Today's feature looks like a Rankin/Bass production, but it isn't (although it is obviously heavily inspired by them).
Nutcracker Fantasy is a Japanese-produced stop-motion animated film released in 1979 by the Japanese studio Sanrio. This adaptation is a loose one, but there are still nutcrackers, evil mice, swordplay, and the usual stuff you associate with the story. The Nutcracker has been adapted almost as much as A Christmas Carol has, and your mileage may vary regarding your interest in the story, but if you're a fan, this one is for you.
Rounding out Week 2 of the 2017 Countdown to Halloween is the 1981 Japanese animated movie The Monster of Frankenstein!
The movie was created by Toei Animation and aired on Japanese television on July 27, 1981. This English-dubbed version I feature today was released on home video in the States in 1984. This version stays pretty close to Mary Shelley's novel.
Although this is an animated movie, don't think this is a family film! There is graphic violence in this version, so viewer discretion is advised!
Enjoy! Have a great spooky weekend! Happy Friday the 13th!
Almost a year ago, I posted an article mentioning the cartoon series Tranzor Z, which aired in the mid-80s on American television. This was a translation of the original Japanese series Mazinger Z with the storyline and character names altered for American audiences.
However, back in the early 70s, an American translation of the series aired briefly with the original storyline and character names intact. It is that earlier, more faithful translation I feature today; in fact, it's the very first episode. I'm seeing this for the very first time, so I'm really excited. Enjoy!
I'm not a horror movie guy. I have a few favorites (Jaws, Halloween, Re-Animator), but by and large, I avoid them; I'm just too squemish. However, this movie, or at least its trailer, has my attention.
Ekusute, or Hair Extensions, is a Japanese horror film released in 2007, that is about, well, killer hair. That and some creepy old dude. Here is the oh-so-disturbing trailer (if you're freaked out by homicidal hair, viewer discretion is advised):
I'm sorry, but that's just f'ed up.
For a little more explanation, here is the film's IMDB entry:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0904049/
And on that creepy, bizarre note, I announce that I'll be leaving for a short vacation to the Jersey Shore this week, so I won't be posting again until next Sunday night or Monday. If you need a Me and You fix before then, simply check out my archives and rediscover, or discover for the first time, some fun stuff of the past.
And when I do return, I'll be bringing back the superhero theme, this time to welcome the Dark Knight (or should I say, The Dark Knight). Get ready to dance the Batusi and wear your Underoos. I'm particularly excited by this because I will using this theme to usher in a new regular feature to the blog that I hope will last beyond the Bat-blogging. Sound exciting? Stay tuned!
If you like that rock'n'roll stuff the kids are always listening to, like I do, you will be amazed by this.
Have you heard the classic rock song "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas before? Of course you have. Have you heard it played solo by a grade-school age Japanese girl on an electric synthesizer before? Not like this. You go, girl!
