Skip to content

Category: Blog

MIFV Season 4 Delayed Until 2024

Published September 12, 2023

The Monster Island Film Vault (MIFV) will soon conclude its third season, “Ameri-kaiju,” but due to a combination of unforeseen circumstances and overextension, season four (“The Monster Island World Tour”) has been delayed until January 2024.

Host Nathan Marchand kicked off the third season in January 2022 with an episode featuring Ryan “The Omni Viewer” Collins in a discussion of the proto-kaiju film, The Lost World (1925), which featured stopmotion special effects by the legendary Willis O’Brien. Since then, Marchand has chronologically covered several examples of American-made kaiju films (outside of the King Kong franchise) from different eras of American cinema, including Mighty Joe Young (1949), The Giant Claw, and Pacific Rim, with various guest hosts, as is tradition on the podcast. However, during this time, Marchand expanded his ambitions with more elaborate story segments with a larger number actors, two other podcasts (Henshin Men and The Power Trip), and a staff writer/editor position on Kaiju Ramen Magazine. This workload proved to be more than Marchand could handle, causing frequent delays in episode production. Along with this, behind-the-scenes issues have plagued MIFV and Marchand’s other productions, requiring more of his attention to navigate them. He produced several bonus episodes, such as recordings of panel presentations he gave at conventions, in the interim.

While he initially planned to complete season three and then switch to a weekly schedule for season four to get the show back on track and has already pre-recorded almost half of the season four episodes in anticipation of this, such a schedule has proven to be untenable.

Instead, MIFV will resume its normal schedule—second and fourth Wednesdays with bonus episodes on fifth Wednesdays—starting in January 2024. This will allow time for postproduction to resume on the currently recorded episodes. In the meantime, Marchand will publish some bonus episodes, such as a Halloween special, a Christmas special, and a full episode on Godzilla: Minus One, among other things.

Marchand is grateful for his loyal and patient fans and listeners, and he looks forward to continuing to entertain and enlighten them through tokusatsu in 2024 and beyond.

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 78: ‘Godzilla vs. Biollante’ | Godzilla Redux | Ft. Kaiju Kim and Daniel DiManna

Published August 18, 2023

Hello, Kaiju Lovers! (If Nate can do it, so can I!) The paper with my notes on this impromptu episode on Godzilla vs. Biollante are longer than my arm. Even the calculations I made on the Gohten’s engine thrust weren’t this extensive! (Maybe…). Before we get into it, Nate referenced that I had a “new mic” but switched to my “old mic.” I was feeling nostalgic that day. When season four starts, you’ll understand what he was talking about. Anyway, let’s get into my notes.

  • We really need to copyright your catchphrases, Nate. I’m hearing your friends steal them on other shows. Especially Michael and Elijah. You should talk to Raymund about suing them. 😛
  • I hate time travel. Must you joke about it? Of course you must. It’s part of our shtick. PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE GEEKY WRATH OF JIMMY!
  • PTSD flashbacks are the worst. I’ve gotten better, but they still happen sometimes. I can help you, Danny Boy.
  • My theory is the snake on Mondo Island was once a stick. Let me explain. So, there was this guy named Heston from Fort Wayne who chopped down and tree on Mondo Island to demand that a certain emperor let his enslaved people go. To scare the tyrant, he used his magic or divine power or alchemy or whatever to transform it into a huge snake. (I can’t vouch for the truth of this story, for once).
  • The film musical of Little Shop of Horrors was released in 1986. Nate was correct.
  • “Little Shop of Whores” is the Rule 34 version. (Don’t ask me how I know that).
  • The Heisei era began with the ascension of Emperor Akihito January 8, 1989.
  • You complain about Skull Island and Cleopatra’s Shin Ultraman blu-ray, I decry time travel. We all have our pet peeves.
  • That guess for “space is warped” was right, and you know it! Admit it, Marchand!
  • I know how Kevin Bacon fits into this conspiracy…but I can’t tell you without divulging dangerous secrets.
  • Nate had the spelling of that Ultra Kaiju’s name right the first time: https://ultra.fandom.com/wiki/Leogon
  • The current exchange rate for 3 million yen is in fact $20,572.89, Danny. #wellactually
  • “Nazi-zilla,” you say?
  • I looked at your notes, Nate, and it a handkerchief, not a piece of paper, those reporters found in that first draft.
  • I got an e-mail from Nick during the broadcast. He was impressed that you found a new joke for his last name. Also, he’s going to find the rat-fish and bring it to the Island.
  • Godzilla almost ate a cow on film, Danny, in the first draft of Godzilla (1954). You should know this.
  • Deutalios don’t taste like chicken…I had some once. It was necessary for survival.
  • Now Nate understands my frustration with LeMay. #factcheck
  • I got an angry text from Jessica after you said that, Nate. She wants you to ACKNOWLEDGE HER!
  • Nate’s brain is a tangled mess of kitchen sinks. You should see his research notes. (Oh, wait. You do. 😛 ).
  • Miki and the Phoenix Force…that’s a crossover.
  • Retrograde: word of the day.
  • And…I got another angry text from Jessica about the glitter comment. She’s going to kill you in your sleep when you get back from the “world tour,” Nate.
  • #CanWeUseThat
  • The world isn’t ready for a She-Zilla. It should probably stay in fanfiction for now.
  • Godzilla in Sayonara Jupiter? Nope!
  • #TanakaSaidNo
  • #OmorisTears
  • So, you want necromancy technology? And preferably not from Dr. Dourif? I know a guy…but I don’t want to talk about it.
  • I sit there and pretend to listen to Nate all the time.
  • El Santo vs. Ultraman? I was in that unmade film. It was part of a legal loophole to get Ultraman into Mexico before the Chaiyo lawsuit was resolved. Sadly, El Santo died before it could be made.
  • A kaiju dentist? I heard the Board has already started a job search. Let’s hope Orin Scrivello doesn’t apply. 😛
  • The Markalite Lounge is starting Kaiju Karaoke next week. It was already popular at Nessie’s Brasserie. Jessica is the reigning champ. But everyone knows that because she sang on the air once.
  • I’m always the only hope. Ask Nate. I’ve saved his hide how many times now?
  • It was over ten years ago the blu-ray was released, Danny! 2012!
  • I say, “Amen,” every time we finish a broadcast. And I’m not even religious!
  • I’ll use “kiss you guys” as a new catchphrase. But does it have a comma? That’s the age-old question.
  • Canceled by Kaiju Kim. My life is now complete.
  • Gene Simmons Godzilla?! Yipes!
  • The Super X2 is my favorite character in this film. For obvious reasons.
  • I always win the debate with “I don’t want to talk about it.”
  • MY MOTHER IS DEAD, YOU GUYS!
  • Again, this is why I hate time travel.
  • I was never in a parallel dimension! How dare you question my wild story of survival from the infamous War in Space! Even though I’ll never tell!

But it wasn’t just my notes that were extensive—look at Nate’s! This might be his personal record! To quote him, “Good Godzilla!”

Godzilla-vs.-BiollanteDownload

It’s time I wrap this up. Nate and I will feverishly complete postproduction on the remainder of season three (“Ameri-kaiju”), which will be Jurassic Park (featuring Bex from Redeemed Otaku) and The Asylum’s Monster Island, which featured none other than the Island’s resident legal eagle, Raymunf Martin! Stay tuned!

Social media:

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 76: Alex McCumbers vs. ‘Rampage’ (2018)

Published May 12, 2023

With this, I have caught up with the current output of episodes. Nate is still trying to catch up with publication. This is why I think he’s doing too much. I know he thinks it’s…beneficial for everyone, but he’s going to burn himself out. I just hope it isn’t literal. I saw that happen to a guy at NASA once. Yes, stress can lead to spontaneous combustion. (I don’t want to talk about it). Anyway, I have a fair amount of notes on episode 76 despite not producing it. (Nice work, Jet!) They are:

  • I missed you, too, Nate—by an inch. Ha!
  • That manual needs to get published. I’m in talks with a publisher now.
  • Alex corrected the release date instead of me or Jet. Good work!
  • Nate’s done well with the EID’s, but I’d rather spare him the trouble (especially now) and write them.
  • Peyton Reed directed cheerleaders and Ant-Man, Nate.
  • Yes, Notary played King Kong in Skull Island. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Notary)
  • Did Yuji Kaida do rampage Japanese poster? (link, image)
  • I’ve played Jet’s Jaguar. His favorite games are Iron Soldier 1-2.
  • It was Dr. Feng Zhang. (Source: https://www.broadinstitute.org/what-broad/areas-focus/project-spotlight/questions-and-answers-about-crispr).
  • I had the Rock’s eyebrows for a while. It was a side effect of miraculously surviving the infamous War in Space. The surgery fixed them.
  • Jet said Bowser is a kaiju, Nate. Given the semi-nebulous definition of the word, I don’t know if we can refute him. I could check with the kaijuologists—if I wasn’t in jail!
  • Midway didn’t publish War of the Monsters. It was developed by Incognito Entertainment (and Santa Monica Studio) and published by Sony. (Source: Wikipedia).
  • Primal Rage is a post-apocalyptic game. It takes place after a meteor strike devastates civilization.
  • How the heck could you get me confused for Jet?! “Jet Jimmy”? “Jimmy Jet”? The latter was my pro-wrestler persona for a while, though.
  • I spent a tour in Earth Defense Force. I had the highest robot kill count because my engineering knowledge helped me identify weaknesses. The giant bugs? Not so much.
  • This Reddit post (so take it with a grain of salt) has a link to a Google Drive with an English translation of City Shrouded in Shadow. Here’s a YouTube playlist with one.
  • I heard the original broadcast. Jet was right to criticize. It’s like you became one of your friend’s podcasts: derailed trains of thought.
  • He prefers “Push the button, Jet.”

Finally, here is Nate’s full research notes so you can read what he didn’t share:

(file)

With this, I have finally caught up. Now, if only Nate could get those episodes out. Season three needs to end! The Kaiju Lovers are waiting, man!

Social media:

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 75: ‘Ebirah, Horror of the Deep’ | Brendan Morley & The Metters

Published May 12, 2023

This was the first episode where I had to take notes as I listened in the detention center. Or was I under the bus? It felt like I was under the bus. I’m glad I trained Jet Jaguar to sub for me in the producer booth. There was no way Nate could’ve handled the show on his own. It’s too bad I wasn’t there because I would’ve liked to have met Brendan and challenged Joy to a friendly duel. Anyway, episode 75 required me to do some research using my limited internet access in the detention center. I may or may not have called in a favor from a certain “Hyper Agent” to gather the information I needed (but you didn’t hear that from me).

  • Must you remind me of the Daimajin incident? It’s on my top ten most embarrassing moments. Not top five, though. (I don’t want to talk about those).
  • Masao was my wingman for a while. You know, when I helped Gamera save the Earth from a space squid…who’s now one of my bosses. (Damnit…).
  • I can appreciate the Star Wars references from jail. I need a little joy in my prison life…at least while the “X-Lady” is sleeping…which is a lot.
  • The crab/lobster fighting game has the obvious title of Fight Crab. It’s on Steam and the Nintendo Switch.
  • Sadamasa’s full name is Sadamasa Arikawa.
  • I had to do some digging (YouTube’s search system is goofy), but I found the Peanuts singing “Jingle Bells” in English:
  • I’m just as surprised Brendan understands Jet! It’s like he has a sixth sense with robots. Is he a technopath? I don’t meet many people with those abilities.
  • Roasted Daicondoru does taste like chicken and is served by Japanese KFC’s. It’s one of the Island’s exports to the mainland. What’s strange is only one restaurant serves it on the Island itself: Burt’s (named after Burt Gummer).
  • Jet and Rex go way back…or so they tell me.
  • Joy provided me with a link to the “Godzilla cloud” clip.
  • I confirmed the cigarette on Mothra, which Nate then used for a hype meme.

As usual, Nate has an overabundance of research that can’t all make it onto the episode. Here’s what he had for this one:

Ebirah Horror of the Deep notesDownload

One more blog, and I’m caught up (for now)!

Social media:

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 74: Chris Cooke vs. ‘Power Rangers’ (2017)

Published May 11, 2023

This was my last broadcast (episode 74) before I was incarcerated. Actually, “detained” is a better word for it. The Legal Action Team worked hard to keep me from being sent to the mainland for trial. Me and my lady friend. (More on that later). Again, this episode was broadcast before the tragic death of Jason David Frank (see our charity livestream for more on that). Tommy Oliver isn’t in this film, so I don’t know how much would’ve changed. Regardless, I only had a handful of notes for this one.

  • Freestylin’ to Wu-Tang Clan with Chris in my mechs. Gotta love it. Nobody should hear it, though. We’d get canceled seven ways from Sunday.
  • The Island needs a donut store. I’m still hungry.
  • The last name of the screenwriter is Gatins. Listen to my Entertaining Info Dump for confirmation.
  • I still feel betrayed by George Lucas! The Phantom Menace isn’t what we wanted! But I should’ve known after he had Greedo shoot first. As for selling the franchise to Disney—you know what, I need to stop.
  • Speaking of ranting, I could rant just as well about the damn robots in this film! The “Archano-don” is ridiculous. So is the six-legged Triceratops. It’s no surprise the comic book sequel (link) tries to obscure those design elements.
  • Yes, Nate is a sadist. I’ve learned that all too well. Just ask his last girlfriend.
  • I think you meant “digital” not “optical” effects, Nate.
  • Okay, fine, I was daydreaming. You can’t fire me for that! You don’t have the “fire power”!

Nate’s research is once again derived heavily from his notes for the Power Trip episode on this film.

Power Rangers 2017 notesDownload

I only have a few more left before I’m finally caught up. Excuse me while I go finish.

Social media:

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on ‘Episode 73 – Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: The Movie’ | Ft. The Cel Cast

Published May 10, 2023

Re-listening to this episode is bittersweet, to say the least. It was broadcast before the tragic death of actor Jason David Frank. This discussion would’ve been much different if it happened afterward. (Listen to the charity livestream [link] to hear that). Regardless, I had a surprising amount of notes on episode 73, which is partly due to my history with the cheeky AI Drew and Jacob have on their show. Can she generate art now? I’m sure she needs a job. Anyway, my notes are:

  • Alliteration or not, you worry me, Nate. (Whatever it was that worried me).
  • You only say I suck at it because my mic is broke. That will be fixed soon.
  • It wouldn’t be the first restraining order I’ve gotten. (D-Let). Some past guests, who shall remain nameless, may have filed some.
  • The “Yes, quite” habit still concerns me, Nate. It still does.
  • I, too, have roommates I don’t like to talk about, Nate.
  • Ninjor is blue, not purple. Get it right, Power Tripper!
  • I also wasn’t a kid when MMPR came out. And yes, Apollo 13 is one of my favorite movies. I could rave about it for long enough to travel to the Moon in a standard-issue NASA space capsule.
  • Cutting me off and telling me to call my sidekick?! Your new power has gone to your head, Marchand!
  • Nate always assumes I know nothing…like Schultz. (If you got that reference, I’m impressed).
  • I met the Stepford Teenagers once. They’re the children of the Stepford Wives, naturally, and just as creepy.
  • I met Snoggle once. It might be why he never got to Dulcea. Just saying.
  • I used to use “I’m a frog” as a pickup line. But that was when I was a frog for a while. I don’t want to talk about it.
  • But “Ivan’s Ooze” is real! (beer image) I may have to switch to it in light of recent controversies with certain alcohol companies.
  • First, you’re disgusting, Marchand. Second, they’re “Oozemen,” not “Oozlets.” That’s what Michael incorrectly called them on The Power Trip episode you did on this movie (link).

Now for the mandatory sharing of Nate’s research on the movie in question—much of which was taken from his Power Trip notes.

MMPR The Movie NotesDownload

I’m inching closer to the episodes where I was forced to take a prison time hiatus. It didn’t stop me from being intrepid or a producer. We all know Nate needs me.

Social media:

#JimmyFromNASALives      #WeShallOvercome               #MonsterIslandFilmVault

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 72: Record All Monsters vs. ‘Colossal’

Published May 10, 2023

Nate was already doing, what, five jobs at that point? I saw Nate guzzle Kaiju Energy drinks like I do Jack Daniels. (Well, I’ve switched to a new favorite alcohol now). This was when my notes and on-air corrections became even more important. Speaking of which, here are my notes from episode 72 with first-time guests Robert and Courtney from Record All Monsters:

  • Nate says his new position hasn’t gone to his head. I don’t believe him.
  • Colossal was released in 2016, not 2015, Nate.
  • I don’t know what Nate is insinuating about husband and wife team. Actually, I do, but it isn’t “PG,” to say the least.
  • Traumatizing Gloria was a joke! That woman has been through enough! (Kinda like my new lady friend…).
  • It may not be slander that I turned into a sailor, but I don’t appreciate the insinuation. I’m a “space sailor” (astronaut). Get it right!
  • It’s pronounced, “Soo-day-kus.”
  • You can’t call me “Jimbo,” Marchand!
  • You’re still wrong, Nate. It’s New Jersey. (link)
  • I’ve actually sketched my projected robot. I’d post it here, but I already dealt with Michael Hamilton stealing my annotated Godzilla Compendium.
  • There are reasons my age is top secret…so I can’t talk about them even if I wanted to…which I don’t.
  • I “master” myself every day…(ahem).
  • (double check inner demon name)
  • Listen, buddy…it has come to this! (Whatever “this” is!)
  • You promoted the wrong upcoming film and episode, Marchand! (But I didn’t correct you…oops…).
  • I have a case pending with Raymund, too…because reasons. It’s since been settled out of court.
  • Playing guitar live in studio. Impressive, Robert.
  • Never underestimate us adult Kennys. We’re a wily and resourceful bunch. You should’ve saw what we did during our last reunion on the Island during the “Year of Gamera.”

Here’s all of Nate’s research on this film:

Colossal NotesDownload

I’m slowly catching up. I’m in the homestretch now! Slowly but surely the Gamera wins tehr ace!

Social media:

#JimmyFromNASALives      #WeShallOvercome               #MonsterIslandFilmVault

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on Bonus Episode 13 – I Hate ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising,’ Change My Mind | Ft. Jack ‘GMan’ Hudgens

Published May 9, 2023

This bonus episode was an interesting one. Nate has been outspoken with his disdain for Uprising for a long time. He even trashed it on a GFEST panel before coming to the Island. Personally, I’m indifferent. I prefer the gloriously beautiful mecha from the first film (plus, Gipsy Danger is a better name than Gipsy Avenger), but I can’t deny the new technology in the film intrigued me. I’m amazed those kids passed piloting school, though. But I don’t have much room to talk because I couldn’t cut in Jaeger school. I guess surviving the infamous War in Space makes your brain drift incompatible.

Anyway, I jotted down a few notes from the “debate.” Here they are:

  • In my defense, Nate was certain in his wrongness about Amara and Newt. It was funny to watch him embarrass himself.
  • I did fight Jack once…I don’t want to talk about it.
  • The Bandai Mandates are a good band.
  • The Jaeger with the whip was Guardian Bravo.
  • The Mysterians perhaps makes Jimmy too happy…I’m not at liberty to say why.
  • Obsidian Fury’s original name, Black Mariah, is the name of a Marvel Comics character. Interesting, “Black Maria” is the name of a character in the popular manga One Piece.
  • I’m all for getting Nate stoned. It’d be our highest-rated and most downloaded episode ever of all time.

Nate didn’t have a bunch of research for this episode since he wanted Jack to carry most of it, but here’s what he had.

S3B14-Pacific-Rim-Uprising-NotesDownload

All right, I have a lunch date with my cellmate in the detention center. More blogs to come!

Social media:

#JimmyFromNASALives      #WeShallOvercome               #MonsterIslandFilmVault

Comments closed

Jimmy’s Notes on Episode 71: ‘Invasion of Astro-Monster’ | Ft. The Dapper Man

Published May 9, 2023

After dealing a crazy half-Scotsman for months, a crazy Irishman was easy. And a welcome change. All that to say, Kevin was the cherry on top of what was a favorite episode for me. No surprise, right? Invasion of Astro-Monster (aka the superior title, Monster Zero) features the man who trained me (Glen) played by my man-crush/spirit animal (Nick Adams). Not to mention my real crush (Kumi Mizuno). It’s why when I heard that a lost Xilien saucer was discovered, I requested that it be brought to my garage for examination. Let’s just say I found some…interesting things in it. I’m still preparing a report on my discoveries. At least I was before I was sent to jail!

Anyway, I wrote more notes for this episode (naturally) than I had for the last few. These were:

  • I do have a dirty mouth—I can out-cuss any Irishman!
  • I normally nitpick the guest’s speech flubs—but Kevin is Irish, so I lost track.
  • I approve of the long segment on my man-crush and real crush. I’d almost start a whole podcast about them…but I need a new microphone. I don’t want to repeat an infamous bonus episode.
  • I don’t appreciate Kevin’s tone—I’m not a robot! I just may love a robot…maybe…. She assures me she was just connected to a machine for a while.
  • I call everyone “stinkin’ rats.” Because man-crush.
  • I’ve built up an immunity to the Lady Guard noise. But that’s mostly because I’m an engineer by trade and human.
  • Fun fact: Tetsuo was able to sell the Lady Guard to Bandai, and I had one as a kid. And yes, I did use it to annoy my parents. Sadly, the toy didn’t catch on. No “Bandai mandate” could help that one.
  • I went to Nessie’s Brasserie once. I drank too much and did the shie dance on the bar top.
  • “Plan 9 from Planet X.” I like the sound of that.
  • Keiko Sawai wasn’t in the next Godzilla film (Ebirah, Horror of the Deep), but she did play alongside my man-crush the year before in Frankestein Conquers the World.
  • Good job catching that note about Robbie the Robot. I got an e-mail from him saying he appreciated that.
  • I loved Watangi and the Fabulous Empire of Monsters back in the ‘70s! They’re on a reunion tour right now. They should play a show on the Island—especially when Kaiju Kim visits. 😉
  • I’m still not sure you know how to do your job, Nate. Especially the new one.
  • I recorded a scream for a Lady Guard mark 2. Lost my voice for three days.

And now for Nate’s complete research document:

S3E71-Invasion-of-Astro-Monster-notesDownload

With this, I’m in the homestretch for catching up on my blogs! Stay tuned for more!

Social media:

#JimmyFromNASALives      #WeShallOvercome               #MonsterIslandFilmVault

Comments closed