Videos

[Unboxing] Magic the Gathering, Godzilla, Ikoria & This Franchise’s Future…

MTG Booster Box (36ct) Ikoria Lair of Behemoths (IKO) — Twenty ...By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Not every set of Magic the Gathering is worth playing. My interest lays less on being devoted to this hobby of CCGs and more on where the narrative is headed. The story-based focus has been at the forefront for years now, and I can thankfully ditch the expensive side of the hobby and simply enjoy the tale.

After War of the Spark, the story concerning the desert gods from Amonkhet came full circle (died) and lest Hazoret returns, I’m biding my time to see what the next expansions offer.

When I heard about a partnership with TOHO Studios, my interest peaked at what’s going to happen. Planeswalkers Vivien Reid, Lukka and Narset will no doubt be important. Plus, you can never go wrong with giant monsters! Ikoria fulfills my fondest desires with the trample mechanic. The two recent additions–mutate and companion–might break standard play, but I’ll rely on reports than experiment to find out myself. For now, I can also go full on Kaiju with alternate art cards in my play deck on those kitchen table games with my buddies.

As my unboxing video shows, I got extremely lucky with pulling not one but two of the few most talked about cards.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr4kaLlhnpg&w=560&h=315%5D

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URBANGARDE unguarded with Authorized Biography!

URBANGARDE Book CoverPolkadot Autobiography – URBANGARDE Chronicle will arrive at the end of the month to uncover the the early years of the band’s formation by band leader/vocalist Temma Matsunaga and vocalist Yoko Hamasaki. Ever since their debut in 2008, they have released over 20 albums, singles, DVDs and books. Their loyal following is to be noted. They are known for their outrageous visual performances. In this book, they reveal stories behind the band’s most outrageous and controversial songs and music videos, behind-the-scenes friction between the members, and private photos from URBANGARDE’s 12-year career. This authorized look is set to release April 27th!

This collection will also feature a new biography of keyboardist Kei Ohkubo and extensive notes about this band’s connection to Japanese subculture and national issues, including earthquakes, nuclear power, mental health, lolita culture, and pop idols.

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Punk Rock sensation BRATS at Anime Los Angeles 2020!

BRATS at Anime Los AngelesBe prepared to rock out with Japanese Rock Band BRATS to debut at Anime Los Angeles 2020! (January 9-12, 2020). They will perform at the Ontario Convention Center on Friday, January 10, 2020, and hold a fan Q&A on Saturday, January 11. They are appearing by arrangement with Resonance Media.

Formed by sisters Rei Kuromiya (vocals) and Aya Kuromiya (bass) – this all female act created the opening theme “Ainikoiyo” for the anime series To Be Hero and performed “Nounai Shoukyo Game” for the Japanese film Slavemen.

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New Frozen 2 Trailer Goes North!

Frozen 2 Movie PosterBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

The new teaser trailer for Frozen 2 is exciting for the majesty invoked, and in what it’s telling, Elsa (Idina Menzel) magical powers may have come from other supernatural sources. Or, as the Northern setting suggests, could she be of the faerie folk? I’m only guessing here, but this new offering released today gives fans a lot of reasons to be excited about this film when it plays in theatres in November.

She’s backed by her sister, Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf the snowman (Josh Gad) and Sven the reindeer in a quest to save the kingdom. This time, it’s not from human invaders, but rather supernatural ones. Together, they have to go north perhaps to discover her true nature and find out what granted her these powers. Or was she born with it?

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Yoshiki and Sarah Brightman Together! At the End of the Hymn World Tour!

YoshikiThe angels must be singing; When Sarah Brightman‘s HYMN World Tour comes to a close at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall on November 11, 2019, internationally acclaimed composer Yoshiki will be there to perform alongside.

He was a special guest at Radio City Music Hall (New York), The Masonic (San Francisco), Dolby Theatre (Los Angeles), and Yokohama Arena (Japan) and those fortunate to see those shows were not disappointed. For those who did not go, there’s one more chance! Tickets can be bought online or through TicketMaster.

“Miracle (Sarah’s Version)” – composed by Yoshiki and performed by Brightman with Yoshiki on piano – reached the Top 10 on iTunes Classical Charts in 15 countries and it continues to gain accolades. Brightman has called the song “the number 1 masterpiece on the album.”

Yoshiki will return to the UK for the first time since his band headlined Wembley Arena in 2017. The soundtrack to the award-winning X JAPAN documentary We Are X reached the #1 position on the UK Rock Chart.

“MIRACLE (Sarah’s Version)” feat. YOSHIKI

 

He brought his solo Classical Concert Series to London in 2014 and gave a live performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the UK’s Classic Rock Awards in 2015.

Yoshiki previously collaborated on the single “Foreign Sand” with Queen drummer Roger Taylor.

Yoshiki – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Classic Rock Awards)

In March 2019, PBS premiered a one-hour version of “Yoshiki – Live at Carnegie Hall” on WNET Thirteen, the nation’s #1 public television station, with additional U.S. markets to be announced soon.

YOSHIKI – “Live at Carnegie Hall” Trailer

Yoshiki and X JAPAN have headlined internationally famous large venues such as Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and Wembley Arena, as well as selling out Japan’s Tokyo Dome 18 times. The elegant dinner events are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to see the celebrated artist, and visitors from overseas are increasing year by year because of Yoshiki active role on the world stage.

Although direct tickets are now sold out, the secondary market may see a few go for exorbitant prices. If anything can be found, let the buyer beware as this musician have publicly criticized resellers as fully taking advantage of his fans.

“I usually don’t like summer because I’m a nocturnal creature who dislikes the sun and heat,” said Yoshiki. “But ever since I started this show several years ago, I started to look forward to this season. I’m truly grateful to all my fans who support me. I wish I could have adjusted my schedule to make room for more than 12 shows, but this is the best I can do at this time. I’m looking forward to seeing you all.”

Finding the Yin and Yang in Scary Stories Documentary

Schwartz is a humble man, a private man, and Scary Stories reveals a side of him not as well-known.

Scary Stories Movie PosterEverything fans wanted to know about Alvin Schwartz and Stephen Gammell‘s collaborative work gets beautifully and excellently explored in Cody Meirick’s documentary Scary Stories. Both talents share equal credit in this exploration of the three-book series, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

Not only were Schwart’z family interviewed, but also a variety of talents (from uber fans to fellow authors) profess their love for this team. There’s plenty of talkie moments to narrate the life of these creators, and in what I particularly enjoyed is in how enduring these works are still today. Every generation has a series of books they adored. Whether that’s with Conan the Barbarian, EC’s Tales from the Crypt, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, The Vampire Lestat, Goosebumps and etc., the culture that’s grown is explored in Meirick’s work.

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