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Godzilla: Turn Off the Dark!

September 17, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

The many editions of 'Godzilla' (2014) on Blu-Ray and DVD. (Image courtesy of www.SciFiJapan.com). — The many editions of ‘Godzilla’ (2014) on Blu-ray and DVD. (Image courtesy of www.SciFiJapan.com).

Some people complained that Godzilla didn’t get enough screen time in his big budget reboot this past summer. Now those people may think he’s seen even less! The Blu-ray of Gareth Edwards’ monstrous movie has such subpar picture quality, you’d have an easier time spotting a ninja in the dark.

Film:
I reviewed Godzilla earlier this year when it was released in theaters.

Picture:
When I read an early review that complains this Blu-ray has horrid picture quality, I didn’t want to believe it. Other reviews are kinder, saying that the film is already dark (in terms of lighting), making it difficult to transfer to home media. So, like any good fanboy, I went into this hoping for the best.

I am disappointed.

While I didn’t quite notice any muted colors during day scenes, the night scenes are definitely murky. Much of the film’s epic monster battles take place at night, so this increased darkness hurts the film. I was particularly annoyed when I saw the final scene where Godzilla kills the MUTO. I couldn’t enjoy his triumph because I could barely see it!

Adding insult to injury—as the previously mentioned negative review reported—the clips used in the special features are at the proper brightness! It’s as if Warner Bros. is taunting fans.

The DVD included with the Blu-ray has the same problem. I popped it in and compared a few scenes to the Blu-ray after I watched it.

I hear the film looks much better on the 3D Blu-ray, so if you have a 3D TV, you can enjoy a brighter version of the film. Sadly, not everyone has that luxury, and it seems those who don’t, got the jip.

Audio:
Ironically, the sound on this Blu-ray is incredible. The high definition 7.1 sound thunders through speakers. Every roar, explosion, and creak can be heard. It reminds you somewhere in the darkness there are battling beasts.

Special Features:
This disc has more special features than the Blu-ray for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but it still seems a bit underwhelming; more could’ve been added. Target sells an edition with an exclusive 30-minute feature entitled, “Godzilla: Rebirth of an Icon,” but half of it is cobbled from other featurettes on the disc. What is different—some details on creating Godzilla’s roar, for example—is much-appreciated.

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“Monarch Declassified”: A series of three featurettes that actually build off each other. They were made as if they were created by people in the film’s universe. “Operation: Lucky Dragon” explains Godzilla’s origins more thoroughly, and is done in the style of 1950s documentaries. (The title is a reference to a fishing boat whose crew was exposed to radiation in 1954, an incident that partially inspired the original Gojira). “Monarch: The M.U.T.O. File” supplements the previous short by explaining the MUTOs’ origins in a modern style. “The Godzilla Revelation” actually takes place after the film and looks like a YouTube video made by a conspiracy theorist. It even features a little sequel baiting.

“Godzilla: Force of Nature”: A 20-minute feature on the making of the film. It includes interviews with cast and crew. Strangely, screenwriter Max Borenstein is left out (although, he is in the Target exclusive feature). It recounts some of Godzilla’s beginnings and what everyone involved with the film thought of the character. Arguably the best of the special features.

“Into the Void: The H.A.L.O. Jump”: A 5-minute featurette on the making of the spectacular military free fall sequence. For Edwards, it was more than a cool scene: it played into the themes and symbolism of the film.

“New Level of Destruction”: An 8-minute special effects featurette that shows how the art department used a combination of on-location footage and some CGI to create ruined cityscapes. Green screens were kept to a minimum.

“Ancient Enemy: The M.U.T.O.s”: A featurette on the creation of the MUTOs. Without the Target exclusive content, these creatures get more time dedicated to them than Big G himself.

Again, this is all good, but Warner Bros. still dropped the ball. The scene featuring veteran G-film actor Akira Takarada—who was given a cameo thanks to an online fan campaign—that was cut from the film is nowhere to be found when the studio promised it would be included. There’s no Comic-Con 2012 teaser trailer. For that matter, none of the film’s excellent trailers are included. No commentary. No deleted scenes. Nothing on crafting the story. That’s just a few opportunities the studio missed.

The menus for both the DVD and Blu-ray are lazy but easy to navigate. If you’ve bought any Blu-rays or DVDs from Warner Bros. lately, you’ll know what I mean. It’s just an unanimated image with a few icons. Warner Bros. has made a habit of reusing this set-up, even for their major releases.

Packaging:
It’s a standard Blu-ray/DVD jewel case and slip cover for most editions. There’s also a FuturePak (metal pack) case that plays Godzilla’s roar.

Conclusion:
I love this film, so I expected much from this Blu-ray. Maybe the bad picture quality is due to compression issues and it already being a dark film. I’d like to think that’s the case; however, after spending three weeks writing Blu-Ray/DVD guides for G-film collectors, I’ve been reminded, once again, how G-fans often get the shaft when Godzilla movies are released on home media. You’d think with this being one of Warner Bros.’ biggest films of the year they would have given the movie a better release. Only those with 3D TVs can enjoy the film as it was seen in theatres. It makes me glad I saw it in IMAX.

There may be hope. Producer Thomas Tull, the CEO of Legendary Pictures, told Toho Kingdom there would be an extended cut of the film. I haven’t seen that reported anywhere else, though, so I don’t know if that will happen. There’s already an online fan petition to re-release the film on Blu-ray and DVD with better picture quality and the Takarada cameo—I signed it.

In the end, I’m not sure if I want to recommend this Blu-ray. The film is great, but it deserved better treatment. It you want to hope against hope for a re-release, skip it. Otherwise, buy it to complete your collection.

Final Grade: B-

Film/Television/Broadcast/Radio, Movies/TV

Godzilla DVD/Blu-Ray Guide (Part 4): The Millennium Series

September 16, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

If you missed them, read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Now we come to the latest series of Toho’s Godzilla films: the Millennium Series (1999-2004). This is the shortest era of films in the franchise and the easiest ones to collect since the U.S. distribution belong to Sony only .

After the fan backlash from Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin’s 1998 remake, Toho—who had originally intended to wait a decade before making a new Godzilla film—accelerated their plans for the King of the Monsters by rebooting Big G for the new millennium. While the Showa Series had a loose continuity and the Heisei Series had a (mostly) tight-knit continuity, most of the Millennium Series films are stand-alone stories. It is an interesting way of doing things, though most of them aren’t as good as the previous movies.

(Note: I currently only own DVDs of the films from this series, but I’ve done my homework on the Blu-ray releases).

To paraphrase Blue Oyster Cult, “Go, go, Godzilla” one more time!

Godzilla 2000 (aka Godzilla 2000: Millennium)

Sony (DVD)

In a surprising turn, Sony gave this film a wide theatrical release in the U.S. during the summer of 2000. It remains the only Toho Godzilla film I’ve seen in a theater (it’s one of only two released in my lifetime, but I was two years old when the first was released). Sony’s DVD for this film was impressive for its time, but still falls short. Only the slightly re-edited dubbed version was included when Toho provided Sony with the resources to include the Japanese version. (Adding insult to injury is the inclusion of a French language track for whatever reason.) However, it’s in widescreen and includes a handful of special features, including trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and an informative commentary by the team that dubbed it.

Sony (Blu-ray)

Since it played in U.S. theatres, this remains the only Millennium Series film to get a solo Blu-ray in the U.S., which was released just last week. The special features are the same as the DVD, but the big draw is that for the first time the original Japanese version is included. It can be viewed on a second disc. This is the one to own. I plan to upgrade to this edition just for the Japanese cut.

Godzilla x Megaguirus

Sony (DVD)

This is essentially the same as Sony’s other 2004 G-film DVDs: widescreen and features dual language tracks. The only special features are a few trailers for other Sony films.

Sony (Blu-ray)

As mentioned in Part 3 of this guide, Megaguirus was released in a two-disc Blu-ray set with Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (which is an odd pairing). My research says the picture and sound are improved from the DVD. Although, the only special features are a pair of trailers. Regardless, this is the one to own.

Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (or GMK for short)

Sony (DVD)

Despite the insanely long “retro” Japanese title, this was the most-hyped entry in the Millennium Series because it was directed by the famed Shusuke Kaneko (the Heisei Gamera Trilogy). It returns Godzilla to his roots as a malevolent menace and—gasp!—pulls a role reversal by having King Ghidorah be one of the heroes! (That’s equivalent to making the Joker a good guy to fight a villainous Batman.) Personally, I didn’t think it lived up to the hype.

Anyway, the DVD is the same as Sony’s other 2004 G-film DVDs: widescreen presentation, dual language tracks, and a few trailers. Sadly, my research says that the subtitles follow the horrendous dubbing and take liberties from the original Japanese dialogue that seem to disrespect the film.
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Sony (Blu-ray)

Last week, the film received a Blu-ray release in a two-pack with the next film in the series, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla. Like the DVD, it features widescreen presentation and dual language tracks, but I hear the subtitles are improved (though not perfect). I might consider buying it just for the subtitles. Maybe. Regardless, the only special features are a few trailers. I recommend this edition.

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla

Sony (DVD)

This one has a silly title because “Against” sounds much better than “Versus,” and filmmakers are now scared of Roman numerals—note the sarcasm. While I do think this film wasted a great concept (Mechagodzilla’s CPU is a cloned Godzilla brain), the DVD is a solid release, and even a step above Sony’s other G-film DVD releases from 2004. Again, it features widescreen presentation and dual language tracks, but this time the subtitles correspond better to the original Japanese dialogue. A few non-Godzilla trailers are thrown in for good measure.

Sony (Blu-Ray)

In a two-disc set with Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (see above).

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.

The only direct sequel in the Millennium Series (a continuation of the previous film), Sony’s 2004 DVD for this film was an improvement in many areas. Widescreen presentation and dual language tracks return, but the subtitles are, once again, transcriptions of the dubbed dialogue (including an instance where there was added dialogue in the dubbing). However, besides a few trailers for other films (including some other Godzilla releases), it features a 22-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, which showcases the special effects techniques used in the film.

Sony (Blu-ray)

Tokyo S.O.S. was released in a two-disc Blu-ray set with Godzilla: Final Wars just last week. It seems to be the same as the DVD except presented at a higher resolution. Go for this one.

Godzilla: Final Wars

Sony (DVD)

This film celebrates Big G’s 50^th anniversary and was intended to be his grand finale so Toho could once again retire him for a decade (hence Gareth Edwards’ epic reboot). The most Michael Bay-esque of all the G-films, it’s essentially a remake of Destroy All Monsters and even includes a (20-second) battle between Big G and his 1998 wannabe doppelganger. Regardless, it received a by-the-numbers DVD in 2005. There’s a widescreen presentation, dual language tracks, and subtitles that correspond to the Japanese dialogue and not the dubbing. As for special features, it includes numerous trailers for other Sony releases and an 18-minute B-roll showcasing how many of the special effects sequences were created. Unfortunately, it has no music or narration, so it’s kind of boring.

Sony (Blu-ray)

Released in a Blu-ray two-pack with Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (see above).

My guide to collecting Godzilla DVDs and Blu-Rays comes to an end. I hope you found it helpful.

For more detailed reviews of these DVDs, I highly recommend looking them up on Toho Kingdom. You’ll also find reviews for many of Toho’s other genre films.

Be sure to pick up the new reboot on September 16 for Blu-ray to complete your collection!

Film/Television/Broadcast/Radio, Movies/TV, Pop Culture

Godzilla DVD/Blu-Ray Guide (Part 3): Heisei Series

September 9, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

If you missed them, read Part 1 and Part 2.

Long before Hollywood tried to reboot Big G—twice—Toho created a reboot in the mid ’80s. This era of the franchise is called the Heisei Series and spans seven films from 1984-1995.

Godzilla movies are easier to find on DVD/Blu-ray as the franchise progresses, since the distribution rights have been owned by fewer companies. Also, these later movies don’t hold nearly as much nostalgia for most fans; the main reason is because only two of these films were released stateside, until 1998 when Tristar released them on home media as a tie-in with the 1998 remake (at least something good came of that, right?) Unfortunately, collecting these isn’t without its pitfalls.

The Return of Godzilla/Godzilla 1985

Never Released on DVD/Blu-Ray

Like the original Gojira, the first film in this series was massively edited—with new scenes of Raymond Burr reprising his reporter role—when released stateside. The original Japanese version—I hear far superior—has never been officially released in America. To make matters worse, the Americanized version has never been released on DVD or Blu-ray due to legal entanglements. The only way to see it is to either track down one of the numerous out-of-print VHS copies (but finding a copy recorded in SP mode is a chore, trust me) or buy a high-quality bootleg (which I’ve heard do exist). Sorry, G-fans.

Godzilla vs. Biollante

Echo Bridge Home Entertainment

While Godzilla 1985 would remain the only G-film released theatrically in the States for 15 years, Miramax did release this 1989 direct sequel on HBO and video in 1992. Heck, it’s one of the few widescreen VHS tapes I’ve seen. However, after being out-of-print for years, the film was released on DVD and Blu-ray last year. It has dual language tracks, widescreen presentation, and a few special features that seem as though they were taken from a Japanese DVD (including a making-of feature). It’s also available as a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack. You can’t go wrong here.

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah & Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992) (aka Godzilla and Mothra: Battle for Earth)

Sony (DVD)

Tristar released four of the Heisei films on double layer DVDs in 1999, a year after putting them on low-quality VHS. Unfortunately, the DVD of these two films didn’t take advantage of the new format. The films are presented in poorly-cropped fullscreen, only in English, and have no special features. The kicker is this was the only official release of these films for 15 years, so most G-fans were stuck with it.

Sony (Blu-Ray)

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Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II

Sony (DVD)

While this is widely considered to be the best of the Heisei G-films, it’s always had oddball releases. Tristar didn’t distribute it stateside on VHS until 1999, a year after releasing four other Heisei G-films. Unlike the others, it was recorded in high quality SP mode. Then, for whatever reason, it wasn’t released on DVD until 2004, five years after Sony’s other Heisei G-film DVDs. Regardless, it benefited once again by being in widescreen and features dual language tracks, unlike the other DVDs. The only special features are a few non-Godzilla film trailers, though.

Sony (Blu-Ray)

Continuing the oddball editions, Sony released this film on Blu-ray earlier this year as a two-disc Blu-ray set with Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla. While I don’t own this one (yet), from what I’ve heard it’s the same as Sony’s other recent G-film Blu-rays: widescreen, dual language tracks, and several trailers (including one where clever editing makes it look like Godzilla fights robots from the Toho sci-fi film Gunhed). G-fans should buy this just to get SpaceGodzilla in Japanese.

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla

Sony (DVD)

This is easily the redheaded stepchild of the Heisei series, but Tristar got it half-right when they released it on a dual layer DVD with Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. It is in widescreen, but is only in English. No special features are included for either film. It baffles me that they’d only give G-fans half of what they wanted.

Sony (Blu-Ray)

Released as a two-disc pack with Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (see above).

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah

Sony (DVD)

Released as a dual layer DVD with Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (see above).

Sony (Blu-Ray)

Sony released yet another oddity with these new Blu-rays. This film, the last of the Heisei series, was released as two-pack with Godzilla x Megaguirus, the second entry of the Millennium Series (more on that next week). While I don’t own it yet and the pairing makes no sense, I’ve read it’s an improvement over the DVD release. As usual, it’s in widescreen, has dual language tracks, and includes trailers.

Next Time on the Godzilla DVD Guide: Toho reboots Godzilla again for a new millennium!

Film/Television/Broadcast/Radio, Movies/TV, Pop Culture

Godzilla DVD/Blu-Ray Guide: Showa Series, Part 2

September 4, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

Today I’ll be talking about the second half of the Showa Series of Godzilla films. There are 15 total films, spanning from 1954-1975. The 1950s and 1960s are considered to be the series at its peak. Now Big G faces one of his greatest foes: the ‘70s. Yes, Godzilla’s films were in decline by this point, but you’ll want these DVDs/Blu-rays to complete your collection.

Read Part 1 here.

Time to dive in!

The Showa Series, Part 2 (1969-1975)

All Monsters Attack (aka Godzilla’s Revenge)

Simitar

As I said about Simitar’s other releases in part one, they were worthy efforts at the time, but they don’t hold up. Godzilla’s Revenge is usually listed as the worst of the Japanese Godzilla films, but that’s largely due to the goofy dubbing. That’s the only version of the film on this DVD, though it is in widescreen. The special features are the same as the Simitar DVDs: trailers for other G-films made by Simitar in the style of American B-films in the 1950s, an image gallery, and a trivia game that plays clips from the film. Long out of print and not worth finding unless you’re a hardcore collector.

Sony

A barebones, full-screen DVD most likely produced to make a quick buck. No special features. Don’t bother unless you’re cheap.

Classic Media

As usual, Classic Media gives even the worst G-film the star treatment. Widescreen presentation. Both the Japanese and American versions of the films (although aren’t that dissimilar other than the dubbing and credits). Special features that include a commentary and a biography on director Ishiro Honda. This is the one to own.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (aka Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster)

Sony

Easily the weirdest Godzilla movie for many reasons (Japanese hippies, cheesy environmental theme song, random animated sequences), not the least of which being this scene. Once available only as an out-of-print VHS from the defunct Orion Home Video, Sony released it on DVD in 2004. It has no special features beyond a few trailers for other Sony films, as usual. It has dual-language tracks, including a new English dub since this is the unedited Japanese version. Unfortunately, the film’s (in)famous theme song, “Save the Earth,” remains in Japanese unlike in the original dub. Still, it’s a solid release.

Kraken Releasing

It you must have a Blu-ray, look no further. The Sony DVD is a little harder to find, but other than the inclusion of the film’s original trailer, this is essentially the same as the former (except the exclusion of the Sony trailers).

Godzilla vs. Gigan (aka Godzilla on Monster Island)

Sony

This is pretty much the same story here as with Sony’s other 2004 Godzilla DVDs, though with a few things worth noting. The subtitles are basically transcripts of the dubbed dialogue as opposed to direct translations of the Japanese dialogue. The other issue is since this is the international version of the film, it doesn’t include the comic book-style speech bubbles that appear over Godzilla’s head when he “talks” to another monster; there’s only garbled noises, making those scenes confusing. They were dubbed—yes, dubbed—in the English language version. (You can watch the scenes with speech bubbles on YouTube, though).

Kraken Releasing

Essentially the same as the Sony DVD (minus the Sony trailers), although my research says the picture quality isn’t quite as good (I own the DVD and not this). Like the other Kraken Releasing Blu-rays, it includes the film’s original trailer. If you want a Blu-ray, buy this.

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Godzilla vs. Megalon

Various Bootlegs

The many bootlegs of these films is one of the main reasons I felt the need to write this guide. Most of them are hack jobs made for quick cash. Godzilla vs. Megalon has the most by far. My understanding is the dubbed version fell into public domain for a while, making it the Night of the Living Dead of the Godzilla franchise. It was released multiple times on VHS by different companies. The DVD era saw several unlicensed releases, all of which are awful. I know because I owned one of them: the Passion Productions DVD (pictured above). The video looks murky at best. The audio is terrible. Heck, I couldn’t select anything on the menus half the time, and I paid around $25 (maybe more) for it on eBay! I regret donating the DVD to a thrift store because that means I might’ve subjected someone else to that garbage. I want to spare you that misery. So, if you find any Megalon DVDs that look like those above, AVOID THEM!

Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock

This, GIGA readers, is the one you want. It took years and a lot of finagling, but Media Blasters finally gave this, arguably the most-watched Godzilla movie, an official release, albeit amid a soap opera. Unfortunately, as I mentioned in part one with Destroy All Monsters, Toho put the kibosh on that release and this one because they didn’t approve the special features. The release was delayed for nearly a year, and even then only a bare-bones DVD was put out. Ironically, some copies containing special features were accidentally printed and released. These go for a pretty penny on Amazon.

This week, the Blu-ray was finally released after months of negotiations with Toho, but it has none of the special features. (Destroy All Monsters is being re-released, too, but also without special features). I’m annoyed. I was looking forward to getting what I expected to be a deluxe Blu-ray. I’d buy one of the leaked “golden-ticket” DVDs, but I don’t have that much money to burn. What the heck, Toho? Why are you being jerks?

(Please wait while nerd rage subsides…)

Anyway, if you don’t own a copy yet, go for the Blu-ray.

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (aka Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster, Godzilla vs. the Bionic Monster)

Sony

Remember what I said about Sony’s other 2004 DVDs? Same story here: widescreen presentation, dual language tracks, and a few mostly unrelated trailers. There’s a humorous omission in the subtitles, though. In a scene where a scientist talks about his special pipe, the crazy-sounding metal it’s made of is subtitled, “a???” Either the translator forgot to add it before the disc was released or he didn’t bother to figure out how to write it. Some people—like me—may find this humorous.

Terror of Mechagodzilla

Simitar

The same as the company’s other G-film releases (see All Monsters Attack above), except it isn’t presented in widescreen. It’s long out of print, so forget about it.

Sony

The same unimpressive, bare-bones treatment as the other similar DVDs. Ignore it.

Classic Media

This is arguably Classic Media’s best release next to Gojira/Godzilla, King of the Monsters. It includes the original Japanese version, which is the biggest plus. However, unlike with the other DVDs, the American version in this one is the “extended” cut shown on television. It contains most of the original footage (except for some brief nudity during a medical operation) and a “history of Godzilla” sequence made by editing together footage from several 1960s Godzilla flicks. This was done to pad out the film to fit into a two-hour time slot. Both versions are in widescreen (except for the aforementioned “history of” sequence, but the aspect ratio switches when it’s done). It includes an entertaining commentary and an image gallery, but no other special features, which is the only downside. This is a must-have.

Next Time on the Godzilla DVD Guide:
Toho reboots Godzilla before the Americans do! (Those hipsters).

Movies/TV, Pop Culture

Godzilla DVD/Blu-Ray Guide: Showa Series, Part 1

September 2, 2014 Nathan Joseph Sitton Marchand

With Garth Edwards’ blockbuster Godzilla reboot to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray September 16, many of you may be interested in watching and/or collecting Big G’s original Japanese adventures; that’s 28 films in total. Unfortunately, unlike other long-running franchises like the James Bond series, these films aren’t all owned by the same distributor. Toho, the studio that created Godzilla, has divvied out the rights to several U.S. companies over the years, which makes collecting these films a bit difficult.

Never fear! I’m a longtime G-fan who’s spent many years collecting these films. I will be your guide into the world of Godzilla DVDs. There are lots of bootlegs out there. Accept no substitutes!

With Godzilla becoming more popular, more titles may be re-released in the future, so this guide may soon become outdated.

I’m excluding both of the American remakes: the 1998 version is hated, and the 2014 version will be easy to find. I also will exclude other Toho monster films like Rodan and Mothra and focus on just Godzilla.

This guide will be split into four parts: parts one and two will focus on the original Showa series (1954-1975), part three will be on the Heisei series (1984-1995), and part four will be on the Millennium series (1999-2004).

Here we go!

Showa Series, Part 1 (1954-1968)

Gojira/Godzilla, King of the Monsters

Simitar

This was one of the first ever G-films released on DVD, but good luck finding it. Simitar went out of business in the early 2000s. Unless you’re a hardcore collector, this and the other Godzilla DVDs it released aren’t worth tracking down. This one includes only the Americanized version of the film and not at the proper “original aspect ratio.” The special features are scarce: mostly limited to trailers for other G-films created by Simitar, a trivia game, and a cheesy documentary. The DVDs also has encoding issues.

Sony

A barebones release with the Americanized version of the film in full-screen. No special features and boring cover art. Don’t bother unless you’re a cheapskate.

Classic Media

Finally, after years of demand and waiting, G-fans got an official release. Classic Media’s DVD includes both versions of the film presented in their proper aspect ratios. It features several retrospective making-of documentaries and commentaries on both versions. Unfortunately, the Blu-Ray edition Classic Media released later includes only the original Japanese version and no special features. Regardless, the DVD is a must-have.

Criterion Collection

Gojira was added to the prestigious Criterion Collection in 2011 with this Blu-Ray. It includes both versions of the films in nearly identical presentations as the Classic Media discs. However, what may convince you to buy it is the completely new special features, including new commentaries and an interview with cast and crew members. This one is harder to find, though, since Criterion has only limited print runs for their releases. It’s worth it, though.

Godzilla Raids Again

Classic Media

Arguably the rarest of the G-films, Godzilla Raids Again was out of print on VHS for years until the mid-2000s when it was released on DVD by Classic Media. It includes both the original and U.S. versions of the film and a handful of special features, including a humorous commentary.

King Kong vs. Godzilla

Goodtimes Home Video

This barebones disc was also one of the earliest Godzilla DVDs. Long out of print, it features nothing but a full-screen presentation of the U.S. version of the film and some production notes. Admittedly, the cover is amusing since it’s obvious it was created in PhotoShop using images of the creatures from other movies. It’s not worth finding.

Universal

Universal owns the rights to all of King Kong’s films, so it released a superior DVD several years ago and then re-released it on Blu-Ray recently (though I hear this is rushed job and inferior to the DVD). The film is in widescreen, but again, it includes only the dubbed version and has no special features. Unless there’s a future release that includes the original Japanese version in widescreen, this is the one you want.

Mothra vs. Godzilla (aka Godzilla vs. Mothra and Godzilla vs. the Thing)

Simitar

Simitar made worthy efforts with these early DVDs, but they don’t stand up to the test of time. This includes only the dubbed version of the film, though it is in widescreen. It has the same special features as King of the Monsters minus the documentary. Long out of print.

Sony

Yet another cheap release from Sony with uncreative cover art, full-screen presentation, no Japanese version, and no special features. Skip it.

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This is the one to own. While Classic Media’s other releases aren’t as prestigious as Gojira, they still gave fans what they always wanted. It includes both versions of the film plus a commentary, a slideshow, and a biography on Godzilla music composer Akira Ifukube. Buy this one.

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (aka Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster)

Classic Media

After being long out of print on VHS for years, Classic Media released this noteworthy entry in the series on DVD in the mid-2000s. This is the first appearance of Godzilla’s archenemy Ghidorah and marks Big G’s shift to heroism. Like other Classic Media releases, it includes both versions of the film, a commentary, and a few other special features. Snag it!

Invasion of Astro-Monster (aka Godzilla vs. Monster Zero, Monster Zero)

Simitar

Nothing new to say about this one. It’s the same as Simitar’s other releases other than it features a different film. However, I’ll mention that I think Simitar’s DVDs have weird cover art. Out of print and not worth the time.

Classic Media

Can’t say much new here, either, but Classic Media actually did it right. Both versions of the films, a commentary, and a few other nice special features. It’s amusing to watch the Japanese version of this since American actor Nick Adams is dubbed in Japanese! Also, kudos for using the original Japanese posters as the cover art. Highly recommended.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (aka Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster)

Sony

After being a staple on VHS, Sony released this cheesy entry on DVD in the mid-2000s. The cool thing is this is the original Japanese cut of the film and can be watched in the original language or a new English dub. No special features other than a handful of trailers for other Sony films, though.

Kraken Releasing

If you’d rather have the film on Blu-ray, Kraken Releasing has that for you. It’s pretty much the same as the Sony DVD except it has the film’s original Japanese trailer instead of unrelated trailers.

Son of Godzilla

Sony

While Sony never gave their releases the star treatment Classic Media did, they were still a step up. Like Ebirah, this 2004 disc features widescreen presentation and dual language tracks. The only supplements are trailers for other Sony films released at the time.

Destroy All Monsters

ADV Films (original)

This fan-favorite is the Avengers of Toho’s kaiju films. A TV staple for years, it was never officially released to home media until 1998, courtesy of ADV Films. Unfortunately, while it featured anime-like cover art and widescreen presentation, the disc contained only the English dubbed version of the film. Seriously, it doesn’t even have a menu! Complicating matters is the fact that ADV went out of business in the mid-2000s, so this disc is out of print.

ADV Films (50^th anniversary)

ADV re-released this film on DVD in 2004 to celebrate Big G’s 50^th anniversary. Sadly, it’s the same as the first disc except with a different cover. However, they did include a soundtrack CD, which might make this out of print disc worth finding.

Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock

A few years ago, Media Blasters delighted fans by releasing Destroy All Monsters on Blu-ray (and DVD) under its Tokyo Shock imprint. Unlike ADV’s releases, it has a menu, dual language tracks, and a few special features, including a commentary. This is also the Japanese edit of the film, so fans can see the original opening credits. Unfortunately, Toho got overprotective and uppity with this release since the the special features weren’t approved, so this disc is now out of print and goes for a hefty price. It’s worth it, though. However, if you’re budget-conscious, Media Blasters recently re-released it without special features. (Why do you have to a bunch of haters, Toho?)

Next time on the Godzilla DVD guide:
Godzilla vs…the ’70s!