New Photos And DVD Release Info For “Deep Sea Monster Raiga"

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: J-Film2009 / JETRO-USA / Taito International Comedy Film Festival / Starchild /Raiga Blog / Avery Guerra

It has been almost a year since Shinpei Hayashiya's film, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", made it's debut at the “Tokusatsu Kaiju Tengoku” (SFX Monster Heaven) film festival in Tokyo last June. Since that time, things have been very, very, quite, with no new reports coming out of the "Raiga" camp.

That is, until today.

Indeed, it has just been announced that the film will, finally, be released on DVD, in Japan, on August 25th.

Here is the scoop:

...... Global Warming is the catalyst for unleashing giant monsters on Japan. The melting of the southern polar ice causes a disruption in Earth's ecosystem that causes the migration of the monsters to the island nation.

The largest of the sea monsters is a beast called "Raiga", which unleashes it's "Inconvenient Truth" on Tokyo just like Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra and Rodan have numerous times.

Reportedly, there are four different monsters in the film, "Raiga", and three others. You can get a look at one of them in the photos below.

Here are the film's details from the DVD:

“SHINKAIJÛ RAIGA” (2009)
English Title: RAIGA, the Monster from the Deep Sea
Genre: Sci-fi
Format: Digital Betacam / 85min / Color
Year of Production: 2009
[Theatrical] Release Date (Japan): June 27, 2009
Production Company: Crossroad
Director: Shinpei Hayashiya
Producers: Atsuko Iwai
Screenplay: Shinpei Hayashiya
Director of Photography: Toshiharu Nakagawa
Music: Keiichiro Kitazono
Main Cast: Yukijiro Hotaru, Miyu Oriyama

Also in conjunction with this upcoming release of "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", now being called, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea", three new English language synopsis have surfaced, and several new photos have been released.

First, here are the synopsis:

Set 60 years after the events from the previous film “Deep Sea Monster Reigo”, the threat of global warming is causing the southern polar ice-cap to slowly melt. Because of this, the ecosystem is disturbed and sea monsters are heading to Japan. [As] if things couldn’t get any worse, a huge sea monster by the name of Raiga arrives at Asakusa and begins its path of destruction on the town. (J-Film2009)

A monster from the deep-sea attacks again! This time in Asakusa, where many temples attract visitors from not only Japan, but also all over the world, the sparkling thunder brings a gigantic monster from the deep-sea with deadly fangs. It will burn Asakusa to ground. (JETRO-USA)

The second theatrical film directed by Shinpei Hayashiya, a rakugo master (comic storyteller). Raiga, the evolved version of the deep-sea aquatic dinosaur “Reigo” from his first film Deep Sea Monster Reigo, runs rampant in the town of Asakusa! …

It has been over six decades since the battle of Deep Sea Monster Reigo and Battleship Yamato. As global warming worsens, throwing the ecosystem off balance, a disaster approaches Japan. A mysterious, massive creature emerges from the nearby ocean and a fishing boat encounters an ominous deep-sea creature in Tokyo Bay. Then a giant monster “Raiga” lands in Asakusa, Tokyo! The Taito Guard is called out at the request of the government, and a cut-throat battle beyond all imagination begins… (Taito International Comedy Film Festival)

Just like in Minoru Kawasaki's 2008 film, "Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit!", "Raiga" is part monster movie, part comedy, that lampoons the giant monster genre, while also paying a respectful homage to it.

I was actually half tempted to add, 'music video' to that description, due to the fact that director Shinpei Hayashiya spent almost as much time promoting the singing careers of his three young leading ladies, Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu, as he did for his monster movie.

For those of you who don't know, "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep Sea" is actually a sequel to Hayashiya's 2005 film, "Deep Sea Monster Reigo", which was set during World War II and told the story Japanese battleship Yamato and it's confrontation with a giant monster in the remote Pacific.

As you have probably gathered, the events in "Raiga" take place in modern times.

No word yet on any possible DVD release for "Raiga, The Monster From The Deep" here in America.

Here is the website for the Japanese DVD - http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/raiga/

Here are the photos, plus the films trailer, now with English subtitles:

See Also: New Photos And Interviews From The Premiere Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Are There Four Monsters In Deep Sea Monster Raiga? / The First Music Single From Deep Sea Monster Raiga To Be Released June 27th / New Deep Sea Monster Raiga Photos And PR Events / The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

New Photos And Interviews From The Premiere Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Deep Sea Monster Raiga Website / Forest Plus

Many Japanese monster movie fans that have been following my reports on on Shinpei Hayashiya's latest film, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", know that the film made it's world premiere this past Saturday at the “Tokusatsu Kaiju Tengoku” (SFX Monster Heaven) film festival. The premiere was the main event of the all-night festival that also featured a screening of Hayashiya's "Deep Sea Monster Reigo", Masaaki Tezuka‘s, "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.", and Keita Amemiya‘s film "Zeiram.

According to Hayashiya's blog, the film was well received and the people who were in attendance laughed at the right parts.

After the screening, there was a Q&A session with the directors of the four featured films. Again, this was reportedly a very light-hearted event, with all three film makers taking jovial punches at their own films and their counterparts films as well.

Overall the director left the event feeling that everyone had a great time.

In conjunction with the film's upcoming release, director Hayashiya was just interviewed by the Japanese website, Forest Plus. The interview is hard to follow when translated into English, but highlights include a story about how the filming of some of "Raigs's" pyrotechnic effects brought out the local fire department, and how Hayashiya believed Japanese monster films had become 'mundane' and that he hoped his films would inject the genre with new life.

Here are the photos from this weekend's events:

See Also: Are There Four Monsters In Deep Sea Monster Raiga? / The First Music Single From Deep Sea Monster Raiga To Be Released June 27th / New Deep Sea Monster Raiga Photos And PR Events / The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Are There Four Monsters In Deep Sea Monster Raiga?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Deep Sea Monster Raiga Website / Avery Guerra

So far we have only seen the image of one monster from director Shinpei Hayashiya's latest film, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" , but in a blog post yesterday the film maker revealed that there are actually four monsters in the film. The above image, which was posted along with the blog article shows two of the monsters face to face.

This should come as no surprise to readers of Monster Island News, remember this except from an article I posted last December?:

...... Global Warming is the catalyst for unleashing giant monsters on Japan. The melting of the southern polar ice causes a disruption in Earth's ecosystem that causes the migration of the monsters to the island nation.

The largest of the sea monsters is a beast called "Raiga", which unleashes it's "Inconvenient Truth" on Tokyo just like Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra and Rodan have numerous times.

Don't feel bad if you didn't, I actually had to go back and double check it myself.

So far the images and trailer from the film made it look like there was only one Raiga monster, when what we were really seeing was several different monsters shown separately.

It's good to actually see the monster getting some press instead of the singing trio of Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu.

I guess they would have to promote the monster from the film eventually. I was beginning to think that "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" was the kaiju version of "Xanadu."

Maybe it still is?

See Also: The First Music Single From Deep Sea Monster Raiga To Be Released June 27th / New Deep Sea Monster Raiga Photos And PR Events / The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

The First Music Single From Deep Sea Monster Raiga To Be Released June 27th

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Deep Sea Monster Raiga Website

On the very same day that "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" makes it's world premiere, June 27th, the very first single from the films soundtrack, entitled "Round Punch of Love" (English Translation) will also be released. The song which is sung by the film's young starlets, Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu, was written by "Raiga" director Shinpei Hayashiya. Fans have already got a sampling of the tune from the film's trailer, which surprisingly looked very much like a music video, at least the first half of it does. The Japanese media was treated to a live performance of the song at a special screening of "Raiga" last week.

Fans will have to wait until August 7th to purchase the whole soundtrack which will feature five songs by Manami, Mao and Miyu. Director Hayashia has written another song for the release, entitled "I Slip Tears."

I think its kinda funny that "Raig's" three singing female stars are getting more press than the monster. It is a monster movie isn't it? I mean, its getting hard to tell.

See Also: New Deep Sea Monster Raiga Photos And PR Events / The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

New Deep Sea Monster Raiga Photos And PR Events

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Deep Sea Monster Raiga Website / Avery Guerra

With the world premiere of "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" looming just a little over a week away, director Shinpei Hayashiya and his cast have begun making appearances on several different Japanese media outlets to promote the film.

On May 28th the director and his monster made their first appearance on Japanese television. On the morning talk show, "But the ease with Mashou Takashi Taro" (That's the English translation), Hayashiya hammed it up with the shows hosts and showed clips from the film, including a musical performance by actresses Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu. Along with his monster the director also brought along some of the miniature monster figures that are featured in the film as well.

On June 11th "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" was screened for the Japanese press. Members from every facet of media were invited to the event. Of course the presentation also featured musical numbers from the films three young starlet's, all wearing monster Raiga t-shirts.

It seems that Hayashiya is as interested in turning Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu into pop-stars as he is promoting his monster movie.

The film has also been mentioned in several Japanese publications including "Newtype Magazine."

As mentioned before the fim will debut on June 27, 2009 at Ikebukuro’s Shin-Bungeiza theater as part of an all-night film event called “Tokusatsu Kaiju Tengoku” (SFX Monster Heaven). The event will not only feature the premiere of "Raiga" but also Masaaki Tezuka‘s, "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.", and Keita Amemiya‘s film "Zeiram". After the premiere there is to be a 40 minute presentation by the cast and crew.

See Also: The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga / Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

The New Trailer And Photos For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Quiet Earth / Official Deep Sea Monster Raiga Website / Avery Guerra

It has been months since we last reported on the Japanese monster film, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga." Here is what's been happening. The production has been plodding along in preparation for the films debut on June 27, 2009 at Ikebukuro’s Shin-Bungeiza theater as part of an all-night film event called “Tokusatsu Kaiju Tengoku” (SFX Monster Heaven). The event will not only feature the premiere of "Raiga" but also Masaaki Tezuka‘s, "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.", and Keita Amemiya‘s film "Zeiram". After the premiere there is to be a 40 minute presentation by the cast and crew.

In preparation for the world premiere, the fist full-length trailer for "Deep Sea monster Raiga" has risen out of Tokyo Bay for all you Kaiju maniacs to enjoy.

I want to warn you, the clip starts out looking like a "Puffy Ami Yumi" video, featuring the vocal talents of the films three young leading ladies, Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu. Don't be fooled, the clip may start out like a J-Pop music video, but that only lasts about half a minute. The giant monster action comes directly after. Also don't be fooled by the monster, the head of Raiga may look exactly like the millennium Godzilla, but its an entirely different monster......really.

We have also included a bunch of movie stills for you to sink your teeth into (trailer after the photos):

The "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" Trailer:



See Also: Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth / New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Deep Sea Monster Raiga - A Tale Of Toys And Teeth

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Deep Sea Monster Raiga Website

Wonder what the toys for "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" will look like. Well, probably like this little baby (above photo). Fans shouldn't start searching e-bay just yet. This little guy is a prop from the film created by the effects department.

Directer, Shinpei Hayashiya, was very hesitant to release this image of a Raiga toy, fearing that he would be bombarded by fans who wanted one.

In all honesty toys based on the film aren't even in the planning stages yet.

What lovely teeth you have! Looks like Raiga has the cleanest teeth of any monster I have ever seen.

This photo comes from an upcoming feature in the latest issue of "Newtype" magazine which will hit the stands in Japan February 1st.

The article marks the first 'color' feature on the upcoming film. Last month "Newtype" did a black and white spread on the design of the monster.

Directer Hayashiya promises that some secrets about the film will be revealed in the article, so fans in Japan will be able to learn a lot more about the "mysteries" surrounding Raiga.

See Also: New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga / The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

New Photos From The Set Of Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Deep Sea Monster Raiga Website

The above image, from the set of ""Deep Sea Monster Raiga", was released yesterday to commemorate the 1 year anniversary of the films official website.

There was also a message from the cast and crew of the film wishing everyone a "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

The second photo from the set shows the films stars, (from left to right) Enosawa Manami, Urata Mao and Oriyama Miyu. According to director, Shinpei Hayashiya, all three girls were a joy to work with, from casting til the last day of shooting.

See Also: The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

The First Trailer For Deep Sea Monster Raiga

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Nippon Cinema / Avery Guerra

Shinpei Hayashiya didn't waste any time in making a sequel to "Deep Sea Monster Reigo", which began production in 2003, was filmed in 2005, and released in August of this year. The film entitled, "Deep Sea Monster Raiga", is set 60 years after the events in "Reigo", which took place during WWII.

This time, Global Warming is the catalyst for unleashing giant monsters on Japan. The melting of the southern polar ice causes a disruption in Earth's ecosystem that causes the migration of the monsters to the island nation.

The largest of the sea monsters is a beast called "Raiga", which unleashes it's "Inconvenient Truth" on Tokyo just like Godzilla, Gamera, Mothra and Rodan have numerous times.

The monster "Raiga" looks a lot like Godzilla, but hopefully not enough to get Toho's lawyers panties in a bunch.

I think that is is great to see other Japanese film companies stepping up to the plate and creating their own kaiju films while Toho sits on their monster franchise.

Although we are all still waiting for the return of the "King."

Check out the "Deep Sea Monster Raiga" website - HERE