009 4 In 1954 , a giant monster stomped onto the streets of Tokyo . Destroying buildings and causing lots of mayhem . After meeting a terrible fate with the oxygen destroyer , the beast known as Godzilla fell . But was Japan really declared safe ? And if so , for how long ? In 1955 , the Toho Company produced a sequel to the hit monster movie ' Gojira ' . That sequel was called ' Godzilla Raids Again ' . Originally released in Japan as Godzilla's Counterattack , this is the second entry in the long running series . It's the first Godzilla movie to feature a battle between two monsters . In 1959 , the film was released in the US under the title Gigantis the Fire Monster . That was due to rights issues . Luckily , the folks over at Genius Products have given us fans the privilege of watching the movie in its original full form . If you're looking for a review on the 1959 English release of Godzilla Raids Again , then you're in the wrong place . The version of the movie I'm reviewing for you is the original Japanese cut , which is about 4 minutes longer than the American theatrical release .
In Godzilla Raids Again we follow two pilots named Tsukioka and Kobayashi . They are flying in planes to scout out schools of fish for a tuna cannery company . Kobayashi's plane malfunctions and is forced to land near Iwato Island . The island is an uninhabited strip of rocks formed by volcanic eruptions . In an attempt to save Kobayashi , Tsukioka lands his plane and finds him safe near the shore . The two pilots then face a horrible realization , as they witness a fight between two giant monsters . Tsukioka immediately recognizes one of the monsters in combat ; It turns out to be Godzilla . Not the same monster that was killed , but a whole new Godzilla which bares the same looks as the one that destroyed Tokyo . The two monsters continue to fight and eventually fall into the ocean . Tsukioka and Kobayashi head back and report to the authorities in Osaka . There the two pilots were able to identify the other spiky creature as yet another monster that lived during the dinosaur era .
The monster is named Anguirus . While doing research on Anguirus , the scientists learned that it's a monster that hates hostile creatures , which explains the intense rivalry between Anguirus and Godzilla . This is one of those Godzilla movies you may not have heard about . That's because it wasn't well received . ' Raids Again ' is a rushed sequel that failed to satisfy many expectations upon its release ( especially in the US ) . Although it is the third most-attended Godzilla film to date , it was poorly received by fans and critics alike . It was rushed to the theaters six months after the release of the first film . The movie suffered heavy editing in the United States , and was given a title change which took its focus off of Godzilla . With that said , it's pretty obvious why I found the Japanese cut to be a lot better . Although Godzilla Raids Again is not the most popular film in the franchise , I still enjoyed it for what it was . I'm not very picky when it comes to movies in this genre .
I did however find it to be a little long , which is my biggest complaint . Other than that , I found the movie to be pretty enjoyable . The American cut however is unwatchable . Don't bother wasting your time with the chopped up American version of the movie . Unless you want to see Gigantis . For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about , Gigantis is actually Godzilla's name in the US cut of the movie . This was to give the audience the impression that they were seeing a whole new monster . Scenes with Godzilla shooting fire was cut out , and the voice effects were changed . You can see why I'm telling you to stay away from that version . Stick to the original cut of the movie ; you'll be pleasantly surprised . Anyway , what makes this movie good is the fact it's the first time we get to see Godzilla face another monster . As far as the action goes , this movie has just about everything . Explosions , destruction and a great battle between two foes .
The fight between Godzilla and Anguirus is remarkable and bloody near the end . The fight scenes are my favorite , not so much the story and pace . I personally believe that Godzilla Raids Again is almost as good as the first movie . Almost is the keyword , because it's still lacking in those other areas . Not to mention Raids Again doesn't carry the grim seriousness of the original . Still , it's a good movie that's been under looked over the years . Genius Products did a fantastic job with the re-release of Gojira . The company does another fine job here with this DVD . They've remastered the picture and sound , and added in a new featurette ; plus a commentary track . In the featurette Art of Suit Acting , you get a brief history on the actors who wore the costumes . That's as far as the features go , there really isn't much in here . The DVD isn't jam packed with extras . Still , if you're looking to expand on your collection of monster movies , then you have to pick this movie . It's definitely worth the money .
003 4 The second Godzilla movie is a transitional entry in the series . Serious , but not as grim as Godzilla , King of the Monsters , we see the first traces of the camp humor that became a trademark of Japanese sci-fi . It is one of the few movies of the series that does a hand-off from the previous flick . Dedicated fans will recognize Dr . Yamane from the first Godzilla film . In addition , Godzilla ( also known as Gigantis ) meets Angilus , the first of many bizarre enemies . In somber B / W photography , the story of dueling monsters on the loose unfolds . This time it's Osaka and not Tokyo , threatened with fiery destruction . As usual , the monsters invade populous areas , destroy buildings , and threaten civilization . As usual , conventional military hardware has no effect . The English-dubbed dialogue is occasionally hilarious . The special effects and other production values are typical of Japanese sci-fi . This movie , virtually overlooked through the years , initially appeared in the USA as Gigantis the Fire Monster . It played on a double feature program back in 1959 / 1960 with Teenagers From Outer Space ( reviewed elsewhere in . . . ) . Godzilla movies are an acquired taste that delight fans and repulse normal viewers . For aging baby-boomers , and other serious collectors of low-budget sci-fi , this movie is a recommended treat . : - )
005 4 ( previous film Godzilla , King of the Monsters )
Summary : Two prehistoric monsters bring their ages old battle to the city of Osaka , Japan . Only one will remain standing . . . will it be the current champion Godzilla , or the challenger Angilas ?
Godzilla Raids Again ( aka Gigantis , the Fire Monster ) , while far from being the greatest G film ever made , is certainly not the worst either , yet , for some reason , this entry in the series has become something of a lost classic . Being one of the harder G movies to come by , any fan looking for this video to add to their collection should do so upon finding a copy . I realize that I've only given Godzilla Raids Again a rating of 2 stars , but a rating of 2 and a half stars would certainly be more appropriate .
Godzilla Raids Again is noteworthy mainly for being the 2nd , and last , G movie to be filmed in Black and White , and for being the first film in the series to feature a second monster , the spiky Angilas ( one of my personal favorite monsters in G history ) . Godzilla Raids Again also serves as a kind of blueprint for future G films ( particularly those from the 2nd , or Heisei , series of G films , and the 3rd , or Alternate Universe , series of G films ) , in that this entry lacks most of the haunting effect the original film had and focuses more on the serious action / adventure aspect that would come to be prevalent in later G films .
( Next film King Kong Vs . Godzilla )
006 4 Godzilla Raids Again is the 2nd film in the Godzilla series . It is the last black and white film in the series as well as the last stand-alone Godzilla film to air until Godzilla 1985 . In many ways , Godzilla Raids Again is the ideological sequel to Godzilla , King of the Monsters . The attitude of this film is different , far more pragmatic and martial than Godzilla . Unlike the first film , the military stays in the fight for the entire film and ultimately prevails . In fact a better title for this film might be Godzilla : Japan strikes back . The reaction to Godzilla in Godzilla Raids Again is one of both resignation and determination . Resignation that Godzilla has come back to menace Japan again . Determination to not let Godzilla destroy the country of Japan . Like Godzilla , Godzilla Raids Again develops a substantial sub-plot following the exploits of Kobayashi and Tsukioka , two pilots for a fishing company . These two develop an onscreen chemistry that shines through the subtitles . You really get to root for these guys throughout the film . And Godzilla Raids Again lets you do so without taking away the focus from the monsters . It is in this film that Godzilla meets his first kaiju foe , a trend that would continue through 27 of Godzilla's next 29 films . Godzilla Raids Again has a smaller scale to it . The world is not so much threatened as is Osaka and Kobayashi and Tsukioka . It is this perception of Godzilla as a force that can be combated and conquered , which is much different than the feeling from Godzilla . The story has the same thoughtfulness and pacing as Godzilla . The military sequences are realistic and well done . A strong Godzilla film , not Godzilla , King of the Monsters but Godzilla Raids Again is not trying to be , this 2nd film is just trying to tell its story and continue the fine tradition established in Godzilla . Godzilla Raids Again accomplishes both handily .
008 4 When this film was originally made in 1955 in Japan , it was called Gojira No Gyusku . That's Godzilla's Counterattack in Japanese . Then , it was titled Godzilla Raids Again . When it came to here in the US of A , it was called Gigantis , the Fire Monster . Confusing , right ? The plot is that Godzilla is back and this time he's in Osaka rather than Tokyo . Anyway , Godzilla fights a monster that looks like an Anklyosaurus with TONS of spikes on his back . This monster is called Anguirus . Another name for Anguirus is Angilas , but I call him Anguirus . Anyway , this was a fine movie . Its kinda campy , and the dubbing is terrible , but that's the only bad thing . Enjoy this movie . WARNING : This movie contains very violent scenes , including Godzilla ( basicly ) rips out Anguirus's throat . So , only let kids about 8 and up watch this movie . Nuff said .
010 4 The original Godzilla ( Gojira ) was such a surprise smash hit , that Toho studios immediately went into production on a sequel , and managed to release Godzilla Raids Again ( Gojira no gyakushu or Godzilla's Counterattack ) only six months after the original .
Setting the stage for all Godzilla movies to come , this is the first Godzilla vs . film , introducing a monster-sized opponent for the big fella , the Ankylosaurus-inspired Anguirus . Filmed in black and white , Godzilla Raids Again is a bridge between the serious Godzilla and the more campy incarnations to follow .
In the story , a roving airplane discovers a Godzilla-type monster ( the original Godzilla being killed at the end of the first movie ) battling Anguirus on a remote island , what can only be the famed Monster Island of later films . Notifying headquarters , the military prepares for the eventual spill-over of the battle into Japan . And spill it does , as the two beasties tear it up in the heart of Osaka , tromping over such landmarks as Osaka Castle . Godzilla soundly defeats and kills Anguirus , and is then chased to the Arctic where heroic Japanese pilots bury him under the ice and snow . . . . forever ?
A flawed film , and not nearly as good as the original , Godzilla Raids Again is still better than some of the overly-campy sequels to follow . It retains enough of the serious elements from the first film , including Kurosawa actor Takeshi Shimura ( Seven Samurai , Ikiru ) as Dr . Yamane-hakase . The black and white really suits Godzilla , and adds an extra air of menace .
Unfortunately , this is a rushed production , with not enough time and budget put into perfecting it . The most noticeable error is the speeded-up monster battles of Godzilla and Anguirus . The director wanted to film them in slow-motion , as had been done before , but the technician accidentally undercranked the camera instead of overcranking it , resulting in the action appearing faster than reality .
The US dub of Godzilla Raids Again is one of the worst of all time , sometimes renaming Godzilla Gigantis the Fire Monster and using Anguirus's roar instead of the trade-mark Godzilla roar . A DVD with the original Japanese language track is definitely needed to fully appreciate the charms the film has to offer .
011 4 Wow ! I'm impressed .
All these years I knew this fim as Gigantis : The Fire Monster
All these years I was watching a complete farse . This is really a great Godzilla movie . It has such a dark overtone to it and the scenes at night when Godzilla is lurking in the bay have such an eerie silence to them that it actually comes across as nightmarish .
Godzilla looks great with his ugly teeth and the special effects are outstanding for that time period .
I am so glad that I got this . I had a VHS copy of Gigantis : The Fire Monster and I never really liked it . After viewing this film the way it was meant to be seen , this has rapidly become one of my favorite Godzilla films .
This is a movie for serious G-Fans . I would not recommend it to smaller kids because it moves a little slower than some of the later entries into the series such as Final Wars and GMK .
I totally recommend it to all other fans of Godzilla and Japanese Monsters !
I have always liked Godzilla movies and after viewing this marvel , I only embrace the series all the more .
Rock on Godzilla , Rock on !
012 4 For serious Godzilla fans , this is obviously one to order sight unseen . The first Godzilla sequel , which also includes the first Godzilla vs . fight ( against Anguirus ) , was never as popular on TV ( in my memory ) as a lot of the later sequels like Godzilla vs . Mothra and Destroy All Monsters .
It's definitely a quickie cash-in sequel but it's still a fun little piece of movie-monster history . This film is particularly notable for a ( purported ) accident which caused the fight scenes to be filmed in fast-motion instead of slow-motion . It actually looks pretty good , somewhat akin to the stop-motion animation in King Kong .
As with most Godzilla sequels , the plot is pretty light and non-sensical , and the monsters don't really go at it until pretty late in the movie , but it's a good time . Casual fans can skip this one , knowing they haven't missed anything essential , while hardcore Godzilla fans will eat it up .
Classic Media has done another great job of production and packaging , once again including the dubbed American version with the subtitled Japanese original . For this disc , they also include a short featurette on the history of the rubber monster suits and the actors who wore them . It's a somewhat rushed and breathless recitation of facts , names and dates , but still fairly interesting , and it's great to see these unsung heroes of the movies getting their due .
014 4 Very few ever saw Gigantis the Fire Monster , which was the American release title for Gojira Raids Again , the first sequel to the world-wide 1954 blockbuster Gojira , ie . Godzilla , King of the Monsters . Both versions are included on this Toho Master Series dvd plus great extras including a fascinating audio commentary on the American version . Godzilla squares off in his very first Kaiju battle with the savage but adorable Anguirus who together stomp Osaka flat ! It's long overdue for we fans of Big G .
015 4 For one this is OOP movie and if you have dont sell it or give it away as you can tell by the use prices.This is a must have G flick movie.Not alot of people saw this movie because its been OOP for a while lucklly i bought this when I was a kid .
This movie is very entertaining to watch I mean godzilla duking it out with Angilus ! Later in the series Angilus is godzilla friend.This movie keeps you on your toes i mean the moster fight was great and my of my angilus can sure throw down.But the movie
begins with a pilot saw 2 monster fighting on an island and soon
or later there in japan fighting it out until godzilla soons get
the upper hand and kills anglius with fire breath * SPOILER * . Soon the people trap godzilla in the moutain which they bury him in ice.The only downfall is Godzilla kinda looks goofy but its all good but I recommend you get this hard to obtain G flick .
016 4 This movie is great but lacks in action . Poor Anguirus was killed right in the begining of the movie , it makes my favorite monster look bad on TV ! I liked the story line how Kubiyoshi sacrificed his life to stop Godzilla from attacking more of his hometown . Angered by the destruction caused , Kubiyoshi wanted Godzilla to pay . I wondered why in the movie Godzilla sounded like Anguirus a lot .
017 4 Gojira No Gyakushu is the 2nd film in the Godzilla series . It is the last black and white film in the series as well as the last stand-alone Godzilla film to air until Godzilla 1984 . In many ways , Gojira No Gyakushu is the ideological sequel to Gojira . The attitude of this film is different , far more pragmatic and martial than Gojira . Unlike the first film , the military stays in the fight for the entire film and ultimately prevails . In fact a better title for this film might be Godzilla : Japan strikes back . The reaction to Godzilla in Gojira No Gyakushu is one of both resignation and determination . Resignation that Godzilla has come back to menace Japan again . Determination to not let Godzilla destroy the country of Japan . Like Gojira , Gojira No Gyakushu develops a substantial sub-plot following the exploits of Kobayashi and Tsukioka , two pilots for a fishing company . These two develop an onscreen chemistry that shines through the subtitles . You really get to root for these guys throughout the film . And Gojira No Gyakushu lets you do so without taking away the focus from the monsters . It is in this film that Godzilla meets his first kaiju foe , a trend that would continue through 19 of Godzilla's next 20 films . Gojira No Gyakushu has a smaller scale to it . The world is not so much threatened as is Osaka and Kobayashi and Tsukioka . It is this perception of Godzilla as a force that can be combated and conquered , which is much different than the feeling from Gojira . The story has the same thoughtfulness and pacing as Gojira . The military sequences are realistic and well done . A strong Godzilla film , not Gojira but Gojira No Gyakushu is not trying to be , this 2nd film is just trying to tell its story and continue the fine tradition established in Gojira . Gojira No Gyakushu accomplishes both handily .
018 4 Godzilla is back and better than ever in this movie . On an uninhabited island , Godzilla ( Gigantis ) is locked in mortal combat with Angilas , who is unbelievably related to Godzilla . The sailors who find the monsters flee back to Osaka and tell the authorities about the monsters ! ! ! Not long after that the monsters resurface and continue the titan clash in Osaka . Godzilla then destroys Angilas with his radioactive heat beam . Godzilla is then found on a frozen island on is then ambushed by the Japanese airforce and is buried alive in ice , but in my opinion he isn't dead , he's just chillin ' . This is in my opinion the best Godzilla film ever made ! ! ! ! !
019 4 Undeservedly rare ( nearly unknown ) , originally titled Gigantis , The Fire Monster , this movie is worth every penny you'll pay for it . The hack-job English dubbing doesn't do the movie any favors , especially a party scene which might have made sense in Japanese but speaks more about the lack of comprehension by whoever dubbed the movie when viewed in English . The climax of the movie involves the heroic / comic pilot diving his plane into an ice floe to prevent Gigantis from escaping to the sea , inspiring other pilots to bomb not the monster but to bury it in ice . Try and find this movie in the original Japanese with subtitles , it makes a bit more sense that way . Though you'll want the dubbed English version first . This is prime science fiction , not to be missed .
022 4 after the first godzilla was killed it's mate { another mutaded godzillasuars } want's revenge and this movies marks angilas ist apprance.the only thing that keeps this movie from being perfect is that godzilla and angilas share roars ! { dont worry godzilla somtimes use's his own roar } but otherwise a GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAT MOVIE .
026 4 This is an excellent DVD . i'm glad they finally released it and over did themselves on it . The company did a great job with giving the viewer the luxury of being able to choose between the original and the US released version . The quality is great as well and I don't think I could have asked for a better version of this . Anyone who is a Godzilla fan should own this .
027 4 This review is from :
Godzilla Raids Again [ VHS ] ( VHS Tape )
I expected this to be very similar to the first one but I was wrong . The drama is gone and now we get to see some action with two monsters duking it out . Although I watched the american version which is supposed to be worse than the japanese version it is kind of the same but I wish Godzilla didn't sound like Angilas ( his opponent ) . During the fight it is speed up to give the battle a more feral look , I believe it was a nice touch and to see the humans fight against Godzilla ( Gigantis which is a ridiculous name for the king of monsters ) . All in all an enjoyable movie in the series .
028 4 I expected this to be very similar to the first one but I was wrong . The drama is gone and now we get to see some action with two monsters duking it out . Although I watched the american version which is supposed to be worse than the japanese version it is kind of the same but I wish Godzilla didn't sound like Angilas ( his opponent ) . During the fight it is speed up to give the battle a more feral look , I believe it was a nice touch and to see the humans fight against Godzilla ( Gigantis which is a ridiculous name for the king of monsters ) . All in all an enjoyable movie in the series .
029 4 The first of many sequels to the original Godzilla , this relatively obscure film suffers in comparison to its predecessor , yet still stands out as an innovative entry in the series . In 1955 , Toho was just cutting its teeth in the daikaju genre , but managed to produce a film with some remarkable special effects work and atmospheric cinematography . Viewed in context , Godzilla Raids Again remains a treat for Godzilla fans .
Giant monster movie fans may remember this 1955 sequel to Godzilla , King of the Monsters , by its original American release title : Gigantis , the Fire Monster . This excellent Classic Media DVD release presents both the original Japanese version as well as the 1959 American release , and features an informative commentary by daikaiju authorities Steve Ryfle , Ed Godziszewski , and Stuart Galbraith IV .
Unlike the original Godzilla , which was a powerful allegory about the horrors of nuclear war , Godzilla Raids Again plays more as a standard 1950 ' s monster-on-the-loose melodrama , and stands as the first in the cycle of monster-vs . - monster movies for which Toho is famous . However , the often-superb special effects and moody cinematography elevate this one well above most of its contemporaries . Godzilla's first foe , Angilas ( who , over the course of the Godzilla series , became one of Toho's most popular daikaiju ) , makes a striking debut in this picture .
Unfortunately , the Americanization , supervised by Paul Schreibman , is a farce , and results in the entire production playing as unintentional camp . Flawed though it might be , the original Japanese version stands as a noteworthy entry in the Godzilla series , and is highly entertaining in its own right .
030 4 Godzilla Raids Again has a few distinctive qualities : it was the first Godzilla sequel , the first to have Godzilla fight an adversary , the first to feature a score by Masaru Sato , and the last to be filmed in black and white . Despite all this , it still suffers from sequelitis , probably due to its rushed , six-month production schedule . After the first Godzilla was killed by the Oxygen Destroyer in the previous film , a new Godzilla is discovered battling another monster called Anguirus . Unsuprisingly , the two end up duking it out in Osaka . Godzilla ends up killing Anguirus ( though he somehow reappared in three or four more Showa films ) and for some reason heads to an icy island , where he battles the air force .
Godzilla Raids Again suffers from a bland love triangle and tedious sequences involving how the monsters are affecting the Japanese fishing industry . Hiroshi Koizumi would go on to be a series regular and Takashi Shimura reprises his role as Dr . Yamane in a brief cameo . The action sequences are okay , but the fight between Godzilla and Anguirus looks very odd due to the cinematographer under-cranking the camera instead of over-cranking it the way he should have ( Eiji Tsuburaya liked this effect and kept it in for some bizarre reason ) .
That being said , the film has an effectively eerie mood thanks to its creepy , atmospheric score by the brilliant Masaru Sato ( who would go on to score three more Godzilla films after this ) , and a script that takes the subject matter seriously . While the grim , bleak tone of Honda's first film is mostly gone , Godzilla Raids Again is still a straight-faced sci-fi thriller without the camp of the later films . While Gojira was done in the style of a disaster film , Godzilla Raids Again plays like a war movie , with Japan readying itself for an inevitable attack by unstoppable enemies . The scenes with the coastal cities enforcing a blackout as Godzilla approaches are eerily effective , and bring back images of the Allies ' conflict with Japan during WWII . In addition , Godzilla's climactic battle with the air force is one of the best - and most original - action sequences of the Showa era .
If you want to see this , stick with the Japanese version , as the American version has Godzilla's roars replaced with Anguirus's ( seriously ) and has the voice actor for Tsukioka incessantly - and infuriatingly - narrating every tiny detail in the film , right down to what he's doing on camera ! The American version also adds pointless ( not to mention idiotic ) stock footage and replaces Masaru Sato's score with inferior stock music from Hollywood B-movies . Godzilla Raids Again isn't a classic ; it's talky and obviously inferior to the original , but at the same time it stands out from the rest of the early Godzilla films because of its unusual mood and tone .
032 4 If you watch Gojira the first movie featuring Godzilla , it's a much different film from most of the usual entries in this long running series . Instead of a monster smackdown where most of Tokyo gets destoryed , Gojira is a dark and sombre film showcasing the fears of the atomic age .
Godzilla Raids Again , the direct sequel to Gojira starts to take the series in a new direction . Godzilla comes back to Japan , this time accompanied by another large monster , Angilus . Kind of porcupine-like thing , walking on all fours and featuring a turtle-like shell covered in spikes . While these two begin slapping each other around Osaka , lots of fireballs erupt and miniatures get destroyed . Raids Again features a lighter tone than the first film and gives Godzilla ( called Gigantus throughout this film though ) a large adversary to fight . . a keystone to almost all future entries in the series .
Raids Again is a fun movie , that begins setting the tone for what is to come later in the series . One of the highlights of this film for me is the relationship between the two pilots , Shoichi Tsukioka and Koji Kobayashi . The two friends , both working for the same fishery , find themselves caught in the middle of the Godzilla madness . Their relationship as things unfold is one of the more entertaining aspects of the film , specifically the comic relief provided by Kobayashi .
I think the reason this is the forgotten Godzilla film is that it's probably has the most limited appeal to a Godzilla audience . Too serious a tone from the later entries in the series , but a much lighter tone than the first film . Add in that it's a black and white film , and you'll eliminate a good many folks as well .
Still , I've always enjoyed this film and think it's well worth adding to your collection .
033 4 I got this DVD as part of the Godzilla collection , and I was so happy that they included the original Japanese release with English subtitles . I had the American version on VHS and never really liked it . The American version mutilated the monster sounds by having Godzilla ( which was renamed Gigantis , dumb ! ) sound like Angalus and vice versa . They also striped some of the music . The Japanese version has the sounds correct . I did find it unusual that the fight scenes where fast action , as opposed to the slower action in all the other Godzilla movies . It's not one of my favorites , but it's OK . The soundtrack isn't as good as the other movies and I think it's the lamest Godzilla suit in the early years . The subtitle have some minor translation errors , but it I got a kick out of it .
034 4 This is a good little movie that is a good follow up to the first Godzilla movie . There is a lot of focus on the human actors , but they are very charming in an old-fashioned kind of way . Godzilla vs Anguirus is a bit of a mismatch , and you don't see much of Godzilla firing his flame breath , but it's worth watching . Godzilla looks a little more realistic in black and white than in color , I think .
The explanation of how Godzilla and Anguirus came to be is kinda funny - the lines in that part of the movie are memorable .
On this particular edition of the movies ( this current set ) the special features are nifty , too .
035 4 This is just as stupid as any other Godzilla flick but if you love Godzilla , you will love this .
036 4 great dvd of two friends battling out the 2nd in the series of many godzilla movies .
037 4 This review is from :
Godzilla Raids Again ( DVD )
I had not seen this movie for at least 30 years ! It is great that we are seeing the releases of all the old classic Toho films , but I wish they had the respect for the films that the fans have . This print should have been restored and from the look of the package you would think it is .
It's not that it is a really bad print , but if you are going to release these old favorites in nice packaging and put extras on the DVD then restore the prints ! I'm glad to have it , but it should have been better !
038 4 I had not seen this movie for at least 30 years ! It is great that we are seeing the releases of all the old classic Toho films , but I wish they had the respect for the films that the fans have . This print should have been restored and from the look of the package you would think it is .
It's not that it is a really bad print , but if you are going to release these old favorites in nice packaging and put extras on the DVD then restore the prints ! I'm glad to have it , but it should have been better !
039 4 I have been a fan of godzilla for many years . So when this rare picture was released i had to have it . Overall the original japanese version was better . It explained maney points that was left out of the american version . Also you get a better feel of the charaters . If you buy this picture you will be able to see and compare both versions . I watched the dubbed version out of intrest because i had never seen this movie and i was pleasently surprised that the original is better . I believe any true godzilla fan should get this movie .
040 4 I had bought a low quality VHS of the English version of this a few years ago , and couln't believe they had dubbed Godzilla with the voice of Anguirus ! I thought something was wrong with the tape . Anyway , this package with a substitled Japanese version , never seen in this county , as well as a better quality dubbed US version , gives an interesting comparison . I can only guess that either Toho did not authorize the US version , so they called Godzilla Gigantis , and dubbed Anguirus's call to him as well , to avoid being sued , or for reasons unknown , Toho did not want the name Godzilla used . Another strange thing about this film is the fight scenes between the monsters : there is a lot of jerking , suggesting these parts used stop motion , or they just speeded up the action .
041 4 I'm rating the vid cause it requires a rating to post a comment . . . but I actually have a question for you all . My two biggest complaints for the previously released Godzilla movie were one that fact that the Japanese version of the movie looked clean while the American version looked pretty bad . I guess this is the way it should look though . . . . however my second complaint is that the subtitles in the movie where really bad to read . . . almost needed a telescope to read them and they were kind of drowned out in parts of the movie so you couldn't see them in the picture . Did they do anything to clean up the subtitles in these two current releases to make them easier to read ? Normally I can read subtitles just fine in a movie with them in it . . . so it's not a genearal problem . . . just a specific problem with the subtitle in the previous Godzilla DVD .
043 4 It's hard to review this disk , because it contains two different movies , the original Japanese version and the version as redubbed for American release . I recommend watching the Japanese version and leaving the dubbed version to rot in silence .
There some flaws in the japanese version , due to the fact that it was made in a hurry to take advantage of the popularity of the first movie , but on the whole it is a fairly good movie , with a reasonably well developed plot . To the science fiction fan , there seems to be a lot of time spent on developements that don't have much to do with Godzilla and his foe Anguiras , but it does have a lot to do with the relationship between the two heroes , Tuskioka and Kobayashi . there is also the matter of Godzilla's teeth . As fans may know , there were actually two forms of Godzilla costumes . One is the rubber suit with an actor inside . In this movie , the actor had actually gone to work with the maker , and the suit for this movie was actually somewhat better than the one for the first movie . The suit was capable of better range of motion and , in my opinion , slightly better proportioned .
The other costume was , basically , a hand puppet showing only the head and neck . Obviously , the people who designed the puppet did not see the suit . The head was a different shape and the teeth stuck out in every direction but the right one . No wonder Godzilla had such a temper ! No living animal possibly eat anything with those teeth . The poor creature was starving to death !
But with all these objections , the movie was not that bad . Certainly not a classic like the first one , but good enough for an evenings entertainment .
But then somebody got up the idea of releasing an English language version , and everything went to pot . The first plan , apparently was to produce a movie with English-speaking actors and insert action scenes from the Japanese film , much as had been done with the first movie , but that plan fell through . So what they did was dub in an English narrative and english speach over the words of the actors . We know that the english speaking actors used were , in fact , very talented people because they were later to give outstanding performances ( particularly George Takei ) , but no actor can give a good performance without a good script and the script for this show was a certified , lead plated , clunker .
You might remember that , at this time , science fiction and monster movies were mostly aimed at a teenage audience , and most teenagers were considered to have the maturity and comprehension level of a twelve year old with an IQ rating of 101 . But apparently the producers did not want to deal with such a highly intellectual group . This script was aimed at ten year olds with an IQ of 90 . For one thing , the narrator never stopped talking , even when there was nothing to say . For another thing what was said was totally stupid . At one point , the hero , Tsukioka , shouts banana oil , a slang term from the 1920 ' s , which no teenager had ever heard , and so , had no idea what it meant . Another thing that I found objectionable was the addition of a plot line which has the hero , Tsukioka , being afraid and trying to overcome his fear . The man had , according to the plot , served as a wartime combat pilot and had just performed a daring rescue of his buddy Kobayashi from an island occupied by two monsters known for the habit of burning planes out of the sky . Nobody familiar with the history of WWII would even think of accusing a Japanese combat pilot with cowardice . The whole concept was just too ignorant for words .
It is sad that the audio commentary is added only to the english version and is thus compelled to a discussion of the miserable voice-overs .
I suggest that you watch the Japanese language version with the subtitles , and leave the English dubbed version for ten year olds with I。's below 90 , though you will have to explain to them what banana oil means . ( the more modern term is codswollup . )
One thing that almost makes the disk worth its price without the movie is the featurette Art Of Suit Acting . It's worth watching if only to learn who was inside those hot , stuff rubber suits .
044 4 The follow up to the 1954 classic , Godzilla Raids Again pretty much laid the ground work for the rest of the series . I gave it a 4 / 5 only because the box is much smaller than the box for Gojira , and the picture above is quite decieving . Normally I wouldn't care , but when it's being displayed atop my TV , it looks kinda funny with 2 different sized DVD cases .
045 4 Long out of print on video , I am happy to be one of the few people who still own this collector's item on video . Originally released on VHS through Video Treasures ( now known as Anchor Bay ) , this first sequel to the original Godzilla was also known as Gigantis , The Fire Monster . Long forgotten by some fans of the classic Toho series , this one is similiar to the original in its feel though not nearly as grim .
This one concerns a group of fisherman who discover two monsters , one of them is another Godzilla while the other is a monster we will come to know and love as Anguilas . The monsters eventually show up in Osaka and wreck havoc . The military finally tracks the monsters down to an iceberg out in the ocean where the finale takes place .
Filmed in black and white like the original Godzilla , this one really feels like a sequel . If you can find a copy somewhere , pick it up because it is very rare . If you are a fan of Godzilla movies , you will want to see this one .
046 4 A good sequel . Gives the same mood as the original Godzilla . This has the monster anglias . The Godzilla suite is much clearer to see than godzilla , King of the Monsters . This Godzilla is awesome .
048 4 This is the first godzilla sequel . It sticks to the anti-nuclear theme . There are scenes which more clearly show Godzilla as an actual metaphore for nuclear war . Buy it for yourself , the kids won't like it as much as Godzilla's Revenge
049 4 ya would think they would clean it up digitally but they didn't it still has the scratches just new packaging and with sony as distributer.they need to clean the films frame by frame it would help with enjoyment touch up the scratches even the extras are b & w from color films . this film has been called the lost film because it was originally called gigantas the fire monster but its still godzilla before the name godzilla stuck
050 4 This movie is one of the best Gojira movies made . Originally made as Gojira no gyakushu in Japan . Sadly the american version has changed the film too much for its own good . The only way to see it is in the original Japanese version with subtitles . It is very hard to find and it took me 5 years to get it . But both versions are fun for all ages and a rare must-have for Gojira fans .
051 4 After the original movie that started the phenomenon , this movie was pretty much a disappointment . I have been waiting so long to see this movie since it never airs in the US and has never been released on DVD here . Sadly , I can see why this is never on TV , it lacks everything that the first movie had-including a deep storyline .
A man crashes on an island and is rescued , only to see Anguirus and Godzilla fighting for no real reason . The two go home and are followed by Godzilla and Anguirus to Japan , and the government tries to figure out a way to get rid of the two as they take their fight to the streets of the country . That is the major plot of the film , but that part of the story happens way too soon and the battle between the two monsters ends in the middle of the film and afterwards is just kind of dull . The battle between Anguirus and Godzilla was mediocre at best and nothing compared to the memorable fights such as Godzilla vs . Mothra or King Kong . The rest of the story is about the people trying to figure out a way to get rid of Godzilla and none of that is interesting .
I give this film three stars for a few reasons , mainly being because this is the first movie to feature another monster in a Godzilla film . It may not be an exciting battle between the two , but it is historical since Godzilla finally had an enemy of his own size and was copied by every other monster movie to come afterwards . All of that is worth a star alone , but if not for that , this would get a two star rating for sure . I've been a fan of Godzilla since 1985 , and I have to say that this was one of the worst sequels compared to the others . Watch it and you will agree . It was huge in its time , but it just doesn't compare to some of the later movies in the series .
052 4 when this movie was released here in the states for distribution warner brothers was the distributor and the directors sued to keep it from being distributed by warner bro.It is considered an unoficial godzilla movie thats why the monster names are diff from the official godzilla movies . if you are a godzilla fan this is a must have along with godzilla 85 , Godzilla vs . biolante and the not yet released for home mothra reborn 3 and the final war .
053 4 This review is from :
Godzilla Raids Again ( DVD )
When I got this movie I was hoping that it would care more about action than anything else , but the story is so wierd , including the romance , made the movie extremely confusing and really dull . the movie seems to go on FOREVER ! And half the time I didn't know what was going on . If you're a major Godzilla fan , get it . If not , you don't need to .
054 4 When I got this movie I was hoping that it would care more about action than anything else , but the story is so wierd , including the romance , made the movie extremely confusing and really dull . the movie seems to go on FOREVER ! And half the time I didn't know what was going on . If you're a major Godzilla fan , get it . If not , you don't need to .
056 4 I've always been a huge Godzilla fan so any movie with Godzilla in it is a big hit .
057 4 I really enjoyed this movie . I've always been a huge fan of Godzilla . I like the plot . I especially liked the new looking Godzilla and his alien foe - Orga .
058 4 This film is a dud . After the impressive Godzilla : King of the Monsters , came this dull , boring sequel .
Two stupid pilots find another Godzilla creature battling a spiky monster , later named Anguirus . They report the news to the leaders in Osaka . The military tries to lure Godzilla away from Japan with flares , but thanks to some dimwitted escaped prisoners , Godzilla is lured TOWARD japan , by a raging oil fire .
Godzilla fights Anguirus again and whips the stupid thing in an oddly shot fight ( usually the giant monster scenes are shot in slo-mo so they appear a little realistic . Here they are apparently shot real time ) . Godzilla leaves and the Japanese military follows , burying Godzilla under massive mounds of snow and ice ( like that's going to stop him after countless artillery shells and tank rounds fail ? ) .
Throughout the film Godzilla is refered to as Gigantis and rarely is his trademark roar heard . Most of the time he sounds like Anguirus .
Anguirus would later appear in Godzilla vs Gigan & Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla ( as a good guy in both ) , both of which are more enjoyable than this dud .
I didn't care a lick for the characters and found myself very bored , desiring the end to come quickly . A real letdown after the initial entry , this one is notable only in the fact it cointains the first monster battle of the series .
059 4 I was completly satisfied with my order and the time frame promised to me !
060 4 This is slagar the cruel again also known currently as narku junior .
This was the first movie that was shot as sequel to the original godzilla . It is also the last godzilla movie every made in black and white and was also rarelt every shown on tv in the united states even scifi channel and turner classic movies rarely every brodcast this . I also thought I'd inform you that this is not the dvd formated version I'm review this is a quick time video format version of the movie that is broken up into 14 segment last about 2 to 6 minutes each that was download on two you tube a couple of years ago . I highly recommend you get the dvd and do not copy and paste the links on too your computer unless you have a really big hard drive of at least 5 gigabites in size or big these videos will take up alot of memory if you copy the whole movie it will take over 50 kilibites of your memoryy to paste one whole copy of the movie on your desktop if it's broken up in to segments . In this movie godzilla and a new monter angilas threaten Japan . Can the japanese forces once again save all of Japan and the rest of the world from otter destruction find out in the thrilling conclusion . Due to midl scifi action violence this movie might not be appropriate or may be questionable to kids under ten years of age depending on what there parents our guardians thinks is appropriate for them . I also thought I would inform you that this not the final film the are twenty 21 other films after this exclude the american godzilla made by the creatures of independence and all the godzilla movies in the millenium series that would be Godzilla 2000 to Godzilla Final War . In addition for the American version Godzilla name was altered fromn goldzilla to Gigantisis for the american version then was changed back to godzilla for all the films that follow after it . If you buy this take good care of it because if you try to sell it one day it could be worth over 20 dollars if conbtains the japanese and american version of the movie and it's in really good condition and the people you sell it to don't ripp you off .
061 4 in this movie a monster called gigantis figths a ankylosaurus and ends up killing it and continues to threten all of mankind.y hatched this movies last nitgh when it aired on cbc as satureday night movies and y staded up untile midenigth to sea how it ended and y did but y hont spoill it for you .
Decent prints , certainly on par with the recent release of GODZILLA / GOJIRA in terms of print quality . I wasn't expecting the best prints given Toho hasn't had a print yet that screams to be called ' beautiful ' of their old stuff . Well , MATANGO / ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE is pretty dang good . Here , they're definitely watchable ( each 4x3 ) with obvious clean up still needed , but for such a rare release in the US , it's hard to complain .
THE JP FILM : Wow . . . . this was . . . . eeerrrm . . . . uh . . . . . . . It almost felt like no one knew what to do with the Godzilla character or the story . It seems to drag . . . . . . start up . . . . slow down . . . . . then go off onto some wacky escaped-convict-subplot to get to a certain point in the story ( sorry . . . no spoilers : - ) What the . . . . ? ! ? ! It did seem to retain SOME of the serious tone of the original but the execution was haphazard , I almost switched to the US on a few occasions , it resembled an Asian Ed Wood film so much ( sorry , G ' afficianados ; - ) And super speeded up-Keystone Cops monster battles . I had wondered what exactly it was that other reviewers were referring to and then I saw it . Talk about distracting . The film suddenly looks like it's a silent film when Godzilla and Anguirus begin battling , which is a shame , because there's quite a bit of it to watch and the suit is basically the original with more closeups ( puppet & body ) and clearer scenes . So those of you ever wishing you could see the original suit for longer periods of time , well , it's here . . . . . kinda . I wish on all these newer releases they'd make the subtitles a little THICKER . They're sometimes hard to see no matter what color being so thinly cased fonts . These are no exception . Run time : 81 : 34 .
US VERSION : This is the first time in my life with DVD's that I'd ever restarted a movie to watch it with the commentary on to get through it . I made it about 20 - 30 minutes into the dubbed version of the film before I couldn't take it anymore . I know it's ridiculous that a dubbed Japanese character should have a Western accent , but here the Japanese accent just sounded sooo stereotypically Asian . . . . . . . . . . . which as an Asian myself sounds weird to say , but I think you'd have to watch the film to see what I mean for yourself . I kept expecting the guy to finish his lines saying Aaaah-soooo or me no like WTF ! ? . . . . . . . . . . . . gaaaah ! ! ! ! Anyone moaning about the American remix of the original Godzilla with Burr , need only watch this remix to gain a new appreciation of THAT American recut . Run time : 79 : 00 .
The commentary was nearly perfect . . . . good mix of excellent info . . . . . book read notes and even some parts that sounded . . . well . . . spontaneous . . . lol . That was enjoyable . I'm not big on commentaries either , so this was a good thing . DUBBING PART 2 : I restarted the film because , well , I enjoy bad dubbing when in the mood , but this was a particular brand of atrocious that I was not prepared for . . . . maybe on another day . . . but not last night . The dubbing sounds read from a book , so when the character is raising their arm . . . . the narrator TELLS YOU he's raising his arm . . . . lol . What were they thinking ! ? lol .
THE CASE and INNARDS : The ads all over give you the impression it's the same thickness as the GOJIRA 2 - disc . This being one disc , the case is thinner , but same concept . The packaging is EXCELLENT . But you will need to keep the paper band around it if it is to stay closed long term as it does not clip shut on its own which is a downside . The case is a hard cardboard like the Gojira release . . . . coated with the foiled print . Very nice . . it's pretty cool looking in all of its movie poster-Japanese crowded text & description glory . And if you're a junkie for Japaneses packaging design , this is a treat . The case crackles open to reveal a clear tray to the right and a photo of Anguirus ( SP ? too early int the am to spellcheck lol ) The disc is 2 - films - on-one - style , graphics ( i.el text only ) on one side . When the main menu pops up you choose one or the other ( US / JP ) , then proceed to their individual menu . These look like the Gojira menus stylistically . . . i.e . poster art etc . Both have the ' ART OF SUIT ACTING ' special feature which was fun to watch if not a clinical assessment at times , but you can't go wrong . The host is QUITE informed and knows his stuff and the info is excellent , not to mention the behind the scenes photos is a treat to see . On this or the same day release of MOTHRA . . . . there is NO BOOKLET ala GOJIRA .
OVERALL : For this price , and you now it's going to go down soon , this was a good buy , especially to see something otherwise only available on bootlegs on Ebay for us here in the US . I do wish they'd make these cases clip shut , because they will eventually not have the tightness to stay closed on their own and then dirt and junk will make their way in . But yes , overall . . . . . cool purchase , and no complaints really , on this end . Casual fans may wanna rent this first though : - )
002 4 FILM HISTORY
This film made in 1955 is the very first sequel made to the original Gojira aka Godzilla , King of the Monsters in its US release . The film was rushed into production in order to capitalize on the popularity of the first film . In the US it was apparently released by a different film company than the first film , so the title was changed such that the word Godzilla didn't even appear in it ! The US theatrical release title was Gigantis the Fire Monster . The film has been released in the US under other titles over the years , such as The Return of Godzilla and as Godzilla Raids Again when it was on VHS tape . The original Japanese title was apparently , Gojira no gyakus。û or Gojira Strikes Again in English .
I am a huge Godzilla fan and have been since I was a small child , and in all the years I watched these films on TV , in the theater , and on home video , I've never seen this film broadcast on television and I apparently missed it when it was available on VHS . I didn't even know it existed until I saw it listed in Michael Weldon's Psychotronic Film Guide years ago . It seems that the fact that this film was not released in the US by the same company that released the original film has doomed this one to obscurity for an extremely long time . However , this situation is now corrected with the release of the film to DVD .
FILM SYNOPSIS , PRODUCTION TRIVIA , COMMENTS
As was stated in the original Gojira , it does turn out that there are more of these monstrous creatures in the sea than just the one Godzilla that was destroyed at the end of the first film . This film is more of a typical 1950s monster smash ' em up picture than the original film and less of a statement on nuclear horror . This sets the tone for many Godzilla pictures to come . There were also some apparent changes to the Gojira costume for this film as well as to the focus of the story . It also began the now long-standing tradition of matching Godzilla up with other monsters as Angiurus , sometimes called Anguilas , makes his debut in this film . He's the monster that looks a bit like an ankylosaur with a touch of giant hedgehog .
This film is a fairly average entry in the Godzilla series with little of the serious dramatic metaphors for and references to nuclear war so prevalent in the original Japanese version of the first film , but kaiju completists and monster movie fans will probably want to see this film because it has been so rarely seen or available up until now . The Japanese version is coherent , fairly well-acted and enjoyable . The American version is so hilariously bad that it's hugely entertaining as unintentional comedy ! The American version is filled with nonsensical dialogue that has nothing to do with the original Japanese , it's loaded with cheesy stock footage that does not appear in the original film and it's voiced-over by a narrator ( Keye Luke ) that NEVER stops talking . Seriously , the American producer insisted on non-stop narration that never shuts up and insists on describing things that are clearly portrayed visually in the film . It's just terrible , but funny terrible ! The American version would have been a great subject for Mystery Science Theater 3000 . Be sure to listen to the commentary track on the American version after watching the film once without it . It's informative and highly entertaining .
DVD INFORMATION ON CONTENT INCLUDING EXTRA FEATURES
This DVD contains both the original 1955 Japanese version of the film as well as the 1959 American release dubbed in English . George Takei ( Star Trek ) and Keye Luke ( Charlie Chan , Gremlins ) both supplied voices for the English version . The subtitles for the uncut Japanese version were newly produced for this release . Like the recent excellent 2 - disc DVD release of the original Gojira , this disc has commentary and featurettes by Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski .
Note that the general release date for this DVD was originally supposed to be in November 2006 , but it has been pushed back till spring 2007 . This information comes directly from the godzillaondvd website , which is the official website of the producers of this DVD and the only place where the DVD can be purchased until general release .
I'm giving this release 3 stars for the movie and 5 stars for the great DVD treatment for a final rating of 4 stars . Monster flick fans can celebrate now that Godzilla Raids Again raids again !
004 4 I've just finished watching both the US & Japan versions of this film , as released on DVD 4 / 3 / 07 . For those of you who've never seen this little piece of work , prepare thyselves , it could go one of a few different ways . I had never seen this pic but heard about it for years so buying it sight unseen was not a question .
GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN / GIGANTIS , FIRE MONSTER : Decent prints , certainly on par with the recent release of GODZILLA / GOJIRA in terms of print quality . I wasn't expecting the best prints given Toho hasn't had a print yet that screams to be called ' beautiful ' of their old stuff . Well , MATANGO / ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE is pretty dang good . Here , they're definitely watchable ( each 4x3 ) with obvious clean up still needed , but for such a rare release in the US , it's hard to complain .
THE JP FILM : Wow . . . . this was . . . . eeerrrm . . . . uh . . . . . . . It almost felt like no one knew what to do with the Godzilla character or the story . It seems to drag . . . . . . start up . . . . slow down . . . . . then go off onto some wacky escaped-convict-subplot to get to a certain point in the story ( sorry . . . no spoilers : - ) What the . . . . ? ! ? ! It did seem to retain SOME of the serious tone of the original but the execution was haphazard , I almost switched to the US on a few occasions , it resembled an Asian Ed Wood film so much ( sorry , G ' afficianados ; - ) And super speeded up-Keystone Cops monster battles . I had wondered what exactly it was that other reviewers were referring to and then I saw it . Talk about distracting . The film suddenly looks like it's a silent film when Godzilla and Anguirus begin battling , which is a shame , because there's quite a bit of it to watch and the suit is basically the original with more closeups ( puppet & body ) and clearer scenes . So those of you ever wishing you could see the original suit for longer periods of time , well , it's here . . . . . kinda . I wish on all these newer releases they'd make the subtitles a little THICKER . They're sometimes hard to see no matter what color being so thinly cased fonts . These are no exception . Run time : 81 : 34 .
US VERSION : This is the first time in my life with DVD's that I'd ever restarted a movie to watch it with the commentary on to get through it . I made it about 20 - 30 minutes into the dubbed version of the film before I couldn't take it anymore . I know it's ridiculous that a dubbed Japanese character should have a Western accent , but here the Japanese accent just sounded sooo stereotypically Asian . . . . . . . . . . . which as an Asian myself sounds weird to say , but I think you'd have to watch the film to see what I mean for yourself . I kept expecting the guy to finish his lines saying Aaaah-soooo or me no like WTF ! ? . . . . . . . . . . . . gaaaah ! ! ! ! Anyone moaning about the American remix of the original Godzilla with Burr , need only watch this remix to gain a new appreciation of THAT American recut . Run time : 79 : 00 .
The commentary was nearly perfect . . . . good mix of excellent info . . . . . book read notes and even some parts that sounded . . . well . . . spontaneous . . . lol . That was enjoyable . I'm not big on commentaries either , so this was a good thing . DUBBING PART 2 : I restarted the film because , well , I enjoy bad dubbing when in the mood , but this was a particular brand of atrocious that I was not prepared for . . . . maybe on another day . . . but not last night . The dubbing sounds read from a book , so when the character is raising their arm . . . . the narrator TELLS YOU he's raising his arm . . . . lol . What were they thinking ! ? lol .
THE CASE and INNARDS : The ads all over give you the impression it's the same thickness as the GOJIRA 2 - disc . This being one disc , the case is thinner , but same concept . The packaging is EXCELLENT . But you will need to keep the paper band around it if it is to stay closed long term as it does not clip shut on its own which is a downside . The case is a hard cardboard like the Gojira release . . . . coated with the foiled print . Very nice . . it's pretty cool looking in all of its movie poster-Japanese crowded text & description glory . And if you're a junkie for Japaneses packaging design , this is a treat . The case crackles open to reveal a clear tray to the right and a photo of Anguirus ( SP ? too early int the am to spellcheck lol ) The disc is 2 - films - on-one - style , graphics ( i.el text only ) on one side . When the main menu pops up you choose one or the other ( US / JP ) , then proceed to their individual menu . These look like the Gojira menus stylistically . . . i.e . poster art etc . Both have the ' ART OF SUIT ACTING ' special feature which was fun to watch if not a clinical assessment at times , but you can't go wrong . The host is QUITE informed and knows his stuff and the info is excellent , not to mention the behind the scenes photos is a treat to see . On this or the same day release of MOTHRA . . . . there is NO BOOKLET ala GOJIRA .
OVERALL : For this price , and you now it's going to go down soon , this was a good buy , especially to see something otherwise only available on bootlegs on Ebay for us here in the US . I do wish they'd make these cases clip shut , because they will eventually not have the tightness to stay closed on their own and then dirt and junk will make their way in . But yes , overall . . . . . cool purchase , and no complaints really , on this end . Casual fans may wanna rent this first though : - )
007 4 This is the second Godzilla movie , and this is the first time on DVD for the american version and the first time ever in the US for the uncut , unedied Japanese version . Both are included on this new DVD . The Japanese version is superior , but the dubbed american version is entertaining also , though its just a little bit confusing .
Here is a list of all the Godzilla films . The titles are the current , or most recent , US home video / DVD . TWO TITLES ARE GIVEN , WHER THE DVD INCLUDES BOTH JAPANESE AND US VERSIONS .
THE GODZILLA LIST :
#1 GOJIRA / GODZILLA , KING OF THE MONSTERS
#2 GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN / GIGANTIS , THE FIRE MONSTER
#3 KING KONG VS . GODZILLA
#4 MOTHRA VS . GODZILLA / GODZILLA VS . MOTHRA ( aka GODZILLA VS . THE THING )
#5 GHIDORAH , THE THREE HEADED MONSTER / GHIDRAH , THE THREE HEADED MONSTER
#6 INVASION OF ASTRO MONSTER / GODZILLA VS . MONSTER ZERO ( aka MONSTER ZERO )
#7 GODZILLA VS . THE SEA MONSTER
#8 SON OF GODZILLA
#9 DESTROY ALL MONSTERS
#10 GODZILLA'S REVENGE ( aka ALL MONSTERS ATTACK )
#11 GODZILLA VS . HEDORAH ( aka GODZILLA VS . THE SMOG MONSTER )
#12 GODZILLA VS . GIGAN ( aka GODZILLA ON MONSTER ISLAND )
#13 GODZILLA VS . MEGALON
#14 GODZILLA VS . MECHAGODZILLA ( aka GODZILLA VS . COSMIC MONSTER )
#15 TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA ( aka TERROR OF GODZILLA )
#16 GODZILLA 1985 ( aka RETURN OF GODZILLA )
#17 GODZILLA VS . BIOLLANTE
#18 GODZILLA VS . KING GHIDORAH ( aka GODZILLA VS . KING GHIDORA )
#19 GODZILLA & MOTHRA , THE BATTLE FOR EARTH
#20 GODZILLA VS . MECHAGODZILLA II
#21 GODZILLA VS . SPACEGODZILLA
#22 GODZILLA VS . DESTOROYAH
#23 GODZILLA 1998 ( aka GODZILLA , MONSTER EDITION )
#24 GODZILLA 2000
#25 GODZILLA VS . MEGAGUIRAS
#26 GODZILLA , MOTHRA & KING GHIDORAH : GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK
#27 GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA
#28 GODZILLA , TOKYO S.O.S .
#29 GODZILLA FINAL WARS
SEE ALSO :
HUMAN COMET ZONE ( TV aka ZONE FIGHTER . GODZILLA has guest appearances . )
GODZILLA , THE ORIGINAL ANIMATED SERIES
GODZILLA , THE SERIES
THE GODZILLA SPIN-OFF SERIES LIST :
#1 RODAN
#2 VARAN , THE UNBELIEVABLE
#3 ATRAGON
#4 DOGORA ( aka DAGORA , THE SPACE MONSTER )
#5 FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD
#6 WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS
#7 LATITUDE ZERO
#8 SPACE AMOEBA ( aka YOG , MONSTER FROM SPACE )
SEE ALSO :
MEGALOMAN ( TV )
GO ! GREENMAN ( TV )
GO ! POWERMAN ( TV aka GO ! GODMAN )
THE KING KONG AND OFFICIAL KONG SPIN-OFF LIST :
#1 KING KONG
#2 SON OF KONG
#3 MIGHTY JOE YOUNG
#4 KING KONG VS . GODZILLA
#5 KING KONG ESCAPES
#6 KING KONG 1976
#7 KING KONG LIVES ( aka KING KONG 2 )
#8 MIGHTY JOE YOUNG 1997
#9 THE MIGHTY KONG ( animated )
#10 KONG , KING OF ATLANTIS ( animated )
#11 KING KONG 2005
#12 KONG , RETURN TO THE JUNGLE ( animated )
SEE ALSO :
KING KONG , THE ANIMATED SERIES ( aka THE KING KONG SHOW )
GO ! GREENMAN ( TV , KONG has a guest appearance in one episode . )
KONG , THE SERIES
KING KONG RIP-OFF LIST :
JAPANESE KING KONG
KING KONG APPEARED IN EDO ( aka KING KONG APPEARS IN EDO )
NABONGA ( aka NABONGA GORILLA )
WHITE PONGO ( aka WHITE GORILLA )
THE WHITE GORILLA
AFRICA SCREAMS ( aka ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET KING KONG )
UNKNOWN ISLAND
THE SNOW CREATURE
KONGA
THE MIGHTY GORGA
KING KONG ( Hindi )
TARZAN MEETS KING KONG ( Hindi )
KING OF KONG ISLAND ( aka KONG ISLAND )
SEX KONG
DOLLS OF KING KONG
SUPER KING KONG ( aka APE )
QUEEN KONG
MIGHTY PEKING MAN ( aka GOLIATHON )
JULES VERNE'S WHERE TIME BEGAN ( aka JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH )
YETI , GIANT OF THE 20TH CENTURY
KING DONG ( aka LOST ON ADVENTURE ISLAND )
KING OF THE LOST WORLD
KINKY KONG
BABES IN KONG LAND
THE GAMERA LIST :
#1 GAMMERA , THE INVINCIBLE ( aka GAMERA )
#2 WAR OF THE MONSTERS ( aka GAMERA VS . BARUGON , GAMERA STRIKES BACK ) )
#3 RETURN OF THE GIANT MONSTERS ( aka GAMERA VS . GAOS )
#3 DESTROY ALL PLANETS
#4 ATTACK OF THE MONSTERS ( GAMERA VS . GUIRON )
#5 GAMERA VS . MONSTER X
#6 GAMERA VS . ZIGRA
#7 GAMERA SUPER MONSTER
#8 GAMERA , GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE
#9 GAMERA , ATTACK OF LEGION
#10 GAMERA , REVENGE OF IRIS
#11 GAMERA , THE BRAVE
THE GIANT MAJIN SERIES LIST :
#1 MAJIN , THE MONSTER OF TERROR ( aka DAIMAJIN )
#2 RETURN OF THE GIANT MAJIN ( aka WRATH OF DAIMAJIN )
#3 RETURN OF DAIMAJIN
THE MOTHRA LIST :
#1 MOTHRA
#2 REBIRTH OF MOTHRA
#3 REBIRTH OF MOTHRA 2
#4 REBIRTH OF MOTHRA 3
THE TOHO ALIEN INVASION SERIES :
#1 THE MYSTERIANS
#2 BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE
#3 GORATH
#4 WAR IN SPACE
THE TOHO MUTANT SERIES :
#1 HALF HUMAN
#2 INVISIBLE MAN
#3 THE H MAN
#4 HUMAN VAPOR
#5 MATANGO , ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE
#6 SECRET OF THE TELEGIAN
#7 ESPY
#8 LAST DAYS OF PLANET EARTH
OTHER GIANT MONSTERS :
GAPPA , THE TRIPHIBIAN MONSTERS ( aka MONSTER FROM A PREHISTORIC PLANET )
THE X FROM OUTER SPACE ( aka GUILALA , SPACE MONSTER ) )
YONGARY , MONSTER FROM THE DEEP
GIANT GORO VS . GOLIATH ( aka DAIGORO AGAINST GORIASU )
VOYAGE INTO SPACE ( aka JOHNNY SOKKO & HIS FLYING ROBOT )
PLANET OF THE BIONIC APES ( aka SPECTREMAN )
MONSTERS FROM SPACE ( aka SPACE GIANTS )
LEGEND OF THE DINOSAURS ( aka LEGENDS OF DINOSAURS & MONSTER BIRDS )
SUPER INFRAMAN ( aka INFRAMAN )
THE LAND UNKNOWN
THE LAST DINOSAUR
THE BERMUDA DEPTHS
REPTILICUS
GORGO
GARUDA
THE GIANT CLAW
ZARKORR ! , THE INVADER
KRAA ! , THE SEA MONSTER
REPTILIAN ( aka YONG-GARY )
BRAIN 17 ( aka IRON ROBOT 17 )
013 4 This is a little more improved than King of the monsters with visual effects and clearer to see . Godzilla fights Anglias , which is one of my favorite monsters of all time . Anglias and Godzilla rip apart Tokyo and Yokahama and then a battle with jets at the end . . . . . This MOVIE IS LOOKED OVER BY CRITICS ! THEY Should make a ANNIVERSARY EDITION ! ITS WORTH IT !
020 4 This review is from :
Godzilla Raids Again [ VHS ] ( VHS Tape )
The first of the Godzilla vs . films and made shortly after KING OF THE MONSTERS this movie begins the tradition of great Tokyo monster sequals . Why we can have footage of this movie in the Godzilla vS Megaguiaus dvd and not the movie itself release to dvd yet is beyond me . But many American fans like myself are apparently hoping to have this in our dvd collection in the future .
021 4 The first of the Godzilla vs . films and made shortly after KING OF THE MONSTERS this movie begins the tradition of great Tokyo monster sequals . Why we can have footage of this movie in the Godzilla vS Megaguiaus dvd and not the movie itself release to dvd yet is beyond me . But many American fans like myself are apparently hoping to have this in our dvd collection in the future .
023 4 This movie is a really good one for Kaiju fans . Godzilla may look goofy , but Anguirus looks awsome ! Here is a list of ups and downs to this movie :
1 . The monster battle is very reallistic to an actual monster fight . I have to say this is one of the biggest ups of the movie .
2 . Godzilla's first monster fight .
3 . Anguirus is awsome !
4 . Still maintains scaryness .
5 . The idea to bury Godzilla is very inventive .
6 . The final fight of Godzilla vs . The Jets is pretty cool .
7 . Good old black and white .
8 . The fight in Osaka is amazingly destructive .
9 . Nice plot .
10 . I like how they find out about the monsters .
DOWNS
1 . The women are annoying .
2 . Anguirus looks happy all of the time .
3 . Godzilla looks like a giraff .
4 . If Godzilla is covered in ice , why didn't he just blast himself out ?
5 . The actors aren't as good as the origenal .
6 . It looks like they rushed it .
7 . WHAT'S WITH THE NARRATOR ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? !
8 . GIMANTIS ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? !
Besides the bad things , this is an overall great film that should be cherished by G-fans everywhere .
024 4 This review is from :
Godzilla Raids Again ( DVD )
After the success of GOJIRA ( 1954 ) , Toho Films realized there was gold in their big gray dinosaur and quickly put together a sequel called GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN ( 1955 ) . Godzilla had been reduced to atoms at the end of the first picture , so what was one to do ? Just bring him back and call him another member of the same species !
For the record , GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN finds Godzilla and a quadrupedal , spiky-backed dinosaur named Anguirus fighting it out on a Japanese island . Both monsters fall into the sea and are separated . They turn up in Osaka and proceed to stomp all over the place , their fight beginning anew . Godzilla , after what seems like an endless round of suitmation battles , kills Anguirus and swims away , only to be buried in an avalanche by two young pilots .
GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN was picked up for U.S . release , retitled GIGANTIS , THE FIRE MONSTER and released on these shores in 1959 to good business . While not as good as GOJIRA , GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN still represents a time when Godzilla meant business , before Toho turned him and his brethren into dinosaur droppings suitable for dull seven-year-olds and braindead adults .
025 4 After the success of GOJIRA ( 1954 ) , Toho Films realized there was gold in their big gray dinosaur and quickly put together a sequel called GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN ( 1955 ) . Godzilla had been reduced to atoms at the end of the first picture , so what was one to do ? Just bring him back and call him another member of the same species !
For the record , GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN finds Godzilla and a quadrupedal , spiky-backed dinosaur named Anguirus fighting it out on a Japanese island . Both monsters fall into the sea and are separated . They turn up in Osaka and proceed to stomp all over the place , their fight beginning anew . Godzilla , after what seems like an endless round of suitmation battles , kills Anguirus and swims away , only to be buried in an avalanche by two young pilots .
GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN was picked up for U.S . release , retitled GIGANTIS , THE FIRE MONSTER and released on these shores in 1959 to good business . While not as good as GOJIRA , GOJIRA RAIDS AGAIN still represents a time when Godzilla meant business , before Toho turned him and his brethren into dinosaur droppings suitable for dull seven-year-olds and braindead adults .
047 4 I love this film , it rocks , i first saw it on TV , but i lost the Video i taped it on . Bad dubbing but well made Monster movie and the first to have fight scenes in it . The story has The G man fighting a new monster and like the first film , attacking the city ( Osaka ) . It played on a double bill with TEENAGERS FROM OUTER SPACE in the U.S.A .
1955 . Warner Brothers ( U.S.A . ) / Toho , Co , Lit . 82 MINS ( Cut to 78 Minutes ) .
Unrated . ( Violence ) .
055 4 This is the 2nd Godzilla movie ever , but it isn't as good as the original .
POSITIVES :
1 . Godzilla's first monster battle !
2 . The monster battles are some of the best ( They accidentlly undercranked the camera instead of overcranking it ! ) .
3 . Anguirus's first appearence .
NEGATIVES :
1 . Bad acting .
2 . Godzilla sounds like Anguirus more often then himself .
3 . GIGANTIS ? ? ? ? ? ? ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
If I could , I would give this film 2 and a half stars .
062 4 Okay , the movie itself isn't THAT bad , but it was completely ruined by the dubbing . GIGANTIS ? GET REAL ! what kind of name is THAT ? WHY DID THEY HAVE TO CALL GODZILLA GIGANTIS ? WHY ? WHY ? And WHY does Godzilla sound like Anguirus ? !
This film could have been good , but due to the poor acting , the fact that Godzilla sounds like Anguirus more than himself , the fact that Godzilla's origin was changed from being a Godzillasaurus turned into a mutant dinosaur because of the atomic bomb testing to being a species of a fire monster , and ( worst of all ) the fact that Godzilla is called GIGANTIS ! ! ! ! Gigantis . What kind of idiot decided to call Godzilla GIGANTIS ? ! What kind of name is THAT ? !
i really hope that someday , I'll find the japenease version of the film , so I won't have to hear my favorite monster's name changed to a moron's name .
I really do expect better from a Godzilla movie .
