TRANSFORMERS JAPANESE COLLECTION

New release: The complete Transformers Japanese Collection will see its first US release on June 13th via Shout! Factory. From the press release: "In 1984 the world was introduced to a unique line of transforming toys designed by Japanese toymaker Takara. Originally created as independent action figures, the characters were repackaged as The Transformers by American toy powerhouse Hasbro, who created a comprehensive backstory of valiant Autobots and treacherous Decepticons. The franchise was an instant success, launching popular comic books and a daily animated series that spanned four stunning seasons and a theatrical motion picture. Original toy creators Takara teamed up with Toei Animation, took the events of the show’s first three seasons and launched their own series, steering the heroic adventures of the Autobots — known as Cybertrons in Japan — in a completely new and surprising direction. Finally, for the very first time in North America, those three Japanese creations — Headmasters, Super-God Masterforce and Victory — can be seen in one deluxe DVD box set!" 13 discs with bonus art galleries. More info at Shout! Factory and Amazon. 

SUPER SENTAI EVENT

Shout! Factory is hosting a Super Sentai event this weekend! Tune in to their streaming channel to see classic Japanese sci-fi/monster action on their website, complete with commentary and round table discussions with tokusatsu experts. This is a great way to find out how the whole Power Rangers phenomenon began in Japan. There is also a flash sale on all tokusatsu DVD box sets and fans can save up to 50%! More info at Shout! Factory. 

ERNIE CLINE CLASSIC GAME FEST

Author Ernie Cline (Ready Player One) will be a special guest at Classic Game Fest this summer! The festival will be held the Palmer Events Center in Austin July 29-30. "Classic Game Fest is excited to welcome acclaimed author and screenwriter, Ernest Cline, back to Classic Game Fest! Cline will be signing autographs and a meet and greet on Saturday, July 30th from 12-2pm ONLY! You’ll have an opportunity to purchase a book or bring your own copy to have signed." More info here. See my Ernie Cline image archive on Pinterst. 

LABYRINTH LP

David Bowie's wonderful soundtrack to Labyrinth (1986) has finally been reissued! After years of seeing the original pressing fetch high prices on the collector's market, fans can now pick up the 2017 remastered edition for around $24. Also includes Trevor Jones' instrumental tracks. Great songs to a great movie! Can't go wrong with Jim Henson, David Bowie, Terry Jones, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Kenny Baker, Brian Henson, George Lucas, and Gates McFadden! Find the LP at Amazon and local music stores. The film also had a 4k restoration and Blu-ray release recently, though I must say I prefer the original Blu-ray edition- looks more film-like and natural to my eyes. Enjoy!

THEREMIN PAGE

I was raised on old records by Blues greats such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and John Lee Hooker, so I never really got into Led Zeppelin. At the time it all sounded like too much borrowing and noodling on the guitar. But I explored the band as an adult and came to enjoy how they expanded the form. I was especially intrigued by Led Zep's commitment to interaction between the voice and guitar. My ears were finally ready for their brand of electric experimentation. It's been some years now since I listened to them, so I revisited The Song Remains the Same film last night. Sure, lots of swagger there, but I did enjoy this Theremin sequence from Whole Lotta Love. I admit, I even enjoyed seeing Plant's fantasy bits filmed in Wales. I've become a regular Wales traveler in the past couple of years, so just soaked in the landscape and didn't mind the sword-quest story too much. If anyone saw the recent doc It Might Get Loud, you'll get that I kept thinking of an elderly Page over his Theremin- still grinning like a kid. Here's Plant and Page working the Theremin-voice improv in the 70s. Enjoy!