truly). Is it listed at Club Tokyo?

Club Tokyo: A G-collectors' Database

by Armand Vaquer

Fans of any subject, genre or person tend to collect items associated with that particular passion. Godzilla (and kaiju) fans are no exception.

Some collect movie memorabilia such as posters, lobby cards and theater giveaways. Others will collect toys, action figures, VHS tapes, DVDs and other items.

There is one place where all Godzilla and kaiju collectors can get information on virtually all collectibles: Club Tokyo.

Club Tokyo is a website database in which all items are catalogued with a history of each item, including variants, are presented. It is overseen by Richard Cox, Mike Johnson and Bob Schneider.

Club Tokyo has been around since July 28, 1998 and it is constantly updated by Cox, Johnson and Schneider with the help from fan contributors. I've contributed a few items.

The site is broken down into different categories, such as figures, candy/capsule toys, theater exclusives, kits, prototypes, articles, paperwork, miscellaneous and reviews.

If there's been an item produced concerning Godzilla, Gamera or other kaiju, chances are it has been catalogued at Club Tokyo. If not, and you have the item, feel free to contribute the information on it!

So, if you are a collector of Godzilla and kaiju items, you will want to take a look at Club Tokyo. It is very easy to lose track of time while perusing it.

Their website is http://www.clubtokyo.org/

Monster DVD Madness! DEMEKING, GAMERA And HOUSE OF THE WOLF MAN

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Undead Backbrain / Dread Central / Amazon.com / Avery Guerra

Isn't it amazing how things always happen in 'threes'?

Here I was, about to post a quick little article about the new DVD art for Shout! Factory's upcoming Gamera releases, when I get a couple of emails from my buddy Avery Guerra about two more really cool DVDs that are set to be released later this Fall.

Not wanting to spend all day writing up a bunch of articles on these upcoming DVD releases I, like I generally do in these instances, opted to create one article that includes everything.

So here we go:

HOUSE OF THE WOLF MAN

Honestly I am a bit ashamed of the fact that, until about twenty minutes ago, I had never heard of this movie, which is a real shame because I would have loved to have written another article on it, and also because after watching the trailer (below) "House of the Wolf Man" is now on the top of my 'must have' DVD list.

Though filmed in 2009 this homage to the classic monster films from Universal, directed by Eben McGarr, has the look and feel as if it was filmed in the 1940s.

This one has it all, Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, sexy dames, and a supporting cast of creepies that look as if they honestly stepped out of Hollywood's golden age of horror.

Oh, and most importantly, the film stars Ron Chaney, the son of Lon Chaney Jr., who played the Wolf Man in many of Universal's classics and the grandson of Lon Chaney, the legendary "Man of a Thousand Faces".

Rounding out the cast are John P. McGarr, Dustin Fitzsimons, Jeremie Loncka, Sara Raftery, Cheryl Rodes and Jim Thalman

The Plot:

Five strangers are invited to a castle under the pretense that one may inherit it. Little do they know what dangers await at the House of the Wolf Man.

Sounds like "House on Haunted Hill" meets "The Ghost of Frankenstein" ........ which is a good thing.

Look for "House of the Wolf Man" on DVD September 28th from Taurus Entertainment and Ryko Video.

After watching the trailer (at the bottom of this article) you will want to order this one from Amazon.com (Below)

GAMERA VS GYOAS / GAMERA VS VIRAS and GAMERA VS GIRON / GAMERA VS JIGER

Okay, this is what I originally set out to write about this morning.

As I reported last week, Shout! Factory will be releasing both the "Gamera Vs. Guiron" / "Gamera Vs. Jiger" (2 DVD Set) and the "Gamera Vs. Gyaos" / "Gamera Vs. Viras" (2 DVD Set) on September 21st.

Since that time the cover art for both of these Gamera DVD sets had been released, so I thought you might enjoy taking a look at them.

Speaking of Shout! Factory, and Gamera, kaiju know-it-all (and my friend) August Ragone will be heading a panel about Shout's two prior DVD releases, "Gamera Vs. Barugon" and "Gamera, The Giant Monster" tomorrow at noon at the San Diego Comic Con.

Here is the skinny:

Gamera, The Invincible!— Author August Ragone (Chronicle Books' Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters) presents a visual tribute to Godzilla's No. 1 rival, the original Mutant Flying Turtle himself: Gamera! This program celebrates the first official DVD release of the original 1960s-1970s film series from Shout! Factory, with commentary on how Gamera was created and how the films were made, as well as rare, behind-the-scenes photographs and clips. Find out if Gamera is really full of turtle meat in the Q&A and win copies of Shout!'s latest release Gamera vs. Barugon -- all in one colossal presentation guaranteed to knock you right out of your shell! Room 32AB

As luck would have it, I'm going to miss that one. My family has tickets for Friday, not Thursday.

As you can already assume, Amazon already has these two available for preorder:

Gamera Vs. Gyaos / Gamera Vs. Viras [Double Feature]DVD $17.99

Gamera Vs. Guiron / Gamera Vs. Jiger [Double Feature] DVD $17.99

DEMEKING, THE SEA MONSTER

Speaking of Japanese monster movies, here is one that didn't get much press, "Demeking, The Sea Monster".

Just like how "Gappa, The Monster From a Prehistoric Planet" really came from an island, not outer space, "Demking" hails from space, not from the sea.

Isn't amazing how American distributors always get these things wrong? Don't they even watch these movies before they give them an English title?

Anyway, Cinema Epoch will be releasing this one on DVD October 12th.

Here is the plot:

Set in a dreary port town in 1970, the story revolves around a group of boys led by the older Kameoka (Kohei Kiyasu) who form their own exploration group. One day Kameoka meets a strange man named Hachiya (Takeshi Nadagi) who works at the local amusement park. Hachiya is convinced a vision of the future he experienced is real, and one day he will have to fight a giant monster called Demeking to stop it from destroying Tokyo. When the time comes, Hachiya suddenly up and leaves. However, with the guidance of a note he leaves behind, Kameoka and his friends set off on an adventure to discover the true nature of Demeking.

sounds like a 'coming of age' story, but in actuality it is about a giant alien snail that comes to Earth to slime everything up ......... which is also a good thing.

You know, Amazon, buy now ..... blah, blah, blah....

No, Really, Buy Now From Amazon!

Okay, I went a little nuts there. It's been a long morning.

Here is that "House of the Wolf Man" trailer I promised you, plus some more promo pics from the film as well. Enjoy!

Starcrash And Gamera DVD News

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Amazon.com

While researching a DVD for a loyal MIN reader, I stumbled upon three upcoming DVD releases from Shout! Factory that will be of interest to many of you.

Though Shout! has not officially announced them yet, they will be releasing "Starcrash", "Gamera Vs. Guiron" / "Gamera Vs. Jiger" (2 DVD Set) and "Gamera Vs. Gyaos" / "Gamera Vs. Viras" (2 DVD Set) this September.

Since none of these DVDs have been officially announced, there are no details to report yet.

The Gamera DVDs have a tentative release date for September 21st while "Starcrash" will be falling to Earth a week earlier on September 14th.

Each of these can be preordered through Amazon:

Starcrash (Roger Corman Cult Classics) DVD $17.99

Gamera Vs. Gyaos / Gamera Vs. Viras [Double Feature]DVD $17.99

Gamera Vs. Guiron / Gamera Vs. Jiger [Double Feature] DVD $17.99

Here is an excerpt of my review of "Starcrash":

In a galaxy of neon colored stars, two would be space pirates, Stella Star and Arkton, are forced into a quest to find a secret weapon that could destroy the ruling galactic empire. Of course there is the evil Count Zarth Arn who uses his forces to thwart the two as they search for it. Thrown into the mix are a tribe of Amazons and a missing prince who was believed dead, but turns out to be very much alive. All mixed in together with over the top laser fights and girls running around in as little clothes as possible. Hardly the kind of film that would be considered "original."

See Also: B Movie Queen Caroline Monro To Make A Special UK Appearance / Starcrash (1979)

"Destroy All Planets 2010": The Case of the Missing DVD / "Destroy All Planets 2010" Controversy - Part II / DESTROY ALL PLANETS Possible Legal Issues - My Two Cents / Fight Over "Destroy All Planets" Rights Brewing / DESTROY ALL PLANETS Gets A DVD Release While No One Was Looking / Shout! Factory To Release Gamera Vs. Barugon DVD July 6th! / A Classic Movie Monster Comic Strip - The Monsters That Devoured Canarsie / Monster Uber Geekdome- Ultraman Collages, Playing Cards & Alien vs Pooh / Shout! Factory To Release Gamera DVD / Scientists Ready To Unleash "Gamera" And Giant Cows Upon Mankind / Showa Gamera Movies To Be Released By Shout Factory / ADV Films: Rest In Peace / Ayako Fujitani Returns To The Spotlight In Michel Gondry’s Interior Design / "Gamera The Brave" Box Art / Gamera The Brave Comes To DVD December 30th!

The Essential Bugs Bunny 2-DVD set

Warner Home Video will be releasing a new 2-disc DVD set this October that will include "career-building cartoons" as well as "choice TV specials, shorts and rare appearances" of that wascally -wabbit: "Bugs Bunny".
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Bugs-Bunny-Looney-Tunes-Comedy-Hour-Essential-Bugs-Bunny/13982

THE BLOODY RAGE OF BIGFOOT - New DVD Deal And Website

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: James Baack

I just received an email from film maker James Baack stating that he has just signed a distribution deal for his film, "The Bloody Rage of Bigfoot" through Cheezy Flicks Entertainment, the same company that sells the Charles Pierce classic, "The Legend of Boggy Creek."

James didn't go into any details, except that the contract was inked on Wednesday, and that the deal would expand the availability of his Bigfoot horror movie that doubles as a psychological thriller.

In related news, Baack also passed along the news that his production company, Great Lakes Artists Group, a co-op between James, Steve Galayda, Ron Feyereisen, Tina Boivin, and his brother Paul Baack, had just launched a brand-new website. (Go Here)

Here is the info on Great Lakes Artists Group:

The Great Lakes Artists Group is an association of Chicago-area artists,
filmmakers, musicians, and writers. Founded in 2006 by noted cryptozoological
artist and painter James Baack, the group focuses on creative expressions
representing the outré and fantastic side of reality. The group has recently
celebrated a team milestone with the release of its first motion picture, the
horror comedy The Bloody Rage of Bigfoot. The enthusiastic reception the film has received from fans of the genre has inspired the group to begin planning a follow-up feature, tentatively called The Sisters of St. Tommygun. Watch this site for news of further developments!

"The Sisters of St. Tommygun" film is a new one on me, I may Baack revealed to me that his next film would be "Orgy of the Damned", (originally titled, "The Uninvited Alien Invasion"). I guess we will just have to wait and see on that one.

Along with news and information about the groups upcoming film the site is also the new home of Satantha & Loosey-Fur's House of Sin, a sub-site that features actresses Andrea Hutchison and Tina Boivin from "Bloody Rage" and the proposed "Orgy of the Damned". If you like girls with guns and girls posed on motorcycles go - HERE

I tip my hat to Baack and his comrades up in the Chicago area. I wish them continued success in their endeavors to keep pumping out their over-the-top horror movies.

DESTROY ALL PLANETS Possible Legal Issues - My Two Cents

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Little did I know that when I was writing an article on Retromedia's DVD release of "Destroy All Planets" that it was going to be like pulling the pin on a hand grenade.

And now I can't put the pin back in.

Soon after I posted my article Armand Vaquer responded with a follow-up that reported on some concerns voiced by fans on just about every monster related message board that the Retromedia release may possibly be facing a legal challenge from Kadokawa Pictures who own the rights to the Gamera film series stemming from their purchase of Daiei, the studio that produced the original film.

In the spirit of fairness, I extended an open invitation to Fred Olen Ray of Retromedia to address many of these concerns/questions with a letter or article.

As of the time of this posting, Ray has not responded to invitation, though I should point out that I gave him a vary narrow window in which he could get his response to me and it may be still forthcoming, so please don't try to read anything into that.

If it comes in, I will post it here.

I think what needs to be pointed out here is the simple fact that it is not up to us fans to try and determine if Retromedia has the legal right to sell "Destroy All Planets" on DVD or not. That is up to Kadokawa Pictures, Retromedia, and most importantly, their legal representation to hassle over.

Long story short, Ray is a businessman and Retromedia is a business and generally speaking a company the size of the DVD manufacturer doesn't try to take on a major motion picture company like Kadokawa unless they legitimately believe they are in the right. Of course, some foolishly do, and end up forking out a big hunk of money in the precess.

It doesn't make any sense from a business stand point simply because no matter how many DVDs Retromedia may sell of "Destroy All Planets" it couldn't possibly add up to the legal fees and fines they could be saddled with if they loose a lawsuit to Kadokawa.

Trust me here, if the Japanese film maker believes that Ray and Retromedia are selling something that they own the rights to, a lawsuit will be coming very quickly. These are kind of situations copyright lawyers dream about.

Ultimately the only parties that now the whole story here are Retromedia and Kadokawa.

I should point out that since the aforementioned articles went to press, I have gotten e-mails to back up Fred Olen Ray's character and his company, which echo his claims that he has done nothing wrong in this case.

That may be very well be true.

I personally have had interactions with Ray and he does seem like a straight-up guy, but that only leads to the assumption that he hasn't acted with malice in this situation.

Which he very well may not have.

When it comes down to the bare facts, either Kadokawa will challenge this release of "Destroy All Planets" or not, and if they do it will be up to court to determine who legitimately owns the copyright.

It should be noted that so far, to my knowledge, the Japanese film company has not challenged any of the prior DVD prints of the Americanized versions of any of the Gamera films, namely from Alpha Video.

Read into that as you may.

So concludes "Destroy All Planets" DVD day on Monster Island News.

To be continued........

See Also: Fight Over "Destroy All Planets" Rights Brewing / DESTROY ALL PLANETS Gets A DVD Release While No One Was Looking / Shout! Factory To Release Gamera Vs. Barugon DVD July 6th! / A Classic Movie Monster Comic Strip - The Monsters That Devoured Canarsie / Monster Uber Geekdome- Ultraman Collages, Playing Cards & Alien vs Pooh / Shout! Factory To Release Gamera DVD / Scientists Ready To Unleash "Gamera" And Giant Cows Upon Mankind / Showa Gamera Movies To Be Released By Shout Factory / ADV Films: Rest In Peace / Ayako Fujitani Returns To The Spotlight In Michel Gondry’s Interior Design / "Gamera The Brave" Box Art / Gamera The Brave Comes To DVD December 30th!