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.
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,
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