October 2019 | Otaku No Culture

Get Spirited Away to Theatres Halloween Eve & with a Collector’s Edition Nov 12th!

Spirited Away By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Oct 28th (sub) & 30th (dub)
Please check local listings

Released by:
GKIDS & Shout! Factory

Home video release date:
November 12, 2019

Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) is returning to theatres this week courtesy of GKIDS and for those discovering this magical film for the first time, they can enjoy it again when the Blu-ray Collector’s Edition arrives on home video two weeks later. To time the cinematic screening with Halloween is not unusual because of the themes. It’s a Alice in Wonderland style parable, and the themes are just as reverent for the season.

This film deserves to be seen on the big screen first before taking the spirits–er, film home. That way, this work can be enjoyed year round.
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The Scorecard on Travel Channel’s Newest Scares

Spirited Away By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

“Halloween is Travel Channel’s Superbowl,” said general manager Matthew Butler of Travel Channel in an open statement. “We’re pulling out all the stops for ‘Ghostober’ this year–from a live ghost hunt in Salem, Massachusetts, and an iconic investigation of the house that inspired The Conjuring, to reopening the case files of America’s first ghost hunter, Hans Holzer. And we have the biggest stars and experts in the field to take us to every haunted, cobweb-covered corner in America, including Zak Bagans and the Ghost Adventures Crew, Jason Hawes and his team of paranormal pioneers and newcomer Dakota Laden, who will bring fear to a new level. There’s no better–and scarier–place to be this October than tuned in to Travel Channel.”

What that means to those who loves tuning in to these shows is that we’ll have content throughout the week and well into Christmas. Obviously we can’t obsessively try to watch everything that comes what may. This weekend was a busy one with another program finally airing on television. While the others have more than an episode to offer to viewers, I offer my thoughts about these new series that I’ve been able to find crossing a different barrier: regional broadcasts. A few became quickly available for streaming before being removed on YouTube.

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The A, B, C and Ed’s of Paranormal Investigation (Part Two): Insider Secrets Revealed

As Halloween nears, more souls hold paranormal pursuits dear. What may rise is conflict, not mere dread, woven through the lies one may find ahead.

Going on a public ghost hunt can be fun, but it’s not without caveats. Some paranormal groups offer them around Halloween, when interest is highest. These events show how an organization conducts a typical paranormal investigation, only with more participants. Whether manifestations are products of the mind or truly supernatural is up to each participant to decide.

Every organization handles the season differently. The Vancouver Paranormal Society offers public evidence reveals year-round. Peter Renn, leader of VPS, sees public events positively—people get to meet the team and see how skilled they are. Darryl Pearson of Northern Paranormal Investigations said his team was invited to appear on TV but never received follow-ups when he explained what his group represented.

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Master the A-B-Cs of Paranormal Investigation (Part One): A Beginner’s Guide to the Haunted

Paranormal Investigation is not just an art, and nor is it a hobby. It’s a discipline that deserves a proper discipline going forward.

Halloween paranormal investigation Halloween is a very enjoyable time for many. Whether attending a live theatre production, a book reading, a horror movie marathon, or a paranormal investigation, it’s a time to be merry—or to get your spook on. Getting closer to the spirit world has come a long way. In the early 20th century, options were generally limited to séances, allowing people to attempt contact with loved ones.

Even the annual tradition of contacting Harry Houdini became part of the paranormal tapestry. He passed away on All Hallow’s Eve. He promised his wife Bess that if either died first, they would attempt to communicate, using a code word to prove it. Over the years, methods have evolved and organizations have formed.

Technology has also expanded the tools available to newcomers. For casual investigators, all that’s needed is an open mind and the willingness not to bring personal spiritual beliefs into a case. Many veterans believe such biases can taint the data. Experienced investigators generally agree that a good dose of common sense, a basic camera, and an audio recorder are all that’s required.

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It’s a Mystery with Atomic Vaudeville’s Cabaret #81

Tickets can be bought on Ticket Rocket here.

Celebrating Halloween doesn’t always mean having to get in touch with the macabre. There’s more to the season than just Rocky Horror and Atomic Vaudeville‘s involvement in the Victoria, BC scene doubled ever since they took on producing Richard O’Brien‘s seminal celebration. Their Halloween cabaret series is just as spectacular and is a local fan favourite. It’s a blend of different entertainment formats–variety show, sketch comedy or burlesque–and is a staple for this garden city.

I wanted to start my celebratory days before the 31st with something different. This year’s theme involving The Quin Twins–Tegan (Kelly Hobson) and Sara (Justine Shore)–solving a bunch of mysteries ala Scooby Doo and Nancy Drew (or is it Hardy Boys since they’re a duo?). This combination was right up my alley! Call me nostalgic, but they hit all the right notes when I saw the posters and enjoyed opening night with wide eyed glee. Part of the reason also included audience participation.

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Dark Horse Comics’ The Mask is Back! & Running for President?

Spirited Away By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Publisher:
Dark Horse Comics

Released Oct 16, 2019

I’ve been a fan of Dark Horse Comics’ The Mask way before the movies and cartoons. While these alternative takes were fun and light-hearted, I missed the darker quality which existed in the comic books. I kept up when it was shuffled to Mayhem–back when this franchise’s future was in doubt. When other versions took precedence (and the publisher had crossovers, including with a certain clown prince of crime), I took a break.

I’ve been wanting to see this franchise return to its roots and “I Pledge Allegiance” serves up a lot of blood and vindictiveness. This latest chapter can not be any timelier due to the political climate of our times. I’m also amused the first issue is coming off the heels of the just as socially charged The Joker movie.

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