Gojira / Godzilla Deluxe Collector's Edition Gojira/Godzilla [1954] / Godzilla, King of the Monsters [1956]

Customer Reviews

A historical find

2008-09-22
This beautiful two-disc collection includes both Gojira (1954) and Godzilla, King of the Monsters (1956). The original film, rarely seen outside of Japan for 50 years, is a haunting, almost lyrical post-war tale of heartbreak and loss. The clumsy "Americanized" version was edited into a more straight-ahead creature feature that shoehorned in scenes of Raymond Burr pretending he was in the film. Each version has its own commentary track to bring historical context. Having both films together is the real treasure, especially to students of the medium.

Go with the original.

2008-08-30
Watch the original Gojira, throw away the American bastardization with Raymond Burr. These five stars are for the Japanese original only. In the American mess, you can see that in the added scenes with Burr, even the lighting is different from the original. Very tacky. I hope Burr was properly ashamed of himself. Equally as important as its entertainment value, but often overlooked, Gojira made an important political statement in light of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Unbelievable...UNBELIEVABLE!

2008-08-18
Holy crap.
First of all, I've loved the original GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS since I was a kid. It was the first Godzilla movie I ever saw, and I've been a big Godzilla fan and collector ever since.
Then, one day, I find out that the version of the film that I'd known and loved for years is actually not the original version; rather, a re-edit for American audiences. And since every person I've ever spoken or been in contact with has told me that the Japanese version is infinately better, I couldn't wait to see it...unfortunately, I had to wait anyway, because finding it on video/DVD was damn near impossible for a very, very long time.
Finally, a deluxe edition of this movie was released on DVD for the film's 50th anniversary. I eagerly popped the DVD in my player as soon as it came in the mail. As the final credits rolled at the end of the film, I could only say one thing.
Holy crap.
First of all, let me just say that GOJIRA is way, WAY WAY WAY WAY better than GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS. The Japanese original version is a lot more dramatic, tense, and most of all, scary. It's a somber and serious movie about the horrors of nuclear weapons testing, with many levels of darkness and complexity that most giant monster movies from the era lack.
Aside from the movies, the DVD is awesome. Both versions of the film, the Japanese and the American, are featured on seperate discs, both with individual special features and and commentaries. The DVD package also comes with a booklet containing a short essay about the history of the film, written by Steve Ryfle.
Overall, if you love or even just like Godzilla or giant monster movies, or if you've never seen the original Japanese version, or even if you're just interested in film history, this DVD is definately worth picking up.

Gojira (1954)

2008-08-16
The best of the best. The darkest of all the Godzilla series. The one and only 1954 Japanese classic, Gojira. This is the real deal my fellow Godzilla fans. Finally after many years of waiting we finally get to see Gojira in its full glory.

Mans arrogance and ignorance of the nuclear bomb has spawned a monster who is more powerful than the very weapon that created the monstrous creature...this is Godzilla. Angered by his rebirth into an unfamiliar world, the giagntic saurian lashes out at the world, destroying anything that dares to challenge his might.

Dr. Serizawa, the man who created a weapon that is deadlier than all and any nuclear weapons (just a a piece the size of a softball can turn all of Tokyo Bay and a 150 mile radius into a graveyard), The Oxygen Destroyer. This deadly weapon is the world's only hope to destroy Godzilla once and for all. But is such power worth the risk?!

This DVD is great! If you want to see a great film with memorable scenes and thrilling storylines, then this film is for you. Buy this great DVD and enjoy! Plus it contains the american version with Raymond Burr on another disc...plus other awesome bonous features!

Buy the DVD and enjoy!

I love Gojira

2008-07-12
This is the best Godzilla I have ever seen; and I watch him all the time! Gojira is an excellent movie in which the Japanese show the viewer what actually did happen at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is genuinely frightening during the scenes of destruction; especially with small vignettes like the woman who tells her children, "We will be with your father soon," as they huddle in a corner. It is in Japanese with English subtitles.

I have a genuine liking for Godzilla in all his aspects; and the original 1956 American version with Raymond Burr is the best of those. That version is, of course, included; but the original Japanese Gojira amazed me! If you like Godzilla as a monster, protector, or, as my friend says, just plain "cute" creature, you will want to see this original with a serious message. It is well worth it.

Possibly the Greatest kaiju film ever made!

2008-06-26
The testing of nuclear weapons in the Pacific Ocean triggers the awakening of a dreadful 400-foot-tall fire-breathing prehistoric lizard who commences to wreak havoc on the city of Tokyo. The original Japanese version of GODZILLA without the Americanized addition of Raymond Burr.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: NR UPC: 828768455999 Manufacturer No: LVD684559

This is The One That Started it All!!!

2008-06-17
Godzilla first appeared to the world in this great sci-fi classic that gets even better with age like fine wine!!!

A giant prehistoric creature who is 400 feet tal, rises from the Pacific Ocean to take nightly strolls through downtown Tokyo. Setting the city ablaze with his atomic breath, there just seems to be no end to this creatue's detruction and devestation!!

He's been awakened by H-bomb testing and keeps on making unwelcomed visits to the city. The officials work peevishly to try to find an end to Godzilla's reign of terror and destruction.

Come in bot the English version and the Japanese version. The Japanese version does not feature Raymond Burr who appears in the English version as journalist Steve Martin, but it DOES include an additional 20 minutes of footage not found in the English version.

~Daquan13.

The Japanese version really IS better!

2008-04-25
Sorry, Raymond Burr, I loved "Perry Mason".

But now that I've done a side-by-side comparison, the original Japanese version of "Gojira" is better than "Godzilla". 'Don't know why the US Studio thought that Americans couldn't handle the original. It was even cool seeing the islanders complaining to the Diet, and the commuters worrying about having to hide in bomb shelters again. If you stretch a bit, "Gojira" can be interpreted as an environmentalist movie, too. The plot is basically the same from movie to movie, but the Japanese version includes more plot and cultural detail, and better acting.

Also in the Japanese version, Takashi Shimura's (the leader of "The Seven Samurai") role is the main protagonist, not some ancillary character seen over Raymond Burr's shoulder every now and then.

classic show

2008-04-11
This is certainly the true Godzilla with no fluff....back to the old days. We loved watching it.

Awesome! Simply Awesome!

2008-03-31
If you are looking for the definitive edition of the classic Japanese film Gojira, this is certainly the best! This double disc includes the original Japanese version, as well as the US version. One could spend endless hours observing the differences between the two films. My first viewing of Gojira was a revelation. Thanks to Classic Media for putting this collection together, and also for providing solid commentary tracks on both editions. Both were very helpful in educating me about the history and legacy of these films.