Icons of Sci-Fi Toho Collection DVD

Last week was the release of Icons of Sci-fi TOHO COLLECTION DVD. This is a set of 3 classic TOHO films, The H-Man, Battle in Outer Space, and Mothra. All 3 films come with both the Japanese and US versions. They all are presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen with subtitles. The films look great due to a remaster job done on all, but the case and disks are not up to par. The cover looks like a quick Photoshop job and the disks have no art at all and just have plain black font on silver disks. And another thing about the disks, they are all stacked on 1 peg in the case. It's well worth getting the films for around $22. (Bestbuy), just don't stare too long at the piss poor packaging.

Another Bullmark for me, Black King

Well told you Vintage Bullmark was going to get me hooked. Here is my second Bullmark, Black King from Ultraman Jack released in 1971. Like most standard size Bullmark figures, this on stands close to 10" tall and has a standard paint scheme. This figure for its standard paint really stands out, it's almost day glow in color. Hope to have more vintage figure postings soon.

My first Bullmark, Metron

I finally went for it and picked up my first Bullmark figure, Metron Seijin from UltraSeven released in 1971. He stands close to 10" in height and has a Hawaii paint scheme. Most Bullmark figures had multiple paint jobs and some had what they call Hawaii paint variations. These variations were released in Hawaii and had brighter paint jobs than the other paint jobs done for the figure. I really can see the charm in collecting vintage figures and I'm sure this is going to get me hooked.

Mogera

Released in 1994 with Godzilla Vs. SpaceGodzilla this standard size figure stands tall. With a symmetrical stance he resembles the vintage Star wars figures of the 70's and 80's.

Bandai released 4 standard sized figures for this film including SpaceGodzilla, Godzilla, & Little Godzilla, who I have already reviewed. Standing close to 8" with a folded tag this figure made the list of things to score during my trip to Tokyo Japan. Its was finally found towards the end of the trip with tag intact for a very low price. Thanks Japan*

Erik reviews the 1/12 scale Nostromo astronaut w/facehugger

Those who know me know that I am an avid Alien movie buff. And although the series has had its ups and downs (Resurrection, I'm looking at you), I have always appreciated the design that has gone into every aspect of every film. That is why I chose this piece to be the first shared. There have been a lot of great sci-fi movies with a lot of great spacesuits. From the shiny disco suit worn in the original "Day the Earth Stood Still". to the gear worn by the assassins in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country", I am a sucker for a good outfit. My favorite, however, has always been the suits from the original Alien movie. They were just perfect. So when I found out about a toy release coming in May 2006, I started counting the days.

That's what makes this toy from Japanese model company Aoshima so spectacular. It captures the look flawlessly. Considering this is an 8" figure, the level of detail could not be higher. I think the pictures speak for themselves. You can still find this toy online, and don't let the words "Model Kit" fool you. Snapping the pre-painted arms and legs onto a pre-painted torso hardly constitutes a model. Also look for Aoshima's other snap together figures in this line. The "Big Chap" from the first movie, and the "Alien Warrior" from the second movie. There is also a variant on this toy without the facehugger, but this one definitely wins in my book.

Click images for larger views*

Finally picked up the TOYPUNKS DVD

The DVD is a nice look into the start of the collector toys of Japan and its creators. It has great info and an insight into what it takes to make it and what drives them to make the products they pour heart into.

I would recommend watching it for any modern toy collecting fan.

My only problem with the DVD was the sound at some parts gets a bit low and hard to hear.

Here is the preview to the DVD: