Podcast – Maser Patrol

Well produced, lot of well resourced information. Good fun as well.

Lots of good opinions like Kaiju Transmissions. These people are fun and enjoyable, recommended for any occasion, especially long commutes!

I try to catch this podcast whenever there is a new episode. I am so glad I caught this "seasonal blues" episode. Kevin D., with guests Justin and Kyle, discuss the newly released Criterion Collection Godzilla: The Showa Era boxed(booked?) set. Armed with an enviable amount of knowledge, the trio traces the problematic home video history of Godzilla. While many of the issues with home releases are laid on the distributors, Toho's obstinance also plays a significant part. When the subject actually turns the Criterion set, the host and his guests are fair. It is not a perfect set, but it is the best we could hope for. Many of the films do not have the familiar dubs that American fans know so well. The masters used in some cases are not of the highest possible quality, which is unlike Criterion's standard practice. Both issues can be traced to Toho's reluctance to engage with the English speaking audience. The story Kevin, Kyle and Justin unfold is riveting, and their critique of the set is fair and exceedingly well informed. This subject may sound dry, but as someone who once held their complete Godzilla VHS collection as a point of pride, I found this presentation fascinating. Great work!

No one has a better knowledge across the board of Japanese tokusatsu and SF than Maser Patrol creator Kevin Derendorf-and I do mean no one, whether in Japan or the US. From the popular to the obscure, he can give you detailed production histories and also examine the issues, themes, and subtext for each. Many of Maser Patrol's pods are videos of his seminars at different conventions and events such as G-Fest. While the episodes could do with a bit more editing, they're crammed with information and insight you won't find anywhere else. Highest recommendation.