Godzilla Films on Blu-ray (U.S. and International Releases)

[cakefactory]

Originally Posted by Rory

What about KING KONG Vs GODZILLA?

When are we going to get a Blu-ray edition that includes both the American version and the original Japanese version?

I've never seen the original version.

Probably never, unless Universal sells off the rights to someone who cares, which probably isn't going to happen as long as that new Godzilla/King Kong thing is going on and they can thus keep selling it as a cash-in. Importing and then syncing it with a fansub is the only "legal" way to see the Japanese version I think.

[Rory]

Is the original version on Blu-ray in Japan?

[MechaGodzilla]

I think 2019-2020 will be the moment of truth as far as King Kong vs. Godzilla is concerned. If Universal are ever going to bother releasing the Japanese version (or let someone like Criterion do it), it will be then, when Godzilla: King of the Monsters and especially Godzilla vs. King Kong come out. If they don't even feel it's worth it the hassle to release it to ride that train, then I'll take that as closure and give up all hope of it ever happening.

Originally Posted by Rory

Is the original version on Blu-ray in Japan?

Yes, it's out on Blu-ray in Japan. No subtitles, but like cakefactory said there are ways to work around that if one is so inclined.

[ltb2.0]

Originally Posted by MechaGodzilla

Yes, it's out on Blu-ray in Japan. No subtitles, but like cakefactory said there are ways to work around that if one is so inclined.

Quite easy as well. Tons of simple to follow tutorials on how to add subs. Once I knew how, I never looked back and never hesitated just because a title did not have subs.

[Dragon Ranger]

Originally Posted by monkeyjb1988

Love your avatar and your opinion.

Always a pleasure to meet a fellow Burai fan

[Himmel]

Ah these do bring back memories. When almost every Saturday there would be at least 2 or more Goji films on back to back. This was in the 80's mind you.

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by Rory

What about KING KONG Vs GODZILLA?

When are we going to get a Blu-ray edition that includes both the American version and the original Japanese version?

I've never seen the original version.

I watched the US version last night, never seen it before. Definitely one of the most entertaining Godzilla flicks, the fights between the two monsters made me laugh out loud. Toho Kong is one of the goofiest monsters ever to grace the screen.

[cakefactory]

I enjoy the US version. The dubbing job on Mr Tako is funnier to immature me than the slyer dialogue on the Japanese version. Especially when he says DUMBBELL?? That idiot voice really matches his look.

The score change to Creature from the Black Lagoon and the stupid added news guy footage are awful, though.

[Rory]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

I watched the US version last night, never seen it before. Definitely one of the most entertaining Godzilla flicks, the fights between the two monsters made me laugh out loud. Toho Kong is one of the goofiest monsters ever to grace the screen.

Yeah, when my brother and I first saw it when we were kids, we were literally rolling on the floor in laughter during that fight. It's a goofy movie, but I'm fond of it and watch it every year. It'll always be my favorite Godzilla movie. I hope the remake doesn't take itself too seriously.

[monkeyjb1988]

Originally Posted by Dragon Ranger

Always a pleasure to meet a fellow Burai fan

On topic, I'm totally looking for a script for a KK vs G fan sub. I know how to add them to a video and would love to watch the film and COMPLETELY understand it

[RalphoR]

Hopefully with the successes of the two recent Godzilla movies and Kong: Skull Island Toho/Criterion and anyone else holding the rights to all these wonderful, ridiculously awesome movies is experiencing a kaiju renaissance and will release HD versions of all the films. They should time it before the next wave of G and KK movies come out.
The best part of KK v Big G is when goofy costumed Kong takes a radioactive blast to his face making it smoulder then scratches his head and gets the hell out of there.

[Partyslammer]

Originally Posted by Rory

Is the original version on Blu-ray in Japan?

The Japanese Blu-ray has both the original Japanese edit of the film as well as the truncated "Champion Festival" cut which was released theatrically in Japan in the early 70's. Interestingly, the Champion Fest version is a markedly better looking print than the original cut.

[monwobbbo]

Originally Posted by WaverBoy

You don't appear to realize, despite your history, that Criterion Blu-rays of G-films would absolutely sell, as they would be costing less than a lot of those expensive figures, plus a lot of G-fans (like me) would rather spend their cash on the films than figurines. As for smart-ass comments, I only responded in kind, so you can start with toning your own comments down, thanks.

dude i'm not talking about hardcore fans of which i realize there are a bunch of. again i'm talking joe average that likes the movies but isn't going to sink that kind of money into them. i guarantee that the number of people willing to sink say $10 a piece into the Godzilla catalog is much higher than those willing to pay Criterion prices. i know the sale but again you have to know about that and take the time to find out when and be patient. many won't do that. all i'm saying is that while having Criterion put them out is great they may not be the best to do it for the reasons i mentioned. selling to die hard fans is easy going beyond that isn't.

NOTLD was mentioned and i would be willing to bet that the Mill Creek version will outsell the Criterion version by a fairly wide margin. it's out now and as was mentioned in it's thread can be found (in some but not all ) walmart blu bins cheap. causal fans make up the majority of buyers thats just the way it is.

ok just gave an opinion and am tired of being killed for it. i feel i backed up my thoughts. disagree well fine. glad the movies will finally get released

[Rory]

What's the best way to get this Japanese KKvsG Blu-ray?

[Partyslammer]

I have to agree that releasing *all* the Shōwa era Godzilla films (even excepting KK vs G) would overall very likely not be profitable for Criterion. Coupled with the typical Criterion price and Toho's licensing fees and often crippling restrictions, I would be floored if Criterion went with the entire series through the 70's. Especially if they put them all out at the same time.

On the other hand, I do agree there's a niche market for at least the better, most popular films if done with care and loaded with extras but as the Tokyo Shock/Destroy All Monsters BD debacle proved, Toho is not cool with home video releases outside Japan that are better then their own releases.

Thus, the most likely scenario I can see is Criterion releasing a few more key films from that era - Mothra vs Godzilla (which they came close to doing back in the laserdisc era), Ghidorah and maybe Monster Zero but I don't see a market for films that have already been released in the US on BD by Kraken (still easily found) or Tokyo Shock, nor do I see a few of the lesser titles like Godzilla's Revenge doing well for them.

A Criterion box set with any kind of extras comprising the 13 remaining films (excluding Gojira and KK vs G) would probably have to be priced at least $300 and probably closer to $400 and probably be some sort of very limited release, all things that fall outside Criterion's normal business model.

[Partyslammer]

Originally Posted by Rory

What's the best way to get this Japanese KKvsG Blu-ray?

Amazon Japan. You need to figure out navigating the site in Japanese but it's basically the same layout as the US Amazon site. Now is a good time to buy Japanese stuff as the yen rate is weak against the dollar. Shipped to the US, this will cost around $48 or less and you'll get it within a week with Amazon Global shipping. And I'll add Amazon Japan does an infinity better job packaging Blu-rays and any goods in general versus Amazon US, UK or Europe.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%AD%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%8 2%B0%E5%AF%BE%E3%82%B4%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A9-%E3%80%9060%E5%91%A8%E5%B9%B4%E8%A8%98%E5%BF%B5%E7 %89%88%E3%80%91-Blu-ray-%E9%AB%98%E5%B3%B6%E5%BF%A0%E5%A4%AB/dp/B00ISOLZ3Q/ref=pd_sim_74_19?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HH4J4 8QJQG50Z1NGD2VW

[monwobbbo]

Originally Posted by Partyslammer

I have to agree that releasing *all* the Shōwa era Godzilla films (even excepting KK vs G) would overall very likely not be profitable for Criterion. Coupled with the typical Criterion price and Toho's licensing fees and often crippling restrictions, I would be floored if Criterion went with the entire series through the 70's. Especially if they put them all out at the same time.

On the other hand, I do agree there's a niche market for at least the better, most popular films if done with care and loaded with extras but as the Tokyo Shock/Destroy All Monsters BD debacle proved, Toho is not cool with home video releases outside Japan that are better then their own releases.

Thus, the most likely scenario I can see is Criterion releasing a few more key films from that era - Mothra vs Godzilla (which they came close to doing back in the laserdisc era), Ghidorah and maybe Monster Zero but I don't see a market for films that have already been released in the US on BD by Kraken (still easily found) or Tokyo Shock, nor do I see a few of the lesser titles like Godzilla's Revenge doing well for them.

A Criterion box set with any kind of extras comprising the 13 remaining films (excluding Gojira and KK vs G) would probably have to be priced at least $300 and probably closer to $400 and probably be some sort of very limited release, all things that fall outside Criterion's normal business model.

agree. MOTHRA VS GODZILLA (aka Godzilla Vs The Thing) may prove to be tough as well. the DVD release although it featured the US and Japanese versions was not able to provide the US release in its proper aspect ratio. the reason being that the only know print in decent shape was owned by a college that wanted real money to allow its use.

[cakefactory]

I don't remember what Amazon Japan's shipping costs/speeds are like to the US. It looks like their base price is in the low 30 dollar range. CD Japan has it for 41 bucks. Someone more familiar with this junk than me might be able to say what the end prices would be and whether CD Japan's shipping from the US.

I remember the one thing I ordered from Amazon Japan shipped REALLY fast compared to virtually every European import I've ever gotten.

[KCota15]

If Criterion can do excellent restorations for the Zatiochi set and see that as profitable enough, I can easily see them doing a huge Godzilla set.

[dwk]

Originally Posted by Partyslammer

I have to agree that releasing *all* the Shōwa era Godzilla films (even excepting KK vs G) would overall very likely not be profitable for Criterion. Coupled with the typical Criterion price and Toho's licensing fees and often crippling restrictions, I would be floored if Criterion went with the entire series through the 70's. Especially if they put them all out at the same time.

On the other hand, I do agree there's a niche market for at least the better, most popular films if done with care and loaded with extras but as the Tokyo Shock/Destroy All Monsters BD debacle proved, Toho is not cool with home video releases outside Japan that are better then their own releases.

Thus, the most likely scenario I can see is Criterion releasing a few more key films from that era - Mothra vs Godzilla (which they came close to doing back in the laserdisc era), Ghidorah and maybe Monster Zero but I don't see a market for films that have already been released in the US on BD by Kraken (still easily found) or Tokyo Shock, nor do I see a few of the lesser titles like Godzilla's Revenge doing well for them.

A Criterion box set with any kind of extras comprising the 13 remaining films (excluding Gojira and KK vs G) would probably have to be priced at least $300 and probably closer to $400 and probably be some sort of very limited release, all things that fall outside Criterion's normal business model.

One thing to remember Janus Films (and by extension Criterion) has a relationship with Toho that goes back decades. They are much more cooperative with Criterion than they are with any other English language label (Toho let Criterion access the original materials for Godzilla for their release) and Criterion knows how to deal with Toho's Tohoness.

I think a box makes the most sense. As for cost, depending on the number of Blu-rays (I'm not sure how many of these have different US cuts and how many just have dubs), I could see it in the $200-300 range (Zatoichi, 9 discs for 25 films, is $200, and the Olympics set, 32 discs for 53 films, is $400.)

One thing that could derail a box set is the 4K remasters/restorations that Toho is doing (assuming Criterion will have access to those.) I don't think anyone knows how many of the films Toho has finished or how much longer it is going to be before they complete them all. That may necessitate that these get individual releases.