Tag: Wolfman

Legend of the Superbeasts: The Wolfman Versus Godzilla

Werewolf News reader Komodo recently brought this delightful project to my attention, saying it was interesting but maybe not worth its own post. I think it has just the right amount of esoteric 80’s monster movie kitsch for a Monday morning. I’ve added a few links to Komodo’s text to help those who are, like me, unfamiliar with the world of the daikaijū.

In the mid eighties, when Toho was gearing up to release its first Godzilla film after a decades-long hiatus, the Godzilla fandom received a massive boost in activity. Part of this was the release of fan films, most of which are sadly forgotten and unavailable. One of these films was a little movie called Legend of the Superbeasts: The Wolfman Versus Godzilla.

Considering this was a fan film made in the eighties, the suits are very high quality in my honest opinion. The Godzilla suit was based on the 1962 Kingugoji, infamous as being the version of Godzilla who fought King Kong. The werewolf suit is a bit cheaper looking but I can easily imagine it being something that Eiji Tsuburaya would create were he asked to create a werewolf suit.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to locate anything more about the film and it remains lost to history. It’s pretty old news among the Godzilla fandom, but I think it’s rather unknown among werewolf fans.

It’s not even 9:00 yet and my day is complete. Thank you, Komodo! If anyone out there has anything more on Legend of the Superbeasts: The Wolfman Versus Godzilla, do the right thing: share it with us!

Images from Toho Kingdom Forums.

Jul. 18th 2011

Universal “Wolfman” reboot may actually be a (semi-?) original film called “Werewolf”

A while back word was going around that Universal was looking to reboot their Wolfman franchise again after the disappointing performance of 2010’s remake. According to Moviehole’s exclusive (but presently un-cited) report, there’s a script in the works and it appears to be for an original film, rather than another remake.

Michael Tabb’s script is being rewritten and reworked to be an original film – almost a reboot of the classic Universal monster movie series. If anything, this new film – they’ve yet to decide on a title though I hear “Werewolf” is popular -will share a link to the original George Waggner film (from 1941) rather than Joe Johnston’s ill-fated 2009 remake. Maybe.

The Moviehole post goes on to mention that the studio is said to be talking to prospective directors, and that casting will be starting soon in advance of an autumn shooting schedule.

The Internet seems really excited about this information, but there’s not much new meat on this bone, other than the name of the screenwriter and the fact that Universal is actually thinking about doing that thing they said they were going to do. I’ve never seen anything written by Michael Tabb so I don’t have an opinion on his attachment to the project. It’s unclear to me whether Universal is doing a film “inspired” by the original 1941 Wolfman or if Tabb is writing an original film to take the whole franchise in a new direction, and until somebody asks him “hey, so what are you actually doing?” and he provides an answer, I don’t think there’s much reason to get giddy about this. Yet.

Jun. 8th 2011

New “Ravenous” Werewolf Mask from The Horror Dome: Needs Visine but Still Dang Scary

Around this time last year, The Horror Dome released a great “Big Bad Wolf” werewolf costume, then followed it up with a baby werewolf puppet (as awesome as it sounds). This year they have a new werewolf mask called “Ravenous”. I like it.

It’s got more of a “wolfman” look than last year’s Big Bad, but that definitely works for an over-the-head latex mask that’s not likely to have the internal structural support for a decent muzzle. I’m digging the hand-laid fur and the gnarled skin texture, and those dirty fangs are great, too – dental hygiene is important, but a proper werewolf isn’t going to have much to do with floss. Some of you will undoubtedly comment that it’s a very ape-like design, but I’m seeing way more “monster” than “primate” here, and I think it’s a great sculpt (other than those massive ears, but those seem to be par for the course with masks like this). One other downer, as the title of this post suggests, is those bloodshot eyes. I’m sure they’re meant to convey monstrous rage and insanity, but to me they just make the poor guy look hung over (or like he’s just had a good cry).

Overall, I quite like this mask, and for the asking price of $59.99, I think the good points outweigh the flaws. The Horror Dome is taking pre-orders for July delivery, so if you want to get one, now’s the time!

Hat tip: Russell

Apr. 28th 2011

Rick Baker & Dave Elsey Win “Best Makeup” Oscar for “The Wolfman”

The Academy is pro-lycanthrope! Last night Rick Baker and Dave Elsey each won an Academy Award for Best Makeup in recognition of their fantastic work on The Wolfman. This is Baker’s second Oscar for werewolf work, the first being awarded for An American Werewolf in London on the eve of the category’s inception (insert Inception joke here).

I wasn’t able to find any video of the actual award for this (although I’ll update this post if one pops up), but apparently the Academy gives winners some extra time back-stage to continue their thank-yous.

Update: Six years later, the backstage video is long-gone, but here’s the award:

Congratulations to Mr. Baker and Mr. Elsey, and hey Rick? I really hope your Hugo Weaving wish comes true.

Feb. 28th 2011

Rick Baker & Dave Elsey’s “Wolfman” Makeup Nominated for an Academy Award

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the nominees for the 83rd Academy Awards, and I’m supremely pleased to see Rick Baker and Dave Elsey nominated in the Makeup category for their work on “The Wolfman“. They’re up against “Barney’s Version” and “The Way Back“, both of which I will glibly dismiss as contenders for this category because I haven’t seen them, and because come on it’s The Wolfman! This is Baker’s second Oscar nomination for werewolf makeup effects – he won the first Academy Award for Makeup in 1982 for his groundbreaking work on “An American Werewolf in London“. You can watch Baker and Elsey collect their hardware (and hopefully see The Social Network sweep everything else) on Sunday, February 27th.

Here’s a gallery of Baker and Elsey doing the work they were nominated for: transforming Benicio del Toro into the eponymous lycanthrope.

Jan. 25th 2011

Nine Excellent Gifts for the Discerning Werewolf Fan In Your Life

Shopping for one of those impossible “werewolf people”? Want to get them something that won’t just end up in the back of the closet next to that signed “An American Werewolf in Paris” poster? Relax– I’m here to help. Any one of these items will delight the werewolf-crazed lunatic (no pun intended) in your life, and the recipient will know you care enough about them to not just grab them a Blu-ray of “The Wolfman” and call it quits. I’ve linked to Amazon.com product pages wherever possible, since at this point in the month, most other online retailers have cut off their “will arrive before Christmas” ground shipping. These are in no particular order.

Zagone Studios Super Action Wolf Gloves – $24.99

The best werewolf gloves you’ll find anywhere for less than $100 are an absolute steal at $25. Light, comfortable, durable, dextrous and they look great. I own two pairs of these and will probably buy another pair next year. Available from Zagone Studios.

 

“The Wolf Age” by James Enge – $11.56

I have a half-finished review for this in the hopper, but I can’t leave it off the list simply because I’m bad at managing my time. This is a 500-page brick of solid gold– the best fantasy novel I’ve ever read, period. Enge takes the werewolves of horror lore and builds a unique and utterly convincing society for them to inhabit. A must-read. Available from Amazon.

 

“Werewolves: An Illustrated Journal of Transformation” by Paul Jessup and Allyson Haller – $7.79

One word: gorgeous. This book is an illustrated journal that documents the lycanthropic infection and transformation of a teenage girl. Another amazing book which needs reviewing on this site, and which deserves a place on the most prestigious level of your bookshelf. Contains a clever and believable story, with none of the cringe-worthy teenage drama of “Ginger Snaps”, and some of the best werewolf drawings & sketches I’ve ever seen. Highly recommended! Available from Amazon.

 

“Werewolves on the Moon: Versus Vampires” by David Land, Matt Fillbach and Shawn Fillbach – $10.78

Every page of this graphic novel is brimming with the ludicrous energy promised by the title and cover art (three werewolves staking a vampire to the Lunar surface with an American flag). Action, wry humour and clever dialog make this a gem. Great werewolf character design, too. Available from Amazon. By the way, I’m totally Stan.

 

“The Wrong Night in Texas” by Josh Boulet – $10.00

Allow me to quote from my own review of this excellent graphic novel: “Joshua Boulet has captured and unapologetically celebrated everything that makes the werewolf wild, dangerous and fun.” It “genuinely horrified me. It also thrilled me with its energy, charmed me with its lovingly-crafted aesthetic and, above all, satisfied that primal part of my brain that just wants to see a vicious, monstrous werewolf tearing shit up.” If you’re mature enough to enjoy R-rated films, you’re mature enough to have your stomach punched by Josh’s savage little book. Available from Josh’s web site.

 

Mezco “Wolfman” Stylized Roto Figure – $25.47

What can  I say about this guy? Of all the werewolf stuff on my various home and office desks, he’s my favourite. It captures the Rick Baker wolfman design but the exaggerated proportions add a sense of playfulness that was sadly lacking from the film. Available from Amazon.

 

“The Werewolf’s Guide to Life: A Manual for the Newly Bitten” by Ritch Duncan and Bob Powers – $11.19

Once again, lifted from my review: “The Werewolf’s Guide to Life belongs right next to the Bible in every werewolf’s (or werewolf’s spouse’s) nightstand. Its subtitle ‘A Manual for the Newly Bitten’ accurately represents what lies between its covers: not a tepid modernization of werewolf myths peppered with pseudo-scientific explanations, but rather a no-nonsense (yet oddly humorous) instructional guide for newly-initiated werewolves.” Available from Amazon.

 

“It’s On Now” Werewolf vs. Unicorn T-Shirt – $18.50

Forget vampires. The real enemy? Unicorns. This shirt lets everyone know that you know the truth. It’s also designed and sold by one of the awesomest dudes around. This shirt. Available from TopatoCo.

 

Werewolf High Heels, Platform Heels, Flats and Clutch Wallet by Iron Fist – $24.99 to $49.99

Perfect for the fashion-conscious werewolf-lovin’ lady (or open-minded fellow) in your life. Get a bloody-fanged werewolf design on open-toed pumps, platforms, flats or a clutch wallet. All available from Amazon.

Dec. 12th 2010

Sweet “Wolfman” Prosthetic Arms & A Distressed-Looking Animatronic Werewolf

I saw @CreatureCompany mention this on Twitter this morning, and it definitely met my criteria for posting here (I clicked and said “whoah, that’s cool!”, which is all it really takes). Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props is a blog dedicated to exactly what you’d expect. This morning, its proprietor Jason posted a bunch of photos he took at a recent display of “Wolfman” props at Universal Studios Hollywood. If you’re into the movie or creature effects, I suggest you go have a look. Here are two photos I cribbed from Jason’s post:

Jul. 13th 2010

Funko releasing movie monster plushies, including a furious-looking Wolfman

I saw this over at Dread Central: toy company Funko is creating a line of plush toys based on the classic Universal movie monsters, to be released in October of this year. You’ll have your pick of The Wolfman, Frankenstein, The Mummy and The Creature from The Black Lagoon (I note with more than a little glee that Dracula is not on that list). Entertainment Earth is taking pre-orders for $12.99. Look at that Wolfman plush. He looks like an angry 5-year-old who just got told it’s time for bed, and that endears him to me. I don’t know why.

Jul. 2nd 2010

Rick Baker, you’re all right! More from him about “The Wolfman” special effects

Are you tired of hearing about The Wolfman yet? I’m not! Here’s a recent Hero Complex column from the Los Angeles Times somewhat dramatically entitled “Rick Baker’s ‘Wolfman’ regrets: ‘I hoped it would bring back monster movies’“. Geoff Boucher asks Rick Baker five (actually rather interesting) questions about his work on The Wolfman, and Rick brings the answers in his usual candid way.

I don’t read his tone as regret, though… it’s more of a palms-up shrug, like “well, what can you do?” I think he got screwed over by bad management and a directionless production team, and I commend him for being so relaxed about it. Read the interview and tell me if I’m crazy.

Bonus: here’s a short featurette starring Rick. When it’s not busy looking like a trailer there are some neat shots of Rick applying and touching-up his werewolf work. The spritz bottle shot makes me laugh every time.

Hat-tip: ArcLight

Jun. 30th 2010

UGO.com is giving away 5 “Wolfman” prize packs today

I’ll keep this short because you need to get over to ugo.com and see how the giveaway works. You’ll need a Twitter account and a fast finger on your browser’s refresh button. You’ll also need to be a resident of the United States. Here’s what you could win:

  • A limited edition Basil Gogos lithograph signed by the artist and by Benicio Del Toro (yes, it’s the lithograph I posted about in January).
  • The Wolfman Blu-ray 2-Disc edition featuring an unrated director’s cut, digital copy and the old black & white version for good measure.
  • A fang key chain.
  • A glow in the dark cup.

I’m a Canadian so I’m not eligible to participate. If you win, tell me about it so I can experience the triumph vicariously!

Jun. 1st 2010