This Week In California History: Gaspar de Portolà Accidentally Discovers The San Francisco Bay

In a fascinating chapter of history, Gaspar de Portolà and his expedition made their way to the area near San Francisco Bay on October 31, 1769. This marked the beginning of a remarkable set of events that would unveil the beauty of San Francisco Bay, with the first European sighting occurring just a day later, on November 1. The Spanish expedition, guided by the ambitious Governor Portolà, was initially on a mission to locate Monterey Bay and set up a new base there.

HAS THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY MONSTER RETURNED?

From MIN Mysteries

Many of you may be surprised to learn that people have been seeing something that resembles "The Loch Ness Monster" in the San Francisco Bay since the 1800s. Indeed there are hundreds of forms of marine animals and fish that call the area home and, reportedly, some form(s) of aquatic dinosaur(s) may be among their ranks.

For Bill and Bob Clark there is no doubt about it. Since their first encounter with one of these relics from the prehistoric past in 1985 the brothers have seen such creatures several times and cataloged numerous sightings from other eye witnesses.

Their first encounter came while the brothers were watching sea lions swimming in the bay. Without any warning something that resembled a Plesiosaurus (A species of aquatic dinosaur with a long neck, thick body, and flippers) shot out of the water in an attempt to snag one of the mammals.

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Ten More Days Until "In The Footsteps of Godzilla"

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Godzilla approaches the Kachidoki Bridge on the Sumida River in 1954. Photo: Toho Co., Ltd.

Ten more days from today is the Japan Society of Northern California's "In The Footsteps of Godzilla" event in San Francisco.

The April 26 event begins with a screening of the original Godzilla (1954). It is in Japanese with English subtitles. Following the movie screening, I will be talking about Godzilla movies with a focus on the locations and landmarks used. After this, we will be migrating to the Izakaya Roku Japanese restaurant for a V.I.P. dinner. I will have copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available for purchase.


Here's the schedule:

This event benefits the Japan Society of Northern California as it will help to fund future programs.

As we are nearing the date of the event, now is the time to purchase your tickets while you still can.

For further information, including tickets, go here.

16 More Days To "In The Footsteps of Godzilla"

by Armand Vaquer

The Japan Society of Northern California jumped on the news about Godzilla's "appointment" as tourism ambassador for Shinjuku, Tokyo over at Twitter. Their Tweet is shown above.

In only 16 more days, their "In The Footsteps of Godzilla" event will be held in San Francisco that includes a theatrical screening of the original 1954 movie that started it all, a discussion of Godzilla movies (with an emphasis on their real-life locations and landmarks) and a V.I.P. dinner.

Above, Yuu Asakura with The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speaking of movie locations, I will have copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available. If you want to get a copy, this would be a good time to do so!

For more information, including tickets, go here.

"In The Footsteps of Godzilla" Event News Release

by Armand Vaquer

The Japan Society of Northern California will be holding a special screening of the original Japanese version of "Godzilla" (1954) at the Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street, San Francisco on Sunday, April 26. The doors open at 3:30 PM. 

"Godzilla" will be shown in Japanese language with English subtitles. 

Following the movie, Armand Vaquer, author of "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan" will discuss the special effects techniques used in Godzilla movies, the locations and landmarks used and other tidbits of information. A question & answer period is included. 

Following the screening and discussion, a V.I.P. dinner will be held at the Izakaya Roku Japanese restaurant in San Francisco. 

For more information on the screeening, discussion and V.I.P. dinner along with ticket information, go to http://www.usajapan.org/event/in-the-footsteps-of-godzilla/. The public is invited. 

The event will benefit the Japan Society and help to present future programs.

"In The Footsteps of Godzilla" Dinner Information

by Armand Vaquer

The Japan Society of Northern California has posted the menu and information on the post-event dinner that will follow the screening of Godzilla (1954) and the question & answer session on Sunday, April 26 in San Francisco.

 Here's a snapshot of the menu:

To go to the website of Izakaya Roku, go here.

To go to the Japan Society of North America's website on the event (including ticket information), go here.

Japan Society of Northern California "Godzilla" Event April 26 In San Francisco

by Armand Vaquer

Above, an iconic image of the 1954 Godzilla. Photo: Toho Co., Ltd.

Now it can be told!

Yours truly will be heading up San Francisco for a Godzilla event sponsored by the Japan Society of Northern California. The event begins at 3:30 PM (check-in) on Sunday, April 26. 

First, a screening of the Japanese original Godzilla (1954) by Toho Co., Ltd. at the Roxie Theater at 3117 16th St., San Francisco, CA 94103 starts at 4:00 PM.

 Following the screening:

After the film we’ll have the unique opportunity to hear from Japanese-monster expert Armand Vaquer.   Armand will provide commentary on the movie we’ve just seen, including tidbits not generally known to the public. He will also share his knowledge about classic Japanese classic movie monsters (including not only Godzilla but also Rodan, Mothra, Gamera and many others), and the techniques used in the making of Japanese monster movies.

Copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan will be available for purchase following the discussion period.

 Lastly:

For those who want more opportunity to interact with Armand, and to meet and socialize with fellow Japanese movie fans over a delicious Japanese meal, we will also have a special VIP post event at a nearby  Japanese restaurant. (The event will benefit the Japan Society  and help us present future programs.) Please check back soon for VIP tickets.

 For details, go here.

Godzilla's Back and More Low-Budget Than Ever

The Dark Room Theater definitely has its niche. The tiny black-box theater in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District hosts standup comedy, variety shows, and weekly Bad Movie Nights with heckling de rigueur. But with some regularity it also offers up campy stage adaptations of cult movies and TV shows, from Twilight Zone and Star Trek to Dirty Dancing and The Princess Bride. Recently there was even a play based on the videogame Asteroids. Upcoming shows include a live episode of Firefly in October and one of a dozen theatrical versions of It's a Wonderful Life in December, although theater owner Jim Fourniadis promises that it will be more loving parody than straight-up adaptation. "We make fun of things here at the Dark Room Theater, but only because we love them," Fourniadis says in his preshow speech for the newest show.

Right now the Dark Room is taking on a much bigger target than usual with Godzilla Live, adapted and directed by Fourniadis. How one of San Francisco's tiniest stages is going to capture a thirty-story mutated lizard is most of the fun, and the company rises to the challenge with gusto.

The short answer is that this Godzilla goes back to the 1950s roots of the Japanese monster movie franchise by having the radioactive reptile played by a guy in a full-body suit (cowriter/designer David Moore), his extreme size conveyed by tiny props of ships and San Francisco landmarks.

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Godzilla to attack San Francisco!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Dread Central

 When Legendary Pictures announced that they were going to make a new Godzilla movie way back in 2010 fans began to speculate on just which American city was going to get stomped by the famous movie monster. Many believed that New York City would be an obvious choice, while others wanted Los Angles to be raided by 'The King of Monsters.' Yours truly had a different idea, I thought San Francisco would make a better choice due to it's panoramic vistas and strategic position along the Pacific coast. I also had a bit of history on my side in choosing the bay area due to the fact that Hary Rybnick and Edward Barison of AB-PT Pictures had chosen the area for their Americanized version of 'Godzilla Raids Again' entitled 'The Volcano Monsters', which was never produced, and that the unused script for Tristar's 'Godzilla 94' centered around San Francisco.

Apparently Legendary Pictures agreed with my logic because it will indeed be San Francisco that faces the wrath of the mighty Godzilla.

Dread Central reports:

Alright, Godzilla fans! We're back with another dose of morning madness! Since Legendary's Godzilla was first announced, we've been wondering which cities would crumble as a result of his destructive ways. Now we know one of them for sure!

During our exhaustive daily search to bring you every single little thing coming out of the now shooting in Canada Godzilla flick, we came across the following video, which underscores the fact that Big G is set to trample San Fran! Check it out!

Here is the video:

Japanese Superhero Cinema Invades San Francisco

Source: MediaLab

THE EXOTIC AND ACTION PACKED WORLD OF JAPANESE SUPERHEROES IS EXPLORED IN JULY’S INSTALLMENT OF TOKYOSCOPE TALK AT VIZ CINEMA

NEW PEOPLE and VIZ Cinema offer an intriguing exploration of the exotic world of Japanese superheroes in TokyoScope Talk Vol. 5, taking place at the theatre at 7:00pm on Friday July 9th. Host Patrick Macias, Editor of Otaku USA magazine, will be joined by August Ragone (author, Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters) for an in-depth discussion of Japanese superheroes ranging from Ultraman and Kamen Rider to the Power Rangers.

General admission tickets are $10.00. More details and advance tickets available at: www.newpeopleworld.com/films

These and many other colorful crusaders of justice are now recognized the world over as essential icons of Japanese pop culture. But where did they come from? Who created them? And what is it really like battling rubber monsters and the forces of evil on a regular basis?

“TokyoScope Talk Vol. 5: Japanese Superheroes will explore the fascinating history and origins of the action packed world of celluloid superheroes using rare film clips and images from numerous tokusatsu, sentai, and henshin hero productions including Ultra Seven, Kikaida, Space Sheriff Gavan, and many others,” says Macias. “This will be a fun event for anyone who grew up watching Ultraman and Power Rangers as well as for those who are brand new to this unique genre of Japanese filmmaking. We invite superhero fans of all stripes to check out this comprehensive presentation!”

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

About NEW PEOPLE

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/.

See Also: Super Gigantic Robot Anime Invades San Francisco This Weekend!

Super Gigantic Robot Anime Invades San Francisco This Weekend!

Source: MediaLab

TOKYOSCOPE TALK VOL. 2: MECHA MANIA –FOUR DECADES OF ROBOT ANIME

VIZ CINEMA HOSTS A UNIQUE PRESENTATION ON THE HISTORY OF SCI-FI ROBOT ANIME AND PRESENTS GUNDAM TRIPLE FEATURE IN SPECIAL ALL-DAY MOVIE MARATHON

VIZ Cinema is pleased to offer a fun-packed weekend of anime as it welcomes Patrick Macias, Editor-in-Chief of OTAKU USA, on Friday April 9th for the latest in his ongoing series of TokyoScope Talks on Japanese cinema and pop media. On Saturday, April 10th, VIZ Cinema offers a special Gundam Movie Marathon. Three feature films featuring the iconic robot will be screened in the theatre, which features 35mm and digital projection and a THX®-certified sound system.

TokyoScope Talk Vol. 2: MECHA MANIA: Four Decades of Slam-Bang Sci-Fi Robot Anime comes to VIZ Cinema on Friday, April 9th at 7:00pm. Tickets are $8.00. Also co-hosting the event will be author and critic Tomohiro Machiyama, who together with Macias wrote Cruising Anime City, (published by Stone Bridge Press) a highly detailed travel guide about Tokyo otaku culture and the anime phenomenon.

“From Astro Boy and Tetsujin 28 to Gundam and Voltron to Transformers and Gurren Lagann, giant robots and other fantastic machines and technology, or mecha, are instantly recognizable mainstays of anime,” says Macias. “There’s also a lot of cultural iconography intertwined with these machines and their operators, often presented as heroic warriors in the samurai warrior tradition. I look forward to tracing the nearly 50 year history and evolution of mecha along with some often humorous stories and latest examples. And don’t miss an awesome raffle giveaway featuring some tear-jerking treasures for super mecha fans!”

VIZ Cinema’s Weeknight Anime People makes a special weekend stop with an day-long triple feature of Gundam! General ticket price: $10:00; Combo tickets are $25:00. No further discounts will apply.

Gundam Movie Marathon, Saturday, April 10th – One Day Only!

Mobile Suit Gundam Movie I, 11:00am
Mobile Suit Gundam Movie II: Soldiers of Sorrow, 1:35pm
Mobile Suit Gundam Movie III: Encounters in Space, 4:05pm

VIZ Cinema’s Weeknight Anime People makes a special weekend stop with an afternoon of Gundam! In the year 0079 of the Universal Century, the Earth Federation and its space colonies are engaged in an apocalyptic war. The rebellious Duchy of Zeon, using humanoid fighting machines called Mobile Suits, has all but vanquished the Federation. Now the Federation’s last hope is the prototype Mobile Suit, Gundam. When a twist of fate makes young civilian Amuro Ray the sole-pilot of Gundam, Amuro’s own battle begins – a struggle not only for the Federation’s survival, but for his own. General ticket price: $10:00; Combo tickets are $25:00. No further discounts will apply.

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/.

The First Look At Famous Monsters Of Filmland #251

Source: Famous Monsters of Filmland

This cover art is only a sample of what fans can expect as Famous Monsters of Filmland and IDW join forces to bring fans an exclusive sneak peak at the full cover for Famous Monsters of Filmland Issue #251, a landmark issue, featuring new, dynamic artwork by legendary comics artist Richard Corben.

The final cover will premiere at WonderCon, one of the country’s leading comics and pop culture conventions, held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, April 2-4. IDW will host Famous Monsters at their booth #519 and during their panel discussion on Friday, April 2 at 5:30pm in room 220/224. The relaunch cover art, as well as samples of the features readers will find inside Issue #251 will be unveiled. The magazine will be available for pre-sale at Famous Monsters Convention in Indianapolis, July 9-11, and will be officially released at Comic-Con International, in San Diego, July 22-25.

See Also: Famous Monsters of Filmland Convention News

Viz Brings 'Mobile Suit Gundam UC' And Other Japanese Movies To New People In San Francisco

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Cinema, the nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, has announced a variety of notable film screenings, festivals, lectures and other special events to be held throughout the month of March.

Tokyo Scope: The Wild and Crazy World of Japanese Cult Films:

Vol.1 YAKUZA NIGHT FEVER!

New activities kick off on March 5th with Tokyo Scope: The Wild and Crazy World of Japanese Cult Films. Come celebrate the launch of Japanese pop culture critic and Otaku USA Editor-in-Chief Patrick Macias’s new film/lecture series. Also sponsored by SEGA of America, the evening’s events begin at 6:00pm and will include a lecture on the history of Japanese yakuza (gangster) cinema and the debut of SEGA’s highly anticipated new video game, Yakuza 3, for the PlayStation 3. Tickets are only $10.00.

NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Festival

VIZ Cinema will present the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Festival, a special collection of six insightful documentaries each profiling a unique Japanese contemporary artist. The 4-day festival runs March 6th – 9th and features the U.S. theatrical premieres of several films featuring the Neo-Japanese “Hip-Hop-Samurai” painter Hisashi Tenmyouya, the cynical artistic genius of Makoto Aida, and the life and work of master sculptor Katsura Funakoshi. By popular demand, the festival has announced encore showings of three documentaries on artists Yoshitomo Nara, Yayoi Kusama, and photographer Daido Moriyama. Summaries of each film and a list of screening times are available at: www.vizcinema.com. Special festival passes are available for $30.00 offer access to ANY screening at ANY time during the festival! General admission tickets for individual films are available for $10.00 each, Senior (+62) and Children (under 12) are $8.

NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Festival Films Include:

Hisashi Tenmyouya : Samurai Nouveau: 3/6 Sat, 1:00pm & 3/7 Sun, 3:00pm
Makoto Aida : Cynic in the Playground: 3/6 Sat, 3:00pm & 3/7 Sun, 5:00pm
Katsura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze: 3/6 Sat, 5:00pm & 3/8 Mon, 7:00pm
Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara: 3/7 Sun, 7:00pm & 3/9 Tue, 5:00pm
Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME: 3/7 Sun, 1:00pm & 3/9 Tue, 7:00pm
Daido Moriyama: Stray Dog of Tokyo: 3/6 Sat, 7:00pm & 3/8 Mon, 5:00pm

The Allure of Hayao Miyazaki

Don’t miss a rare chance to attend a lecture given Fred Schodt and Beth Cary, the translators of Starting Point: 1979-1996, an autobiography written by Academy Award winning film director and anime visionary, Hayao Miyazaki! Hear some interesting stories of these two recognized experts on anime and manga who spent time with Miyazaki and glean deeper insights into his world of incredible imagination. The Allure of Hayao Miyazaki will be held on March 10th at 7:00pm; tickets are $8.00.

San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

VIZ Cinema also partners with the 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival to present Dear Doctor, by award-winning director Miwa Nishikawa (Sway and Wild Berries). Dear Doctor is a drama centering on a physician that goes missing after moving to his post in a remote village with no other doctors. Notable for exposing the complicated human psyche, this touching film plays for one night only on Wednesday, March 17th at 9:15pm. Information and advance tickets ($12.00) are available at the festival website http://festival.asianamericanmedia.org/2010/.

U.S. Premiere Of Mobile Suit Gundam UC

Anime fans won’t want to miss VIZ Cinema’s just-added week long screening of the Mobile Suit Gundam UC feature film (58 min) running March 19th – 25th. Gundam has been popular for more than 30 years and this brand new story is based on a bestseller written by acclaimed science fiction author Harutoshi Fukui. The film makes a special U.S. debut only one month after its original premiere in Japan and was made possible via a special arrangement with Studio Sunrise.

In the year U.C. 0096, a colony called Industrial 7 is the stage for a young boy named Banagher's encounter with destiny: the white Mobile Suit called the Unicorn Gundam. A mysterious Laplace's Box becomes the basis for a galactic scale battle. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch the U.S. theatrical of the latest Gundam movie! Tickets are $8.00; no discounts apply.

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com

See Also: It's Namie Amuro vs Gundam In The Music Video For 'Defend Love' / Yoshiyuki Tomino Celebrates 30 Years Of Gundam With 'Ring Of Gundam' / Gundam 00 GN-X 1:144 Scale Model Kit / Gundam SDCC 2008 Exclusive Clear Gundam RX-78 2 Figure / Life Size Gundam Statue Set To Be Erected In Tokyo Park / Japanese Teen Model Akina Minami Appears In A Gundam Costume At Premiere / Could The Japanese Anime Series Gundam Shape Our Future? / Nothing Perks Up A Train Station Like A 3 Meter Tall Gundam Statue / Masamitsu Hidaka To Appear At Anime Expo / Bandai To Replace Defective Gundam DVDs / Gackt To Release A Mobile Suit Gundam Tribute CD

Shock It To Me! Brings Two Classic Vincent Price Movies To San Francisco's Clay Theatre

Okay, now this is what I'm talking about! Finally a Halloween movie festival with Vincent Price movies. They always do it right in San Francisco.

By August Ragone

SHOCK IT TO ME!’s VINCENT PRICE DOUBLE FEATURE HORROR SHOW

THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and TOMB OF LIGEIA

Special showings at Landmark’s Clay Theatre on October 27 & 28 at 7:00PM

The San Francisco-based classic horror film festival, SHOCK IT TO ME!, in conjunction with Landmark’s Clay Theater, present a very special two-night, “Vincent Price Double Feature” show on Tuesday, October 27 & Wednesday, October 28, 2009 with a pair of true horror classics dug up deep from the vaults of the legendary American International Pictures, as well as a cache of horror trailers and other spooky surprises.

Sidney Salkow’s THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (1964), features Vincent Price stars as the sole survivor of a biological disaster, which has rendered mankind into a race of nocturnal ghouls, whom he hunts by day – by driving stakes into their hearts – but must stave them off in a barricaded house by night, tormented by their unrelenting sieges.

Based on Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend”, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH was one of the inspirations for George Romero’s seminal Night Of The Living Dead (1968), and was revisited as the Charlton Heston vehicle,The Omega Man (1971), and then as I Am Legend (2007), starring Will Smith. But, neither of these over bloated productions had the grit, the oppressive, doomed atmosphere or the pathos of the original Vincent Price film.

Roger Corman’s TOMB OF LIGEIA (1965) was the final, triumphant entry in a series of eight, ground and box office breaking films based on the works of famed American Gothic writer Edgar Allen Poe, all (save for one)starring Vincent Price. Beautiful color cinematography shot on location in Norfolk, England, by highlight this tale of love and obsession beyond the grave, from a screenplay by Robert Towne (Chinatown).

Price plays Verden Fell, a man obsessed by the certainty that his dead wife has returned in the form of a black cat, seeking to possess his new bride-to-be – a dual-role played by Elizabeth Sheppard (originally cast as Emma Peel on The Avengers). Ultimately, Fell must face the spirit of Ligeia, and resist her hold on him or suffer his own horrible demise.

WHAT: Screenings of THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and TOMB OF LIGEIA

DETAILS: Landmark's Clay Theatre, 2261 Fillmore St, San Francisco

Tuesday, October 27 & Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM (show
includes both features)

Tickets are $10.00 general ($8.00 for student/senior/children under 12)

Advance tickets: https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/

Partner site: http://shock-it-to-me.com/

Information: (415) 346-1124

See Also: Vincent Price Presents - A Wonderful Horror Comics Anthology From Bluewater / House of Wax (1953)(Warner Bros) /

'20th Century Boys 3: Redemption' Has Duel World Premiere in Japan And US

Source: MediaLab

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, presents a very special world premiere the final chapter of the 20th Century Boys trilogy of live-action films – 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption – this Friday, August 28th at the newly opened VIZ Cinema located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Japantown. The special world premiere will take place simultaneously with the theatrical release of the film in Japan and will continue to play at the venue through September 3rd. For schedule and ticket information, please visit www.vizcinema.com.

The 20th Century Boys film trilogy is based on a critically-acclaimed manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoki Urasawa that was a national phenomenon in Japan, selling over 24 million copies. Excitement and anticipation for the release of the final chapter has built steadily from fans because the ending of the film is markedly different from the original manga series that inspired it.

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system. 20th Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End plays at VIZ Cinema until August 27th (matinee only), while 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope runs through August 28th.

Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and presented in partnership with Nippon Television, the 20th Century Boys saga begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write “The Book of Prophecy.” In the book, they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to take over the world and bring about Doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being led by a man only known as “Friend” has emerged and gained strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur, mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji.

Now in 2019, could the catastrophe written in The New Book of Prophecy be happening for real? What’s the true purpose of Friend’s evil plan? Who’s the real savior to that will stand up against him?

In the final film, the year is Friend Era Year 3 (2017 A.D.) and the World President, Friend, rules humanity. After a deadly virus ravages Tokyo, a wall is built around the city and inhabitants’ lives have been severely restricted. Friend tells everyone that on August 20th, aliens will destroy mankind and only those who believe in him will be saved. But a movement to stop Friend is in motion. Is protagonist Kenji really still alive? What is Friend’s plan for August 20th? Will the mystery behind the true identity of Friend be uncovered? All of the prophecies, schemes and plans will be finally revealed in the saga’s exciting concluding chapter.

See Also: Viz Cinema To Celebrate Grand Opening With 20th Century Boys Premiere / Toho Keeping The Ending To 20th Century Boys A Secret / 20th Century Boys Has A Paris Premiere / A Major PR Event For 20th Century Boys / Viz To Release 20th Century Boys Plus Several Other New Manga Titles In 2009 / 20th Century Boys Teaser Trailer / Filming Begins On 20th Century Boys

Yoshitaka Amano To Be Special Guest At Anime Art Gallery Opening In San Francisco

Source: Media Lab

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, adds a new dimension to San Francisco’s contemporary art scene with the opening of the SUPERFROG Gallery.

The bright and spacious 2,000 square foot exhibit space is located on the 3rd floor of NEW PEOPLE’s striking contemporary building in the heart of the city’s historic Japantown. Grand Opening celebrations for NEW PEOPLE and the SUPERFROG Gallery will commence on August 15th.

Named for the short story Super-Frog Saves Tokyo, by acclaimed writer Haruki Murakami, the SUPERFROG Gallery will offer a permanent outlet for established as well as emerging artists who draw inspiration from Japanese pop and modern culture.

Legendary artist Yoshitaka Amano will make a rare U.S. appearance to celebrate the grand opening of NEW PEOPLE and the SUPERFROG Gallery with his newest exhibit, DEVA LOKA, created especially for the gallery and named for the ancient Indian land of God. As an ode to his childhood love for American comics, culture and automobiles, Amano’s latest breathtaking and vibrant pieces are boldly coated with auto paint and metallic glitter. The exhibit will run through October 18th and admission is free.

Amano is widely acclaimed for his work in animation and video games. He is renowned for designing the characters for the hit video game, Final Fantasy, as well as for anime films including Vampire Hunter D, Guin Saga, Final Fantasy, and Front Mission. This will be Amano’s only scheduled U.S. personal appearance this year; a panel discussion focusing on his work and a rare autograph session are also planned as part of the Grand Opening festivities.

“This exhibition at the SUPERFROG Gallery brings me back to the U.S. after a long period of being away,” says Amano. “Between the late 60’s and the 70’s, and during my early years in the art world, I was greatly influenced by American comic books and pop culture. I’d like to show my gratitude for the inspiration America gave me with this exhibit. With the theme of DEVA LOKA, all of my concepts and influences are able to come together, centered in one place. I hope everyone enjoys my show.”

Visual art is at the heart of Japanese pop culture and the crisp lines, vibrant colors and imaginative designs and characters make the genre instantly recognizable. The museum’s curator lives in Tokyo and will provide the SUPERFROG Gallery with a direct channel to a talented pool of artists who will continue to push artistic boundaries. Not only as an exhibit space for Japanese artists, NEW PEOPLE will also welcome a host of domestic and international artists that are similarly inspired by Japanese culture and are conscious of the cultural interaction between East and West. At a local level, the gallery will also interact with Bay Area artists who have a personal connection to Japan and will help support and nurture the Bay Area’s robust artistic community.

“Even before we planned the SUPERFROG Gallery, we wanted the NEW PEOPLE building to be an easily accessible public space to enjoy the work of Japanese artists across a variety of mediums,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder/CEO of VIZ Pictures and VIZ Media as well as the J-pop Center Project. “By displaying art throughout the building, even in the restrooms and staircases, we look to introduce these artists to as many visitors as possible. We’re also interested in developing future exhibits that represent both classic and modern Japanese culture. “

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

Viz Cinema To Celebrate Grand Opening With 20th Century Boys Premiere

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Pictures, a Japanese live-action film distributor and producer of the J-Pop Center Project, will launch the nation’s first movie theatre, VIZ Cinema, devoted exclusively to Japanese films and anime, which will open its doors on August 15th at NEW PEOPLE, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown. The 143-seat subterranean theatre features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination, brings the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores expressed through film, art, fashion, a variety of specialty boutiques from Japan and ongoing monthly events. As a grand feature of the building, VIZ Cinema is designed to give audiences a theatrical experience not available at any other venue in the country.

On August 15th, VIZ Cinema will celebrate its grand opening with a very special regional premiere screening of the first chapter of the 20th Century Boys live-action trilogy, directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, and presented in partnership with Nippon Television. Advance tickets go on-sale on Friday, July 31st, and more information is available at www.vizcinema.com.

The first 20th Century Boys film will continue playing at the theatre for the next week, followed by a week-long showing of the second chapter of the trilogy. As an unprecedented event in the Japanese film world, VIZ Cinema will host the world premiere of the third and final chapter of 20th Century Boys on August 28th, presented simultaneously with the national release in Japan.

The 20th Century Boys trilogy is based on the critically-acclaimed manga series created by Naoki Urasawa and was a national phenomenon in Japan, selling over 24 million copies.

VIZ Cinema will schedule a dynamic range of programming based on a new theme each month across a variety of genres. Individual films will change weekly to bi-weekly. The theme for August is "MANGA ATTACK!" and will screen live-action and animated (anime) feature movies based on manga (Japanese comics).

The first anime event will be the U.S. premiere of Bleach The Movie: The Diamond Dust Rebellion for two nights only, August 18th and 19th. Tickets and screening information are available at www.vizcinema.com beginning Friday, July 31st.

The September theme will be "LIFE ≈ ART" with feature films focusing on the pain and passion of an artist’s lifestyle as well as documentaries of world-renowned Japanese pop artists. More details of the September program will be announced early August.

The initial VIZ Cinema roster emphasizes fresh and contemporary films from Japan, a classic film series is forthcoming, and individual theatrical events for several films currently licensed by VIZ Pictures are also planned.

Audiences will have a wide selection of concession snacks to choose from including San Francisco's favorite gourmet coffee brand, Blue Bottle Coffee, and an organic Japanese deli-menu by DELICA complemented with Ito En's artisan Japanese tea selection. A Japanese snack line-up with candy and other unique confections will also be available.

“We will have a variety of really fun events at VIZ Cinema, from DVD release parties and raffles and giveaways, to Q&A sessions and discussion panels to complement screenings, and possibly even some personal appearances by various creators, directors and actors,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder/CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of VIZ Media as well as the J-pop Center Project. “We want VIZ Cinema to foster a community interested in Japanese popular culture in a variety of forms and film plays an essential part in that mission.”

NEW PEOPLE is a 20,000 square foot contemporary building located at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown (one of only three remaining in the country), an area steeped in more than a century of history. The structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that evokes a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. NEW PEOPLE will offer the latest films, art, and retail brands from Japan. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

Schedule Conflict Knocks Out Godzilla Film Fest

by Armand Vaquer

Godzilla is indestructible. Planes can't stop him. Bombs explode off his hide with no effect. But scheduling conflicts can knock him out!

San Francisco's "Godzilla and the Monsters of Mass Destruction" film festival featuring the original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, has been postponed.

According to event organizer August Ragone:

JUNE 27, 2009: Due to unforeseeable scheduling conflicts, the GODZILLA & THE MASTERS OF MASS DESTRUCTION event slated for the Castro Theatre in San Francisco on August 21-23, has been postponed until further notice. When the event can be rescheduled, we will break the announcement here, and on our official website: shock-it-to-me.com. So, stay tuned!

We thank you for your interest and consideration and hope to see you in 2010!

Best Regards,
August Ragone
Organizer & Producer

Godzilla & The Monsters Of Mass Destruction Trailer

Source: August Ragone

“GODZILLA & THE MONSTERS OF MASS DESTRUCTION”

Japanese Monster Film Festival in San Francisco Celebrates the Man Who Played Godzilla on August 21-23, 2009.

San Francisco (March 23, 2009): Stomping into San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre this summer, GODZILLA & THE MONSTERS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, is a weekend celebration of Japan’s monster cinema, featuring ten classic films, presented in glorious 35mm, from the producers of the annual SHOCK IT TO ME! Horror Film Festival. Our special guest will be in the man in the Godzilla suit himself, Haruo Nakajima.

Starting his film career in the late 1940s, Mr. Nakajima appeared as one of the bandits in Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954). After volunteering for the first Japanese fire stunt in the war film Eagle of the Pacific (1953), the team making Godzilla (1954) knew that he was the man for the job. From 1954 through 1972, Mr. Nakajima played Godzilla and various monsters on screen and television.

Mr. Nakajima will be in attendance throughout the weekend to meet with fans and sign autographs in the Castro Theatre’s 200-capacity Mezzanine. He will also take to the stage to speak about his first-hand experiences in making these films, during our evening screenings. This is Mr. Nakajima’s first-ever visit to San Francisco.

Japanese film historian and author, August Ragone (Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters, Chronicle Books), who is organizing the event, will be on hand to illustrate how the visual effects for the films were achieved. The San Francisco native will also sign copies of his book all weekend.

All ten of the films screened during GODZILLA & THE MONSTERS OF MASS DESTRUCTION will be presented in five double features. All films are 35mm and projected on the Castro’s gigantic screen—the last large single-screen theater in San Francisco.

Tickets for all of the screenings will be available at the Castro Theatre box office or through ticketweb.com. Prices for each Double Feature are only $10.00 (Adults) and $7.00 (Children/Seniors). A special Event Pass will also be made available to the public in the near future.

For more information on the event, please visit http://shock-it-to-me.com
For more about the Castro Theatre, please visit http://www.castrotheatre.com

See Also: Steve Bissette Creates Special Artwork For New Hampshire Screening Of King Kong vs Godzilla / G-FAN #87 Summary / Ishiro Honda Bio Being Negotiated / Robert Scott Field Is Joining Kenji Sahara At G-FEST XVI / King Kong And Godzilla Invade The London Subway / King Kong vs Godzilla (1962)(Toho) / G-FEST XVI To Host Kenji Sahara / Photo Of The Week - Godzilla Goes On A Date / New Wooden Godzilla Figures Cost More Than Most Cars / Rare Video - Haruo Nakajima Puts On The Godzilla Suite One Last Time For Magazine Shoot / Toho Is Renting Out Godzilla And MechaGodzilla Movie Costumes / Yumiko Shaku Looks For love At The Blood Bank / Godzilla To Add His Fire To Hot Atlanta / Godzilla Vs The Netherlands / You Can Do Anything But Lay Off Of My Kaiju Shoes / Haruo "Godzilla" Nakajima Turns 80 /King Kong, Godzilla And The Creature From The Black Lagoon At The Rose Parade / The Top Ten Hottest Monsters Of 2008 / Godzilla Rodan Ultraman And Mothra Invade The Miami Beach Art Scene / James Morrow Satirizes Hollywood, Secret Goverment Projects And Godzilla In Shambling Towards Hiroshima / Godzilla 3D Poster / Will Silent Night Be Replaced By Godzilla Christmas? / Rare Sci Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Items Go Up For Auction / Godzilla Godzooky Plush / Todd Tennant To Return To Godzilla 94

In Limited Release - Alien Trespass And Pig Hunt

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Avery Guerra

I just wanted to let everyone know about two great films that a getting a limited release over the next two weeks.

The first is a great retro-sci fi number called "Alien Trespass" and the other is an independent horror flick called "Pig Hunt."

Jenni Baird and Eric McCormack are part of an all-star cast in R.W. Goodwin's retro sci fi comedy, "Alien Trespass." The film features the exploits of an alien named Urb, who inhabits the body of a human astronomer, played by McCormack, in an attempt to capture a murderous creature called the Ghota which has escaped from his crashed spaceship. Baird will play a waitress who befriends Urb during his quest to save mankind.

"Alien Trespass" opens in twenty-two cinemas across the country today. For the complete list of screenings, go HERE

Last Fall's World Premiere of indie horror film "Pig Hunt", sold out weeks early, denying plenty of rabid horror fans the chance to get a crack at it. Thought you missed your chance? Well, here's two more!

"Pig Hunt" will be returning for Midnight screenings at the Clay Theater in San Francisco on Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th!

"Perhaps the finest horror film to have been made this year," according to Anton Bitel, Eye For Film. "Pig Hunt" is a story of a veteran hunter returning home with his friends from the city. "Viscerally exciting enough to wake the dead, and yet politically and morally engaged enough to gore its way right into your brain."

"Holy Sh**T what a F**king crazy flick!" Chris Bumbray, Arrow in the Head

"Damn fun from start to finish!" Zack Smith, IndieWeek

Tickets are available now at http://www.landmarkafterdark.com/

PIG HUNT
Clay Theater
2261 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA
Friday • April 10th12:00 am
Saturday • April 11th12:00 am

Official website: http://www.pighuntmovie.com/

The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WPeJgvJ8rQ

Check http://www.pighuntmovie.com/screenings.html for all screenings

See Also: Baird And McCormack To Star In Alien Trespass