Godzilla Collectors Thread

[Casual_G4m3r]

Hello all,

I recently picked up the Criterion Showa box set, and it has sparked an interest in Godzilla that I have not felt since childhood.

I then started taking a look at all things Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, King Kong, and kaiju that make appearances in these films.

In trying to gather up all the information for these films, I have been making a spreadsheet. Right now, it's quite crude, only including a list of the films in chronological order. I have also been trying to include any animated series and films as well.

I'm not 100% sure that I even have everything released listed here. That is part of the reason I am creating this thread. A place for Godzilla collectors to come together, talk about the various releases available, and how to best complete our collections.

King Kong 1933


There are other releases of this Warner Bros. BD, however, this is currently the cheapest way to get this on disc. I bought this set myself, and all four of the films come on their own disc. Most likely just repackaged versions of the individual releases. This is the first appearance of King Kong.

Son of Kong 1933


This Warner Bros. BD is your best option here in the USA.

Godzilla (Gojira) 1954
or

Either of these Criterion releases will get you both the original Japanese version as well as the American edit. If you go with the box set, it will also include all of the main line (official) Godzilla films from the Showa era in their original Japanese language and edits. This is the first appearance of Godzilla

Godzilla Raids Again 1955
and/or

The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese version of Godzilla Raids Again. This is the first appearance of Anguirus.

The Classic media DVD set will get you the Japanese and English versions. Please note that the Classic media DVD has two separate versions of this film. The original Japanese version, as well as the English version of the film, that has a different edit than the original. This English edit has historically been known as Gigantis the Fire Monster. However, the title on screen appears as Godzilla Raids Again for both versions included on the DVD.

I am still working to determine if there is a DVD or BD release with the title on screen as Gigantis the Fire Monster. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Rodan 1956
and/or

The first DVD (Classic Media), I recently bought. It has the film in full frame and is English only. According to the information on this website, the second DVD (also from Classic Media) has both Japanese and English language tracks, and is accompanied by War of the Gargantuas. There is no widescreen version of Rodan, as it was not filmed in widescreen. This is the first appearance of Rodan.

The original Japanese version of Rodan has been licensed by Criterion, and is currently legally streaming on YouTube under this license. The picture quality is far superior to the Classic Media version I have on DVD.
.
The Mysterians 1957


This Tokyo Shock DVD is the only way to get this film in the USA, as far as I am aware. According to the information on this website, it is in widescreen and contains both Japanese and English language tracks. This is the first appearance of Moguera.

Varan the Unbelievable 1958


This Tokyo Shock DVD is the only way to get this film in the USA, as far as I am aware. This DVD is in widescreen and contains only the Japanese language track, but has a few different mixes as well as a Japanese language commentary track. This is the first appearance of Varan.

I do know there was an English language version produced for this film, but I am unable to find a DVD or BD copy that was released in the USA. Any assistance with this would be greatly appreciated.

Battle in Outer Space 1959


After doing more research, I have decided to add this title to this list. While it does not tie directly to the Godzilla series, it is a sequel to The Mysterians (1957) and features two of the same characters, Doctor Adachi and Etsuko Shiraishi, although with different actors playing the parts. I must note, however, that this film does not feature any kaiju or monsters. It's up to your own discretion on weather or not you consider this one part of the greater universe, so-to-speak. This Mill Creek BD is your best option in the USA. Please be aware the Sony BD has been edited to make the Japanese dub fit the film.

Mothra 1961


The BD from Mill Creek has steelbook packaging, with a plastic slipcover. This contains both the original Japanese version of the film, as well as the English language edit. These are presented as two separate films on a single BD. The English language edit is indeed a different edit of the film, and runs shorter than the Japanese edit.

King Kong vs. Godzilla 1962
or

The Criterion box is the best way to go for this film IMO. It has The English language version, as well as the only Japanese language version available in the USA. Please note that the Japanse and English language versions of the films are two different edits.

The Universal Studios BD only contains the English edit of the film, however, the picture quality looks to be the same as the Criterion release (to my eyes) for the English version.

Atragon 1963


This Tokyo Shock DVD is the only way to get a physical copy of this film in the USA, as far as I am aware. It is in widescreen and contains both Japanese and English language tracks. This is the first appearance of Manda.

Mothra vs Godzilla 1964
and/or and/or

This film has several DVD releases. The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese language version with the correct aspect ratio of 2.35:1.

The DVD sets will vary, but the first one I linked to here (Classic Media) has both Japanese and English language tracks, and has an altered 1.78:1 aspect ratio for the English edit of the film. The Classic Media DVD shows the on screen title as Godzilla vs. The Thing for that English edit.

The second DVD is from Simitar, and it is a flipper disc. On one side of the disc, you get the non-anamorphic widescreen version in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The title on screen appears as Godzilla vs. The Thing.

The other side of the disc is presented in full frame. The title on screen appears as Godzilla vs. Mothra. This DVD contains only the English language version of the film for either side of the disc.

IMO, the PQ on the Simitar DVD is inferior to the PQ on the Classic Media DVD. If you already own the Classic Media DVD, and aren't concerned about the aspect ratio, then just stick with that. The Criterion BD has the best PQ overall, if you're not concerned about having the English language version. This last paragraph is opinion only, and is subject to what I am seeing on screen, and your mileage may vary.

Dogora 1964


This Tokyo Shock DVD is the only way to get this film in the USA, as far as I am aware. This DVD is in widescreen and contains both Japanese and English language tracks. The on screen title appears subtitled as Dogora The Space Monster. This is the first appearance of Dogora.

Dogora does not appear in any of the main line Godzilla films, however, he showed up in Godzilla Island (Japanese show that had 256 three-minute episodes), and had a brief appearance in Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters.

Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster 1964
and/or

The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese version of Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster.

The Classic Media DVD will get you the Japanese and English versions, but in standard definition. Both versions are also in widescreen. The title appears on screen as Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster for the English edit on the Classic Media DVD.

Frankenstein Conquers the World 1965


This Tokyo Shock DVD set is the only way to get this film in the USA. This is a two disc DVD set. Disc one has two different edits of the original Japanese language version of the film. The International cut, and theatrical cut. Neither of these have an English option, and the title on screen appears as Frankenstein vs. Baragon.

The second DVD contains the English only edit of the film, and the title appears on screen as Frankenstein Conquers the World. This is the first appearance of Baragon.

Invasion of Astro-Monster 1965
and/or

The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese version of Invasion of Astro-Monster, as well as the same film with an English language option.

The Classic Media DVD has the original Japanese version of Invasion of Astro-Monster, as well as the English edit of the film, where the title appears on screen as Monster Zero.

The War of the Gargantuas 1966


We're back to this DVD two pack from Classic Media again. As far as I am aware, it's the only version available on physical media in the USA. This is the first appearance of Gaira.

The King Kong Show 1966
and

This one is interesting, and it was very difficult for me to find much information about it. This was a Japanese and American series produced by Videocraft International and Toei Animation. It ran as a Saturday morning cartoon, and had a total of 25 episodes.

For whatever reason, when this was released to DVD by Classic Media, they changed the title to King Kong: The Animated Series, and released two volumes. The series aired with a Kong short, followed by a Tom Thumb short, then another Kong short. If you have both of these DVDs, it covers the pilot episode, and the following eight episodes (in order as they aired on T.V.), for a total of nine episodes.

To make sure this is easy to understand/clearly worded, the DVD set has a total of nine full length episodes as they aired. You can watch them as they aired, with the Tom Thumb shorts in between, or as individual shorts. That means you are getting a total of eighteen Kong shorts. The title screen is animated (baked into the the show) and appears on screen simply as King Kong.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep 1966
and/or

The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese version of this film. The Kraken Releasing BD will get you the Japanese and English language versions, also in widescreen. Please note that the Kraken Releasing BD shows the on screen title as Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster.

King Kong Escapes 1967


This Universal Studios BD will get you the English language version of this film. I am not able to find any information regarding the original Japanese language version in the USA. Any assistance with this would be greatly appreciated.

Son of Godzilla 1967


The Criterion box is all you need here. It has both Japanese and English language tracks. Please note that this is the international English dub, and not the American dub. As far as I can tell, the American dub of Son of Godzilla has never been released on DVD or BD.

Initially, I thought maybe the Sony Pictures DVD had the American dub, but everything I can find about that release, states it contains the same international dub that is on the Criterion release. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Destroy All Monsters 1968
and/or

The Criterion box has both Japanese and English language tracks.

The Media Blasters BD linked has an alternate English dub. Please note that only the first pressing has the AIP dub. Later bare bones pressings do not have the AIP dub, and only have Toho's international English dub.

If anyone has the BD that contains the AIP dub and commentary track, and you're willing to trade it, please hit me up via PM.

All Monsters Attack 1969
and/or

The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese version of this film.

The Classic Media DVD will get you the Japanese and English versions, but in standard definition. Also in widescreen. Please note that the English edit of the film on the Classic Media DVD shows the on screen title as Godzilla's Revenge.

Space Amoeba 1970


This Tokyo Shock DVD is the only way to get this film in the USA, as far as I am aware. According to the information on this website, it is in widescreen and contains both Japanese and English language tracks. This is the first appearance of Gezora.

Godzilla vs Hedorah 1971
and/or

The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese version of this film.

The Kraken Releasing BD will get you the Japanese and English versions, also in widescreen. Both the Criterion and Kraken Releasing versions have the on screen title as Godzilla vs Hedorah.

I am not certain if there is a DVD or BD where the on screen title appears as Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Godzilla vs Gigan 1972
and/or

The Criterion box will get you the original Japanese version of this film.

The Kraken Releasing BD will get you the Japanese and English versions, also in widescreen. Both the Criterion and Kraken Releasing versions have the on screen title as Godzilla vs Gigan.

I am not certain if there is a DVD or BD where the on screen title appears as Godzilla on Monster Island. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Godzilla vs Megalon 1973


The Criterion box is all you need here. It has both Japanese and English language tracks.

Zone Fighter (T.V. Series) 1973

Zone Fighter, known in Japan as Meteor Human Zone is a tokusatsu science fiction superhero television series. Produced by Toho Company Ltd. It has a total of 26 episodes. Toho have confirmed Zone Fighter to be part of the Showa-era Godzilla series, taking place in between Godzilla vs. Megalon and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla. There is no physical release of this series in the USA that I can find. However, it has been released on DVD in Japan.

Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla 1974


The Criterion box is all you need here. It has both Japanese and English language tracks.

Terror of Mechagodzilla 1975
and/or and/or

The Criterion box has both Japanese and English language tracks. The first Classic Media DVD has an alternate edit of the film that results in an (un)intentional comedic effect. The second Classic Media DVD removed a shot

[Show spoiler]of fake breasts

and added a prologue at the beginning of the film. Both Classic Media DVDs utilize the same English dub as the Criterion BD.

King Kong 1976


The Shout factory BD looks like your best option here. It has the theatrical Cut, as well as the Extended T.V. Broadcast Cut. I have this BD, and it's cool, as it does have the extended T.V. edit, but that's also where I feel it is most flawed.

This was shown on broadcast television cropped to full frame. Shout decided to leave the frame un-cropped for this BD release, and doing so created some issues.

The issues were created, because the full frame T.V. edit re-used some parts of the film at different times, but "zoomed in" on the character who is supposed to be speaking at that time.

Due to this editing, we are able to see characters that aren't supposed to be on screen during those edits (they would have been cropped out of the shot in full frame), and they are delivering dialogue that isn't heard on the audio track, as we aren't supposed to know they were there!

Godzilla (T.V. Series) 1978
plus plus

This one was difficult to find a lot of information about as well. Originally titled Godzilla, this was a television series produced by Hanna-Barbera. It started its run in 1978, and had a total of twenty-six episodes. When it was released on DVD, it was re-titled to Godzilla: The Original Animated Series, to avoid confusion with the later 1998 Godzilla animated series. It was released in three volumes, but the entire series has never seen a physical release, as far as I know. The first thirteen episodes are available, if you can snag all three volumes of this. There are four episodes on Vol. 1, four on Vol. 2, and five episodes on vol. 3. Also, If anyone has these, and is willing to trade them to me, please hit me up via PM. Those eBay prices have me crying in my rubber suit.

Bye-Bye Jupiter 1984


Bye-Bye Jupiter was re-titled as Sayonara Jupiter for the Discotek Media DVD release in the USA. This contains both Japanese and English language tracks. Interestingly, the Japanese audio track has a lot of English in it as well. This has appearances from Godzilla, Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Rodan. However, it should be noted that all of these appearances are taken from stock footage.

The Return of Godzilla 1984


This one has a bit of an odd history of releases here in the USA. This Kraken BD has the original Japanese version of The Return of Godzilla and its international English dub, but there is no DVD or BD release of the American edit/cut of this film. Similar to the original Godzilla film, there was a complete redo of this in the USA.

This version also featured Raymond Burr, as this was considered to be a bit of a reboot for the series, and was seen as a direct sequel to the original film. The American redo/alternate version is only available on VHS, due to an apparent copyright issue with some of the music. The American VHS title is Godzilla 1985.

As it stands, IMO, the Kraken BD is your best option currently. This BD offers both the original Japanese language track, and the English language track. The title appears on screen simply as Gojira (in kanji) translated to Godzilla via the subtitles.

King Kong Lives 1986


This 20th Century Fox DVD is the only way to get this film in the USA. It is in widescreen and contains a 5.1 and stereo mix of the film.

Godzilla vs Biollante 1989


Another hard to find title. Ok, as far as I can tell there are four releases of this on BD and several on DVD. I learned that there is an audio error on some of the BD releases, that was fixed on later releases. The one with the correct audio, is the one I linked to. The DVD releases are all fine as far as I know. If I am wrong about this, someone please correct me. I am trying to make this as accurate as possible for newcomers.

Godzilla vs King Ghidorah 1991
and/or

This BD is also OOP and is being scalped on eBay. However, it contains this film in widescreen, and has both Japanese and English language tracks. The DVD set I linked to also has this in the set, but is cropped to full frame and only has the English language dub.

Godzilla vs Mothra 1992
and/or

This is exactly the same as above. The BD contains this film in widescreen, and has both Japanese and English language tracks. The DVD set is cropped to full frame and only has the English language dub.

Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II 1993


Godzilla vs SpaceGodzilla 1994


Same as above. They are both included, in widescreen, and has both Japanese and English language tracks for each film.

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah 1995


Rebirth of Mothra 1996


Rebirth of Mothra II 1997


Same as above. They are both included, in widescreen, and has both Japanese and English language tracks for each film.

Godzilla Island (T.V. Series) 1997

This was a television show that ran for a total of 256 three-minute episodes. This series was created through the use of action figures. I am not aware of any place to see this in the USA, and it did not receive a physical release here. However, in 2007, a DVD set including every episode of the show was released in Japan.

Godzilla 1998


Godzilla: The Series 1998


This was an animated series based on the 1998 film. The entire series is in this DVD set, and it's fairly low cost to purchase, if you're curious about it.

Please note that the episodes are not in broadcast order with this set. All episodes are contained in the set (including two that never aired), but you will need to look at the Wikipedia page, to see the correct order to watch them in. I have no idea of why they would put these out of order for the DVD release.

The Mighty Kong 1998

The Mighty Kong is a 1998 animated, musical adaptation of the classic King Kong story, produced by Lana Productions. As far as I can tell, this only received a VHS physical release in the USA. There is a DVD available to purchase on AMZ, but beware, it is a burned disc, not a pressed copy. As far as I can tell, it is official, though. The packaging is fine, and there's a nice sticker on the disc that has artwork, however. I did not purchase this, due to it only being a burned copy. It is available to watch on YouTube, so that is where I will go to view it.

Rebirth of Mothra III 1998


Same Rebirth release as above. All three films are included, in widescreen, and has both Japanese and English language tracks for each film.

Godzilla 2000: Millennium 1999


Godzilla vs Megaguirus 2000


Kong: The Animated Series 2001
and

Kong: The Animated Series is a French and American television series that follows King Kong based on the 1933 film. It began its run in 2001, and had a total of forty episodes. Each of these DVD sets have two discs each, and both sets contain twenty episodes each. Grabbing both sets will get you the entire forty episode series. Please note these are in full frame aspect ratio, as they were produced for broadcast television.

Godzilla, Mothra, and King Gidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack 2001


Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla 2002
and/or

The Sony Pictures BD has both Japanese and English language tracks for each film. The DVD they released also has both language tracks, but the picture is cropped to 2.35:1.

Please note that the Sony Pictures DVD release has the more accurate subtitles of these two releases. The BD version uses a combination of sub and dub titles, and therefore is not the best translation of the original Japanese language track.

I must also make note here, the DVD I linked to is not the same DVD that Sony put into the The Toho Godzilla Collection box set. The DVD (in that box set) of this film only contains the Japanese language track, and does not have an English language track. I will also note here that it may not be worth it to you, to get the DVD over the BD, due to the loss in picture quality. Ultimately, it is completely your call on how you would like to collect these films.

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. 2003


Godzilla: Final Wars 2004


Same as above. They are both included, in widescreen, and has both Japanese and English language tracks for each film.

Kong: King of Atlantis 2005


An animated Kong film. As far as I know, this DVD is the only physical version available in the USA. Please be aware this is a full frame disc. However, I am not 100% certain if this is cropped, or if it was produced that way. If you have any additional information regarding this release, please feel free to chime in.

King Kong 2005


Kong: Return to the Jungle 2006


Another animated Kong film. Please be aware the DVD is a full frame disc. However, the BD release information on this website, states that it is in widescreen. If anyone has a BD copy of this that they are willing to trade, please hit me up via PM.

Godzilla 2014


Kong: King of the Apes 2016 (Netflix Series)

Kong: King of the Apes is an American, Japanese, and Canadian animated series that is produced by 41 Entertainment LLC, Arad Animation, and animated by OLM, Digital and Sprite Animation Studios. The series was initially released to Netflix on April 15, 2016. There are currently two seasons, with a total of twenty-three episodes. There is no physical release of this series in the USA.

Shin Godzilla 2016


Kong: Skull Island 2017


Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (Netflix Animated film) 2017

No physical release in the USA.

Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (Netflix Animated film) 2018

No physical release in the USA.

Godzilla: The Planet Eater (Netflix Animated film) 2018

No physical release in the USA.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters 2019


Monster Puppet Show Godziban (Web Series) 2019
Monster Puppet Show Godziban is a Japanese puppet web series co-produced by Toho, AlphaBoat, and Studio Koganemushi. There is not a physical release of this in the USA, however, The Godzilla Official by Toho YouTube channel began uploading episodes of the show with English subtitles on August 20, 2021. Here is a link, for the curious.

Godziban - Episode 1 (Web Series) // We Are the Three Godzilla Brothers! - YouTube

Godzilla vs. Kong 2021


Godzilla Singular Point 2021
Godzilla Singular Point is a Japanese anime television series co-produced by the animation studios Bones and Orange. Licensed by Netflix in the USA, and currently has thirteen episodes. This does not have a physical USA release.

I understand this list is currently very crude, and will probably need a lot of polishing from those better informed than I am.

I will try to update this thread with DVD/BD/UHD info as well, at least to the best of my ability.

Please chime in here, and tell me any films that should be added to, or should be removed from this list. Also any entries that I may have incorrect,

[WBMakeVMarsMovieNOW]

perfect, just what I needed again after just accidentally unordering my set right before Thanksgiving Godizlla/Kongfest.

[Casual_G4m3r]

I am hoping this thread will become a great resource for those just starting to collect Godzilla/Kong/Kaiju films.

I am trying to figure out how to post specific releases in the thread, so I can point people to some options for buying these.

I understand this list is fairly unorganized right now, but I will work on getting it all straightened out. It might be slowly, but I will work on it as time permits.

I also plan to organize it better.

Maybe break the films into sections? Eras? Specific franchises? Any ideas/input would be appreciated and very much welcome.

[vertigop1ayer]

I would only point out that some of these films are merely effects films (tokusatsu) from Toho, the studio behind Godzilla. But they aren't associated with Godzilla beyond that, like how DC movies are released by Warner Bros but one wouldn't call The Matrix or Dune a DC movie. Maybe think of this as more a Toho thread than a Godzilla thread?

FWIW, Kong: Skull Island (which isn't by Toho, as it happens) is pretty much the only non-Godzilla movie expressly connected to a Godzilla movie or universe. Never released in any format in the US is Zone Fighter (TV series), which featured Godzilla, King Ghidorah, and Gigan in a way that Toho seems to consider canon. Other movies which have featured monsters commonly associated with Godzilla, like any of the four Mothra films, Rodan, King Kong Escapes, Frankenstein Conquers the World, or Atragon are not actually part of any Godzilla timeline (Exception: The Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla-Godzilla: Tokyo SOS continuity retroactively brings Mothra, Gargantuas -and therefore probably Frankenstein- and Yog into a Godzilla continuity)

King Kong is not actually owned by Toho and something you can consider a different thing. Exceptions there are King Kong vs Godzilla and King Kong Escapes, which were made by Toho (the latter intended to be part of a trilogy which never happened) - and maybe Godzilla vs Kong I guess.

[Casual_G4m3r]

Originally Posted by vertigop1ayer

I would only point out that some of these films are merely effects films (tokusatsu) from Toho, the studio behind Godzilla. But they aren't associated with Godzilla beyond that, like how DC movies are released by Warner Bros but one wouldn't call The Matrix or Dune a DC movie. Maybe think of this as more a Toho thread than a Godzilla thread?

FWIW, Kong: Skull Island (which isn't by Toho, as it happens) is pretty much the only non-Godzilla movie expressly connected to a Godzilla movie or universe. Never released in any format in the US is Zone Fighter (TV series), which featured Godzilla, King Ghidorah, and Gigan in a way that Toho seems to consider canon. Other movies which have featured monsters commonly associated with Godzilla, like any of the four Mothra films, Rodan, King Kong Escapes, Frankenstein Conquers the World, or Atragon are not actually part of any Godzilla timeline (Exception: The Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla-Godzilla: Tokyo SOS continuity retroactively brings Mothra, Gargantuas -and therefore probably Frankenstein- and Yog into a Godzilla continuity)

King Kong is not actually owned by Toho and something you can consider a different thing. Exceptions there are King Kong vs Godzilla and King Kong Escapes, which were made by Toho (the latter intended to be part of a trilogy which never happened) - and maybe Godzilla vs Kong I guess.

Thank you for your input.

If you don't mind, can you (or anybody that wants to help) please list the films that do not belong on this list, and I will remove them. I'm trying to be as thorough as possible, but I am still very much in the learning phase.

I am not trying to create a comprehensive Toho list, just a Godzilla (and friends) list, if that makes sense.

Alternately, I can leave the list as is, and continue to notate these, making sure to state if it is part of the Godzilla series proper. I will let all of you make that call for me.

[Mikezilla3k]

First off, you don't have to include Classic Media's The Godzilla Collection DVD since it's just collects the 2006 releases together.

Rodan/WOTG Double Feature does have it in it's original language, but the 2002 DVD has slightly better quality for the American version due to not having to share space with the Japanese version.

This Simitar DVD for Mothra vs. Godzilla has the US version in it's original ascept ratio while the Classic Media releases have it cropped (2002 to 1.33:1 and 2006 to 1.78:1):

(though none of them have the complete Frontier Missile sequence I believe)

BTW, do you want this to just include the US version or do you want to include overseas releases as well?

[Casual_G4m3r]

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

First off, you don't have to include Classic Media's The Godzilla Collection DVD since it's just collects the 2006 releases together.

Rodan/WOTG Double Feature does have it in it's original language, but the 2002 DVD has slightly better quality for the American version due to not having to share space with the Japanese version.

This Simitar DVD for Mothra vs. Godzilla has the US version in it's original ascept ratio while the Classic Media releases have it cropped (2002 to 1.33:1 and 2006 to 1.78:1):

(though none of them have the complete Frontier Missile sequence I believe)

BTW, do you want this to just include the US version or do you want to include overseas releases as well?

Thank you for your help.

I am trying to make a list that allows people to choose if they want the Japanese or the English language versions, so I am attempting to include both of them for each films entry.

I know not everyone will be interested in both versions, and may prefer one other the other, so I am trying to satisfy both collectors.

This is a difficult task, to say the least. LOL! I'm not trying to complain, as I need this list just as much as any other collector may need it. Putting this together helps me organize the releases available, at least here in the USA. I generally do not import anything, due to cost and worries of region locking or language barriers. I am guessing there are others who are the same.

[Mikezilla3k]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

Thank you for your help.

I am trying to make a list that allows people to choose if they want the Japanese or the English language versions, so I am attempting to include both of them for each films entry.

I know not everyone will be interested in both versions, and may prefer one other the other, so I am trying to satisfy both collectors.

This is a difficult task, to say the least. LOL! I'm not trying to complain, as I need this list just as much as any other collector may need it. Putting this together helps me organize the releases available, at least here in the USA. I generally do not import anything, due to cost and worries of region locking or language barriers. I am guessing there are others who are the same.

OK, I'll mostly just stick to US releases then.

The US version of Varan has been release on DVD twice by public domain companies (whether it's due to the version being public domain or confusion on the part of the distributor is up for debate). Synergy's is the better of the two due to it having less compression, though it does have a watermark pop up once every now and then:


Also worth noting that the Kraken releases do actually have better quality than the Criterion set since they used Sony's masters.

This Media Blasters releases includes the AIP dub (though in lesser quality than other copies out there:


These two DVDs include both US versions of Terror Of Mechagodzilla. It's the same dub on all three releases but they are all different in editing:

2006 includes the US TV Version which is almost uncut

[Show spoiler](just cutting a shot of fake breasts)

and also includes a prologue using footage from Invasion of Astro-Monster and All Monsters Attack. 2002 includes the US Theatrical Cut, which heavily cut and edited the film to comedic effect.

Another thing to possibly note is that there is a HD recreation of 1985 out there but not officially released.

And there are two versions of Shin Godzilla. One with fixed SFX and the original cut.


Funi's US release includes the fixed effects while Manga's UK release includes the original. Something worth noting that the US release removes most of the On-Screen Kanji and replaces them with English subtitles while Manga's keeps them (which is probably why they have the original version on the release).

Final thing to note is consult the Toho Kingdom forums, specifically the "Toho Media" section. They have numerous threads on various Toho releases and you don't need an account to see them.

[monwobbbo]

ok RODAN isn't widescreen

the US version GODZILLA VS THE THING is 1:85 on the DVD from Sony. the japanese version is 2:35. they couldn't get a decent 2:35 version of the american print.

VARAN is only the japanese version and does not the have the US version which has only come out in the US on VHS. the DVDs mentioned aren't legit releases

[Mikezilla3k]

Another note. This double feature DVD includes the AIP version of Hedorah and the US version of Megalon which is the same dub but it's edited from the original cut:

[Casual_G4m3r]

Ok gang, from reading your comments here. I have quite a lot to fix.

monwobbbo, I will edit my Rodan and Mothra vs. Godzilla entries to correct that.

Also, are you saying that all of the Tokyo Shock releases were bootlegs? If so, I will remove all references to them.

Are there legitimate USA releases of the following films?

The Mysterians
Varan the Unbelievable
Atragon
Dogora
Frankenstein Conquers the World
Space Amoeba

All of the films in this list are all released on DVD by Tokyo Shock. As far as I am aware, Tokyo Shock is (or was) associated with Media Blasters. Admittedly, I know little to nothing about these two companies.

Mikezilla3k, you're giving me a lot of info here. I am going to go through your posts one at a time, in an attempt to get things straightened out.

Please bear with me all.

[monwobbbo]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

Ok gang, from reading your comments here. I have quite a lot to fix.

monwobbbo, I will edit my Rodan and Mothra vs. Godzilla entries to correct that.

Also, are you saying that all of the Tokyo Shock releases were bootlegs? If so, I will remove all references to them.

Are there legitimate USA releases of the following films?

The Mysterians
Varan the Unbelievable
Atragon
Dogora
Frankenstein Conquers the World
Space Amoeba

All of the films in this list are all released on DVD by Tokyo Shock. As far as I am aware, Tokyo Shock is (or was) associated with Media Blasters. Admittedly, I know little to nothing about these two companies.

Mikezilla3k, you're giving me a lot of info here. I am going to go through your posts one at a time, in an attempt to get things straightened out.

Please bear with me all.

no the Tokyo Shock DVDs are all legit. i was refering to the DVDs mentioned of the US version of Varan. those are not.

[Zillamon51]

The Media Blasters / Tokyo Shock releases are legit. They did get into hot water with Toho for including extras that weren't approved by Toho on their two Godzilla releases, but the films were officially licensed.

The first pressing of Destroy All Monsters included the AIP dub track, and some extras. It was later reissued barebones. The back of the case tells which is which. Godzilla vs. Megalon was released barebones, except one later repressing of the DVD included extras. The cases are identical; the only way to know which is which is to have the disc in hand.

My advice for everyone but hardcore collectors is to just get the Criterion set for the Showa films, and call it a day.

[darkness2918]

As others have already said all the Tokyo Shock/Media Blasters DVDs of those films are legit. I own all of them except Space Amoeba.

[monwobbbo]

Originally Posted by Zillamon51

The Media Blasters / Tokyo Shock releases are legit. They did get into hot water with Toho for including extras that weren't approved by Toho on their two Godzilla releases, but the films were officially licensed.

The first pressing of Destroy All Monsters included the AIP dub track, and some extras. It was later reissued barebones. The back of the case tells which is which. Godzilla vs. Megalon was released barebones, except one later repressing of the DVD included extras. The cases are identical; the only way to know which is which is to have the disc in hand.

My advice for everyone but hardcore collectors is to just get the Criterion set for the Showa films, and call it a day.

sound advice. the history of Godzilla releases in the US is a mess. the rights were all over the place and many releases weren't legit especially during the VHS era. not mentioned so far is the Alpha release of GODZILLA VS MEGALON. that was pulled after Toho made a stink about it.

i have the GODZILLA VS MEGALON DVD with the extras. honestly i wouldn't pay real money to get it as the extras are no big deal.

[Mikezilla3k]

This DVD includes the US version of Invasion Of Astro-Monster, which has the same dub as the Criterion set but has a different sound mix I believe:



Also, there was a Blu-Ray release for Kong: Return To The Jungle:

[Casual_G4m3r]

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

This Media Blasters releases includes the AIP dub (though in lesser quality than other copies out there:

Is this true for both versions of this release? I see there was an early printing that is now difficult to find, that has extras listed on the back. The current, and much easier version to find is the barebones release.

Just to clarify, is the alternate AIP dub available on both BD releases of this film, or only on the first pressings? Does this dub appear on any other releases?

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

These two DVDs include both US versions of Terror Of Mechagodzilla. It's the same dub on all three releases but they are all different in editing:

2006 includes the US TV Version which is almost uncut

[Show spoiler](just cutting a shot of fake breasts)

and also includes a prologue using footage from Invasion of Astro-Monster and All Monsters Attack. 2002 includes the US Theatrical Cut, which heavily cut and edited the film to comedic effect.

Thank you for this information, but I am confused by it. Are you saying there is a total of three different variations of Invasion of Astro-Monster?

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

And there are two versions of Shin Godzilla. One with fixed SFX and the original cut.


Funi's US release includes the fixed effects while Manga's UK release includes the original. Something worth noting that the US release removes most of the On-Screen Kanji and replaces them with English subtitles while Manga's keeps them (which is probably why they have the original version on the release).

Is there an official USA release of the original Shin Godzilla in the USA, or are both of the Funi releases the same version?

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

Another note. This double feature DVD includes the AIP version of Hedorah and the US version of Megalon which is the same dub but it's edited from the original cut:

Does this AIP dub of Godzilla vs Hedorah appear on any other release, or is it only available on this one?

In regards to Godzilla vs. Megalon. Does the AIP dub appear on both versions of this release (asking if it is also included on the barebones release), and is it available on any other releases?
or or both?

Are there films, other than the ones mentioned in this post that were released with alternate dubs, and/or alternate edits that are only found on specific releases?

Are there any other films that I should be adding to this list? Such as The H-Man (1958), Battle in Outer Space (1959), The Three Treasures (1959), The Human Vapor (1960), The Last War (1961), Gorath (1962), Matango (1963), Latitude Zero (1969), War in Space (1977) etc etc.

I apologize for the silly questions, I just want to be sure that I am understanding everything correctly. Any help from anyone is greatly appreciated. I am using this as a buying guide for myself, and am hoping that others will be able to make good use of it as well.

[The Valeyard]

FYI if it wasn't mentioned yet - The Simitar Godzilla DVDs are non-anamorphic widescreen.

[Zillamon51]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

Is this true for both versions of this release? I see there was an early printing that is now difficult to find, that has extras listed on the back. The current, and much easier version to find is the barebones release.

Just to clarify, is the alternate AIP dub available on both BD releases of this film, or only on the first pressings? Does this dub appear on any other releases?

Only the first pressing has the AIP dub. The barebones version only has Toho's international English dub. A lot of oldsters prefer the AIP for nostalgia reasons. IMO, it's not worth hunting down / paying extra for.

Thank you for this information, but I am confused by it. Are you saying there is a total of three different variations of Invasion of Astro-Monster?

The Criterion disc has the uncut Japanese version. The dub is synced to it, except for a few bits that revert to Japanese, or the aliens' language. The DVD also has the Japanese cut, and the slightly shorter American edit (same English dub).

Is there an official USA release of the original Shin Godzilla in the USA, or are both of the Funi releases the same version?

It's literally the same disc in different packaging.

Does this AIP dub of Godzilla vs Hedorah appear on any other release, or is it only available on this one?

That disc is unlicensed. Pressed copies do exist, but I had to buy (and return) several DVD-Rs to get one. Quality is bad. Avoid.

In regards to Godzilla vs. Megalon. Does the AIP dub appear on both versions of this release (asking if it is also included on the barebones release), and is it available on any other releases?
or or both?

There is no AIP dub for Megalon, only Toho's. The U.S. version had a few slight edits, for violence and nudity.

Are there any other films that I should be adding to this list? Such as The H-Man (1958), Battle in Outer Space (1959), The Three Treasures (1959), The Human Vapor (1960), The Last War (1961), Gorath (1962), Matango (1963), Latitude Zero (1969), War in Space (1977) etc etc.

None of those have any crossover with the Godzilla films. Pursuing them, or putting them on the back burner, is strictly up to your priorities.

I apologize for the silly questions, I just want to be sure that I am understanding everything correctly. Any help from anyone is greatly appreciated. I am using this as a buying guide for myself, and am hoping that others will be able to make good use of it as well.

We all have to start somewhere, and this stuff can be confusing. I will reiterate: For someone just starting out, get the Criterion set. That is the basis, and you may find it's all you really need for Showa-era Godzilla. Everything afterwards is much more straightforward.

[vertigop1ayer]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

Thank you for your input.

If you don't mind, can you (or anybody that wants to help) please list the films that do not belong on this list, and I will remove them. I'm trying to be as thorough as possible, but I am still very much in the learning phase.

I am not trying to create a comprehensive Toho list, just a Godzilla (and friends) list, if that makes sense.

Alternately, I can leave the list as is, and continue to notate these, making sure to state if it is part of the Godzilla series proper. I will let all of you make that call for me.

It's actually simpler than we're probably making it.

Basically, if all you want is Godzilla continuities, you have just the Godzilla movies with the exceptions from my prior post.

If you want the Toho sci-fi/fantasy feels you can keep pretty much all the other Toho titles, just with the understanding that they're not technically related other than the studio and era from which they come. And if that's the case you could throw in Yamato Takeru (aka Orochi, the Eight Headed Dragon from 1994), Dragonhead (2004), and numerous others.

It's really up to you because there's a lot of debatability about how "close" to Godzilla some of these titles are. Rodan or War in Space will likely appeal to the people who like Showa Godzilla, but for example the aforementioned 20th Century trilogy isn't going to have a feel at all like the Millennium Godzilla content from that era.