 Comet TV Sci-fi Network has announced a Godzilla Marathon on September 2nd, Labor Day. All the films are Showa era with it starting with Godzilla, King Of The Monsters (1956) and ending with Gojira (Godzilla 1954 (technically on the 3rd)). This maybe to help promote the Godzilla Showa set coming from Criterion. A bonus of sorts is at 3:30 am Sept 2 before this starts there will be the Destroy the Dam episode from Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot (season 1, episode 17). Check out the list below, all times are Eastern time.
10:00am - GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS! (1956) 12:00pm - INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER (1965) 2:00pm - SON OF GODZILLA (1967) 4:00pm - DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968) 6:00pm - GODZILLA VS. MEGALON (1973) 8:00pm - GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA (1974) 10:00pm - TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975) 12:00am - WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1965) 2:00am - GOJIRA (1954)
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Order link (Citerion): https://www.criterion.com/boxsets/2648-godzilla-the-showa-era-films-1954-1975
FILMS IN THIS SET
Godzilla Godzilla (a.k.a. Gojira) is the roaring granddaddy of all monster movies. It’s also a remarkably humane and melancholy drama, made in Japan at a time when the country was reeling from nuclear attack and H-bomb testing in the Pacific. Its rampaging radioactive beast, the poignant embodiment of an entire population’s fears, became a beloved international icon of destruction, spawning almost thirty sequels. A thrilling, tactile spectacle that continues to be a cult phenomenon, the original, 1954 Japanese version is presented here, along with Godzilla, King of the Monsters, the 1956 "Americanized" version. New cover by Bill Sienkiewicz SPECIAL FEATURES New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition New high-definition digital restoration of Godzilla, King of the Monsters, Terry Morse’s 1956 reworking of the original, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition Audio commentary for both movies by film historian David Kalat New interviews with actors Akira Takarada and Haruo Nakajima and special effects technicians Yoshio Irie and Eizo Kaimai Interview with legendary Godzilla score composer Akira Ifukube Featurette detailing Godzilla’s photographic effects, introduced by special effects director Koichi Kawakita and special effects photographer Motoyoshi Tomioka New interview with Japanese-film critic Tadao Sato The Unluckiest Dragon, an illustrated audio essay featuring historian Greg Pflugfelder describing the tragic fate of the fishing vessel Daigo Fukuryu Maru, a real-life event that inspired Godzilla Trailers for Godzilla and Godzilla, King of the Monsters New English subtitle translation PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by critic J. Hoberman Godzilla Raids Again Toho Studios followed the enormous success of the original Godzilla with this sequel, efficiently directed by Motoyoshi Oda as a straight-ahead monsters-on-the-loose drama. An underrated standout among the Showa Godzilla films, Godzilla Raids Again introduces the monster-versus-monster format that would dominate the remainder of the series, pitting Godzilla against the ferocious, spiny Anguirus as the kaiju wreak havoc in the streets of Osaka in a series of elaborate set pieces that succeed in upping the ante for destruction. New cover illustration by Katsuya Terada FILM INFO Motoyoshi Oda Japan 1955 81 minutes Black & White 1.37:1 Japanese King Kong vs. Godzilla After his first two cinematic rampages, Godzilla was revived as an adversary for the Hollywood import King Kong. When Kong is discovered on a remote island by a publicity-hungry pharmaceutical company, the giant ape is set on a collision course with Godzilla, and Japan braces for a double dose of devastation. Both the Japanese-release version and the U.S.-release cut (the latter presented here) were rousing hits, cementing Godzilla’s status as a series-worthy star. New cover illustration by Arthur Adams FILM INFO United States, Japan 1963 91 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese, English Mothra vs. Godzilla Godzilla faces off against the benevolent insect monster-god Mothra in this clash of the titans, a crossover battle between two of Toho Studios’ most popular monsters—the last in which Godzilla would figure as a malevolent villain rather than a fearsome hero. Mothra vs. Godzilla marks a creative high point in the Godzilla series, with pointed social commentary from director Ishiro Honda, a masterful score by Akira Ifukube, and astonishing special-effects work by Eiji Tsuburaya. New cover illustration by Angela Rizza FILM INFO Ishiro Honda Japan 1964 89 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster After laying waste to an alien civilization on Venus, the three-headed, lightning-emitting space monster Ghidorah brings its insatiable thirst for destruction to Earth, where fierce foes Godzilla, Rodan, and Mothra must join forces in order to deal with the unprecedented threat. An electrifying screen debut for Godzilla’s archenemy Ghidorah, this film also marks a turning point for the series, as the first time the King of the Monsters acts to protect the planet. New cover illustration by Monarobot FILM INFO Ishiro Honda Japan 1964 93 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Invasion of Astro-Monster Aliens from Planet X make an irresistible offer to the people of Earth: let them borrow Godzilla and Rodan to help defeat King Ghidorah, and in return they will provide a cure for all known human disease. But the aliens’ duplicity is soon revealed, as they deploy all three monsters in their quest to conquer Earth. This retro romp, featuring American star Nick Adams, stands as a high point in the Showa Godzilla series. New cover illustration by Benjamin Marra FILM INFO Ishiro Honda Japan 1965 94 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Ebirah, Horror of the Deep The first Godzilla film directed by Jun Fukuda, who would go on to direct four more, is fast-paced and light in tone, and builds to a riveting race-against-time finale. On a secluded island in the South Seas, a group of castaways stumble upon a paramilitary organization whose nefarious nuclear activities threaten the world at large—and set the stage for kaiju clashes involving Godzilla, Mothra, and the giant crustacean Ebirah. New cover illustration by Simon Gane FILM INFO Jun Fukuda Japan 1966 86 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Son of Godzilla In director Jun Fukuda’s second Godzilla outing, secret weather-control experiments create a radioactive storm and Godzilla must rescue monster hatchling Minilla from the giant mutant insects that result. Featuring a buoyant score by Masaru Sato and impressive wirework by special-effects director Sadamasa Arikawa, Son of Godzilla is lively, comic, and timely in its addressing of contemporary anxiety about worldwide food shortages. New cover illustration by Robert Goodin FILM INFO Jun Fukuda Japan 1967 85 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Destroy All Monsters The original Godzilla team of director Ishiro Honda, special-effects supervisor Eiji Tsuburaya, and composer Akira Ifukube reunited for this kaiju extravaganza, which features no fewer than eleven monsters. Set in the remote future of 1999, when the people of Earth have achieved world peace by confining destructive creatures to Monsterland (until an alien race intervenes), Destroy All Monsters mounts a thrilling display of innovative action sequences and memorable images that have made it a favorite for generations of viewers. New cover illustration by Sophie Campbell FILM INFO Ishiro Honda Japan 1968 89 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese All Monsters Attack Director Ishiro Honda returned again for the first Godzilla movie expressly for children. Economizing by reusing effects shots from other films in the series, All Monster Attack tells the story of Ichiro, a lonely latchkey kid who finds solace in his dreams of befriending Minilla, the titular progeny of Son of Godzilla, whose parent is also often absent. In this thoughtful, human-scale story, boy and monster learn together what it means to grow up. New cover illustration by Jorge Coelho FILM INFO Ishiro Honda Japan 1969 69 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Godzilla vs. Hedorah Intended to address the crisis levels of pollution in postwar Japan, Godzilla vs. Hedorah finds the King of the Monsters fighting an alien life form that arrives on Earth and steadily grows by feeding on industrial waste. Director Yoshimitsu Banno infuses the film with equal parts ecological horror, humorous monster antics, and sixties psychedelia straight out of San Francisco, making for a truly unique—and divisive—entry in the series. New cover illustration by Geof Darrow FILM INFO Yoshimitsu Banno Japan 1971 85 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Godzilla vs. Gigan An alien invasion prompts a tag-team battle between Godzilla and Anguirus, the planet protectors, and King Ghidorah and the new monster Gigan, a cyborg with scythe-like claws, an abdominal buzz saw, winglike back fins, and pincerlike mandibles. In this action-packed film, which veers from the sublime to the ridiculous, the cockroachlike aliens—disguised as humans—use Gigan and King Ghidorah as weapons of conquest in their plot to take over a contaminated Earth. New cover illustration by Becky Cloonan FILM INFO Jun Fukuda Japan 1972 89 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Godzilla vs. Megalon Nuclear testing unleashes mayhem on the undersea kingdom of Seatopia, causing a series of environmental disasters that nearly wipes out Rokuro, the schoolboy protagonist at the center of this film. To exact revenge, Seatopia unleashes Megalon, a gigantic beetle with the ability to fire ray beams and napalm bombs. Meanwhile, Rokuro’s brother creates Jet Jaguar, a flying robot with a built-in moral compass. The inevitable matchup of Godzilla and Jet Jaguar versus Megalon and Gigan decides the world’s fate. New cover illustration by Ronald Wimberly FILM INFO Jun Fukuda Japan 1973 81 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla Godzilla’s evil twin Mechagodzilla first reared its head in this Jun Fukuda–directed film. A robot designed by aliens to conquer Earth, the enduringly popular villain has since been resurrected by Toho Studios several times. With the help of earnest direction, spectacular pyrotechnics, and guest appearances by veteran genre actors, this film recaptures the feel of the sixties Godzilla movies. New cover illustration by Takashi Okazaki FILM INFO Jun Fukuda Japan 1974 84 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese Terror of Mechagodzilla In Godzilla’s last gasp of the Showa era, aliens retrieve Mechagodzilla’s remains and rebuild it with the aid of an unhinged biologist (a scenery-chewing Akihiko Hirata), in hopes of defeating Godzilla for possession of planet Earth. This film marked the return of director Ishiro Honda, who had retired years earlier, disheartened by the increasingly kid-friendly approach of the series. For this final entry, Honda steers the King of the Monsters back into grim territory, interweaving an alien-invasion plot with a tale of tragic romance. New cover illustration by Chris Wisnia FILM INFO Ishiro Honda Japan 1975 83 minutes Color 2.35:1 Japanese 
 Mill Creek has graciously provided us with a copy of their forthcoming Mothra Steelbook Blu-ray release, which is getting a timely release to go along with Warner/Legendary's Godzilla: King Of The Monsters which just happens to feature Mothra. This release in some ways is not completely new in that it uses art and features from previous releases, but there is definitely reason to get this release. First the packaging, it comes in a nice Steelbook package and while the art isn't new it has a nice look and a somewhat unique set up. The Steelbook has a plastic sleeve, on the front it is the sleeve that has the extra text at the top and the fairies at the bottom. Remove the sleeve and it has a nice "clean" look with a slight metallic finish. Around the back it's the sleeve that feature the text, story line, features, stills, cast and credits, remove it and you get a nice montage of Mothra. Inside there is a single still/montage from the film when they discover the fairies, as with all Steelbooks it is slightly obscured by the interior plastic. The disc itself has nice images on it as well including Mothra, and the tower and cocoon. Overall the packaging is quite nice. The main reason most well get it is for the film content itself, there is't a lot new here, there are trailers, and a photo gallery, and audio commentary from authors and Japanese Sci-Fi historians Steve Ryfle & Ed Godziszewski, all which was released previously. The big thing with this release is you get both the Japanese and US releases, of which the Japanese has extra footage, 11 minutes worth. Overall the video quality is pretty good there is hardly any scratches or other evidence of the films age, colors are very good. I did notice in few cases of some slight graininess that I think was from the transfer to digital but it does not hurt the viewing experience. There was also a couple of sky shots that flickered some, this may be part of the extra footage, but one would think that could have been fixed but it's not horrible. Audio is also very good overall, except at one point where it got very low for some reason but came back right away, one might think the actors were whispering. Subtitles also were good, although sometimes they hit the screen, between the image and the black bar at the bottom, that they can be hard to read. If there is one thing I will find at fault, but my not matter to some, is no digital version, this isn't Mill Creek's issue but many smaller video release companies just don't. There could be the outside chance it could show up on Mill Creek's new streaming service Movie Spree at some point. Overall this is a very good release, definitely worth it if you don't have the film, and still worth it if you do mainly for having both versions of the film, and the price point is very reasonable ($24.99 but can be had cheaper), I would definitely recommend getting the Steelbook.
   Godzilla Stomps into San Diego Comic-Con for the First Time The Famous Kaiju Is Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the First Film This Year Who: Godzilla, King of the Monsters What: Parent company TOHO will have the first dedicated Godzilla booth at SDCC with many exciting activities including:
When: July 17 – 21 Where: San Diego Comic Con, Booth #3535 About Toho Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful content for motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, it remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan.   Universal Cool Japan has announced some cool promo items for there Godzilla V.s Evangelion 4D show. They include a Shin Godzilla figure (first pic), tote bag, mug, stuffed hat, print cookies (second pic), Mechagodzilla popcorn bucket(limited to 5,000), and jelly drink (w/cup, third pic). No Prices were given for these but all will be on sale at the park (various locations).     Mothra is being released on Blu-ray from Mill Creek Entertainment for the first time, it will be available in a Steelbook format with both US and Japanese edits. It is scheduled to be released July 9th 2019, check out the details below. The 1961 Sci-Fi Sensation Gets its High-Definition Debut With Highly Collectible Packaging on July 9, 2019. Minneapolis, MN (April 27, 2019) Mill Creek Entertainment, the leader in value home entertainment, is excited to announce the upcoming release of the 1961 sci-fi kaiju classic Mothra as a special edition SteelBook® Blu-ray July 9, 2019. This magnificent monster movie in its all-new collectible packaging will be available for $24.98 SRP. This special edition release makes the North American Blu-ray debut of Mothra and includes both the U.S. theatrical cut as well as the original, extended Japanese version of the film. Special features include feature-length commentary with authors and Japanese Sci-Fi historians Steve Ryfle & Ed Godziszewski, trailers, and a photo gallery. The film is presented in a 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio with DTS-HD Master Audio for both English and Japanese tracks and English Subtitles on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc. “We are excited to offer Mothra on Blu-ray as a gorgeous SteelBook® release,” states Barrett Evans, VP of Marketing for Mill Creek Entertainment. “The timing is ideal to present the original Mothra as new audiences will soon see the iconic character in the upcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters movie.” Mothra was produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka, directed by Ishiro Honda, with SFX directed by Eiji Tsuburaya - the same team that created the original Godzilla feature film. The beloved gigantic moth became one of the most popular Japanese characters appearing in 14 feature films and has solidified its presence in the big-screen MonsterVerse. Following reports of human life on Infant Island, the supposedly deserted site of atomic bomb tests, an international expedition to the heavily-radiated island discovers a native tribe and tiny twin female fairies called "Shobijin" who guard a sacred egg. The overzealous expedition leader kidnaps the Shobijin to exhibit in a Tokyo stage show but soon they summon their protector, hatching the egg and releasing a giant caterpillar. When Mothra arrives in Japan and finally transforms into the ultimate beast, impervious to modern weapons, the nation and its people face their destruction. Mothra stars Emi Ito and Yumi Ito (known as the popular singing duo “The Peanuts”), Hiroshi Koizumi (Mothra vs. Godzilla), Kyoko Kagawa (High and Low), Jerry Ito (The Manster) and Frankie Sakai (Shogun). Musical numbers by Emi and Yumi Ito highlight this film as they sing "Mosura No Uta (The Mothra Song)," "Daughters of Infant Island" and "Mosura ya Mosura." About SteelBook® For film buffs and gamers alike, SteelBook® is the ultimate way to own your favorite media. SteelBook® cases are crafted with unique artwork, offset printed on to steel, and skillfully polished with a variety of finishing options. Built to last, and to stand out, SteelBook® cases offer an ultra-collectible alternative to conventional media packaging. About Mill Creek Entertainment Mill Creek Entertainment is the leading provider of value home video content to the retail and specialty marketplaces. With over 50 million DVDs and Blu-ray discs sold annually the company has established a powerful distribution network that encompasses over 30,000 storefronts and millions of online customers. The company is relentless in its quest to always provide outstanding content and packaging with amazing value propositions to ensure consumer demand and customer satisfaction. Mill Creek offers a tremendous range of content including contemporary and classic feature film and television, kids’ animation, documentary, special interest and fitness. Compilations range from double-features to 250-movie collections as well as 10 to 600 episode TV collections. Driven by its immense library of over 20,000 hours of owned and licensed content and licensing partnerships with major studios and production companies world-wide, the company continues to redefine the value marketplace. For more information: www.millcreekent.com. Special Features: Includes both the Japanese and U.S. edits of the film Contains feature-length commentary, trailers and photo gallery FIRST TIME AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY! Program Details SKU: 63392 Language: English Genre: Sci-Fi Starring: Frankie Sakai, Hiroshi Koizumi, Kyoko Kagawa Co-Starring: Yumi Ito, Emi Ito, Jerry Ito Format: Blu-Ray Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (2.35:1) Subtitles: English SDH Run Time: 1 Hour 41 Minutes Rating: Not Rated Region Code: BD Region A Street Date: 07-09-2019 UPC: 683904633927 Discs: 2      Toho Animation has announced the Japanese release of Godzilla: The Planet Eater on Blu-ray and DVD. Three versions will be available Collector's Edition Blu-ray, standard Blu-ray, and DVD. The collector's edition will feature a three way case (three sections), two discs, premiere screening video, music videos, collectible sketches, and booklet. It will feature trailers, special report, and commentary from cast and crew. Collector's edition will retail for 9,504 yen, standard Blu-ray 7,344 yen, and DVD 6,264 yen, with a release date of May 22, 2019, there is a early reserve bonus from Toho Animations site as well. It is not known if there will be a US release.      The Godzilla Store is releasing five limited edition art print based on the Godzilla Vs. Evangelion crossover. The five prints, all which have been seen previously, include art by Masahiro Maeda, Yuji Kaida, Tetsu Amamiya, Rockin' Jelly Bean, and Takashi Murakami. Each is a high quality print (10 colors) with a wood frame that retail for 48,600 yen. They can be ordered from the Godzilla Store now.      Universal Cool Japan 2019 has announced the Godzilla Vs. Evangelion The Real 4D, a unique experience for fans. The event feature a 3D theater show but adds other elements like wind and rain, yes you will get wet. Each show is approx 20 minutes long and takes place each afternoon at the Cinema 4-D Theater. The first day will be a lottery via Twitter (retweet target tweets, starting April 10th and ending May 12th for the lottery) for five sets of ten people, other shows will be part of the admission price to Universal Cool Japan. The actual shows are from May 31st to August 25th. (Two pics below are from previous 3D shows.) "Godzilla" Mr. Yuji Ohta (Director, Video Business Division, Image Business Division, Music Business Division and Chief Godzilla Officer (CGO), Director of Toho Co., Ltd.) “Godzilla” celebrates its 65th anniversary and we are very happy to be able to collaborate in the year 2019. The attraction "Godzilla vs Evangelion" starts on May 31, and the movie "Godzilla King of Monsters" will be released the same day. This time, the film “Shin Godzilla” production staff are rallying together to take on the new challenge of “Godzilla vs. Evangelion”. Please look forward to collaboration, overwhelming quality and powerful images that you will never experience elsewhere. "Evangelion" Mr. Yoshihiro Kamimura (Groundworks Co., Ltd .: Representative Evangelion copyright manager) In "Evangelion", we have been working on Universal Cool Japan three times so far, and this time, it is a collaboration with the strongest character "Godzilla" that Japan is finally proud of! The sound of "Godzilla vs. Evangelion" is exciting. The sound of this sound is Kimo of this project, but it was the otaku joke that was "interesting" Godzilla vs. XXXX "as it was when we were students several decades ago. I really look forward to it becoming an attraction. 
  Toho has announced a promotion for theaters showing the third Godzilla anime film, Godzilla:The Planet Eater. Four limited edition cards (in two packs) for the Toho Special Effect Collection card set will be available at theaters November 9 to November 16, they include Godzilla Earth, Godzilla Filius, Kamacuras, and Dogora. The weeks of November 17 to November 23 and November 24 to November 30 will also feature limited edition cards (to be announced later), and the 4th week of release will also get a promo. The cards will be available one two pack per person while supplies last. Update: Second week cards revealed they include Anime Mechagodzilla, Anime Ghidorah, Orga, and classic Ghidorah 1964 film image. Also below is the back of the card as well. Update number two: The third week cards have been revealed as well as the fourth week item. Dagahra and Godzilla Vs. King Ghidorah (1991) movie poster are the week three cards, week four is a "Survey report" that includes material inside (similar to one released previously).Images below.       
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