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About The Site Welcome!  This site is dedicated to bringing you reviews of daikaiju eiga (giant monster movies) released on DVD.  This is my personal favorite film genre, and I created this site to spread the news about how these films are represented on the best home video format, DVD.  My goal is to collect and review every edition of every eastern kaiju film that has been released on DVD with either an English language soundtrack or English subtitles.  I will also strive to present reviews of every western giant monster film widely available on region 1 DVD.  From time to time, I will also post reviews of DVDs which may not be kaiju eiga per se, but which may have some interest for other fans of the genre.  However, the heart and soul of this site will always be the most complete and comprehensive collection of eastern kaiju DVD reviews published anywhere.  (Click here to read more about the site.)

News & Updates ***  Note:  G-Fest XVI is this weekend (July 3 - 5).  I'll be leaving mid-week, and spending a week in Chicago.  There won't be any updates until at least late next week (and probably not until after next weekend).  See you at the con! Monday, June 29:  Godzilla, Rodan, and Mothra:  All-Out HD Attack! Not to be outdone by Daimajin and Gamera (see the 4/21 update), Toho Video is bringing their kaiju heavy-hitters to Blu-ray Disc in Japan.  On September 18, the original 1954 Gojira makes his Blu debut, along with two later entries in the series:  Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) and Godzilla:  Final Wars (2004).  On the same date, the Big G will be joined by two more trend-setting Showa originals:  Rodan (1956) and Mothra (1961).  Here's what to expect from each disc (new special features, and those presented in HD, are noted; click the titles to preorder): Gojira:  Fullscreen video (1.33:1 OAR).  Audio:  Japanese mono, music & sound FX track (mono).  Extras:  Audio commentary w/ actor Akira Takarada, Akira Ifukube interview, a new version of Godzilla's theme (HD / new), picture-in-picture storyboards (new), filming location snapshots (HD / new), Oxygen Destroyer featurette (HD / new), and theatrical trailer (HD). Godzilla vs. Biollante:  Widescreen video (1.85:1 OAR).  Audio (Japanese):  Dolby Surround (original), Dolby 5.1 (remix).  Extras:  Audio commentary w/ director Kazuki Omori and FX director Koichi Kawakita, making-of featurette, sets & props, teaser trailers, and theatrical trailer (HD). Godzilla:  Final Wars:  Widescreen video (2.35:1 OAR).  Audio:  Japanese / English Dolby 6.1 (original), Japanese Dolby 6.1 (dub).  Extras:  Audio commentary w/ director Ryuhei Kitamura and FX director Eiichi Asada, making-of featurette, interviews w/ the director and title designer Kyle Cooper, FX wokshop (Rodan attacks NYC), extended TV debate scene, promo videos, theater manners announcement, TV spots, teaser and theatrical trailers (HD). Rodan:  Fullscreen video (1.33:1 OAR).  Audio:  Japanese mono, isolated score (mono), music & sound FX track (mono).  Extras:  Audio commentary w/ FX cameraman Sadamasa Arikawa, 8mm version, location hunting featurette (HD / new), picture book (stills & audio) (HD), and theatrical trailer (HD). Mothra:  Widescreen video (2.35:1 OAR).  Audio (Japanese):  Mono (original), 4.0 stereo.  Extras:  Audio commentary w/ actor Hiroshi Koizumi, "Champion Festival" version (HD), and "Mothra Document" featurette (HD / new). Once again, the Japanese street date is 9/18.  MSRP is ¥5,700 (+/- $59 USD) each.  The discs are region-free, and include Japanese subtitles, but do not include English subtitles.  This is still good news for English-speaking fans, because in the past Toho has rarely allowed U.S. companies to release material that they haven't made available in Japan first.  This clears the way for these films to be released internationally in HD, and increases the chance that Classic Media's upcoming Gojira Blu-ray will include the restored Japanese version (see the 5/8 update).  (Source:  CD Japan; additional translations by James Ballard.) Wednesday, June 24:  Motor City Monster Mayhem! From the Detroit Film Theater website:  "Big Man Japan audience members are invited to bring their most fearsome daikaiju figures to do battle on the DFT’s vibrating board of destruction!  Matches will be projected onto the DFT’s giant screen prior to the 9:30 p.m. screening on Saturday July 11th, and the monstrosity that pushes at least three opponents off the board will win a season pass for two to the Fall 2009 DFT.  All contenders must be less than 10 inches tall, and sign a waiver releasing the Detroit Film Theatre from responsibility in event of their total annihilation."  Big Man Japan is playing at the DFT on June 26, 27, and 28; and July 10, 11, and 12.  The monster figure battle takes place the evening of July 11 only.  Will your Bandai be a contender, a champion, or just a joberoni? Tuesday, June 23:  First Look at Monster X. Wayne B. reports via email on the new daikaiju parody DVD:  "I just got the new Monster X Strikes Back DVD from Tokyo Shock / Media Blasters.  The following as it goes: Audio:  Japanese 2.0 Subtitles:  English Extras:  Photo Gallery and Tokyo Shock Trailers. That's all.  Pretty much bare bones." The official street date for Monster X Strikes Back:  Attack the G8 Summit! is June 30.  MSRP is $19.99, but as usual it can be ordered for less online at Amazon.com, HK Flix, and other retailers. Tuesday, June 16:  Icons Update. Steve Ryfle (whose Japan's Favorite Mon-star is still the best English-language book on Godzilla) sends the following message regarding the upcoming Icons of Sci-Fi:  Toho Collection:  "Thank you for running the recent blurb about the upcoming Icons of Sci-Fi:  Toho Collection DVD set, for which Ed Godziszewski and I indeed do provide audio commentaries for 2 of the 3 films.  I wanted to point out that these three films are not simply remastered, but they have all been digitally restored by Sony Pictures' asset management and restoration staff.  This is quite significant, as no other Toho genre film has received this treatment previously in the U.S.  Sony's restoration team includes some of the leaders in the field, and they did quite a fantastic job of restoring these films.  I am confident everyone will be pleased with the excellent video and audio quality."  Street date for the set is August 18.   MSRP is $24.96, but it can be preordered for less online. Monday, June 1:  Bringing Home the Big Man. While it's still making its way around the country in limited theatrical release (see the 5/15 update), Magnolia has announced plans for Big Man Japan on DVD.  It's coming home July 28.  The film will be presented in anamorphic widescreen.  Extras will include:  Audio commentary by director / co-writer / star Hitoshi Matsumo, behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and a photo gallery.  MSRP is $26.98.  (Source:  Fangoria.) Friday, May 15:  Look out for the Big Man on the Big Screen. Today is the U.S. theatrical release date for Big Man Japan, a bizarre parody of Japanese giant heroes and their city-smashing kaiju foes.  It's being unleashed by Magnolia Pictures, the folks who brought us the excellent Korean kaiju flick The Host two years back.  It's a road show, so be sure to check the Play Dates to see when it's coming to an art house or specialty theater in your area.  (For me, it's playing at the Detroit Film Theater June 26, 27, 28 and July 10, 11, 12.)  For more info on the movie, check out SciFi Japan and the official movie site. Tuesday, May 12:  Iconic Tokusatsu. Icons of Sci-Fi:  Toho Collection is the latest in Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's "Icons" series of remastered classic sci-fi, horror, and monster films.  Included are three from the heyday of Japan's Toho Studios, directed by legendary Godzilla series helmer Ishiro Honda:  The H-Man (1958), Battle in Outer Space (1959), and Mothra (1961).  Unfortunately, 1998's Rebirth of Mothra III has been dropped from the set.  Both the complete Japanese and U.S. release versions of The H-Man and Mothra will be included.  Since Battle in Outer Space wasn't edited for U.S. release, that one will be dual-language.  The films will be remastered and presented in anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1 OAR).  Expect a mid-October release date (like Sony's Sam Katzman and Hammer Films Icons sets in previous years).  MSRP is $24.96 for the 3-disc set.  As a nice pre-release bonus, customers can vote on the set's cover art here.  As for extras, Ryan C. reports, "Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle told me last week at Godzilla & Friends IV that they've recorded commentaries for Mothra and Battle in Outer Space, which will be on the DVDs."  (For more info on Godzilla & Friends, see Ryan's report on last year's event in G-Fan #86, pg. 16.)  Click here for pics.  UPDATE 5/15: Wal-Mart and The Video Collection list the release date as August 18.  (Thanks R.M.)

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Friday, May 8:  Gojira in HD! This fall, you can watch Tokyo fall in high-definition when Classic Media unleashes the original Godzilla on Blu-ray Disc!  Their new Gojira Blu-ray will include all of the features of their widely-acclaimed DVD release:  Both versions of the movie (the uncut 1954 original, in Japanese w/ English subtitles; and the 1956 American version, Godzilla:  King of the Monsters), commentary on both versions by Steve Ryfle (author of Japan's Favorite Mon-star) and Ed Godziszewski (editor of Japanese Giants), featurettes on story development and the Godzilla suit (13 min. each), and the original theatrical trailers for each version.  The release date is September 22 and MSRP is $29.93.  (Source:  Fangoria.)  Note: One thing that isn't clear yet is what source masters CM will use.  They remastered all of their Godzilla titles (at least the American versions acquired from UPA) in HD in 2004 / 2005 (see the 1/25/05 update).  In 2008, Toho oversaw the restoration and hi-def remastering of the Godzilla films for HD broadcast in Japan (see the 8/10/08 and 1/10/09 updates).  Will CM use the fully restored Japanese HD version, or have they / will they remaster Gojira '54 themselves?  As always, stay tuned for updates!  UPDATE 5/10: The Fangoria article has been updated with the puzzling and disappointing news that the Blu-ray will include the Japanese version of Gojira only, and not the Americanized Godzilla:  KOTM (or the accompanying commentary).  Fans are encouraged to head over to GodzillaonDVD.com and ClassicMedia.tv and politely express their preference for a definitive set that includes both versions of the movie in the highest quality HD presentation possible.  There's plenty of time between now and September 22 for CM to get their first Blu-ray completely right. Tuesday, April 21:  HD Summer. Japan's Kadokawa Entertainment is diving into HD in a big way by bringing their classic kaiju franchises to Blu-ray Disc this summer.  Things start June 26 with the release of the Daimajin Trilogy (1966).  Daimajin (aka Majin:  Monster of Terror), Wrath of Daimajin (aka Return of the Giant Majin), and Return of Daimajin will all be available individually, with an MSRP of ¥4,700 (+/- $50 USD) each.  Extras on each disc will include interviews, trailers, cast & crew profiles, behind-the-scenes and promotional footage, and image galleries.  Each will also come with a replica of the original Daiei press kit.  A 3-disc box set including all the films will also be available, with some kind of special packaging available for the initial pressing.  MSRP for the box set is ¥12,000 (+/- $120 USD).  All of the discs are region-free, 2.35:1 widescreen OAR, with Japanese audio only and no English subtitles.  UPDATE 5/8: After many false starts over many years, Daimajin is finally returning!  The stone avenger is making his comeback in a new Japanese television series, Daimajin Kannon.  For more info, check out this posting on August Ragone's blog.  Hopefully, these new Blu-rays may include a preview of some sort. Then, the original Gamera and his menagerie of monsterous opponents provide the fireworks for July.  July 24 brings the release of the titanic terrapin's eight Showa-era adventures.  Gamera (1965, aka Gammera the Invincible), Gamera vs. Barugon (1966, aka War of the Monsters), Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967, aka Return of the Giant Monsters), and Gamera vs. Viras (1968, aka Destroy All Planets) will be available individually (MSRP ¥4,700 each), or collected in a 4-disc box set (MSRP ¥16,000; +/- $166 USD).  Gamera vs. Guiron (1969, aka Attack of the Monsters), Gamera vs. Jiger (1970, aka Gamera vs. Monster X), Gamera vs. Zigra (1971), and Gamera:  Super Monster (1980) will also be released separately (MSRP ¥4,700 each) and together in another 4-disc box set (MSRP ¥16,000). Finally, Kaneko and crew end the summer with a bang on August 28 with the Blu-ray release of the Heisei Gamera Trilogy.  Gamera:  Guardian of the Universe (1995), Gamera 2:  Attack of Legion (1996), and Gamera 3:  Revenge of Iris (1999) will also be available individually (MSRP ¥4,700 each), or collected in a 3-disc box set (MSRP ¥12,000).  No info on disc specs or extras is available yet for any of the Gamera titles, so watch this space for updates!                                                *****     Older news can be found in the News Archive.     *****

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- June 30:  Monster X Strikes Back:  Attack the G8 Summit! (Tokyo Shock / Media Blasters).  The X from Outer Space, Guilala, returns in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen, with Japanese and English 2.0 audio, and English subtitles.  Extras TBA.  MSRP $19.99.  Cover art. - July 7:  Power Rangers RPM:  Start Your Engines (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment).  The first volume of the current PR series.  MSRP $19.99.  Cover art. - July 24:  Showa Gamera Blu-ray Box 1 (Kadokawa Entertainment).  4-disc set.  MSRP ¥16,000.  Also available separately:  Gamera, Gamera vs. Barugon, Gamera vs. Gyaos, and Gamera vs. Viras (MSRP ¥4,700 each).  Series cover art. - July 24:  Showa Gamera Blu-ray Box 2 (Kadokawa Entertainment).  4-disc set.  MSRP ¥16,000.  Also available separately:  Gamera vs. Guiron, Gamera vs. Jiger, Gamera vs. Zigra, and Gamera:  Super Monster (MSRP ¥4,700 each).  Series cover art. - July 28:  Big Man Japan (Magnolia Home Entertainment).  A bizarre parody of Japanese giant heroes and their city-smashing kaiju foes.  Anamorphic widescreen.  Extras will include:  Audio commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and a photo gallery.  MSRP $26.98.  Cover art. - August 18:  Icons of Sci-Fi:  Toho Collection (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment).  3-disc set includes The H-Man (1958), Battle in Outer Space (1959), and Mothra (1961).  Anamorphic widescreen, Japanese and English audio, English subtitles.  MSRP $24.96.  Cover art. - August 25:  Death Note:  L, Change the World (Viz Pictures).  Witness the last 23 days in the life of the brilliant, eccentric detective "L" as he tries to stop a deadly biological weapon in this sequel / spin-off of Shusuke Kaneko’s live-action Death Note movies.  Directed by Hideo Nakata (Ringu, Dark Water).  Anamorphic widescreen video, Japanese and English audio in both 2.0 and 5.1, with trailers, interviews, and making-of featurettes.  MSRP $24.98. - August 28:  Heisei Gamera Blu-ray Box (Kadokawa Entertainment).  3-disc set.  MSRP ¥12,000.  Also available separately:  Gamera:  Guardian of the Universe, Gamera 2:  Attack of Legion, and Gamera 3:  Revenge of Iris (MSRP ¥4,700 each).  Series cover art. - September 18:  Gojira (Blu-ray) (Toho Video).  Fullscreen video (1.33:1 OAR).  Audio:  Japanese mono, music & sound FX track.  Extras:  Audio commentary, interview, Godzilla's theme (new version), picture-in-picture storyboards, location snapshots, new featurette, and theatrical trailer.  Region-free; Japanese version w/ no English subtitles.  Cover art. - September 18:  Godzilla vs. Biollante (Blu-ray) (Toho Video).  Widescreen video (1.85:1 OAR).  Audio:  Japanese Dolby Surround & Dolby 5.1 remix.  Extras:  Audio commentary, making-of featurette, sets & props, teaser and theatrical trailers.  Region-free; Japanese version w/ no English subtitles.  Cover art. - September 18:  Godzilla:  Final Wars (Blu-ray) (Toho Video).  Widescreen video (2.35:1 OAR).  Audio:  Japanese / English Dolby 6.1, Japanese Dolby 6.1 (dub).  Extras:  Audio commentary, making-of featurette, interviews, FX wokshop, extended scene, promo videos, theater announcement, TV spots, teaser and theatrical trailers.  Region-free; Japanese version w/ no English subtitles.  Cover art. - September 18:  Rodan (Blu-ray) (Toho Video).  Fullscreen video (1.33:1 OAR).  Audio:  Japanese mono, isolated score, music & sound FX track.  Extras:  Audio commentary, 8mm version, location hunting featurette, picture book, and theatrical trailer.  Region-free; Japanese version w/ no English subtitles.  Cover art. - September 18:  Mothra (Blu-ray) (Toho Video).  Widescreen video (2.35:1 OAR).  Audio (Japanese):  Mono, 4.0 stereo.  Extras:  Audio commentary, "Champion Festival" version, and "Mothra Document" featurette.  Region-free; Japanese version w/ no English subtitles.  Cover art. - September 22:  Gojira (Blu-ray) (Classic Media).  Uncut Japanese version.  Fullscreen (1.33:1 OAR), Japanese 2.0 mono, w/ English subtitles.  Extras include featurettes, commentary, and trailers.  MSRP $29.93.  Cover art. - Undated:  Clash of the Titans (Blu-ray) (Warner Home Entertainment).  The last of Ray Harryhausen's great stop-motion animated fantasies.  Restored and presented in HD on Blu-ray Disc.  See the 2/8/08 update for more info. - Undated:  Destroy All Planets Special Edition (Retromedia Entertainment).  The fourth Gamera movie, aka Gamera vs. Viras.  Includes audio commentary with star Carl Craig, G-Fan writer Brett Homenick, and Oriental Cinema editor Damon Foster.  See the 7/19/07 update for more info. - Undated:  Godzilla (1998) (Blu-ray) (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment).  The mutant lizard Zilla nests in NYC in this poorly-received U.S. version.  Presented in HD on Blu-ray Disc.  See the 1/10/08 update for more info. - Undated:  King Kong (1933) (Blu-ray) (Warner Home Entertainment).  The great ape comes home in hi-def on Blu-ray!  See the 10/7/08 update for more info. - Undated:  Silver Mask:  The Complete Series (BCI Eclipse / Ronin Entertainment).  All 26 episodes of the 1971 series, in the original Japanese language, with English subtitles.  Written supplements by August Ragone (author of Eiji Tsuburaya:  Master of Monsters).  See the 7/19/07 update for more info.            *****     All release dates, disc specs, and cover art should be considered tentative and subject to change.     *****

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