What are the hype levels for Godzilla: Resurgence?

I also found at Toho Kingdom these two links to You Tube videos featuring Attack on Titan making of featurettes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP0al0-WSDk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgJJAk3NThY

So, along with Steve Martin and everybody else in Tokyo, I'm on a watch and wait basis. 

@Jamaal,

August Ragone has told me in person that even though he really can't say anything on the subject that the live action Attack on Titan films are a hint to the special effects. Trust me. We are getting traditional tokusatsu filmmaking with more practical effects and blended digital effects. 

You can find the first Attack on Titan live action film on eBay in English subtitles. And, I highly recommend you get your order in now. You won't believe what you will see. A horror film that turns into a kaiju film. I rank it above a few Godzilla movies to be honest. It's an awesome film! 

Don't take my word for it. Just order it and see it for yourself. :)

And, even though Ed godziszewski is very informative. He didn't really provide information that this is indeed what Toho stated. Also, Toho kingdom is not associated with the company Toho in any way. 

That interview could have been manipulated for all we know. Doubtful but, we just don't know for sure. 

It is because of things like this-rumors about the effects-that I posted elsewhere that a mid-production press conference might be a good idea. Toho did this for GMK. It featured Shusuke Kaneko, Chiharu Niiyama, Ryudo Uzaki and Producer Shogo Tomiyama. The Godzilla Suit (The "Soukogeki-Goji") was presented presumably worn by Mizuho Yoshida. It was the first real good look we got at the suit. And it was great, with Niyaama posing in front of it.

While a spoiler session is not what one would want, so more hints about the the direction that the film is taking, its course, would be welcome. For example, some information about the rest of the cast. Or does the cast consist of three people? That would be a novel concept. Also, I'd like to know more about the crew. Who's doing what. What films/TV shows they've worked on. What are their thoughts about the film, its approach to SFX/VFX?

Just thoughts. Hoping for some clarifying good news, soon, God willing.

Now, back to watching Godzilla vs.Biollante.

Anticipation or hype?  Former is 10, but hype is ZERO!  The teaser trailer was a waste of time and the leaked images actually turned me off.  And I am not one to have this blind faith in the creators or the arrogance that Japan is the only place to make a good kaiju film - thank you Korea.  Or that practical effects are the best.  But since Japan has been bad at CG forever, I'm fine with it as long as I don't feel like I'm watching a man in the suit step on awesome miniatures.  We are FAR past that time.  It's 2016!  I like Mad Max as much as the next guy, but that movie didn't have giant beasts in it.

I am an admitted fanboy of the genre.  I'll watch, love, and support any serious effort from ANYWHERE to move the genre forward because I want MORE of it.  Hell, I bought Final Wars - which we all know was trash.  So much so that I felt it was time to take genre out of Japan for a break just so Japan could see new ideas.   That's how crappy that one was.  But I still support it.  I'm just waiting for another step to be taken.  The Heisei Gamera trilogy kind of effort updated for today is my MINIMUM expectation.  We need to stop supporting pandering crap from Toho.

Sorry for the long, first post.  But I'm passionate about this.   It's my favorite genre by far and I want to see it flourish.  Not flounder as it has up until Hollowwood woke it up with Cloverfield.   

Still have yet to see Gods of Egypt.  I know it wont be great.  But the message needs to be sent.  Give me more!!! 

So uh, you want the idea of tokusatsu buried to death with CGI? The day CGI and higher budgets call for a better film is the day me and many other fans of tokusatsu convert ourselves to movies like Bayformers and Green Lantern as the greatest films of all time. 

It's 2016. So what? Tokusatsu is the reason we love Godzilla. It's what Godzilla revolutionized to begin with and the reason he is king of it.

And, to say it's crap just shows me that you know nothing about tokusatsu and why it's Japan's tradition. 

What was promised with Shin Gojira-by the filmmakers, not presumed by the fans-was a blending of practical and digital effects. There's a place for both in most, if not all, SFX/VFX films. Neither type of effects and visualization ensure a great film, or even one that is watchable. It's all in the execution based upon the talent and vision of the filmmakers and how much time and freedom they're given to realize that vision.

But, having said this, it must stated that tokusatsu has a special place in, and is central to, the Godzilla Series of films. CGI is needed for some things. But, there are some things, when filmed right and with meticulous care, that look better in practical effects. I don't want to argue here the 'case' for Japanese Practical Effects. They're not in need of being defended. They, and their place in the genre and the series, just need to be understood. For fans, it means an immense appreciation for a unique, colorful and beautiful art form, one that needs and deserves to be enjoyed and preserved.

I heard a rumor:

I heard that Toho Studios was producing a Godzilla movie, to be released this year.

I also heard that Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi were co-directing it.

Any news?

In between the torrents of news about Shin Gojira ("It's alive! It's Godzilla!"), I've decided to revist some films and features not seen in a while. Tonight, it's the Region 2, three-dsc set of Godzilla 2000 Millennium. This set, which I highly recommend, has a rather copius behind the scenes feature called, "The Making of Godzilla 2000 Millennium." While it could be argued that it could benefit from some editing (some parts seem to go and on and...) it is, nevertheless, a great look at the production of the 23rd entry in the Series. Among the highlights are some great, beautiful looks at the Mire-Goji suit, with Tsutomu Kitagawa being helped in and out of it. Director Takao Okawara and SFX Director Kenji Suzuki are shown in their element, so to speak, during the filming of the live action and special effects scenes. This is really geek stuff, and if you're a fan of the movie like me, it's all good. There are extreme close ups of the miniatures being prepared to be destroyed. One of the best scenes was the filming of the power plant being leveled by Godzilla after the attack on Nemuro. The beauty of this low-tech, practical effects work is evident and a joy to watch. The crews seem to be having fun as they labor on the set.

Thank God for this set. It's really helping to fill in the time.

I wonder if the titan in this clip, with the exposed under layers of skin, has influenced the look of Godzilla in Shin Gojira?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evOhJtTwj6g

To be honest, if Shin Gojira looks a lot like Attack on Titan, and is well written and acted, and daringly directed, I could be pretty happy with it. I think this is what we're going to get. I just hope the story is of a wide scale, affecting the country and the region. It's supposed to involve the United States. So I hope we don't get the village effect, scale-wise, a la Godzilla Raids Again . I also expect to see Godzilla regenerate/transform somewhat, over time. This is just a guess based upon the differences between the look of the Tweeted poster and the leaked photographs. And, it wouild not only make sense, but it would make for a stunning visual for the film's story. Of couse, we don't know if the leaked photos are what the SFX/VFX staff are going to ultimately go with. In fact, we don't know too much, actually. There have been hints dropped regarding AoT as a visual point of reference regarding Shin Gojira. We have been advised to look at the last Shinji Higuchi/Katsuro Onoue visual collaboration. So, I'm looking. I'm still very interested. A trailer, will, of course, say a lot.

Also, we were told that the suit would employ three stuntmen. This, I would like to see.

And, I hope a suit is involved. A lot.

Now, this is what I'm talking about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP5o7PvH4Vg&ebc=ANyPxKrhr0ix_DO5MYanFwa_X_cv6zpyfD61BYUGqtjdfS7FXOgs6OAJEPBc4eG1ZlcOfUjlvB48Myou-1m6kondA5JNqtK82g

This level and style of visualization, along with a narrative that pulls you into it, making you part of it (or, a captive to it), in Shin Gojira, would be great to see and experience. I'm counting on Hideaki Anno to come have come through with a moving, rich and textured story. I do not expect to be disappointed. And the visuals, as seen in these clips, just need to be projected onto a scale that is national, affecting the entire country with regional implications. I expect something similar in Shin Gojira because of what well-placed and authoritative sources have said, and because of the artists involved. And, we get an Anno narrative.  

@Jamaal,

Just a small correction. Giant God warrior appears in Tokyo came out in 2009. It is a short movie you can watch on www.dailymotion.com 

Just go to the website, type in giant God warrior appears in Tokyo under the search option and watch it. Directed by Hideaki Anno and special effects supervisor Shinji Higuchi. 

So, giant God warrior influenced the titans and shin Godzilla. 

Thanks, Huge-Ben. Good reminder about GGWAIT. What a beautiful short film! And creepy, too!. I can see a line of influence from it to Attack on Titan, to the designs we've seen for Shin Gojira. The latest Godzilla would be the next step in a line of progression, effects-wise, at least. The AoT clips have given me hope and perhaps an idea as to how Godzilla will be portrayed. It's not just the look or convincibility of the effects, it's also-to me-how Godzilla is characterized and how he acts. The clips were convincing enough to allow me to 'buy into' what was happening. But, they also have that look that makes the visuals almost dream-like, a bit surreal. To this fan, semi-realism in SFX/VFX is not only beautiful to watch and marvel at, but also effective visually when the kaiju is a symbol as well as an actual creature. I think you can have both in a kaiju film. The result is that the art form, the tradition can be kept relevant and updated while being preserved for the future. 

Having said this, I'm for the use of digital effects in conjunction with practical effects. We've seem how they can complement each other, each one enhancing the other. 

I'm looking forward to that first trailer, just to see, to get an indication, as to what this most anticipated Godzilla film may offer and promise.

No problem Jamaal. To me, both GGWAIT and AOT are very good connections to what we can expect for Shin Godzilla. 

And, as a fan of tokusatsu to another, I highly, highly, highly recommend you get and watch Ultraman the next. What Gamera guardian of the universe is to Gamera. Great film.

Anyway, rumors are still pointing to a trailer for Godzilla resurgence towards the end of this month we call March. Makes sense to me. Godzilla theme song, Godzilla March. This month is March. Lol, I tried pulling a funny. 

One does not only watch tokusatsu; one feels tokusatsu. It is a state of mind that is a solid part of the experience. CGI is in no way displeasing; however, the days when films worked magic through practical effects were far kinder. :)

^That's it. Tokusatsu is felt and experienced. Plus, it's real. That it's actual and flowing from human hands is a great part of the appeal. Tokusatsu is 'close' and of near access. It has a warmth that cannot be replicated.

Plus, there are shots, practical effects, in GGWAIT that would not look as good, as beautiful or artisitic if done digitally. Anyone who's seen the film knows what I'm referring to. It's like looking at a beautiful painting that moves and changes angles.Then, if you combine practical and digital effects in one shot, the contrast is most satisfying. It almost defies description.

Well, it' been about five months since the Shin Gojira website came online.

Any ideas about the marketing strategy for this film? Perhaps information about Shin Gojira wil be 'back ended,' with a lot of photos, video, plot details toward the end of the production cycle. Then again, maybe not. Perhaps-just perhaps- the idea is to surround the film in a shroud of mystery. We don't know really anything as to what it's going to be like. We have the statements of the directors and things said by 'sources.' I love that term, 'sources.'

Personally, I don't know if this is a good idea. But, I've never produced a movie, either.  

JAMAAL - I share in your uncertainty with regards to the marketing of Shin -Gojira. However, like you, I have never produced a film! With that being said, I believe the veil of mystery might serve to increase the anticipation for the film! Of course, I would absolutely love a little more information; however, I am not certain what I would like to see or hear. It is a compelling conundrum! The vast majority of my  mind does not want to have even a small bit of Shin-Gojira ruined! 

It would seem that the marketing is being held off not only due to the shroud of mystery but because there are still a lot of "fans" that still don't like the design of shin Godzilla.

I'm no filmmaker either. But, perhaps it's better for Toho to release the film first, see how well it does, then release the marketing. I'm already waiting for the X-plus Shin Godzilla to be released. 

As of right now, I'm much more in anticipation to see if the rumors are true about an official trailer being released towards the end of this month.

The only marketing we can get our hands on right now is the Japanese fliers on eBay. 

SOMETHING REAL said (and very well, I might add):

" I am not certain what I would like to see or hear. It is a compelling conundrum! The vast majority of my  mind does not want to have even a small bit of Shin-Gojira ruined!" 

Point well taken! It could be a case of "be careful of what you ask for..."

If what we're not seeing is a case of anticipation generation, then they've succeeded! I wonder what fans (and non-fans, for that matter) in Japan are saying? It's just that we're used to seeing a lot more of the production at this point in the production cycle. Personally, I'm comparing this 'production watch' with that of Godzilla 2000 Millennium and Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, and the contrast, information-wise, is astounding. But, perhaps, the people at Goji-Con having something really amazing up their sleeves and it's just over the horizon.

Or, maybe their are 'issues' with the film in a technical sense, if you know what I mean.

Who knows?

Maybe there's major disagreement between the studio and the directors/modelmakers/sculptors about the design. What if the 'actual' design was shown to a 'test' audience (especially selected geeks, 'otaku' ) and, they didn't like it? What if there are concerns about Anno's story and screenplay? Perhaps they've had to reshoot a lot of the SFX/VFX scenes. Speaking of SFX/VFX scenes, how is that 'three-man Godzilla suit' supoosed to work? Also, I'm wondering about the amount of miniature work there will be in Anno's 'vision' of Tokyo in the Shin Gojira universe. Will it be comparable to GGWAIT? Would a digitized version of the cityscape be possible? Certainly, miniatures would look better. Maybe.

I wonder if Shusuke Kaneko would be open to directing the next Godzilla? And would they want him?

Just thinking out loud to pass the time. 

So "Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo" is a prequel to Miyazaki's "Naussicaa and the Valley of the Wind?" Cool.

Dear Toho:

As a fan of your Godzilla and other kaiju films, I would like to take this opportunity to suggest that something related to Shin Gojira be released to give fans and the general movie going public an idea of what they can expect from this film. The website went online about five months ago. Something, even photos, would help. Also, something of a synopsis of Shin Gojira would be welcome and helpful.

Sincerely,

Jamaal 

Taking the Attack On Titan films as a kind of reference for what could be in Shin Gojira (at least effects-wise), I hope to see a level of malevalence and sentience in Godzilla not seen since at least GMK. I mean specifically something similar to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajkvP0CkVsA

When watching clips like this, I 'project' as to how Godzilla might be portrayed and characterized. Toho cannot match Legendary's budget and resources. But, it can bring its own decades-long tradition of kaiju characterization to bear. This will make Shin Gojira distinct and endow it with qualities that only a Japanese made film and story have. No one wants convincing special and visual effects more than me. I want people to be able to buy into the story. This especially important if the narrative is well written and carries a message that is both meaningful and moving. But, without throwing the baby out with the bath water, Shin Gojira should have that look and atmosphere that result from the tradition in which it originated and from which it emerged.  

Sorry. Here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fSvKz5se5I

From what I understand Japanese fans are getting quite antsy as well. Either Toho is planning a fairly worthy reveal or they're in trouble and trying to keep things under wraps. At this point I'm not expecting a trailer until April. They're in trouble if it's pushed to May.

My hope is that a tremendous reveal is being readied, and that the delay is due to the metculousness of the directors and the crew.

My concern, however, is that something is really wrong, and that they're in crisis mode.

Again, I cannot help but contrast this Wall of Silence regarding Shin Gojira and the the frequency with which we got updates and information about Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. With Norman England posting news on Shusuke Kaneko's website, we were able to see the film's production unfold, almost one shot at a time. We were told how shots went, what difficulties were involved, what actors-live action and SFX- were in the shots, etc. It was truly remarkable. And it was not just news to feed hungry fans, it was a great marketing tool! The more I read about how GMK was being filmed and fine tuned, the more I looked forward to seeing the final product.  

Then, there was the staff profiles, accented with their views about the film and its progress. There were comparisons made between it and the previous Godzilla films and the Heisei Gamera films as well! It was great putting a human face to these people making GMK. There was a sense that they were involved in something special.

Five months after the posting of the film's website, we really know nothing about Shin Gojira. A few pictures, a shaky cam 'trailer,' a teaser poster and three cast members. I don't know want kind of marketing strategy this is, but I wouldn't suggest it.

But what do I know?   

There's no doubt that Godzilla Resurgence has a very different marketing strategy than of the Millennium Godzilla movies had. In some ways I like it. The Millennium movies, while fascinating to follow, had troves of images and information spilled in magazines frequently. In some cases it sort of spoiled pieces or ideas about the films. (Not that the younger me minded at the time.)

Here, Godzilla Resurgence is being played so close to the creators that we barely have anything to speculate over. In a lot of ways this shows the changing of the guard, and Toho, from the early 2000s. The same people just aren't in charge any more and are likely about-facing how they treated prior entries.

In any case it's been confirmed that today's issue of CUT magazine will have some new info. I'm not expecting much and I highly doubt we'll get a new image of Godzilla, but at least it will be something to tide us over.

With Shin Gojira, I've found this to be the best approach: do not expect much. Or, really, do not expect anything. That way, you won't be disappointed. I know it's a new regime, so to speak, over at Toho, but come on guys. This is ridiculous. Maybe the thought is 'less is more.' In that case, Shin Gojira has been a lot.  

As for the info in CUT magazine, while I'm quitely hopeful, I'm not expecting much. Perhaps, in the end, it will all pay off in terms of the film's popularity and run at the box office. Shin Gojira has been (at least up till now) the 'UnInternet' movie production. It's true, we got a lot in advance of the Millennium Films. Maybe, too much at times. But I feel their biggest problem was that they were being cranked every year. Not that I complained. Actually, I began to expect a new film every year like it was the norm. But, for the sake of balance, there's no need to exchange one extreme (overexposure) for another one (no real news).

Like I've said, I'm not in the movie production business. I'm just a fan (since the 1960's) who hopes that Toho knows what they're doing. Really. I want Shin Gojira to be a commercial and critical success that all of Japan loves and can't get enough of. Because, they're not getting too much of it now. 

Anyway, looking forward to what appears over the next few days.

Gormaru Island is reporting that nothing new was revealed in the CUT magazine article.

^Yup.

In other non-news August Ragone just assured someone on Twitter that there's no need to panic and this really is a case of Toho simply keeping things close for a change. What a 180 from the early 2000s and 90s. We'll see how this goes...

Perhaps it's better to keep things like this. 54' wasn't teased or anything that I'm familiar with. Quite honestly I'm thrilled that Toho is keeping a low profile on it. It'll make things better when released properly. I know it's killing everyone but, it seems to me the more we don't know, the better.

July is of course, 4 months away. Not counting March. I look for things to be releasing around April. Plus, it's stopping a lot of nonsense with speculations around the film. Why guess at anything to begin with? 

Maybe, Toho's 'strategy' is not release anything at all.

Just run a couple of TV spots just prior to the theatrical run.

Or, with this 'less is more' campaign, fans (and presumedly, non-fans as well) will be pleased as punch when details and information about the film are finally realized. Or, this could be a way of 'echoing' the appearance of the original Godzilla by having him come out of nowhere. It's brilliant if you think about it.

Or not.

In the run up to the November 3, 1954 release of Gojira, the film's story was broadcast as a radio drama. The adapted screenplay was run over eleven 30 minute episodes.

At this point, given the current state of things, I would take this-with no visuals. At least, this way, there would be no 'controversies' about the design and effects. It could be streamed on the film's website (not exactly overflowing with activity) and posted on YouTube. Fan Art could be used for some visualization. Or, the 'teaser' poster from December 2015 could be used throughout the broadcasts.

Radio as a medium should be not underestimated. It could help to recall some of the imagery from Gojira, where radio broadcasts and transmissions played a great role in the film's narrative. Since Toho is going for a retro-style publicity campaign for Shin Gojira, a radio-based dramatization of the story would fit the mood.

Think about it, Toho.

Good night.

News from Gormaru Island about a live event to be streamed on April 29th, 6 p.m. Tokyo time:

https://www.facebook.com/GormaruIsland/

"NICO NICO Hosting SHIN GOJIRA Super Conference April 29th!

April 29th will see a live-broadcasting at 6PM in Japan from NICO NICO, hosting a SHIN GOJIRA "Super Conference", joined with Special Effects Director Anno Hideaki!

This will be the first exhibition event to unveil exciting information on SHIN GOJIRA as it is a model exhibition exclusively based on the upcoming 2016 film within a grand display! Here, Japan's viewers will be given a special look into the new TOHO Godzilla film.

Fans overseas, in EST timezone, will have to wake up at 5:00AM on Friday to catch the live-stream broadcast!"

-from Gormaru Island

@Jamaal,

All true. There was a tweet about this on Twitter way early this morning. Trailer? Maybe, maybe not. It's an exhibit and one I'd like to be at.