US Premiere of GAMERA THE BRAVE!

Plus the LA premiere of THE GREAT YOKAI WAR, Gamera prizes, and an introduction from Kadokawa Pictures Author: Keith Aiken Source: Kadokawa Pictures USA

Gamera comes to the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood for the US premiere of GAMERA THE BRAVE. The latest Gamera movie caps an evening devoted to Kadokawa Pictures that also includes a Q&A with a studio rep and the Los Angeles premiere of THE GREAT YOKAI WAR. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa Pictures. © 2006 Chiisaki Yusha-tachi Gamera/Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Beginning at 7:30 pm this Friday, June 30, the American Cinematheque presents “Giant Monsters On the Loose”, three days of kaiju films, premieres, and presentations at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Following the CoMix Wave/Central Park Media award-winning CG short feature NEGADON: THE MONSTER FROM MARS, the first night of the event will focus on Kadokawa Pictures. “An Evening with Kadokawa Pictures” will feature the US premiere of GAMERA THE BRAVE(Chiisaki Yusha-tachi Gamera), the launch of the US theatrical run of THE GREAT YOKAI WAR (Yokai Daisenso), an introduction and Q&A session with a rep from Kadokawa Pictures, and Gamera and Yokai prizes. In 2002, the Kadokawa Herald Publishing Company purchased the Daiei Motion Picture Company, one of the top movie studios in Japan. Daiei was merged with Kadokawa’s own film division and is now known as Kadokawa Pictures, Inc (international sales are handled by the Kadokawa Herald Pictures division). The new Kadokawa Pictures soon went to work on reviving some of the best known Kadokawa and Daiei properties… 2005 saw the release of SAMURAI COMMANDO: MISSION 1549 (Sengoku Jieitai 1549) and THE GREAT YOKAI WAR (Yokai Daisenso), GAMERA THE BRAVE followed in 2006, and a new DAIMAJIN was just announced for 2008. Media Blasters, Inc. has acquired the US rights to THE GREAT YOKAI WAR and is bringing director Takashi Miike’s fantasy epic to select American theaters this summer. “An Evening with Kadokawa Pictures” is part of the film’s bi-coastal premiere (it is also playing during Subway Cinema’s New York Asian Film Festival). Full details on the premiere and theatrical release can be found in the official press release. Media Blasters is providing a brand-new 35mm print of THE GREAT YOKAI WAR, in the original Japanese language with English subtitles.

THE GREAT YOKAI WAR will be followed by GAMERA THE BRAVE, the twelfth film starring the flying, fire-breathing turtle. The new movie marks a fresh start for the franchise by introducing a Baby Gamera who battles his first foe, an evil sea monster named Zedus. A 35mm print is not available, so Kadokawa Pictures has supplied a Digi-Beta of the film which will be shown in the original Japanese language with English subtitles. For more information on GAMERA THE BRAVE, please see the earlier report here on SciFi Japan. The double-feature will be introduced by Danielle Reardon, Creative Executive for Kadokawa Pictures. Ms Reardon will talk about the two films and upcoming Kadokawa releases, as well as answer audience questions. The American Cinematheque event marks the first time representatives from the studio will take part in an American kaiju festival. Last but not least, audience members will have a chance to win raffle prizes provided by Kadokawa Pictures. The selection includes theatrical posters for GAMERA THE BRAVE (two different styles) and THE GREAT YOKAI WAR (two different styles), as well as Gamera toys. The Egyptian Theatre is located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood CA. Ticket prices to the theater are $9.00 general, $7.00 students and seniors, and $6.00 for American Cinematheque members. Double features are two films for one ticket price. Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office, and by fax at 323-467-0163. Complete ordering instructions, parking info, and directions are available on the Egyptian Theatre website.