Godzilla Blog

On June 5, Classic Media continues their “Toho Master Collection” Godzilla DVD series with a pair of the King of the Monsters’ most popular films; Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster and Invasion of Astro-Monster. The two movies brought the fan-favorite monster Rodan into the Godzilla series and introduced the three-headed golden space dragon King Ghidorah who would become one of Godzilla’s greatest foes. �

As with the Classic Media’s previous Godzilla releases Godzilla Raids Again and Mothra vs. Godzilla, both Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster and Invasion of Astro-Monster will include the original Japanese release, the English dubbed American version, and extra features on a single-sided, dual layer DVD in a hardcover case. The DVDs will be sold separately and have a SRP of $19.93 each.

GHIDORAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964)

Released in Japan as Three Giant Monsters: The Greatest Battle on Earth (San Daikaiju Chikyu Saidai no Kessen), Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster was the fifth Godzilla film. Following the success of King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), Toho decided to up the ante with an all-star monster bash. Godzilla and Mothra were joined by the flying monster Rodan (returning from the 1956 Toho film Rodan) and the brand-new creation King Ghidorah. With the introduction of a new monster villain in this film, Godzilla began the gradual transformation from destroyer to defender of Japan.

Classic Media’s upcoming release marks the first time Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster will be available on DVD in North America. The original Japanese version is uncut, presented in its original Toho Scope/CinemaScope widescreen aspect ratio (approx. 2.35:1), and has a running time of 92:58. The source for the film is a 35mm composite positive print from Toho Studios. Audio tracks are a 2 track mono mix, and the removable English subtitles were newly translated by JAMPS, Inc. (Japan Media Productions Support, Inc.).

Also on this DVD is the 1965 U.S. version of the film, known by the slightly shortened title Ghidrah, The Three-Headed Monster. � For decades, Ghidrah has only been available on television and VHS in America as faded, cropped 1.33:1 transfers that fall far short of the original theatrical presentation. Classic Media’s new DVD finally presents the American version as it should be seen, bright and colorful and in the correct 2.35:1 widescreen. Running time for the U.S. edit is 84:46.

The U.S. version comes with a feature length audio commentary by David Kalat, author of A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series and J-Horror: The Definitive Guide to The Ring, The Grudge and Beyond. Kalat discusses many topics related to the film, including:

• � the career of screenwriter Shinichi Sekizawa, and the writer’s impact on the Toho fx films of the 1960s and 70s
• the cast and crew of Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster, including Bond girl Akiko Wakabayashi (You Only Live Twice)
• the increasing use of comedic and lighthearted elements in Toho’s monster movies of the 1960s
• the connections between Ghidorah and Toho’s Dogora, the Space Monster
• the Peanuts (singers Emi and Yumi Ito) final appearance as the Shobijin, the twin priestesses of Mothra�
• the pros and cons of dubbing and subtitling �
• the U.S. editing of the film
• the Toho Champion Festival version of Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster
  

Additional extras include the Japanese theatrical trailer, a poster gallery with descriptions of the poster designs used to promote the film’s 1964 and 1971 theatrical releases in Japan, and an image gallery with photos and trivia about the movie.

Rounding out the package is “The Father of Godzilla- Eiji Tsuburaya: 1901-1970”, a new featurette written and narrated by Ed Godziszewski and edited by Bill Gudmundson. Loaded with rare photos, this 7:08 documentary covers the career of the special effects legend responsible for Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra, Ultraman, and so many other beloved characters. �

Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster (and Invasion of Astro-Monster) also comes with a trailer for Classic Media’s collection of Godzilla movies.

INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER (1965)

King Ghidorah proved so popular that Toho decided to bring the monster back the following year to once again challenge Rodan and Godzilla in Invasion of Astro-Monster. Released in Japan as The Great Monster War (Kaiju Daisenso), the film marked some major firsts for the Godzilla series. Invasion of Astro-Monster was the first Godzilla story to feature an alien invasion, a concept that would be reused in such films as Destroy All Monsters, Terror of Mechagodzilla, and Godzilla: Final Wars.� The movie was also a co-production with Henry Saperstein’s United Productions of America (UPA), and starred American actor Nick Adams (Rebel Without a Cause, Frankenstein Conquers the World, the TV series The Rebel).

Previously unreleased in North America, the original Japanese version of Invasion of Astro-Monster is presented uncut in its original Toho Scope/CinemaScope 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, and has a running time of 94:13. As with Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster, the source for the film is a 35mm composite positive print from Toho Studios. The audio tracks are a 2 track mono mix, and the removable English subtitles were newly translated by JAMPS, Inc.

Also on this DVD is Monster Zero, the U.S. version of the film as it was originally released to theaters in 1970. Monster Zero runs 92:57 and is presented in the theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1 widescreen.

The U.S. version is accompanied by a fact-laden audio commentary by Stuart Galbraith IV, author of Monsters are Attacking Tokyo and The Emperor and the Wolf: The Lives and Films of Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune. Galbraith covers:

• the life and death of Nick Adams
• biographies of� the cast and crew, including Henry Saperstein, stars Akira Takarada, Kumi Mizuno, Akira Kubo, Yoshio Tsuchiya, and the supporting actors
• Toho and the Japanese film industry in 1965
• special effects techniques for Invasion of Astro-Monster
• the voice actors and dubbing for the U.S. and Japanese versions
• stock footage
• the monster suits �
• the reasons the U.S. release Monster Zero was delayed until 1970
• the 1970 Toho Champion Festival version
• the evolution of the Godzilla film series: 1954-1965
• props and miniature work
• Invasion of Astro-Monster as the last Godzilla film made by the creative team behind the original Gojira
  

Writer Ed Godziszewski and editor Bill Gudmundson are joined by narrator Steve Ryfle for the documentary “The Creator of Godzilla- Tomoyuki Tanaka: 1910-1997”. Running 8:30, the featurette details how Tanaka became a producer at Toho, conceived the idea for Godzilla, and launched a wave of monster and science fiction classics.

The other bonus features on the DVD are a gallery of poster designs for the 1965 and 1970 Japanese theatrical releases of Invasion of Astro-Monster, an image gallery with photos and movie facts, and a Japanese theatrical trailer.

Have a question about Classic Media’s Godzilla DVDs? Curious about Godzilla or Toho’s other kaiju movies?� Send us your questions and we’ll do our best to answer them for you!

� http://www.godzillaondvd.com/community.php�

On November 7th, Classic Media follows up their DVD of Gojira with two more early Godzilla hits; Godzilla Raids Again and Mothra vs. Godzilla. The two titles will be sold separately and have a SRP of $19.98 each.

Here’s an early look at what you can expect to see and hear on the new DVDs. Both Godzilla Raids Again and Mothra vs. Godzilla include the original Japanese release, the English dubbed American version, and extra features on a single-sided, dual layer DVD. With the exception of being single-disc cases, the packaging will be in the same format as the DVD case for the GOJIRA- GODZILLA 2 DISC COLLECTOR’S EDITION.

GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955)
Released less than six months after Gojira opened in Japanese theaters, Godzilla Raids Again (Gojira no Gyakushu) was the first of 27 sequels produced by Toho Co., Ltd. The film eventually came to America as the heavily re-edited, English dubbed Gigantis the Fire Monster which gave Godzilla the new name “Gigantis”. Classic Media’s upcoming release marks the first time either version of Godzilla Raids Again will be available on DVD in North America.

The original Japanese version is uncut, and has a running time of approximately 81:34. Godzilla Raids Again is presented as it was shown in theaters in 1955, meaning the film is black and white and in the Academy aspect ratio (approx. 1.33:1). The movie was sourced from the 35mm master positive (dupe positive) provided by Toho. The audio tracks are 2 track mono mixed, and the removable English subtitles were newly translated for this disc by JAMPS, Inc. (Japan Media Productions Support, Inc.).

Also on this DVD is the 1959 U.S. release. Despite the Godzilla Raids Again title card (used at Toho’s request), this is American edit with the original “Gigantis the Fire Monster” English dub featuring the voices of George Takei (Star Trek) and Keye Luke (Kung Fu, Gremlins). The American Godzilla Raids Again has an aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and runs 79 minutes.

The U.S. version comes with the main bonus feature of this DVD; a feature length audio commentary by Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski (the same duo responsible for the commentaries on the Gojira set). The new commentary covers:

• the success of the original Gojira and the genesis of Godzilla Raids Again
• background� � info on director Motoyoshi Oda and composer Masaru Sato
• the special effects techniques, including the infamous camera speed errors during the battle between Godzilla and Anguirus in Osaka
• comparisons between the U.S. and Japanese versions of the film
• details of the aborted U.S. version that was to be called “The Volcano Monsters”, including comments from filmmaker/historian Bob Burns about finding the Godzilla and Anguirus suits that were shipped to Hollywood
• how Godzilla Raids Again became Gigantis the Fire Monster
• rare radio spots from the film’s U.S. release
• and more…

Additional extras will be a slide show of Godzilla Raids Again theatrical posters and a new featurette written and narrated by Ed Godziszewski and edited by Bill Gudmundson. Entitled “Art of Suit Acting”, the 13:50 minute long documentary covers the actors inside the monster suits during Toho’s first wave of kaiju movie (1954-1975).�

MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (1964)
The fourth Godzilla film, Mothra vs. Godzilla (Mosura tai Gojira) is widely considered the best of all the Godzilla sequels. U.S. rights were purchased by American International Pictures, who dubbed the film and released it to theaters as Godzilla vs. the Thing (later renamed Godzilla vs. Mothra for television and home video). The American edit is also highly regarded for its quality English dubbing and the inclusion of an extra Godzilla scene filmed by Toho but not used in the Japanese release.

The Japanese version of Mothra vs. Godzilla comes to DVD for the first time in North America. The film is in color, presented in its original Toho Scope/CinemaScope widescreen aspect ratio (approx. 2.35:1), and has a running time of 88:36. The source for the film is a 35mm low-contrast positive print from Toho Studios. Audio tracks are a 2 track mono mix, and the removable English subtitles were newly translated by JAMPS, Inc.

The DVD also features the original U.S. version, Godzilla vs, the Thing, which has a running time of 88:07. After comparing the available source materials, it was decided to not use the scope version previously released on DVD because it has several problems including missing dialogue and special effects footage, out of synch audio, and poor color that weakened the quality of animated effects. Instead, Classic Media chose a downconvert from a High Definition Master that presents Godzilla vs, the Thing complete and in top quality at 16×9 widescreen (approx. 1:78:1).�

Ed and Steve return with another feature length audio commentary on Godzilla vs. the Thing. In addition to covering the making of the movie and its U.S. release, they also take� the opportunity to present details about the 1961 Toho classic Mothra such as the creation of the monster and her twin priestesses, the Small Beauties. The commentary features:

• original story concepts for Mothra vs. Godzilla
• biographical info on the main stars
• background info on screenwriter Shinichi Sekizawa and the origins of Mothra
• comments from Henry Saperstein, head of United Productions of America
• an interview with Peter Fernandez on the English dubbing from Titra Studios
• an interview with Paulette Rubenstein, voice of one of the Small Beauties
• information on the film’s special effects
• American International Pictures’ marketing techniques for the U.S. release
• and more…

The other bonus features are a slide show of Mothra vs. Godzilla posters, a featurette biography of composer Akira Ifukube by Ed Godziszewski and Bill Gudmundson (running time 7:57), a text tribute to Akira Ifukube by Toho Pictures president Shogo Tomiyama, and the original Japanese theatrical trailer.

Film historian and Japanese Fantasy Film Journal editor Greg Shoemaker comments on the GOJIRA DVD:

http://www.godzillaondvd.com/mediapageloads/article_greg.pdf

Hello everyone, and welcome to GodzillaOnDVD.com. This past March, Classic Media announced that they would be bringing the original, uncut Japanese version of Gojira (better known as Godzilla) to DVD for the first time ever in North America. As the release of Gojira draws near, Classic Media has been promoting the disc with a series of presentations at film festivals and conventions. July featured film screenings at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and Anime Expo in Anaheim, plus� a massive giveaway of promo DVDs and posters at Comic Con International in San Diego. This past weekend Gojira was shown at the Asian Film Festival of Dallas and� a presentation was held at Wizard World Chicago (check the events page for updates).

This official website has also been updated (take a look around; there’s some fun stuff here, including an essay by Greg Shoemaker, editor of the legendary Japanese Fantasy Film Journal), and Classic Media has asked me to provide occasional “Godzilla Blogs” for GodzillaOnDVD.com that will provide news updates and hopefully correct the oddball rumors that will pop up from time to time. Since this is the first Godzilla Blog, I thought it would be best to provide some details on the DVD specs for Classic Media’s first release.

The set includes a pair of single-sided DVDs; one focusing on the original Japanese version of Gojira (1954), the other the American edit, Godzilla, King of the Monsters (1956). The 2-disc set goes on sale September 5th and has a suggested retail price of $21.98.

Gojira is over 50 years old, and a half century of wear and tear has left some dirt, marks, and scratches on the film. To present the film in the highest possible quality, Classic Media’s DVD features a Native High Definition master from a brand-new 35mm Fine Grain Print struck by Toho. The print was transferred to HD on the state-of-the-art, full resolution, Dual Link Da Vinci Color Correct System. The end result will be the best DVD presentation of the film to date.

Gojira is uncut, and has a running time of approximately 95:59. The film is in black and white, and presented in the proper Academy aspect ratio (approx. 1.33:1). Anyone hoping for a widescreen release should understand that the movie was not filmed nor originally shown in Cinemascope, so the top and bottom of the image would have to be cropped to make a “faux letterbox” picture (which would be utterly pointless).

The film was not recorded in stereo so Classic Media’s DVD features the original Japanese language track in mono mix audio. The English subtitles were newly translated for this disc by JAMPS, Inc. (Japan Media Productions Support, Inc.). JAMPS is a producer of television shows, corporate videos, and translated and subtitled Japanese television programs and movies, with an international client list that includes the NHK television network, TV Asahi, Capcom, Tokyo Broadcasting System, and Nintendo USA. The subtitles are paced to fit the spoken dialogue, and presented in yellow to stand out against the black and white picture.

The extra materials include a feature length audio commentary by Steve Ryfle (author of the book Japan’s Favorite Mon-Star) and Ed Godziszewski (editor and publisher of Japanese Giants magazine). The Gojira commentary covers the historical background of the film, how it was made, and comments on the plot, scenes, direction, writing, and themes of the movie.

Additional features include the original theatrical trailer and a pair of featurettes covering specific aspects of the making of Gojira. “Godzilla: Story Development” (running time: 12:41) and “Making of the Godzilla Suit” (running time: 12:51) were written and narrated by Ed Godziszewski and edited by Bill Gudmundson. Both were newly produced for this DVD and were not (as was erroneously reported elsewhere) lifted from the British Film Institute’s recent Godzilla DVD.

The second disc features Godzilla, King of the Monsters, the Americanized version of Gojira starring Raymond Burr as a reporter who witnesses Godzilla’s attack on Tokyo. The film is in black and white, and presented in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio. One nice addition is that Classic Media’s Godzilla, King of the Monsters includes the long-unseen original end credits, which were cut from every previous home video release. The running time for the film is approximately 81 minutes. The English audio is presented in a mono mix.

Godzilla, King of the Monsters also includes a feature length audio commentary by Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski. This is not a repeat of the Gojira commentary, but a completely different audio track that notes the differences between the two versions and discusses how Gojira first came to America and was altered into Godzilla, King of the Monsters. The commentary goes into detail about the people responsible for introducing Godzilla to the US, the production of the American version, and changes made to the original film in order to increase its appeal to general audiences a decade after World War II. The commentary also features a new 10-minute long interview with Terry Morse Jr. (an editor on Godzilla, King of the Monsters and the son of the film’s American director) and interview excerpts from the late Edmund Goldman (the man who first bought US rights to Gojira from Toho) and Paul Schreibman, who were producers of the American version.

Rounding out the extras are an extremely rare 1956 Godzilla, King of the Monsters theatrical trailer (NOT the standard trailer that can be found on numerous public domain collections) and a 16 page booklet which includes photos and additional info on the making of Gojira and its transformation into Godzilla, King of the Monsters.

Keep checking in with GodzillaOnDVD.com for the latest Godzilla DVD news.