10th Anniversary of First Japan Trip

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Armand with the Godzilla statue in Hibiya. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Ten years ago this coming Halloween (October 31), I arrived at the United Airlines Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) terminal for my first trip to Japan. Up to that point, my only "foreign" travels consisted of automotive crossings of the Canadian and Mexican borders from the United States.

October 31 of 2001 was an uneasy time. The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were still fresh in peoples' minds. The National Guard posted armed (some say the rifles weren't loaded) guardsmen in airport terminals around the country. LAX was no exception. Security was (and still is) extremely tight at airports.

Above, Richard and Armand with Haruo Nakajima at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

But, I wasn't about to let this heightened security stop me from making my first overseas visit to another country, even though my mother really didn't want me to go. As Japan is 17 hours ahead of Los Angeles time, I arrived at Narita Airport on November 1 (the International Dateline is crossed in the mid-Pacific).

The year before, fellow G-fan Richard Pusateri took a trip to Japan to see Godzilla x Megaguirus. After hearing his tales of adventure and grand time he had upon his return, I got the urge to go to Japan myself. Luckily, I was working as a temp at a Farmers Insurance claims office and security patrol at the time, so I was able to afford a Japan trip. All I had to do was to get a U.S. Passport, plane ticket and hotel reservations. In rapid order, all were obtained.


The 2001 Tokyo International Film Festival was featuring the premiere of Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-out Attack on November 3. So, I decided to time my visit for that. As it happened, Richard was also planning to attend and we met several times at Chili My Soul in Encino to plan the trip. At least I would know somebody while there (other familiar names and faces were also there, it turned out).

Since I was writing for G-FAN at the time, I was also able to obtain a press pass for the Godzilla screening. This allowed me access to the stage for the pre-movie festivities (below).


Following the movie, Richard and I rubbed shoulders with Haruo Nakajima, Hideyo Amamoto, Shogo Tomiyama and others.

Above, Godzilla prop at Toho Studios. Mothra rests nearby on a shelf. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

I was invited to take a V.I.P. tour at Toho Studios while in Japan and was able to invite Richard along. Fortunately, 2001 wasn't 2005, when Toho began demolishing the big pool and several of their old sound stages and facilities, so we were able to see the studio as it was when Eiji Tsuburaya and Ishiro Honda were making movies. One of the things we were greatly impressed with was Toho's old snack bar. It was like stepping back 40+ years in time. Unfortunately, the snack bar is now history. We were shown the studio by Executive Producer Shogo Tomiyama, spfx director Koichi Kawakita and Shozo Watanabe of Toho International following lunch in Hibiya.

For my first visit to Japan, I decided to stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) to see what it would be like. It was an enjoyable experience (plus the room was cheaper in price). The ryokan was the Hotel Fukudaya in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo. The Tokyo International Film Festival would be screening the Godzilla movie at Orchard Hall in the Bunkamura in Shibuya, within walking distance.

Above, Godzilla entertains attendees of the film festival. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hotel Fukudaya was also a couple of blocks away from a Denny's Restaurant (it was a surprise seeing Denny's in Japan). While I like Japanese food, I prefer to have a western-style breakfast. Denny's came in handy for that.

Above, Atami, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My wanderings in Tokyo on that first trip included Ginza, Hibiya, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, the National Diet Building, Harajuku, Zojo-ji Temple, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Nakano (where I bought a few things from the Mandarake store). Outside of Tokyo, I visited Atami and some areas near Mt. Fuji. After all, I just had to include some Shinkansen (bullet train) traveling experience on the trip!

I also visited the HMV video and record store in Shibuya to see the Godzilla and Baragon filming suits from GMK on display.

One thing that was not planned was a 24-hour flu bug I caught. Thank goodness it only affected roughtly one day of the trip. Since then, I make sure I take Vitamin C tablets every day for about two weeks before a trip and continue taking them during the trip. (I have been back to Japan five more times and have not gotten sick since I started the Vitamin C regimen. This is a word to the wise!)

Above, with Shogo Tomiyama (far left) and Koichi Kawakita (far right) at Toho Studios. Photo courtesy of Richard Pusateri.

Besides the jaunts around Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Atami, I attended an after-premiere dinner party at a Chinese restaurant in Nakano that included Kenpachiro Satsuma and Hiroko Sakurai. It was interesting riding shotgun in a taxi on a rainy night as the driver zig-zagged through traffic (Japanese cars have the driver on the right, just as in England) on Tokyo's side streets to get to the dinner party.

Above, the Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This was the trip that started me on the kaiju location article series for G-FAN and, eventually, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

For me, it was a memorable trip and a highly enjoyable one. I decided then that I would re-visit Japan as often as time (and the ol' wallet) will allow. It is hard to believe that ten years has already passed since this trip. The next time I traveled to Japan was with the first G-TOUR in August 2004. I've returned there four more times (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010).

Spend Your Halloween With Sasquatch!

ANIMAL PLANET’S FINDING BIGFOOT RETURNS TO THE WOODS TO INVESTIGATE SASQUATCH’S ORIGIN IN HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

Source: Animal Planet

This fall, the Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) team from Animal Planet's FINDING BIGFOOT trudges deep into California's Redwood forest to investigate one of the most infamous and disputed pieces of Bigfoot evidence ever - the Patterson-Gimlin footage. Premiering Sunday, October 30, at 9 PM (ET/PT), the two-hour special FINDING BIGFOOT: BIRTH OF A LEGEND takes viewers to the site where the notorious footage was captured to investigate the elusive beast's existence and settle the more than 50-year-old debate originated by the tape.

Outfitted with the latest technology, including night-vision and infrared cameras, the BFRO team also scours the Redwoods to uncover additional evidence of the presence of Sasquatch. With more Bigfoot signals discovered in the Redwoods than anywhere else in North America, each broken branch or peculiar noise could mean a Squatch is lurking nearby.

Prior to the debut of the special, the BFRO team will make an appearance at this year's New York Comic Con convention. On Friday, October 14, at 6:30 PM, the entire cast -- Bobo, Cliff, Matt and Ranae - will debunk Bigfoot myths with a special sneak preview of the BIRTH OF A LEGEND special. Following the sneak peek, the team will discuss its Squatchin' experiences from the show and share years of Bigfoot knowledge and research on a panel.

In FINDING BIGFOOT, a four-person team from the BFRO -- a leading scientific research organization exploring the Bigfoot/Sasquatch mystery -- investigates Sasquatch sightings by interviewing locals, examining evidence and infiltrating the woodlands and forests in places where Bigfoot has been reported.

The History Of Dinosaur Cinema Explored In The BBC's REX APPEAL

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: BBC / Radio Times

The BBC has gone absolutely prehistoric with a new documentary about dinosaurs in the movies called "Rex Appeal". The hour-long special covers everything from "Gertie" to "Godzilla" with a collection of clips from the dino films that made all of our Saturday afternoons growing up all that more special.

Here is the scoop from the BBC:

From the beginnings of film-making to the triumph of Jurassic Park - the dinosaur has always been a movie star. Over 60 minutes, BBC4's Rex Appeal takes a bite out of the Cretaceous cinema and reveals the truth about T-Rex.

It's a story that stretches from the charming cartoon apatosaurus Gertie (1914), to the vicious and cunning velociraptors of Spielbrerg's imagination.

But it's not all teeth and trashing city centres - as our critics explain, dinosaur movies are always about more than just dinosaurs. The 'nature finds a way' DNA argument in Jurassic Park directly mirrored the arguements about GM crops in the early 90s. Godzilla - the radioactive-breathed dinosaur emerged from the seas of Japan just nine years after the nuclear attack on Hiroshima. King Kong and his dinosaur pals on Skull Island have sparked a million film school theories.

Of course, not all dino dramas are so high minded - in the Hammer film One Million Years BC, the audience were just as fascinated with Racquel Welsh's fur tops as they were with the Triceratops. Despite Hammer's claim that 'This is the way it was', the science was a little dubious- the last dinosaur died 64 million years before the first modern human appeared.

Whatever cultural anxieties dinosaurs represent, they've always been a cinematic spectacle that has thrilled audiences on a instinctual level - with each new breakthrough in special effects giving us ever more real Rex's.

Willis O'Brien gave us the legendary Kong v Rex fight that taught us to love Kong, Ray Harryhausen invented 'dinomation' and put dinosaurs and cowboys together in The Valley of Gwangi. And since the 90s - CGI has banished the man in the dino suit, and made prehistoric protagonists are more real than ever.

Contributors include film critics James King and Kim Newman, science broadcaster Adam Rutherford, comedian Susan Calman and broadcaster and film historian Matthew Sweet.

In conjunction with the broadcast of "Rex Appeal" the Radio Times in the UK has released their own list of the top 10 dinosaur films of all-time. It's a decent list but I would yank out "The Land Before Time" and insert "The Valley of Gwangi" but to each their own. You can check out the list HERE

"Rex Appeal" airs again on Sunday (October 2nd) on BBC 4

Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Go Back In The Casino! Universal Monsters Invade MONSTER JACKPOTS

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: WMS

I grabbed this little story off a press release about new slot machines that will be featured at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas next week.

Slot machine manufacturer WMS has just come out with a new game that will feature the classic Universal monsters Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman and The Creature From The Black Lagoon.

As many of you out there probably already know, I have spent many an hour in Vegas parked in front of the Creature From The Black Lagoon slot machine (photo left) dropping in my hard-earned money ....and loosing it. Regardless of my unlucky ways I always loved playing the game due to the wonderful graphics and animations. This new game promises more of the same so it would be safe to assume that when it comes out I will be dropping a twenty into it hoping that Lady Luck will finally smile on me.

Here is a brief description of Monster Jackpots from the press release:

Monster Jackpots: This new theme is the first game from WMS that features the classic Universal Studios Monsters(TM) such as Frankenstein, Dracula, Invisible Man, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Creature from the Black Lagoon and Bride of Frankenstein in unique base games and bonus rounds. In the free spin bonus round, players select their own volatility level to try to capture Monsters and win a large jackpot. (initial approvals anticipated in the June 2012 quarter)

WMS also makes a kick-ass looking Star Trek slot machine called STAR TREK Battlestations. You can check that out HERE.

THE DINOSAUR PROJECT Promises Reptiles On A Rampage

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Robert Hood / Avery Guerra / StudioCanal

Ah just what we all needed to break the mundane vibe of a Monday morning a good old-fashioned dinosaur movie!

Being hyped as “the most exciting dinosaur action movie since Jurassic Park!” is the latest project by Moonlighting Films and StudioCanal (the same folks who brought us Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz). The aptly titled "The Dinosaur Project." is presently in production under the direction of Sid Bennett (Prehistoric Park) and will feature CGI effects from the BAFTA award winning team at Jellyfish Pictures.

From the looks of it so far "The Dinosaur Project" looks a lot like a combination between "The Last Dinosaur" and "The Land that Time Forgot" which if you know your dinosaur films is a groovy combination. The script itself is very heavily inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel "The Lost World" in which dinosaurs are found to be alive and well living in a remote secluded area of South America.

Of course there has to be a modern spin on the story. This time around a film crew who is in the Congo to make a documentary about the local flora and fauna stumbles upon the "The Land that Time Forgot" and in true dino movie fashion spend the rest of the movie trying to avoid becoming a meal.

And who are the potential dinosaur snacks you may ask? Starring alongside the titanic terrors will be Natasha Loring (pictured above), Peter Brooke (Spooks, Doctor Who, The Wild West) and Matt Kane (The Cut).

According to sources "The Dinosaur Project" will be shot in the same "first person" style as "Cloverfield" and "The Blair Witch Project" so keep your motion sickness pills and barf bags at the ready.

Here is the photographic evidence that dinosaurs still inhabit the Congo:




Look for "The Dinosaur Project" to hit theaters in 2012.

"Dark Shadows" Movie Cast Photo

by Armand Vaquer



Above, is a cast photo of the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp "Dark Shadows" movie from Entertainment Weekly. It is based on the 1967-71 soap-opera that was produced by Dan Curtis.

Depp steps into the role of vampire Barnabas Collins, originally played by Jonathan Frid.

Directed by Tim Burton. Starring Johnny Depp, Chloë Grace Moretz, Helena Bonham Carter.

Above, the original "Dark Shadows" cast.

Creature From The Black Lagoon And Star Wars Figures On A Shelf ... Is It Art?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Tanya Bonakdar Gallery

Okay, I am probably the last guy on Earth that should be writing a piece about modern art. Honestly, the whole thing escapes me. All it looks like to me is stuff any five-year-old could make displayed in a way that's supposed to make some kind of statement about something thought provoking.

Case in point is a new exhibit at the Tanya Bonakdar Gallery in New York by Haim Steinbach entitled "Creature". The main inspiration for the series of works on display was a "Creature From The Black Lagoon" action figure which Steinbach turned into a piece of modern art by placing it on a long white shelf angled across the corner of a room. Does it make sense to me? No. Do I like the subject matter? Absolutely! Who doesn't like the Creature? On top of that I like alot of the stuff Steinbach has arranged on shelves, a giant Stormtrooper and a Darth Vader action figure from Star Wars, nude female sculptures and the kind of nic-nacs my mother-in-law buys at yard sales.

All fine stuff ..... stuff you would find on a shelf in just about any house in America. But, I ask you ... is it art?

Well, I guess so and after delving into this article I have come to realize that it is just Americana and pop culture simplified.

Ah alas I guess Steinbach has gotten to me.

Just When You Thought It Was Safe Here Comes NINJAS vs MONSTERS

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: The Flick Cast

I know that the whole "Ninjas vs ..." stick has been overplayed on both sides of the Pacific but today I stumbled upon this while doing my usual online stalking ........ I mean research.

"Ninjas vs Monsters" is actually, as I discovered, the third film in a series produced by independent movie maker Justin Timpane and his crew at Endlight Entertainment. The first two being, of course, Ninjas Vs. Vampires and Ninjas Vs. Zombies.

As you may have guessed "Ninjas vs Monsters" is exactly what the title implies, Japanese assassins fighting an array of classic movie monsters including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman and The Mummy.

Here is the plot:

In this final installment, the Ninjas and their friends find themselves pitted against the most evil and memorable monsters of them all- Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Werewolf, and MORE! Loaded with martial arts action, bloody horror, gun play, magic, comedy, pop-culture references, and a tightly woven twist-filled plot, NINJAS VS MONSTERS looks to be the biggest and best film in the trilogy.

Overall the film reminds me a little too much of Jesse Cook's "Monster Brawl" and about a dozen films made in Japan over the past half-decade, but Timpane got my attention with their promo video for Kickstarter:



Yes, they got a girl to take her top off ...... and that's a classy way to promote a movie!

No, honestly the guys look like they're having fun with the project which should translate into a fun film that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Dynamite Announces The Return Of VOLTRON To Comics

Source: Dynamite Entertainment

This December, the pop culture phenomenon known as Voltron is returning to a comic book store near you! Under a series of amazing covers by master painter Alex Ross, and written by Dynamite's own up and coming writer Brandon Thomas, the series is destined to be a sure fire hit! Dynamite will present all new adventures of the classic robot super-hero! Originally released in 1984, Voltron: Defender of the Universe quickly skyrocketed to be the number one children's program in the United States. Merchandising rapidly followed and more than 100 different Voltron products were on shelves around the world.

"Voltron is one of the most well-known cartoons of all-time," says Dynamite President Nick Barrucci. "Classic Media and World Events Productions are working with a wide-range of licensing partners to ensure Voltron's success. With the upcoming cartoon and a feature film in the works, now is the perfect time to launch a Voltron comic book for a new era, which will feature amazing Alex Ross covers! Our acquisition of this incredible brand is another step in Dynamite's exciting growth and builds on the ongoing success of our line."

"I grew up loving the big robots from Japan," says legendary artist Alex Ross. "And Voltron is one of the coolest-looking of them!"

Voltron featured a team of five young pilots commanding five robot lions which could be combined to form Voltron. In an undefined future era, the Voltron Force was in charge of protecting the planet Arus (ruled by Princess Allura) from the evil King Zarkon (from planet Doom), his son Lotor, and the witch Haggar, who would create huge Robeasts to terrorize the people of Arus.

"We've been given a lot of latitude by our partners at Classic Media and World Events," said Dynamite Editor Joe Rybandt. "Nothing is off the table and if you've followed our releases featuring pop culture icons, you know that we take the best and add the new and create something unique and special on its own. Expect no different from Voltron."

Founded in 1982 to meet the ever-growing need for the development of quality television entertainment, World Events Productions has continued to be a leader in technological innovation and programming excellence ever since. Headquartered in St. Louis, WEP has been on the cutting-edge of top quality entertainment production and international distribution.

World Events' more recent program, Voltron: The Third Dimension, was the first full 3D CGI series produced solely in the United States. However, classic Lion Force Voltron remains the general favorite among fans. And fans have much more to look forward to in the future as the Voltron Universe continues to expand.

Stay tuned for more news on Voltron!

Autumn Discount of Monster Japan Travel Guide Begins Today

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Miki Hayashi with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan." Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The special autumn 20% discount of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan starts today.

From today to October 10 (which is Japan's Sports and Fitness Day), the travel guide tailored to Japanese monster movie fans is available at 20% off the cover price. That's a $3.00 savings per copy!

Autumn is a great time of the year to visit Japan.

For details on getting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, go here.

Giant Robot Fans Unite! MORAV Needs A Kickstart

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources : Fon Davis / Todd D'Amario

For the past three years I have been talking off-and-on about an amazing giant robot series called M.O.R.A.V. ((Multi-Operational Robotic Armored Vehicle) which has been a pet project of Hollywood effects master Fon Davis. The series has been a true passion for Davis along with a team of movie and television effects veterans who have devoted hours of spare time and money to create a unique sci fi showcase that is heavily inspired by the Japanese anime classics, "Patlabor" and "Macross".

As is the case with any effects heavy project both time and money have been issues that have plagued "M.O.R.A.V." since its conception, yet Davis and company believe in their vision and have kept the giant mechs marching over most obstacles in their path.

Now three years down the pike Davis is so close to his goal of getting a pilot episode that he can shop to networks completed he can taste it. All he needs is another 40 grand and the episode can be completed.

Like many projects I have talked about in the past Davis has created a "Kickstarter" page where fans can donate what they can to help raise the needed funds to move forward.

Now I understand that one cool photo (above) and my word isn't going to cut it. You need a little more before you open up your check book. I got ya. Check out the clip and the synopsis below:



The story begins with the robot pilots and their peers testing and training then follows them through their struggles with the hardships of war. The audience witnesses the start of a global arms race to build the greatest giant robot army in the world. MORAV covers many decades chronicling the characters through a coup de'tat followed by a civil war that eventually leads to World War Three. The viewer will actually get to see the entire historic saga of robot warfare through the eyes of the men and women immersed in this reality.

If you like robot science fiction, MORAV could be what you've always wanted to see but no one has done. This kind of gritty realism is uncommon in the robot science fiction genre. The show is heavily focused on keeping stories character based and making the environment tangible. There is an effort to bring the audience into a world where robots really walk the streets. The robots in this series do not jump, fly, and shoot lasers out of their eyes. They are designed the way giant robots would be if they were real.

The Nation of Kumala. Divided into two separate states, they have endured an uneasy peace for hundreds of years, but now they find themselves embroiled in a bloody conflict that pits East and West at each other’s throats for control of the entire country.

Across the Jilta Straits lies her sister country of Tangri Island. A peaceful nation with a rich blend of traditional Asian heritage and Western-influenced modernisms and, not unlike any other paradise on Earth, there are those who wish to exploit her and take what she has to offer, no matter what the cost.

As tensions evolve into all-out war, heroes from both Tangri and Kumala unite with a corporate peacekeeping detachment of the Joint Nations Defense force in an attempt to prevent the onslaught of genocide. If they fail, the conflict could destroy Kumala and threaten not only the stability of Tangri Island, but engulf the remainder of South-East Asia into a global war.
But even as Tangri’s King deploys his historic special forces team, The Dragon Army, in an attempt to help subdue the ethnic cleansing in Kumala, the JND is secretly testing a new and devastatingly powerful robotic super-weapon on their peaceful island, one that will ravage Tangri’s future before the King’s forces have time to react.

Lines will be drawn, friendships tested, alliances forged, and the balance of military might will be forever changed by a weapon the likes of which no one has ever seen or imagined.

Do I have you now? Go to Kickstarter - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/morav/morav-missions-live-action-series-pilot?ref=emai

Actor Adds To PACIFIC RIM Hype With Monster Comments

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Bloody Disgusting

The thought of a movie where giant monsters fighting giant robots is a concept that will get even the casual fanboy (or fangirl for that matter) all worked up. Raised on the works of Honda, Tanaka and Tsuburaya the giant monster genre is something that most of us view as something sacred and something to be savored like a fine aged wine.

Yes, I just compared Godzilla and Ultraman movies to fine aged wine.

Anyway back to my thoughts. As of late giant monster and giant robot flicks have come back into favor with new Godzilla, Robotech and Shogun Warriors films in the works as we speak. Another such film is Guillermo del Toro's "Pacific Rim" a film that will feature both big beasts and big bots to combat them. With del Toro's ability to create some really memorable monster genre films the project sounds like a slam-dunk. Add to that the film makers bold statements about the project and you have monster hype of monstrous proportions.

Now adding to the frenzy comes new statements from "Rim" star Charlie Day who obviously has bought into del Toro's game plan and is jazzed to be a part of the monster mayhem.

Day recently told Bloody Disgusting, "What's always exciting about Guillermo del Toro is that's justifiable excitement because he's a really unique and talented director.

"It's nice to see people who have such strong, creative and playful visions to get to make want they want to make.

"I'll tell you, it's a monster movie of massive scale.

"I don't know what to expect, I'm just looking forward to being one of Guillermo's creations."

"He's made some bold statements and I'm not going to sit here and back them up," he said.

"I don't doubt he has the ability to make something truly terrifying based on previous body of work.

"I'm not sure what's in Guillermo's mind and there's a lot that could be left to creative interpretation.

"It will be frightening, but I think it's also his goal to make it fun.

"It will be something we haven't seen in a world that's completely new."

Interesting statements for sure. Though giant monster movies are always fun they are hardly ever terrifying , aside from the original "Godzilla", so it will be interesting to see how del Toro approaches "Pacific Rim".

Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film

Source: EMP Museum

EMP Museum announced the opening of its new exhibition Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film which takes an in-depth exploration into horror, its link to humanity, and how that connection is expressed through cinema, biology, history, and contemporary culture. EMP invited some of the world’s most prolific horror film directors – Roger Corman, John Landis, and Eli Roth – to curate a selection of their favorite films that exemplify the genre and illustrate the creative power of horror film. Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film opens October 2, 2011 at EMP.

"Audiences have been fascinated with horror stories for centuries, but its presence in popular culture is now more pervasive than ever," says EMP’s Senior Curator, Jacob McMurray. "This exhibition will examine how horror film has evolved over the last century, why we as a culture are drawn to these macabre narratives, and how fear and horror are a vital component to our human identity."

Through a combination of artifacts, interactive installations, and screening rooms, Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film explores films from the last 100 years, and is a balance between classics and cult favorites, and domestic and foreign motion pictures. They include: Nosferatu (1922), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Les Diaboliques (1955), Rosemary’s Baby (1968), Suspiria (1972), The Exorcist (1973), Psycho (1973), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Alien (1979), The Shining (1980), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), The Fly (1986), The Thing (1982), and many others.

The exhibition will feature a selection of iconic artifacts from horror films including:
•Alien creature suit from Alien
•Scavenger demon from Constantine
•Jack Torrance’s axe from The Shining
•"Gill Man" mask from Creature from the Black Lagoon
•Bram Stoker’s Dracula manuscript
•Script from Night of the Living Dead

Interactive installations include:

Scream Booth: In a soundproof booth, visitors will watch a scene from a horror film and are encouraged to scream on cue. A camera takes multiple shots, which are displayed outside the booth.

Horror Soundscapes: Visitors will be able to explore basic music elements and scoring techniques used in horror film to enhance the sense of suspense and horror.

Monster Timeline: A large infographic explores the popular monster archetypes in horror, why they persist into our modern times, and why they resonate.

Shadow Monsters: An installation by visual artist Philip Worthington where visitors can see their projected shadows and watch them morph into monster-like forms.

HOURS
Winter hours September 6, 2011 - May 24, 2012, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Summer hours May 27, 2011 to September 5, 2011, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

CONTACT INFO
325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
206-770-2700, main line
206-770-2702, box office
1-877-EMP-SFM1, toll-free
www.empmuseum.org

Production Begins On 2011 DOCTOR WHO Christmas Special

Source: BBC

Production has started on the 2011 Doctor Who Christmas Special in which the Doctor (Matt Smith) finds himself in war-torn England embarking on a magical and mysterious adventure with a young widow and her two children.

A stellar guest cast including Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), Bill Bailey (Black Books), Arabella Weir (The Fast Show) and Alexander Armstrong (Armstrong & Miller), join Matt Smith in the emotional festive special, packed full of Christmas thrills and chills.

Steven Moffat, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, commented: "The Doctor at Christmas – nothing is more fun to write. Maybe because it's so his kind of day – everything's bright and shiny, everybody's having a laugh, and nobody minds if you wear a really stupid hat. Of all the Doctors, Matt Smith's is the one that was born for this time of year – so it's the best news possible that he's heading back down the chimney."

The special, set during the Second World War, sees Madge Arwell and her two children, Lily and Cyril, evacuated to a draughty old house in Dorset, where the caretaker is a mysterious young man in a bow tie, and a big blue parcel is waiting for them under the tree. They are about to enter a magical new world and learn that a Time Lord never forgets his debts.

Claire Skinner said: "I am thrilled to be in Doctor Who playing Madge who is a bit of super-mum. It's a magical part."

This marks Matt Smith's second outing as the Doctor at Christmas time and will follow hot on the heels of the successful 2011 series, currently airing on BBC One until October.

The Christmas Special was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama and Danny Cohen, Controller BBC One. Steven Moffat is Lead Writer and Executive Producer with Piers Wenger and Caroline Skinner, also executive producing.

Filming on the Christmas special will continue until mid-October 2011.

Fox's FRANKENSTEIN To Be Told From Ygor's Perspective

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Reelz Channel

Back in June I noted that Fox had put a new "Frankenstein" movie into high gear in hopes of beating out about a dozen other studios working on a similar project to the box office. In hopes of getting a leg up on the competition Fox hired screenwriter Max Landis to pen the story. At that time there were no details on just how the writer was going to approach such a project that had been done over and over again by so many different entities.

Now it seems that Landis has found his niche, Frankenstein as seen from Ygor's (Dr. Frankenstein's assistant .... as if you didn't know) perspective.

Landis explains," I was having an argument with my friend about when Ygor first appeared in the Frankenstein mythology. The argument got more and more intense. He was convinced that Ygor was in the Universal film. I told him that was a hunchback named Fritz. He didn't believe me and so I did some research. I read the original book. In the original book [Frankenstein is] not a doctor, he's a college dropout. The whole book is spent in fear, fleeing from a smart monster. It's exactly like the Mary Shelley's Frankenstein movie.

Then I was like, "Where's Ygor?"

So I went to the Hammer horror films. First, I watched all of the Hammer horrors, all of the Peter Cushings, all of these different Frankensteins, and there's brilliant stuff in there. Some of which, I was like, "Wait a minute. This is part of the zeitgeist Frankenstein myth. They think this is stuff from the 1930s movie."

So I was like, "Where's Ygor?"

So I watched all of the original Frankensteins, all of the Universal Frankensteins. I found Ygor. He's in the third Frankenstein film. He's a broke-neck blacksmith played by Bela Lugosi, who manipulates the monster for his own means. He's not a hunchback and he's not Frankenstein's assistant. But that can't be right! Everyone knows Frankenstein's assistant is Ygor. ... I began to pick apart our knowledge of Frankenstein and discovered that the public's idea of [the Frankenstein] myth comes from a million different places. ... I became committed to recontexturizing it all so that it all works in one story. Yeah, it's a period piece. Yes, it's from Ygor's perspective. But, man it's cool."

Now if only Fox could resurrect Bela Lugosi to play the part .... now that would be cool!

Horror Channel To Bring Hammer Classics To The UK In Time For Halloween

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Brutal As Hell / Ben Bussey

The Horror Channel in the UK has just acquired five classic horror films from the famed Hammer Film Productions. These new additions to the channel's library of scary features will not be sitting on the shelf, no indeed the network has queued them up in a series of Saturday features leading up to Halloween.

Is there a better way to spend your Saturday night than watching Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and a parade of sexy British damsels?

I thought not.

Here is a list of the movies with air dates courtesy of our friends at Brutal As Hell:

Scars of Dracula (1970), 1st October, 11.10pm – One of Christopher Lee’s last Dracula films, in which his reluctance to reprise the role is painfully apparent. It’s an incoherent mess, and a poor representation of the usually reliable Lee and his late director Roy Ward Baker. But it does star a young Dennis Waterman, which immediately gives it novelty value for British viewers at least.

Frankenstein Created Woman (1967), 8th October, 11.10pm – From one of Hammer’s weakest to one of their absolute best, famously one of Martin Scorcese’s favourite films. Cushing returns as the immoral genius Frankenstein, who revives a vengeful spirit in a female body. In spite of its hammy title it’s actually very smart and sophisticated, and in some respects feels like an early example of a rape revenge film.

Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb (1971), 15th October, 11.10pm – Been a while since I’ve seen this one, and must admit it’s not too clear in my memory, but I do vividly recall Valerie Leon’s performance. Can’t think why…

The Plague of the Zombies (1966), 22nd October, 11.10pm - not unlike Frankenstein Created Woman, this is another of Hammer’s most socially conscious horrors, with a heavy class war subtext. It stands apart as something unique within the studio’s filmography, and a reminder of how zombies used to be before that Romero fellow showed up. You can read my full review here.

The Reptile (1966), 29th October, 11.10pm – another one I don’t remember that well, aside from the iconic image of the titular monster. I see from the press release that it was shot back to back with The Plague of the Zombies.

It should also be noted that Horror will also be airing episodes of the TV series "Hammer's House of Horror" before each movie.

Sounds like a bloody good time eh!

A Movie That Never Was - GODZILLA 1980

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Wilmington Morning Star (Saturday August 25, 1979) / Associated Press

An archived newspaper article from 1979 has just become available through Google that reveals some information about a proposed Godzilla movie that was to be released in conjunction with the monsters 25th birthday. If you know your G history you probably already know that Toho played around with two different ideas for a Godzilla movie to be released in 1980, one being "Godzilla vs Bagan" and the other entitled "The Resurrection of Godzilla." It is the second film for which I believe this article is referring to.

Check this out:

Godzilla Returning As Nuclear Hero
Associated Press

TOKYO - Godzilla, the Japanese movie monster who first stomped across movie screens 25 years ago as a film argument against the A-bomb will make a comeback next year as the hero of a nuclear power plant accident.

Born in the south seas as a result of U.S. atomic-bomb testing, and a veteran in the fight against the powers of evil, the prehistoric monster will reappear after a six-year absence, apparently a confirmed good guy.

"It will be a serious film, just like the first movie, which was a reaction to uncontrolled atomic bomb testing in the atmosphere," Tomoyuki Tanaka, president of the Toho Motion Picture Co. said in an interview Friday.

"We are in the middle of script writing. The Japanese are now fearful of the future much as at the time of the 1954 film," said Tanaka, creator of the series of 15 movies starring a giant flying prehistoric monster that tore up commuter trains and kicked its way through oil refineries.

The monster's 25th birthday was celebrated in July in New York and this month in Tokyo with a screening of all 15 films. Tanaka said the new film is a response to renewed popular interest in Godzilla. About 60,000 people saw the film revival in Tokyo.

Godzilla toys brought in $4.5 million for makers in the past four years and books and other memorabilia are also said to be selling well after a lapse.

Ishiro Honda, director of 10 of the 15 movies said, "We went downhill in the last five or six pictures. The First film was pacifistic in intent."

Tanaka said European critics saw Godzilla as a Japanese reaction to the atom bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States during World War II. "I think that appraisal is correct. Godzilla shows the Japanese attitude toward the atom," he said. The monster turned friendly in later films, and in one epic warded off monsters from outer space.

In the first film, a monster emerges from the depths of the South Pacific after U.S. atom bomb testing in the Bikini atoll.

In the American version, Raymond Burr, later to be known as Perry Mason and Ironside, played the part of an American reporter investigating the appearance of a monster in Japan. Burr's investigating activities were shot in Hollywood and spliced into the Japanese film.

The first film featured major Japanese actors but the later, cheaper films used mostly lesser-known younger talent. "Godzilla is hard act to follow," said director Honda.

There was even a Godzilla film that dealt with the dangers of industrial pollution, which are very serious in Japan. Another monster called Hedora, from the Japanese word "hedoro" meaning industrial sludge, rose from polluted Japanese seas and engulfed everything in its path.

Has Conclusive Proof Of The Existence Of Bigfoot Been Found?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Sylvanic Bigfoot Group / Calgary Sun

So far the evidence for the existence of Bigfoot has been very extensive yet very inconclusive. There are literally hundreds of plaster casts of footprints, blurry photographs, videos taken at extreme range and DNA evidence that either turns out to be a bear or from an unknown source.

Though you could pile up all the evidence and it would reach to the moon none of it is proof positive that a giant race or harry primates live in North America.

In regards to the photos and videos of Sasquatch (as the creature is known in Canada) the images are just to vague. They could be of a monster or just some nut running around in a costume. You just can't tell for sure.

Well that may be about to change according to the Sylvanic Bigfoot Group based out of Alberta (Canada). According to the group's spokesman Todd Standing the researchers have several videos and photographs of a family of Bigfoot and they are in HD. Not the usual blurry images we are used to, no crisp clear images that show very crisp details (see above).

The Calgary Sun has the story:

If nothing else, the news is bound to make big strides with the Banff tourism industry.

No longer will Alberta’s best-known mountain park depend solely on breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife to impress visitors and lure overseas tourists.

And no more envy towards other famous vacation spots like Loch Ness and Lake Okanagan, where legendary creatures are rumoured to lurk.

Banff now has Bigfoot. Lots and lots of Bigfoots, in fact.

Yes, it’s an allegation that would have Ripley wondering whether to Believe it or Not, and P.T. Barnum reaching for his cheque book, but the mountains west of Calgary are a hotbed for the huge-footed primates.

That’s the assertion of a dedicated bigfoot research organization based near Calgary, which claims not only to have video and photo evidence of the mythical beast, but DNA proof as well.

“When I first started, I was a skeptic, but not anymore — now I’m a wholehearted believer in the species,” said Todd Standing, spokesman for the Sylvanic Bigfoot group.

Standing’s allegations of a Bigfoot colony living near the border of Banff and Kootenay national park will raise many eyebrows, but his evidence has piqued the interest of the Discovery Channel.

This week, crews from “Finding Bigfoot,” a hit show on Discovery’s Animal Planet channel, are filming in the Calgary area, and Standing says the upcoming episode will be centred upon Sylvanic’s discoveries.

“We’ve had exceptional results and we’re working with people doing DNA analysis,” said Standing.

He says preliminary results from hair samples sent in for testing suggest an unknown species of primate, while video and photographs suggest a creature larger than a gorilla, with human-like features.

Of course, it’s that latter evidence that’s bound to have the skeptics taking sasquatch-sized swipes at Standing, particularly the photographs he says are proof of Bigfoot.

Paranormal footage, as a rule, is supposed to be grainy, badly-focused and jittery, as if the camera was assembled by Fisher-Price and mounted to the bumper of a gravel truck.

Not Sylvanic: Standing boasts a collection of sharp video clips and crisp photographs of Bigfoot, showing far, far more than the usual hirsute primate dashing behind the nearest bush.

Instead of blur, we get full-face portraits of the creature, peering from behind trees.

“I’ve had multiple interactions with them, and I’ve filmed them and photographed them on many occasions,” said Standing.

“It’s a real, living breathing animal, which I got within 60 or 70 yards of.”

What the producers of Finding Bigfoot make of all this remains to be seen, as their quartet of sasquatchologists examines the Alberta evidence to see if it’s on solid footing.

The show has gone across North America investigating sightings of the creature, with the network “committed to looking for the Bigfoot until it’s found.”

Standing says he has — though he knows his belief in Bigfoot and the proof he produces from the Banff backwoods opens him to mockery, derision and the suggestion he should sober up.

But he accepts the skeptism, because he originally joined the Sylvanic team with the intent of disproving the ancient story of an ape-like creature hiding in the wilderness of North America.

“I thought it was a combination of hoaxes and mistaken identities, and I wanted to prove it wasn’t true,” said Standing.

Now, he says Bigfoot is a fact — and with weeks, he hopes to have the DNA evidence to prove it.

“We hope to have results by October,” said Standing.

If that’s the case, tourism officials in Banff will surely be thrilled. As it is, they welcome the attention of the popular television show, saying any link with Bigfoot is a bonus for visitors.

“Anything interesting that attracts people is a good thing — it seems like some harmless fun,” said Mary Morrison, spokeswoman for Banff Lake Louise Tourism.

“I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a Bigfoot?”

EMERALD LAGOON - Creature Homage Or Sequel?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Robert Hood / Bobby Bragg / Avery Guerra

Indie film maker Bobby Bragg has spent his summer down in the swamps filming "Emerald Lagoon" a movie that is part "Boggy Creek" part "Swamp Thing" and a whole lot "Creature from the Black Lagoon." In fact the film is so heavily inspired by the 1954 Universal classic directed by Jack Arnold that it is really hard to determine if it is just an homage or an indirect sequel? On that point Bragg isn't saying much or for that matter in any hurry to reveal the appearance of the monster who resides in Emerald Lagoon. Though he has alluded to the fact that the monster may indeed look very much like the iconic "Gill-man" from the original Creature trilogy. One dead giveaway is the original title of the film "The Creature in the Black Lagoon" which obviously reveals Bragg's intent.

Of course Universal may have had something to say about that and undoubtedly Bragg would have gotten a few letters from some attorneys.

Though the original Creature films were strictly horror films in Emerald Lagoon Bragg has added bits of comedy and is actually marketing the movie as a "family adventure".

Here is the plot:

When micro scientist, Dr Connors and his assistant Libby Myers are discovered missing from the small everglades community of Emerald Lagoon, Libby's father becomes concerned and tries to find Roland, a local fishing guide to search for her... But the errant guide is currently in the doghouse with his wife, Alyssa, who has discovered that he has been anything but faithful. Local law enforcement, Sheriff Blackburn, is not taking the disappearance of the two seriously, and Roland is more concerned about getting his family back than looking for Libby. When Myers, frustrated on both fronts, decides to undertake a search on his own, he quickly discovers that the swamp is a scary and dangerous place. He retreats to approach Roland with another offer. Luckily Alyssa feels sympathy for Myers and urges Roland to help the desperate father. Roland and Alyssa's young daughter Sophie, upset with her parents over the breakup, wanders into the swamp. A suspicious creature from the muck lurks in the waters of Emerald Lagoon, and patiently waits as Sophie treks deeper into the jungle...

Here is the trailer and some photos from Emerald Lagoon:

Korean 3D Monster Epic SECTOR 7 Comes Ashore In The US

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Sector 7 Press Kit / Sector 7 Blog / Gorezone / Avery Guerra

Way back in 2009 I wrote a small article about another ambitious monster movie coming out of Korea called "Sector 7". The film which stars the very fetching Ha Ji-Won, was directed by Yoon Je-Gyun and is very heavily inspired by such classic monster movies as "The Thing", "Alien" and "It: The Terror From Beyond Space" kinda disappeared off the radar until it showed up for a special screening in LA earlier this month. The film has gained a lot of positive reviews from that screening and now the LA based branch of the Korean distributor CJ E&M Pictures is set to unleash the film across America in limited release.

Here is the info on the film from CJ E&M's press material:

The Eclipse is an offshore drilling rig stationed at Sector 7, where the crew spend their days searching for oil, but something else awaits that is deadlier than they can imagine. A desperate struggle against the unknown enemy in Sector 7 begins…the open sea offers no place to hide.

Something awaits 8,000 feet under the sea off the southern tip of Jeju Island.

The Eclipse is the offshore drilling rig stationed at Sector 7, a mining area in the vast open sea located off the southern tip of Jeju Island. The oil drilling excavations end in failure and headquarters gives the order to withdraw.

Captain Jeong-man is sent to oversee the crew’s withdrawal from the Eclipse. However, Hae-jun, the equipment manager (played by Ha Ji-won), is adamantly opposed to the headquarters’ order, as she is certain that oil will be discovered in Sector 7. Motivated by Hae-jun’s conviction of finding oil, the Captain suggests conducting one last drilling exercise.

While Hae-jun and the crew are fully engaged in their final attempt, they lose communication with headquarters, and the crew is overwhelmed by the disconcerting feeling that something is out there. As bodies begin disappearing one by one, the few surviving need to think fast and fight for their lives in a non-stop battle against the mutant monster from the sea. Survival looks unlikely, but Hae-jun and the crew are determined to take any chance to get out of Sector 7 alive.

Sector 7 is a classic monster movie that will keep you entertained to the very end

A special preview screening of Sector 7 in Los Angeles brought in a full house of viewers, anxious to see what happens to the crew on board the Eclipse. With a ton of action sequences and a monster that can withstand almost any assault, the audience was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film. It’s “Jaws meets The Host” said one, as the indomitable creature of the deep comes to terrorize the family-like crew stationed on Sector 7.

Having a similar premise to Bong Joon-ho’s , this film takes the monster movie a step forward with its realistic 3-D effects and campy monster feel, which proved to be pure entertainment for all. For those who enjoy sci-fi and monster flicks, it is a “definite must-see” said fans of the genre.

With a, “Really cool monster, some comedic moments, great action and special effects,” it’s a Korean film that strays from the norm and will keep you interested in finding out what is in store for the ill-fated crew on board.

Korea’s first 3-D action blockbuster created with original technology

After Bong Joon-ho’s monster in The Host appeared out of the Han River to terrorize the people of Seoul and a huge tsunami struck Haeundae Beach in Busan in Yoon Je-kyun’s Haeudae , Korean audiences were hit with a new generation of computer graphic films.

Sector 7makes the next technological leap with 3-D production and advanced CG technology, all of which was handled by Korea’s own MOPAC Studio, collaborating once again with producer Yoon Je-kyun’s crew—the same crew that successfully handled the effects work on .

MOPAC Studio was onboard throughout Sector 7's entire production process—from pre-visualization, to the interior and exterior modeling of the rig, and to the design of the monster. All effects work was managed and created by MOPAC Studios.

3-D production was planned from the beginning. Sector 7 contains a high ratio of green screen filming, but was not completely composited in the case of the monster. A high proportion of the entire screen had to be embodied in CG. The method of using both actual 3-D shooting and 2-D conversion to maximize cost optimization was taken, as was the case with James Cameron’s Avatar. The skilled handcraft work and raised level of detail on the finished product allayed any concerns about 2-D conversion.

Audiences experience a highly finished level of 3-D effects that are thrilling yet naturally entwined with the story.

Unrivalled female warrior Ha Ji-won is Korea’s Angelina Jolie

Ha Ji-won has always been a fighter and a strong spirited woman in most of her films. Performing various roles like a boxer throwing hard punches for the championship belt, a detective of the Joseon period elegantly brandishing a sword, a geisha dangling men’s hearts on a string, and a stunt woman who leaves the scent of lavender in her wake. In every role, she has left a lasting impression with her irreplaceable presence and obvious athletic skills.

One might even say that Sector 7 was possible only because of the existence of a star like Ha Ji-won. Even though Korea has no shortage of talented actresses, not too many are able to believably go head to head against a monster on an oil drilling rig in the middle of the ocean. Her strong willed desires to find oil on the Sector 7 is also carried through as she does everything in her power to survive against the overpowering mutated sea creature.

But even with her adept physical skills and experience, Ha Ji-won had to train long and hard to prepare for the demands of Sector 7 , a movie filled with grueling action. Her regimen included 8 hours of swimming and weight training each day, so she could be ready for the wire action fight sequences against a CG animated monster. In addition to the physical training, she obtained scuba and motorcycle certifications in order to understand the job and mindset of a deep-sea equipment manager.

Taking on dangerous and physical action scenes without the use of a stunt double, Ha Ji-won’s performance in Sector 7 has established the actress as Korea’s peerless action heroine and brings a thrilling experience to audiences. With Ha Ji-Won at the center,Sector 7 provides a fresh and compelling new take on the sci-fi/action hero.

Top notch cast in Sector 7: Ahn Sung-ki, Oh Ji-ho, Park Chul-min, Song Sae-byuk, Cha Ye-ryeon are aboard the Eclipse

In addition to Ha Ji-won, the charismatic female warrior, actors that represent the best of the Korean film industry are also aboard the Eclipse.

Ahn Sung-ki, often referred to as the pillar of the Korean film industry, took on the role of the veteran captain Jeong-man who is most knowledgeable of the Sector 7 oil rig and its history. His character is just as brave and determined as Hae-jun, as he too stands firm behind the oil excavation efforts. Ahn Sung-ki shows as much strength and effort as his younger co-stars, fighting against the monster in a number of physical action sequences.

Oh Ji-ho, who radiates heartthrob charm, has the role of oil analyst Kim Dong-su, which showcases the actor’s prime conditioning as well as a great sense of humor.

There are is also a great supporting cast: Lee Han-wee as Mun-hyeok, the medic; equipment manager Sang-gu is played by Park Chul-min; welder Jong-yun is played by Song Sae-byuk; and finally, the coy ecologist Hyeon-jeong is played by Cha Ae-ryun. Many of the actors were unfamiliar with acting in front of a green screen and against imaginary characters, however, absolute trust in director Kim Ji-hoon and the production staff made each performance possible.

A forgotten exploration site becomes the scene of life-or-death battles

Sector 7 is an actual exploratory area located on the continental shelf between Jeju Island and Japan’s Kyushu Islands. Oil production on Sector 7 seemed like a realistic goal in the past, as it was believed to hold massive oil and natural gas reserves that would dwarf those in Saudi Arabia. This inspired dreams of Korea becoming an oil-producing nation. Being an extremely promising site, Sector 7 was also a hot potato in Korean/Japanese diplomatic relations in the 1970’s. Now, the existence of Sector 7 is as faint as a fantasy, and is reborn in this film as a battlefield of desperation—the ideal setting for this movie.

Sector 7’s status as an actual location adds a dose of reality to the storyline. But, the isolated and mysterious location also provides the perfect setting for the imagination of a monstrous creature lurking in the long forgotten oil rig.

With no place to hide, the crew members fight in a desperate attempt to survive with heart-stopping action sequences and monster gore, resulting in pure theatrical fun.

100% Korean made Sea Monster – The intricate process behind the creature

MOPAC Studios created a monster that has never been imaginable to any audience. Their main concept behind the creature was to eliminate any pre-visualized movie monsters and create a completely unique living organism. Inspiration for the creature came from seafood. From a sea squirt to different varieties of fish, the creators of the monster went through numerous iterations by combining many sea like characteristics. The creature was also given a full life cycle, starting from a simple tadpole that has transparent and luminous flesh, but tough enough to ward off any bullet.

There are a total of 12 developmental stages, which allow viewers to follow the complete metamorphosis of the monster. Starting out as a slimy sea creature, the monster grows to massive proportions and becomes frighteningly resilient as the film progresses.

US Release Dates:

9/16/11
AMC Cherry Hill 24 (Philadelphia)
AMC Hoffman 22 (DC)
AMC Rio 18 (DC)
AMC Grapevine Mills (Dallas)
AMC Empire (New York)
AMC Ridgefield Park (New Jersey)
AMC Colonial 18 (Atlanta)
AMC Niles 12 (Chicago)

10/14/11 Consolidated Ward (Hawaii)

Sector 7 Trailer:



Sector 7 Photos:

The New Trailer For CHILLERAMA Is Great Grindhouse Fun!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Chillerama.com

In 2007 Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez paid homage to the underground movies that they grew up watching in the 1970s with "Grindhouse" (Planet Terror / Death Proof) which featured two films within a film and a bunch of great fake movie trailers. Now four years later four movie makers, Adam Green, Adam Rifkin, Joe Lynch and Tim Sullivan, have upped the ante with four, count em, four intentionally cheesy flicks that will make even the casual exploitation and B movie nerd pop a stiffy. The film (actually four films) entitled "Chillerama" has everything a movie should have including Nazis, blood, guts, vampires, boobs and a giant sperm.

Yes, I said giant sperm.

Here is the skinny:

It's the closing night at the last drive-in theater in America and Cecil B. Kaufman (Hatchet's Richard Riehle) has planned the ultimate marathon of lost film prints to unleash upon his faithful cinephile patrons. Four films so rare that they have never been exhibited publicly on American soil until this very night! What could possibly go wrong?

In the spirit of classic anthology films like Creepshow and Twilight Zone: The Movie and containing films that not only celebrate the golden age of drive-in B horror shlock but also span over four decades of cinema, CHILLERAMA offers something for every bad taste. With titles like Wadzilla, I Was a Teenage Werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein, and Zom-B-Movie and featuring appearances by Joel David Moore (Avatar), Lin Shaye (Insidious), Ray Wise (X-Men: First Class), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight) and more cameos than you can count, CHILLERAMA is sure to have you screaming for more. From the depraved minds of Adam Rifkin (Detroit Rock City), Tim Sullivan (2001 Maniacs), Adam Green (Frozen), and Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2).

Here is the trailer:



Isn't that awesome!

"Chillerama" is set to begin screening across the country starting later this month. Here is a list of dates and venues:

9/15:

Los Angeles — Premiere at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Win tickets here:

FEARnet
Bloody-Disgusting
Dread Central
Shock Till You Drop

9/17:

Chicago — Midway Drive-In (Dusk til Dawn event)
Special Guest Appearances by Directors Adam Rifkin and Tim Sullivan, and actor Anton Troy

Tickets & Info

9/23-9/24:

New York — Village East Cinemas (Midnights)
Tickets & Info

9/30:

Dallas — Magnolia Theatre (Midnight)
Tickets & Info

Houston — River Oaks Theatre (Midnight)
Tickets & Info

10/7:

Philadelphia — Ritz 5 (Midnight)
Tickets & Info

Seattle — Varsity (Midnight)
Tickets & Info


Denver — Mile High Horror Fest (Date TBD)
Tickets & Info

10/14:

Washington DC — E Street Cinema (Midnight)
Tickets & Info

Atlanta — Midtown Art Cinema (Midnight)
Tickets & Info

10/14-10/16:

Telluride — Telluride Horror Show (Date TBD)
Tickets & Info

10/21:

San Francisco — Clay Theatre (Midnight)
Tickets & Info

10/23:

Knoxville — Knoxville Horror Film Fest
Tickets & Info


10/29:

Phoenix — Royale (Midnight)
Tickets & Info