Godzilla Collectors Thread

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Mikezilla3k]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

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?

There are three different variations of Terror Of Mechagodzilla's dub. The US Theatrical cut (2002 DVD), the US Television cut (2006 DVD), and the dub slightly edited to fit the Japanese version (Criterion Blu-Ray).

There are two different variations of Invasion Of Astro-Monster. The original US dub and the international dub which is just the US dub with a different sound mix I believe. Original is on the 2006 DVD while the international version is on the Criterion Blu-Ray.

And no, the AIP dub of Hedorah is not on any other DVD/Blu-Ray releases.

Also, if you're interesting in including releases with unique special features, you can add Classic Media's DVD of Gojira:


Has several audio commentaries and featurettes not on Criterion's release.

[RillIris]

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

There are three different variations of Terror Of Mechagodzilla's dub. The US Theatrical cut (2002 DVD), the US Television cut (2006 DVD), and the dub slightly edited to fit the Japanese version (Criterion Blu-Ray).

There are two different variations of Invasion Of Astro-Monster. The original US dub and the international dub which is just the US dub with a different sound mix I believe. Original is on the 2006 DVD while the international version is on the Criterion Blu-Ray.

And no, the AIP dub of Hedorah is not on any other DVD/Blu-Ray releases.

Also, if you're interesting in including releases with unique special features, you can add Classic Media's DVD of Gojira:


Has several audio commentaries and featurettes not on Criterion's release.

If I’m not mistaken isn’t the difference between the first and third versions of Terror of Mechagodzilla you listed extremely minor however? Definitely is a reason for some people to have that older release, but if I recall correctly it’s the one censored shot being uncensored, and like one other scene where the Criterion reverts to Japanese for a few seconds due to a cut portion of the original film, but ultimately given the PQ increase I’d rather watch it with those minor differences than watch that specific old DVD. The 2006 DVD on the other hand has the longer prologue clip show type segment added to it, and is interesting to watch for that reason.

[Mikezilla3k]

Originally Posted by RillIris

If I’m not mistaken isn’t the difference between the first and third versions of Terror of Mechagodzilla you listed extremely minor however? Definitely is a reason for some people to have that older release, but if I recall correctly it’s the one censored shot being uncensored, and like one other scene where the Criterion reverts to Japanese for a few seconds due to a cut portion of the original film, but ultimately given the PQ increase I’d rather watch it with those minor differences than watch that specific old DVD. The 2006 DVD on the other hand has the longer prologue clip show type segment added to it, and is interesting to watch for that reason.

Yes, the only difference with the 2006 DVD and the Blu-ray is the prologue and the cut scene. Still, it is worth nothing.

[Rzzzz]

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

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

I clicked on your link and just scored this used for $16 plus shipping! By far the cheapest I have ever seen it. I want that AIP dub (the commentary would be great too). I'm a bit suspect that they will send me the reissue. If they do it's going back. I'm so glad I found this thread...

[Casual_G4m3r]

Originally Posted by Rzzzz

I clicked on your link and just scored this used for $16 plus shipping! By far the cheapest I have ever seen it. I want that AIP dub (the commentary would be great too). I'm a bit suspect that they will send me the reissue. If they do it's going back. I'm so glad I found this thread...

That's awesome! Please let us know what they end up sending you. Good luck!

Ok Godzilla experts, I think at this point, I am down to needing these four releases to be "complete" for disc releases. Please see my last three collection photos to see what I have. The only stuff I have en route now are the rare Megalon DVD and the VHS tapes I posted up thread.


Do any of the 50th Anniversary discs (the ones with the green banner at the top) or the Simitar discs offer any alternate dubs or cuts of anything?

I am thinking I may need a few from each of those, but I haven't pulled the trigger on them, as I don't want to be buying releases just to have them, I want "unique content" if that makes sense.

EDIT: I forgot that I also need these animated DVDs as well.

plus plus

[Mikezilla3k]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

Do any of the 50th Anniversary discs (the ones with the green banner at the top) or the Simitar discs offer any alternate dubs or cuts of anything?

Son Of Godzilla and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla use the International prints of the films and have better color than the Criterion releases.

The Blu-Rays are still better quality-wise but the colors are a bit dull compared to Sony's masters.

Wish Kraken Releasing released Blu-Rays of those as well....

Also, not sure if you're region free, but the UK Mothra Blu-Ray release fixes a error with the dub that plagued previous releases and some other bonus features exclusive to the release:



Same basically applies for the UK release of The H-Man/Battle In Outer Space, with that the problem was that the US Blu-Ray used the Japanese The End screen for the US version.

[Rzzzz]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

That's awesome! Please let us know what they end up sending you. Good luck!

I got robbed! Amazon canceled my order because "It was out of stock". I kind of thought it was too good to be true. I think the seller either listed the 2014 reissue as the 2011 edition or maybe they realized they sold it too cheap, ha ha. So, I am back to square one. I don't want to pay big bucks since the AIP dub is in pretty bad shape from what I have read but I will pick it up if I can ever find it for a decent price...

[monwobbbo]

Originally Posted by Rzzzz

I got robbed! Amazon canceled my order because "It was out of stock". I kind of thought it was too good to be true. I think the seller either listed the 2014 reissue as the 2011 edition or maybe they realized they sold it too cheap, ha ha. So, I am back to square one. I don't want to pay big bucks since the AIP dub is in pretty bad shape from what I have read but I will pick it up if I can ever find it for a decent price...

i've never had any luck getting DAM from them despite ordering it more than once. i have the DVD with the AIP soundtrack so i'm good on that. it would be nice if a quality version came out. DAM was my first Godzilla movie in the theater

[rjy33]

Originally Posted by Casual_G4m3r

That's awesome! Please let us know what they end up sending you. Good luck!

Ok Godzilla experts, I think at this point, I am down to needing these four releases to be "complete" for disc releases. Please see my last three collection photos to see what I have. The only stuff I have en route now are the rare Megalon DVD and the VHS tapes I posted up thread.


Do any of the 50th Anniversary discs (the ones with the green banner at the top) or the Simitar discs offer any alternate dubs or cuts of anything?

I am thinking I may need a few from each of those, but I haven't pulled the trigger on them, as I don't want to be buying releases just to have them, I want "unique content" if that makes sense.

I have the MST3K box if you're interested in buying