SciFi Japan
    Multiple Godzilla Movies Airing in September Source: Sony Movie Channel The Sony Movie Channel presents the GODZILLA SMASH-A-THON with six different Godzilla films -- and one Mothra movie -- airing on the HD cable channel in September. Godzilla movies will be shown each Saturday, with random airings throughout the month. The movies are also now available for viewing from Sony Movie Channel Video On Demand. All of the films will be shown dubbed in English, though GODZILLA VS SPACEGODZILLA and GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH will be presented in their uncut international editions rather than the edited versions previously released on Region 1 DVD. In a related note, GODZILLA VS MEGAGUIRUS (2000) and Sony`s American remake GODZILLA (1998) are playing this month on the Starz group of channels. GODZILLA SMASH-A-THON Lineup: GODZILLA VS SPACEGODZILLA (1994) Thursday, Sept 6: 10.00pm E | 7.00pm P Friday, Sept 7: 3.40am

    Hong Kong Host Largest Doraemon Exhibition Source: Harbour City press release Official Site: “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” Official Facebook Page While not well known in the west, the Japanese DORAEMON franchise has been a family favorite across Asia for decades. Introduced in December 1969 in the Doraemon manga series by the creative team Fujiko Fujio, the time-traveling robot cat has been featured in three anime TV series, the second of which ran for an amazing twenty-six years. Beginning in 1980, Toho began releasing Doraemon animated movies... thirty-two films have been released to date, with a new entry scheduled for March, 2013. In the Doraemon stories the character`s date of birth was established as September 3, 2112, meaning this year will be the start of a hundred year countdown to Doraemon`s birthday. Doraemon is tremendously popular in Hong Kong so this

    Writer Discusses His Role in Americanizing the Japanese Monster Classic Author: Allen Perkins In the early 1960s, Toho was approached by American producer John Beck, who had permission from RKO Pictures to pitch a film treatment about King Kong battling another giant monster. Seeing the concept as the perfect vehicle to revive their own monster star, Godzilla, Toho came to an agreement with Beck in which Toho would produce the movie in exchange for all Asian rights while Beck would own the film rights for all English-speaking territories. Released in Japan on August 11, 1962 as part of Toho`s 30th anniversary celebration, KING KONG VS GODZILLA (??????????, Kingu Kongu tai Gojira) was a massive hit, selling more than 11 million tickets during its initial run. In April 1963, John Beck sold his KING KONG VS GODZILLA rights to Universal Pictures, who commissioned the

    Source: Landmark Loew`s Jersey Theatre On Friday, June 8th, the Landmark Loew`s Jersey Theatre in Jersey City will screen the Toho classic MOTHRA (???, Mosura, 1961) at 8:00 pm. The movie will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles. Directed by Ishiro Honda, with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya and produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka -- the team behind the hits GODZILLA and RODAN -- MOTHRA introduced the giant monster who would quickly become one of Toho`s most famous characters, appearing in no less that thirteen movies from 1961-2004. This first film stars Frankie Sakai, Hiroshi Koizumi, Kyoko Kagawa and Jerry Ito with twins Emi and Yumi Ito as the tiny fairies, the Shobijin. MOTHRA 1961, 101 Minutes, Color, Japanese with English subtitles. June 8, 2012 8:00 pm The Landmark Loew`s Jersey Theatre 54 Journal Square Jersey City, NJ 07306 Admission Prices: $7 for Adults, $5 for Seniors

    The Fatal Game Battles have Begun Again!! Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network) Official Movie Site: kaiji-movie.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Tzeling Huang SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details and images from a Japanese movie not yet released in the United States. DEATH NOTE`s Tatsuya Fujiwara returns in KAIJI 2 (???2 ???????, Kaiji 2: Jinsei Dakkai Geemu, 2011), the sequel to the 2009 box office hit KAIJI (???????????, Kaiji Jinsei Gyakuten Geemu). Based on Nobuyuki Fukumoto`s best-selling manga series about the ultimate gambler, KAIJI 2 was distributed theatrically in Japan by Toho on November 5, 2011. The movie will makes its US premiere at AM², running June 15-17 at the Anaheim Convention Center. SciFi Japan is pleased to present a look at KAIJI 2 with press notes and images courtesy of the film`s co-producer and international sales agent, NTV...

    One of Many U.S. Film Premieres Happening this June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton! Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Official Site: am2con.org Official Movie Site: gyakutensaiban-movie.com Special Thanks to Chase Wang The ever popular ACE ATTORNEY (????, Gyakuten Saiban-2012/Mystery, Drama/Approx. 130 min) manga and video game comes alive in this live action feature film to be screened EXCLUSIVELY at this summer`s most anticipated Anime, Manga and Music event AM². Two screenings will be available -- one EXCLUSIVELY for Passport holders ONLY and the second for Passport holders preferred (with general attendees as seating permits). More info and attendee registration can be found at am2con.org. First released in 2001 for the Nintendo Game Boy, ACE ATTORNEY was ported for the DS, PC, Wii. With four games in the series, Ace Attorney has sold over 4.2 million copies worldwide. The

    New 35mm Prints of 15 Titles to Screen at IFC Center from December 16 to January 12 Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Site: gkids.tv/intheaters Special Thanks to Sara Groves, Eric Beckman and Dave Jesteadt GKIDS, a distributor of award winning animation for both adults and family audiences, is bringing a complete retrospective of films from Japan’s renowned Studio Ghibli to the IFC Center in New York (323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street) from Friday, December 16 to Thursday, January 12. The run will include US premiere theatrical engagements for several titles. Newly-struck 35mm prints of all fifteen Studio Ghibli feature films produced between 1984 and 2008 will be screened, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award winning SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, CASTLE IN THE SKY, PONYO, HOWL`S MOVING CASTLE, and KIKI`S DELIVERY SERVICE.

    Source: Barbican Centre, Sarah Harvey Publicity press release Special Thanks to Liz Parkinson The Barbican in London will be screening Akira Kurosawa`s classic THRONE OF BLOOD in June... THRONE OF BLOOD (????, Kumonosu jo) (12A) (Japan, 1957, Dir. Akira Kurosawa 109 min) + ScreenTalk with Yukio Ninagawa – Saturday 2 June, 2pm THRONE OF BLOOD is Kurosawa`s unforgettable transposition of Macbeth to the ghostly forests and grim castles of medieval Japan in the Age of Warring States. Kurosawa`s samurai Macbeth is not a strong, heroic figure, but a frightened, ambitious man who is fearful of the witches’ spell and kills to save his own blood. Laced with superb performances by Toshiro Mifune in the title role, alongside the wonderful Isuzu Yamada as Lady Macbeth, Kurosawa mixes the Japanese with the Jacobean, drawing upon the imagery of Noh in this indelible dark treasure. Even the sound of

    35mm Showing of Toho Favorite at the Plaza Theatre Author: Steve Johnson Official Site: silverscreamspookshow.com For the past five years or so, the Silver Scream Spook Show has been bringing classic horror and sci-fi films to the beautiful and historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Headed up by your Ghost Host with the Most, the fanged philanderer Professor Morte, the Silver Scream Spook Show is a 30 minute (or so) stage show featuring a creepy cast of characters, not to mention the gorgeous dancing Go Go Ghouls, followed by a classic film in all its original 35mm glory. Everyone from local artists and actors to school teachers and professional wrestlers are a part of the cast that bring to life to all sorts of rampaging monsters, ghosts and goblins. Several of the members of the show have a fondness for kaiju eiga, and

    Two Full Length POKÉMON Films Packaged as a Special 2-Disc DVD Set! Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: VIZ.com/Pokemon Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of a special POKÉMON movie double feature set, including the latest POKÉMON films, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK—VICTINI AND RESHIRAM and POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE—VICTINI AND ZEKROM. The 2-Disc DVD set is now available under the company’s VIZ KIDS imprint and carries an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $19.98 CAN. Both movies are rated ‘A’ for All Ages. When Ash and his friends enter a battle competition in Eindoak Town, they meet the Mythical Pokémon Victini, who becomes their newest friend. But disaster strikes when the misguided wanderer Damon seizes Victini for his own plans! Can Ash prove himself

    The Stakes are High at U.S. Convention Film Premiere this June 15-17 at the Anaheim Convention Center Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release Official Site: am2con.org Official Movie Site: kaiji-movie.jp Special Thanks to Chase Wang The extremely popular and highly anticipated sequel KAIJI 2 (???2, 2011) is to be screened EXCLUSIVELY at this summer’s most anticipated Anime, Manga and Music event AM². Two screenings will be available -- one EXCLUSIVELY for Passport holders ONLY and the second for Passport holders preferred (with general attendees as seating permits). Ever since first appearing in 1996 as a serial manga in Kodansha’s Young Magazine, KAIJI has amassed a cult-like following, recording book sales of over 18 million copies and leading to a box office hit film adaptation in 2009 entitled KAIJI (???????????, Kaiji Jinsei Gyakuten Geemu). More info and attendee registration can be found

    Production Details for the Studio Ghibli Animated Feature Source: Madman Entertainment Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia), disney.go.com/arrietty (US) The animated feature ARRIETTY (????????????, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) was another smash hit for Studio Ghibli, topping the Japanese box office for 2010. Based on Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers, ARRIETTY is now being released theatrically in two major English language markets; Madman Entertainment will open the film in Australian cinemas on January 12, 2012, and Walt Disney Studios will release it in North America as THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY on February 17. The following English language press notes for ARRIETTY are courtesy of Madman Entertainment... ARRIETTY A film by HIROMASA YONEBAYASHI 2010 · JAPAN · RUNNING TIME 94 MINS · 35 MM · 1:1.85 · DOLBY SR-SRD · COLOR SYNOPSIS This is a story of a family of

    Source: GKIDS Inc. press release Official Event Site: gkids.tv/intheaters Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), disney.go.com/arrietty (US) SPECIAL NYICFF EVENT - ONE SHOW ONLY! THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY Saturday, January 21, 1:00pm Symphony Space 2537 Broadway New York, NY 10001 In English Recommended for All Ages TICKETS ON SALE NOW NYICFF (New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival) is thrilled to present a special preview screening of Studio Ghibli`s THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (????????????, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010), based on Mary Norton`s classic children`s book The Borrowers. Co-written by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Miyazaki protégé Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film is a gorgeous and entertaining treat - a beautiful story, sumptuously animated with all the loving detail, warmth, and humanity we have come to expect from Studio Ghibli`s finest works. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is currently certified 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

    Discover a Secret World Within Our Own Source: Madman Entertainment Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia) The Studio Ghibli animated feature ARRIETTY (????????????, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) will open in Australian cinemas on January 12, 2012, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. Based on Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers, ARRIETTY is a story of a family of little people. Beneath the floorboards of a sprawling mansion set in a magical, overgrown garden in the suburbs of Tokyo, tiny 14-year-old Arrietty lives with her equally tiny parents. The house is occupied by two old ladies, who are absolutely unaware of the existence of their miniature tenants. Arrietty and her family live by borrowing. Everything they have, they borrow or make from the things they have borrowed. Essentials like gas, water and food. Tables, chairs, cooking utensils. And treats - a sugar cube here, a

    Anime Film Opens February 17, 2012 Source: Walt Disney Studios press release Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), disney.go.com/arrietty (US) Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (SPIRITED AWAY, PONYO) comes THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (????????????, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010), an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series The Borrowers. Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her

    World Premiere this Weekend at New York International Children’s Film Festival Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Special Thanks to Scott Lonski The English language version of the anime feature film OBLIVION ISLAND (??????? ????????, Hottarake no Shima - Haruka to Maho no Kagami, 2009) will have its world premiere this weekend at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Production I.G., the creators of GHOST IN THE SHELL, mix exquisitely detailed 2D backgrounds with modern 3D character designs in a dazzling animated adventure that plays like Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole into a world of topsy-turvy, anime dream-logic. When Haruka misplaces a hand-mirror that was a keepsake from her mother, she stumbles upon a portal to the subterranean world of Oblivion Island, a place where strange masked creatures gather up all the childhood trinkets humans abandon as they grow older, and attend Dream Theaters where they

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the home entertainment, broadcast, digital, and mobile rights to the Production I.G. full length animated film, OBLIVION ISLAND: HARUKA AND THE MAGIC MIRROR (??????? ????????, Hottarake no Shima - Haruka to Maho no Kagami, 2009). Directed and co-written by Shinsuke Sato (the GANTZ live action films), the film was nominated for the award for Excellent Animation of the Year at the 33rd Japan Academy Prize. OBLIVION ISLAND: HARUKA AND THE MAGIC MIRROR is the first full length film from Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL, KILL BILL VOL. 1) done completely in 3D computer generated animation. To separate the film from American computer animated productions, the character designs have a unique “anime” style to them while the look and feel of the animation bear a closer

    A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE GODZILLA`S ANIMATED ADVENTURES The Cast and Characters of GODZILLA: THE SERIES GODZILLA: THE SERIES – THE DEFINITIVE EPISODE GUIDE GODZILLA`S ANIMATED ADVENTURES The Making of GODZILLA: THE SERIESAuthor: Bob JohnsonSource: Sony Pictures Family EntertainmentOfficial Site: sony.com/tv/kids/godzillaSpecial thanks to Keith Aiken, Fil Barlow, Jeff Kline, Audu Paden and John Russel “The fearsome franchise continues this Fall with the debut of GODZILLA: THE SERIES. Just as Manhattan and the rest of America recover from the chaos and havoc the world’s most famous monster wreaked this Summer, a series of new catastrophes appear. Only our hero Nick Tatopoulos and his enormous new ally, Godzilla, can prevent further destruction. Riding the crest of the monstrous success of the feature film, GODZILLA: THE SERIES will build upon the huge following of the world’s favorite monster with ‘A whole

    Source: Third Window Films, Rabbit Publicity Official Movie Site: akunin.jp (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/villain (UK) Special Thanks to Adam Torel and Davide Previti VILLAIN (??, Akunin) A film by Lee Sang-il (HULA GIRLS) UK RELEASE DATE: 19 August 2011 Certificate: 15 Running time: 140 mins In Japanese with English subtitles Colour/35mm and Digital release NOMINATED for 15 Japanese Academy Awards WINNER of 5 Japanese Academy Awards including: Best Actress, Actor, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor and Music Score WINNER ‘Best Actress – Eri Fukatsu’ – Montreal Film Festival WINNER ‘Best Actor – Satoshi Tsumabuki’ – 53rd Blue Ribbon Awards WINNER ‘Best Japanese Film of 2010’ – Kinema Junpo Starring: Eri Fukatsu (THE MAGIC HOUR, BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN) Satoshi Tsumabuki (TOKYO!, VILLON`S WIFE, PANDEMIC) Hikari Mitsushima (LOVE EXPOSURE, DEATH NOTE, SAWAKO DECIDES) Masaki Okada (CONFESSIONS) With over twenty companies bidding for the film adaptation rights, and many of

    Source: Media Blasters, Inc., Golden Media Group Special Thanks to Carl Morano and Roy McAree SciFi Japan has received some news updates today that should be of interest to daikaiju fans... • Media Blasters informed us that GODZILLA VS. MEGALON is scheduled for DVD and Blu-ray on November 29, 2011. • In response to demand, the GooHead.com Internet Channel will add the original Japanese (with English subtitles) versions of the Gamera films to their lineup, beginning with GAMERA vs GYAOS (English dubbed versions are already available). All of the Gamera movies will be streamed for free. For much more information on these topics, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: GODZILLA VS MEGALON Region 1 DVD/Blu-ray Rumors False Media Blasters Discusses DVD and Blu-ray Plans for DESTROY ALL MONSTERS and GODZILLA VS MEGALON And: Gamera

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