DVD Tuesday

[filkertom]

There are a few things out today that I want to eventually get. A cleaned-up version of The Muppet Movie (and the rest of the Muppet films, if ya want 'em). Mr. and Mrs. Smith. March of the Penguins. The director's cut of The Frighteners. (In case you didn't know, the director is Peter Jackson.) Sky High, which billroper insists I will enjoy.

But today for me is Teh Cheeze.

At last, at last, they're coming out with a combined release of King Kong vs. Godzilla and King Kong Escapes.

I have no idea what shape either of those films will be in -- if it'll be the American version of KKvG (which Kong wins) or the Japanese (which Godzilla wins [although docwebster says below that that's a load of hooey, both versions having Kong swimming away at the end]), whether they'll have the original Japanese soundtracks, or what.

But, if you have not seen it, King Kong Escapes is one of the greatest bad movies of all time. Delightfully fun. Robot Kong. Other giant monsters. Things blowing up. A really embarassing villain, Doctor Hu, voiced by Paul Frees. (His pillbox hat and shawl are so fetching.) The smallest buxom blonde on the Pacific Rim, with a voice that makes one yearn for the savory piquancy of marshmallows dipped in honey. And the worst Kong costume evah. You can easily see the square outline of the mask across his chest, for starters, but... well, let's just say Kong Got Da Mange.

I have loved this turkey since I was a child. The MST3K party will be incredible.

Comments

[our-meg.livejournal.com]

The Frighteners has a director's cut? I'm there! I've loved that film since it came out.

Thanks!

[djonn]

I'm inclined to agree with billroper -- you very likely will enjoy Sky High. I went into the theater with fairly low expectations and was agreeably surprised; it's cheesy in the right ways, smart where it needs to be smart, and the teenage actors are unusually good, with a couple of nicely nuanced performances. If it doesn't turn up for Christmas I may well acquire it on my own initiative.

[zillafan.livejournal.com]

I envy you that MST3K party and I am looking forward to King Kong Escapes of course! I have just wrapped up enjoying the original Kong DVD goodies, it will be nice to add the Toho films to my collection of Giant Monster movie mental floss.

Enjoyed Sky High when it was in the theater. No spoiler I trust to say Linda Carter is in it and I thought it that alone made it worthwhile. Super-hero flicks come a close second next to my number one fav: Japanese Giant Monster movies. What can I say I'm a sucker for capes! ;-)

The Frighteners reminds me of the standard used by my friends and I to rate a film. Long story made short all but one of our gang really enjoyed The Frighteners when it was at the theater, so we collectively we have taken every opportunity since to take pot shots at the minority-of-one who was brave enough to say he didn't like it.

The expression "It was no Frighteners" was born.

Believe me our dear pal was really worried when it was announced that "PJ" was doing LotR. He became a convert soon enough but the fun of the "F-rating" continues!

So consider taking a moment and rate your favorite film is it a better... or worse film compared to The Frighteners!

[drzarron.livejournal.com]

Ahh.. the Horror of Kong.. Tell me when you're having your MSTy party and I'll grab my gorilla suit.

Yes Tom, you will LOVE "Sky High".

[docwebster.livejournal.com]

Tom, I'm here to tell you the old saw about the ending of Kong vs. Godzilla changing based on where you see it is a load of hooey. Somewhere around here I've got the subtitled Kong vs. Godzilla from Japan (I've got a lot of the subtitled original Japanese versions, comes to that) and in both versions, it's Kong swimming away at the end.

[zillafan.livejournal.com]

Too true. Never were alternative endings but wouldn't that have been a hoot if it was. I recall a Godzilla roar and Kong swimming away in G vs KK! Making it a draw. Maybe that was my wishful thinking... I'll have to watch it again! ;-)

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

Appreciate it. I shall amend the post above. Although it would be cool as heck if it were true.

[mrteapot.livejournal.com]

According to the Snopes.com story (http://www.snopes.com/movies/films/godzilla.htm), the ending was one of the few things not changed between versions. Most of the human level action was heavily reedited, with American actors added in, but the giant monkey versus giant lizard action was basically untouched.

[jeriendhal.livejournal.com]

Ah, I always loved King Kong Escapes If only because of the realization last year when watching it on Sci-Fi, that Docotr Who, uh, Hu had to be Chariman Kaga's long lost father.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

[snort][chuckle][guffaw] There's gotta be at least one shot where we can yell, "Allez cuisine!"

[ericcoleman]

I loved the Frighteners, as did the wife. It's on the list.

And not one horrible big monster movie but two ... count em ... two ... I may have to rent them and invite folks over.

And my 14 year old son wants Mr. and Mrs. Smith ... more the latter than the former I would assume.

[ericcoleman]

Oh ... and in looking up the buxom blonde ...

her only other screen appearance was in one of the other best rotten movies of all time. The Green Slime, the theme song for which always has a prominent place on Radio Capricon.

[jedilora.livejournal.com]

Sky High IS a good movie. I think billroper is spot on. I saw it at a drive-in with my folks(double feature with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and honestly, I laughed most of the way through. It's got a few folks from Kids in the Hall as teachers and Lynda Carter as the principal, Patrick Warburton makes a showing as the coach...just a fun, fun movie.

And really-the main character's school nemesis is named Warren Peace, because he's the product of a superhero/supervillian union. Straight face.

[unclelumpy.livejournal.com]

And don't forget... Bruce!

[unclelumpy.livejournal.com]

MST3K party? Awww, man. I wish I could come.

I like to MST really crappy horror films with my friend Edward (and believe me, the "Hollywood Video that Time Forgot" in my town has no shortage of those), but... Well, we're just two guys, y'know?

I never experienced a whole PARTY!

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

So make your own! Invite over a couple other friends, grab some chips and soda, maybe phone for pizza, and it's a party. :) Even if it's just you and Edward, telling other friends, "Yeah, we had a MST3K party the other night" will probably get you some warm bodies for next time.

[zillafan.livejournal.com]

Too true Tom. I agree. Make your own party! I just had one a few weeks ago with like minded friends.

A small group of three (myself included) even hosted a room party at one local Con one year. What a blast! Won best Theme that year.

MST3K lives on in our hearts and minds. Reminds me I should see a doctor or something! ;-)

A personal non-Gamera/Godzilla MST3K fav: The Beginning of The End

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

You can also get a widescreen copy of The Conqueror (starring John Wayne as Genghis Khan) for about six bucks. Its tragic backstory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Conqueror) doesn't diminish the fun in trashing its humungous badness.