 Press release,
Showa Godzilla Weekend – June 2023 Head for the hills, because Showa Godzilla Weekend is stomping into town this June, co-presented by Creature Bazaar, Atomic Arts & Music, and Mission Control! We all know and love the big radioactive lizard (his movies have even been featured on our blog before), but not everybody’s had the chance to see the movies that made him a star around the world on the big screen. To that end, The Frida is screening all 15 films from the original Showa era of Godzilla over the course of one weekend. Featuring everything from the grim black and white 1954 original to the colorfully wacky entries of the 70s, it’s a series only fit for a king – a King of the Monsters, that is! Tickets are standard (and matinee when applicable) prices, but we are adding the opportunity to buy day and full festival passes:
Godzilla (Subtitled) – Jun 16 Directed by Ishiro Honda | 1954 Japan, forced into economic and social panic after several ships sink near Odo Island, sends an expedition to the island led by Dr. Yamane. Soon discovering something far more devastating, awaking and surfacing from the sea appears a 50 meter tall monster, whom the natives call Gojira. The monster begins a citywide rampage, threatening to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well. Godzilla Raids Again (Subtitled) – Jun 16 Directed by Motoyoshi Oda | 1955 Following the destruction of Godzilla, two fishing scout pilots discover not only a new version of the creature, but a new monster named Anguirus, aka Godzilla’s long-lost foe. Gone is the weapon that killed the original, as authorities attempt to lure danger away from the mainland. But Godzilla and Anguirus soon arrive, resparking an ancient rift as the two monsters make their way towards Osaka for a battle of the ages. Mothra vs. Godzilla (Subtitled) – Jun 16 Directed by Ishirō Honda | 1964 Ichiro Sakai and Junko are journalists covering the wreckage of a typhoon when an enormous egg is soon found and claimed by greedy entrepreneurs. This prompts the arrival of tiny twin fairies named the Shobijin to plea for its return. When their requests are denied, Godzilla arises near Nagoya, and the people of Infant Island must decide if they are willing to answer Japan’s own pleas for help as monster warfare begins to wage. Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster (Subtitled) – Jun 16 Directed by Ishirō Honda | 1964 When a meteor lands in Kurobe Valley, detective Shindo is assigned to protect Princess Salno. Soon she emerges under the guise of a Venusian prophetess, whose warnings of the alien-dragon King Ghidorah catches the attention of journalist Naoko and Mothra’s fairies. It is only up to Mothra to convince Godzilla and Rodan to set aside their grudge on humanity or dare to face Ghidorah alone. Invasion of Astro-Monster (Dubbed) – Jun 17 Directed by Ishirō Honda | 1965 Glenn and Fuji are astronauts who are investigating Planet X, soon encountering the mysterious Xiliens, who ask Earth’s people to help save their world from “Monster Zero” (aka King Ghidorah). In exchange for borrowing Godzilla and Rodan, the Xiliens offer a cure for cancer, to which Glenn makes an attempt to uncover the Xilien’s true intentions. Ebirah: Horror of the Deep (Subtitled) – Jun 17 Directed by Jun Fukuda | 1966 Ryota, on the search for his missing brother, stows away on a boat belonging to a criminal alongside two other teenagers. Shipwrecking on Letchi island, the group discovers that the natives of Infant Island have been enslaved by a terrorist organization controlling a crustacean monster with the name Ebirah. The only way to defeat the terrorists and liberate the natives is to awaken the fury of Godzilla. King Kong vs. Godzilla (Dubbed) – Jun 17 Directed by Ishirō Honda | 1962 Mr. Tako, the advertising director of Pacific Pharmaceuticals, becomes frustrated with the low ratings of their sponsored TV program, seeking a more sensationalist approach. Ordering his staff to Faro Island to capture King Kong for exploitation, Godzilla coincidentally re-emerges, prompting a media frenzy as Pacific hopes to capitalize off of the ultimate battle. Son of Godzilla (Dubbed) – Jun 18 Directed by Jun Fukuda | 1967 Goro Maki is a reporter who stumbles upon scientists conducting strange weather experiments on Sollgel Island in the South Seas. Discovering that the island is inhabited by giant mantises and a cast-away woman named Saeko, the pair soon find a helpless infant monster that Godzilla must adopt and learn to raise as one of his own before the other monsters lay out ungodly destruction. Destroy All Monsters (Dubbed) – Jun 18 Directed by Ishirō Honda | 1968 In the year 1999, world peace has finally been achieved, with all of the Earth’s monsters having been rounded up and kept safely on Monsterland. But chaos quickly erupts when a race of she-aliens known as the Kilaaks unleash the monsters from their confines, and subsequently wreck havoc across the world. Who shall remain? All Monsters Attack (Subtitled) – Jun 18 Directed by Ishirō Honda | 1969 Young Ichiro Miki lives in the industrial district of Kawasaki, where his parents’ relentless struggle to make ends meet often isolates the small boy. A victim of bullying, whenever Ichiro isn’t befriending toy consultant Shinpei and fellow classmate Sachiko, he turns to escapism as he dreams of casting away to the distant Monster Island, becoming companions with the equally bullied Minilla. Godzilla vs. Hedorah (Subtitled) – Jun 18 Directed by Yoshimitsu Banno | 1971 A microscopic, ever-evolving alien life-form named Hedorah arrives on a comet from the Dark Gaseous Nebula and proceeds to consume pollution, eventually swelling into a kaiju-sized, poisonous behemoth. Spewing mists of sulfuric acid and corrosive sludge, neither humanity nor Godzilla may be able to defeat this new, toxic menace. Godzilla vs. Gigan (Subtitled) – Jun 19 Directed by Jun Fukuda | 1972 Gengo Odaka is a manga artist who lands a job with the World Children’s Land theme park, left only to become suspicious of the organization when a garbled message is discovered on tape. While Gengo and his team investigate, Godzilla and Anguirus quickly decipher the message and begin their own plan of action, as the cyborg-monster hybrid Gigan threatens battle alongside King Ghidorah. Godzilla vs. Megalon (Subtitled) – Jun 19 Directed by Jun Fukuda | 1973 Goro Ibuki is an inventor who creates an android named Jet Jaguar, later seized by an undersea race of people called the Seatopians. Using Jet Jaguar as a guide, the Seatopians send Megalon as vengeance for the nuclear tests that have devastated their society, as the world slowly divides from beneath the sea. Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (Dubbed) – Jun 20 Directed by Jun Fukuda | 1974 An Okinawan prophecy foretells the destruction of the Earth, seemingly becoming fulfilled when Godzilla emerges and returns to his ruinous origins. But not all is what it seems after Godzilla breaks the jaw of his ally Anguirus. Matters are further complicated when a second version of Godzilla emerges, revealed to be a doppelgänger and a mechanical weapon threatening global annihilation. Terror of Mechagodzilla (Dubbed) – Jun 20 Directed by Ishirō Honda | 1975 A submarine expedition is sent to salvage the remains of Mechagodzilla, becoming thwarted by a massive dinosaur named Titanosaurus. After an Interpol investigation leads biologist Ichinose to uncover the work of Dr. Mafune and his mysterious daughter Katsura, Katsura is aligned with the Black Hole Aliens, her life becoming synthesized with the resurrected machine. THE FRIDA CINEMA 305 E. 4TH STREET STE 100 SANTA ANA, CA 92701 https://thefridacinema.org/
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 THE KING OF THE MONSTERS IS BACK! GODZILLA-PALOOZA RAIDS AGAIN!
Get ready to rumble on June 29 - July 2 when Exhumed Films and the Mahoning Drive-In present GODZILLA-PALOOZA RAIDS AGAIN! Prepare yourself for four gargantuan nights of giant monster mayhem on the big screen! See Godzilla and his friends take on some of their most colossal foes over one whopping weekend of epic battles and stomping destruction! Thursday, June 29th:
Friday, June 30:
Saturday, July 1:
Sunday, July 2:
All movies will be presented in glorious 35mm. All films will be preceded by vintage movie trailers and there will be raffles, games, prizes, event merch and more each night! Gates open at 6p. Showtime at Sundown (Rain or Shine). General Tickets for Thursday are $8 per person. General+Extended Pass: $16 per person. General Tickets for Friday/Saturday/Sunday: $15 per person. per day. General+Extended Pass: $25 per person. 635 Seneca Road, Lehighton, PA 18235 Visit MahoningDIT.com for FAQ.  In January the Hollywood Theatre in Portland, Oregon will be showing three kaiju films, King Kong 1933, Mothra 1961, and Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla 1974. The first two are 35mm versions, with Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla being the restored version, King Kong will be shown on January 21st and 22nd at 3:30 PM, Mothra will be shown January 22nd at 7:00 PM, and Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla January 21st at 7:00 PM. The Hollywood Theatre is located at 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97212, tickets can be purchased online or at the Hollywood Theatre Box Office, which opens 30 minutes prior to the first showing of the day/evening. Tickets for most films are $10 for adults, $8 for students/seniors (65+)/children, and $7 for members. Special events may have different pricing; please check online event descriptions for the most accurate info.  KING KONG IN 35MM A 35mm print of the 1933 classic! A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal giant gorilla who takes a shine to their female star. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong and Bruce Cabot. Featuring groundbreaking stop-motion effects by Willis O'Brien.  MOTHRA IN 35MM 35mm print of the 1961 classic! A giant larva is worshiped by island tribesmen and guarded by twin sisters who stand only a few inches high. Eventually, the larva metamorphoses into a giant female moth and panic ensues as the creature attempts to regain her stolen egg and her tiny protectors.  GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA A restoration of the 1974 classic! Aliens intend to take over the planet and have built a gigantic, evil robot, Mechagodzilla, to assist them. Earth summons the legendary leonine monster King Caesar to help Godzilla in the gargantuan battle to save the planet!  TOHO INTERNATIONAL, INC. CELEBRATES POP-CULTURE ICON GODZILLA’S 67th BIRTHDAY NOV. 3 WITH MONSTER-SIZED EVENTS WORLD PREMIERE 4K REMASTERED VERSION OF CLASSIC 1954 “GODZILLA” SHOWING AT ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA MONDO RELEASES NEW COLLECTIBLES FOR “GODZILLA WEEK” LOS ANGELES – October 6, 2021 – Toho International, Inc. is proud to announce a series of one-of-a-kind experiences fit for the King of Monsters to celebrate its 67th birthday. Godzilla’s long history continues to shape worldwide pop culture and festivities this year aimed to engage fans new and old to roll out beginning Nov. 3, the date the first film premiered in 1954. Austin-based movie theater company Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, in association with Janus Films, will exclusively host a coast-to-coast world premiere of the long-anticipated 4K remastering of the classic 1954 “Godzilla” film. The screenings will be held at over two dozen locations across the U.S. including flagship theaters in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco and will mark 67 years since Godzilla’s first appearance in Toho’s “Gojira,” the classic monster movie widely regarded as a masterpiece that continues to shape the course of worldwide pop culture. In addition, throughout the first half of November, Alamo Drafthouse will screen fan-favorite kaiju classics “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” “Shin Godzilla,” and a double feature of two Heisei era classics that have never been shown theatrically in North America. To keep the birthday buzz going, Toho Int. has teamed up with Mondo, Super7, Kinokuniya, and the official Godzilla Shop on Amazon to offer fans exciting new Godzilla merchandise. Fans can also tune in to Toho’s Official Godzilla YouTube Channel for all-new content, including the 1978 “Godzilla” animated series, “Godziban” puppet show, and new original “Godzilla Chomp” documentary series premiering soon. Alamo Drafthouse Godzilla Film Screenings On Godzilla’s birthday, November 3, Alamo Drafthouse locations from coast-to-coast will exclusively premiere the long-anticipated 4K restoration of “Godzilla.” The newly-restored film has not yet screened in Japan or the U.S., making the November 3rd screenings a worldwide premiere. From November 5-11, the Godzilla birthday festivities continue at select Alamo Drafthouse locations with a 50th anniversary screening of one of Godzilla’s strangest adventures ever, “Godzilla vs. Hedorah,” as well as 2016’s critically-acclaimed “Shin Godzilla.” Then, beginning the week of November 12th, select Alamo Drafthouse locations will present a must-see double feature spectacular – two classics of the Heisei era never before seen in American cinemas: • 1984’s “The Return of Godzilla,” the kickoff to the Heisei era and a direct sequel to “Gojira,” which was heavily re-edited and released in the United States as “Godzilla 1985.” The release of the original Japanese version has never been officially screened on U.S. grounds. • 1989’s “Godzilla vs. Biollante,” which only received a direct-to-video release in the U.S. has never received an official release in American theaters. “Godzilla continues its reign as King of the Monsters, transcending mere entertainment icons and embodying emotions and social issues reflective of the times,” said Keiji Ota, Chief Godzilla Officer. “It is timely that we introduce the world to this first 4K version of the original Godzilla film to honor the legacy of this globally recognized symbol to the strongest fanbase in the world.” “Toho’s enduring cast of kaiju creations have been lighting up Alamo Drafthouse screens for almost 25 years, so we were honored to help plan Godzilla’s birthday party,” says John Smith, Senior Film Programmer for Alamo Drafthouse. “It’s been a thrill to partner with Toho on the 4K premiere and our Happy Birthday, Godzilla deep dive into some of the best work that Toho has ever produced.” Tickets for all films can be purchased at www.drafthouse.com and participating Alamo Drafthouse theaters starting Wednesday, October 6. For a complete list of theater locations, dates and timing, visit the Alamo Drafthouse website (participating theaters are subject to change). Godzilla AR Experience For the first time ever, an augmented reality experience will be created for the original 1954 Godzilla character. Fans download the AR experience on their mobile device using the QR code available at Godzilla.com and Alamo Drafthouse locations. Share photos using the hashtag #GodzillaDay. Mondo Pop culture collectibles brand Mondo has kicked off its “Godzilla Week” festivities with the release of several exciting new products, including Godzilla and Hedorah Sofubis, the latest addition to their “Godzilla Museum” statue line, and more. The company also plans to announce several top secret additions to its Toho Collection on November 3, including the beginning of its tribute to the Heisei series, with The Return Of Godzilla’s soundtrack pressed on vinyl. Kinokuniya Bookstores of America Continuing their successful “Godzilla Invasion” campaign nationwide, Kinokuniya Bookstores of America will once again offer fans access to a myriad of Godzilla merchandise, including items available exclusively from the official Godzilla Store in Japan. Originally established in Japan, Kinokuniya USA has been considered the prime location for enthusiasts of "otaku" culture in America since the US branch's founding in 1969. Whether shopping for premium Godzilla products or comparable franchises, Kinokuniya USA offers a great selection of English and Japanese books, manga, gift items, and high-quality stationery since the branch's founding in 1969. Fans can head to the Godzilla YouTube Channel now to watch episodes of the “Godzilla” 1978 series, with new episodes dropping weekly on Mondays, along with “Godziban” episodes dropping weekly on Fridays. For regular brand updates, stay tuned on the official Godzilla website Godzilla.com, Instagram @godzilla_toho, Twitter @toho_godzilla and YouTube Channel GodzillaToho. #GodzillaDay About Toho Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful live action and animated content including motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, Toho 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, and Toho International, Inc., a U.S. established incorporated company that manages and commercializes Toho’s intellectual property portfolio. To learn more about Toho, visit: www.toho.co.jp/en/. About Alamo Drafthouse Alamo Drafthouse is an entertainment brand comprised of the acclaimed cinema-eatery chain, the largest genre film festival in the United States and a collectible art gallery. Named "the best theater ever" by Time Magazine, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover's oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also introducing unique programming and high-profile, star-studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Founder & CEO, Tim League, created Fantastic Fest, a world renowned film festival dubbed "The Geek Telluride" by Variety. Fantastic Fest showcases eight days of offbeat cinema from independents, international filmmakers and major Hollywood studios. The Alamo Drafthouse's collectible art gallery, Mondo, offers breathtaking, original products featuring designs from world-famous artists based on licenses for popular TV and Movie properties including Star Wars, Star Trek & Universal Monsters. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is expanding its brand in new and exciting ways, including the launch of Drafthouse Films, a new film distribution label and plans to extend its theaters and unique programming philosophy to additional markets across the United States. More information about Alamo Drafthouse franchise opportunities is available on the official website www.drafthouse.com. About Janus Films Founded in 1956, Janus Films was the first theatrical distribution company dedicated to bringing international art-house films to U.S. audiences. Janus handles rights in all media to an extensive library that includes the work of Michelangelo Antonioni, Věra Chytilová, Sergei Eisenstein, Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, Abbas Kiarostami, Akira Kurosawa, Ousmane Sembène, Andrei Tarkovsky, François Truffaut, Agnès Varda, and Yasujiro Ozu. Janus handles rights in all media, and its library has grown to more than 1200 films.     Last year was the first Atami Vs. Godzilla event, now the 2020 event is in full swing, this years event seems slightly toned down from last year due to the pandemic but is still interesting it takes place at Atami Castle location of the famous battle between King Kong and Godzilla. Like year there are a number of events happening these include stamp rallies, sales locations, photo ops, special exhibition panel, and more. With the stamps you have to go to different locations to get the stamps located in and around Atami Castle, there are also special trading cards that people can receive there are sixteen in all, eight available from November 1st till the 30th, and a second eight from Dec 1st till Dec 31st, the fronts have various images from Godzilla films while the backs when put together create the Atami Vs. Godzilla promo art (each set of eight makes the same image from the back). There are photo ops also place around the castle, a two meter tall Godzilla 1962 standee will be on the second floor of the castle, while six other standees will be around the castle. The special event will take place on the second floor of the castle (no details were listed), at multiple times. There will also be event merchandise like t-shirts, and more, plus over twenty five Movie Monster Series figures. Check out some of the items below.  Stamps  Card Fronts November  Card Fronts December  Card Backs  Standee  Standees  Special Event Promo  Nijigen Nomori Co., Ltd. is open the world's first life size Godzilla attraction, that allows you to zip line into Godzilla's mouth, on Oct 10th. There will be a special short film as well as special merchandise to go along with the event. The length of the attraction is 120 meters (nearly 400 feet), and it goes along with the first ever Godzilla museum there as well, but it is more than just a zip line ride you have to complete a mission using a special gun to stop Godzilla's growth and dodge attacks from Godzilla cells, all which sounds very cool. The special merchandise announced with this includes tote bags, shirts, cell phone cases, bags, glasses, notebooks, and much, much more (all listed on a special Twitter page, some images below).     
  There will be two events that will be happening soon both involve the famous scene from King Kong Vs. Godzilla where they destroy Atami Castle. The first event is Atami Vs. Godzilla (from Little Monsters) it will feature a 2 meter tall Godzilla, collectible stamps, other displays and merchandise for Godzilla. The event takes place the whole month of November at Lasuka Atami, directly connected to Atami Station, also at Atami Castle will be the 2 meter statue and a panel exhibition “Godzilla and Landmark Exhibition" on the 2nd floor, that will be including unpublished photos. In addition to that event the Atami Kaiju Film Festival will take place November 22nd to the 24th, it will feature an event poster designed by Yuji Kaida, and will include the films King Kong Vs. Godzilla (Toho, 1962), Ultraman Episode 11: Ramenbo from Space (1966 broadcast, Tsuburaya Productions), National Independent Monster Film Championship [Atami Masterpiece Selection] "Mechanical Ninja Complete Edition" (2018/15 min), "Mutainless Night Neckless Monster" (2018/30 min), "Dragon Saur Battle Zone" (2018/3 minutes), “Vividman V” (2018/18 minutes) (+5 minutes of making), “Women Weapons 701 (Joheiki Seven Owan)” (2017/5 minutes), “UNFIX Special Edition” (2018/20 minutes); Cat Planning (2018, Director: Jun Awazu), Deep Sea Monster Raiga vs. Lava Beast Ohga (2019, Director: Shinhei Hayashiya), and Sagiri no Kuni (2019, Director: Daisuke Sato). There will be live music as well on November 23rd, “Godzilla Legend Atami Absolute Defense Live”, that will feature singers, dancer, and musicians. Screening Venue (for the films): International Tourism College Atami School 13-4 Chuocho, Atami City; Venue (for music): Atami Geisha Banban Kabenjo 17-13 Chuo-cho, Atami City.       Godzilla Expo 2019 History of Godzilla through photos In OIOI has been announced and will take place at three locations from Oct 21st to Jan 13 in Japan. Check out the info below on this event from Marui Group (translated from Japanese). Update: A number of items that will be for sale have been added to the site for this (link below), they include clear files, key chains, picture boards, t-shirts, pass cases, pen, jacket, hat, phone stands, mint tins, and snack boxes (with snacks of course). An exhibition where you can experience the history of Godzilla with photos! Godzilla EXPO 2019 ~ The history of Godzilla in photos ~ in OIOI Look back on the history of Godzilla with precious photos and props! Yurakucho Marui, Namba Marui and Hakata Marui will hold "Godzilla EXPO 2019-History of Godzilla in Photos-in OIOI"! Exhibit precious photos of the template that became the basis of the suit of the 1954 movie "Godzilla" with large panels and explanations. You can look back on the movie “Godzilla” and the process until the character is born, along with precious photos. In addition to photos, we will exhibit valuable props. Also, Toho and ALPHABOAT will display a panel of works drawn by creators who won a prize in the first audition project “Godzilla” of the “GEMSTONE” human resource discovery and audition project using YouTube. Mr. Shuhei Yamaguchi, Mr. YELLOW JUNKIE / kyo → ko and Mr. Ken Konami have newly drawn the first Godzilla under the theme of "Godzilla 65th Anniversary"! In addition, Gemstone creators newly created Godzilla under the three themes of Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka where "Godzilla EXPO" will be held this time (images below). We welcome customers with three different key visuals at each venue! Of course, goods using illustrations drawn will also be sold at the venue! We look forward to your visit! ! Locations -Yurakucho Marui- Holding period: Monday, October 21-Monday, November 4 Holding place: 8F Event space Opening hours: 11 : 00-21 : 00 (Sundays / holidays are 10: 30-20: 30) ) exhibition admission: Adults 300 yen / elementary school less than free and Hakata Marui- held period: November 9 (Saturday) to November 20 (Wed.) Venue: 2F event space Opening hours: 10 am to 21 pm exhibition Admission fee: Free -Namba Marui- Holding period: December 28 (Sat) -January 13 (Mon) Holding place: 7F Event space Business hours: 11 :00-20 :30 (Sundays and holidays are 11:00) -20:00) Exhibition entrance fee: Free There will also be a catalog of photos from the exhibition (price: 1,818 yen (tax included price: 2,000 yen)). (Bottom pic) Link to Marui Group site.          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) 
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 
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