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Godzilla DVD/Blu-Ray Guide: Showa Series, Part 1

With Garth Edwards’ blockbuster Godzilla reboot to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray September 16, many of you may be interested in watching and/or collecting Big G’s original Japanese adventures; that’s 28 films in total. Unfortunately, unlike other long-running franchises like the James Bond series, these films aren’t all owned by the same distributor. Toho, the studio that created Godzilla, has divvied out the rights to several U.S. companies over the years, which makes collecting these films a bit difficult.

Never fear! I’m a longtime G-fan who’s spent many years collecting these films. I will be your guide into the world of Godzilla DVDs. There are lots of bootlegs out there. Accept no substitutes!

With Godzilla becoming more popular, more titles may be re-released in the future, so this guide may soon become outdated.

I’m excluding both of the American remakes: the 1998 version is hated, and the 2014 version will be easy to find. I also will exclude other Toho monster films like Rodan and Mothra and focus on just Godzilla.

This guide will be split into four parts: parts one and two will focus on the original Showa series (1954-1975), part three will be on the Heisei series (1984-1995), and part four will be on the Millennium series (1999-2004).

Here we go!

Showa Series, Part 1 (1954-1968)

Gojira/Godzilla, King of the Monsters

godzilla_kotm_sim_frontSimitar

This was one of the first ever G-films released on DVD, but good luck finding it. Simitar went out of business in the early 2000s. Unless you’re a hardcore collector, this and the other Godzilla DVDs it released aren’t worth tracking down. This one includes only the Americanized version of the film and not at the proper “original aspect ratio.” The special features are scarce: mostly limited to trailers for other G-films created by Simitar, a trivia game, and a cheesy documentary. The DVDs also has encoding issues.

godzilla_kotm_cm_frontSony

A barebones release with the Americanized version of the film in full-screen. No special features and boring cover art. Don’t bother unless you’re a cheapskate.

 

 

 

51HEXHBZ4VLClassic Media

Finally, after years of demand and waiting, G-fans got an official release. Classic Media’s DVD includes both versions of the film presented in their proper aspect ratios. It features several retrospective making-of documentaries and commentaries on both versions. Unfortunately, the Blu-Ray edition Classic Media released later includes only the original Japanese version and no special features. Regardless, the DVD is a must-have.

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Criterion Collection

Gojira was added to the prestigious Criterion Collection in 2011 with this Blu-Ray. It includes both versions of the films in nearly identical presentations as the Classic Media discs. However, what may convince you to buy it is the completely new special features, including new commentaries and an interview with cast and crew members. This one is harder to find, though, since Criterion has only limited print runs for their releases. It’s worth it, though.

Godzilla Raids Again

godzilla-raids-again-largeClassic Media

Arguably the rarest of the G-films, Godzilla Raids Again was out of print on VHS for years until the mid-2000s when it was released on DVD by Classic Media. It includes both the original and U.S. versions of the film and a handful of special features, including a humorous commentary.

 

King Kong vs. Godzilla

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This barebones disc was also one of the earliest Godzilla DVDs. Long out of print, it features nothing but a full-screen presentation of the U.S. version of the film and some production notes. Admittedly, the cover is amusing since it’s obvious it was created in PhotoShop using images of the creatures from other movies. It’s not worth finding.

91JG+SfjxKL._SL1500_Universal

Universal owns the rights to all of King Kong’s films, so it released a superior DVD several years ago and then re-released it on Blu-Ray recently (though I hear this is  rushed job and inferior to the DVD). The film is in widescreen, but again, it includes only the dubbed version and has no special features. Unless there’s a future release that includes the original Japanese version in widescreen, this is the one you want.

Mothra vs. Godzilla (aka Godzilla vs. Mothra and Godzilla vs. the Thing)

G_vs_mothra_simitarSimitar

Simitar made worthy efforts with these early DVDs, but they don’t stand up to the test of time. This includes only the dubbed version of the film, though it is in widescreen. It has the same special features as King of the Monsters minus the documentary. Long out of print.

 

 

51WPVGG7Z3LSony

Yet another cheap release from Sony with uncreative cover art, full-screen presentation, no Japanese version, and no special features. Skip it.

 

 

 

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This is the one to own. While Classic Media’s other releases aren’t as prestigious as Gojira, they still gave fans what they always wanted. It includes both versions of the film plus a commentary, a slideshow, and a biography on Godzilla music composer Akira Ifukube. Buy this one.

 

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (aka Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster)

ghidorah-the-three-headed-monster-largeClassic Media

After being long out of print on VHS for years, Classic Media released this noteworthy entry in the series on DVD in the mid-2000s. This is the first appearance of Godzilla’s archenemy Ghidorah and marks Big G’s shift to heroism. Like other Classic Media releases, it includes both versions of the film, a commentary, and a few other special features. Snag it!

Invasion of Astro-Monster (aka Godzilla vs. Monster Zero, Monster Zero)

g_vs_monster_zero_frontSimitar

Nothing new to say about this one. It’s the same as Simitar’s other releases other than it features a different film. However, I’ll mention that I think Simitar’s DVDs have weird cover art. Out of print and not worth the time.

 

 

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Classic Media

Can’t say much new here, either, but Classic Media actually did it right. Both versions of the films, a commentary, and a few other nice special features. It’s amusing to watch the Japanese version of this since American actor Nick Adams is dubbed in Japanese! Also, kudos for using the original Japanese posters as the cover art. Highly recommended.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep (aka Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster)

godzillavsseamonster3Sony

After being a staple on VHS, Sony released this cheesy entry on DVD in the mid-2000s. The cool thing is this is the original Japanese cut of the film and can be watched in the original language or a new English dub. No special features other than a handful of trailers for other Sony films, though.

 

 

61H1sbxOb5L._SY300_Kraken Releasing

If you’d rather have the film on Blu-ray, Kraken Releasing has that for you. It’s pretty much the same as the Sony DVD except it has the film’s original Japanese trailer instead of unrelated trailers.

 

 

Son of Godzilla

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While Sony never gave their releases the star treatment Classic Media did, they were still a step up. Like Ebirah, this 2004 disc features widescreen presentation and dual language tracks. The only supplements are trailers for other Sony films released at the time.

 

 

Destroy All Monsters

51T3Q5FHAZL._SY300_ADV Films (original)

This fan-favorite is the Avengers of Toho’s kaiju films. A TV staple for years, it was never officially released to home media until 1998, courtesy of ADV Films. Unfortunately, while it featured anime-like cover art and widescreen presentation, the disc contained only the English dubbed version of the film. Seriously, it doesn’t even have a menu! Complicating matters is the fact that ADV went out of business in the mid-2000s, so this disc is out of print.

DestroyAllMonster50tADV Films (50th anniversary)

ADV re-released this film on DVD in 2004 to celebrate Big G’s 50th anniversary. Sadly, it’s the same as the first disc except with a different cover. However, they did include a soundtrack CD, which might make this out of print disc worth finding.

 

 

A1WkBChzWWL._SL1500_Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock

A few years ago, Media Blasters delighted fans by releasing Destroy All Monsters on Blu-ray (and DVD) under its Tokyo Shock imprint. Unlike ADV’s releases, it has a menu, dual language tracks, and a few special features, including a commentary. This is also the Japanese edit of the film, so fans can see the original opening credits. Unfortunately, Toho got overprotective and uppity with this release since the the special features weren’t approved, so this disc is now out of print and goes for a hefty price. It’s worth it, though. However, if you’re budget-conscious, Media Blasters recently re-released it without special features. (Why do you have to a bunch of haters, Toho?)

Next time on the Godzilla DVD guide:
Godzilla vs…the ’70s!

Coldwater: An Interview with James C. Burns

Available now on select digital outlets is the new film Coldwater, a story about a troubled teenage boy who is sent to a camp for healing. The movie follows not only the teens struggling to survive, but also a retired war colonel,  Col. Frank Reichert  (James C. Burns), pushing these kids to their limits, searching for ways to change them. These elements come together to create an intense drama, powered by strong, deep characters.

Burns is well-known amongst gamers because of his role as Sgt. Woods in Call of Duty: Black Ops and its sequel. In many ways Col. Reichert and Sgt. Woods are the same, but their driving force is subtly different. While Woods merely needs to kill his enemies before they kill him, Reichert is given the complex task of rehabilitation, while facing some problems of his own.

Giga was given a chance to talk with Burns himself over Skype for some additional insight.

cw_bts-pics_19

As a fan favorite in Black Ops, what is it like to go from being an actor to voice actor and vice versa? How different is the mind set to play these roles?

“Woods was actually entirely a live-action performance. There’s less of a difference than one would think. I was testing the technology for them and they loved me so much they kept me around. Activision is constantly pushing the technology to make a richer experience. Lucky for me, I get to play with these new techniques, often before most.”

Sgt. Woods was in every sense of the word a badass. Col. Reichert seems to be an iron father figure with no room for disrespect. How do you make that transition from the defiant warrior to the rehabilitator as an actor?

“Woods and Reichert are all about getting the job done. Woods has a very simple mission. Kill the enemy. Reichert has to transform individuals. It takes anger and having good intentions.”

cw_bts_25

While some trailers show Coldwater as a movie about change for the better, others portray it almost like a horror. What genre, or combination of genres, would you put the film into?

“It is not a horror film, it’s a dark drama. There are some hearty and funny moments, but it comes from a very serious and horrific subject. Conflict is inevitable from these strong personalities, so it has its scary moments.”

Getting away from the film for just a second, is there any word on a Black Ops 3? Being that Sgt. Woods is so old in Black Ops 2, would the new game visit crucial moments in the past or find a way to put him back into the fight? What would you like to see happen to the character?

“Unfortunately, I can’t answer that. As for what I would like to see done with the character, there are so many options.”

Why do you think people become attached to military characters? What is the core of these characters that makes them interesting? What makes them special to you?

The tablets should be taken at-least 30 purchase cheap cialis minutes before the sexual intercourse to experience best results. The AV node is the point from which the ventricular nerve branches originate. Dosage and Prices acquisition de viagra He will diagnose your medical condition and will let tadalafil 20mg you know how effective the pills are. Kamagra has viagra 100mg tablet been one of the most encouraging medicines for erectile dysfunction and other kind of sexual difficulties in India. “It’s not really just a military connection, but more of a level of trust and confidence in his ability. Woods is a resolutionist. He resolves problems. He is all about being supportive and being the best you can be. Reichert is an evolution to that character. Reichert is trying to bring out the absolute best in people.”

“What makes them so special? Integrity. I was once a pro hockey coach. I enjoy being around teamwork and love working with other people. That permeates the entire process of making a game or movie. Everyone is striving to bring these stories and experiences to life and that bond is what teamwork so special and powerful.”

cw_bts-pics_05

Coldwater is a film about transformation. Could you explain not only the internal changes in the film’s characters, but also the sort of changes you hope to bring to the audience?

“Kids make bad choices. These choices get harder as you grow older. The consequences to actions become more complex and potentially devastating as time goes on. It starts to affect the other folks involved in that person’s life as well. I think Coldwater may make people be more aware of how their choices affect themselves and each other. One of the main questions of the film is how do we expand one’s vision into a broader spectrum? Most the characters realize this perspective as the film progresses.”

Coldwater will just get people thinking, not change them outright. People have to want to change. We’re just exposing a real event.”

Burns went on to compare this type of movie to the common summer blockbuster. “There’s no real villain. These kids belong there. Change would do them good. There are no good and evil characters in Coldwater.”

I also asked Burns to leave us with a closing comment about Coldwater. He responded with, “It’s a very powerful film. Well-acted and expertly filmed, but at its core it’s about a true subject and something people should be aware of and think about.”

One final question for fun. Are you a gamer?

“I’m a backseat gamer, because I’m terrible at them. I do have all these insights about what to do though. For instance in Black Ops, if the game gives you a crossbow, use the damn crossbow.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC1m3KhbqcI&w=640&h=360]

Coldwater is available on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vimeo. Check it out! After that, go back and play Black Ops. As far as the next Black Ops, maybe the next one will take America’s toughest soldiers to Africa to hunt giraffes, but that’s just hearsay.

 

 

Batman: Assault on Arkham Review

So, you enjoy watching movies involving D-list comic villains, whom you’ve probably never heard of, being ordered around by B-list villains whom you may recognize? Oh and you like Batman movies that really don’t focus much on Batman? Well have I got the movie for you! Batman: Assault on Arkham is the most recent DC animated film starring, nope not Batman, the Suicide Squad. I’ll give you a second to Google them .

Too lazy? Alright. The Suicide Squad is a seemingly random assortment of villains being controlled by the U.S. Government, or more specifically Dr. Amanda Waller, to carry out black-ops style missions around the globe. The entire team is expendable, members who are are able to complete the given mission and make it back alive get time shaved off of their sentence. Not too bad of a deal at first glance.

vlcsnap-2014-08-08-19h01m17s58Allow me to break the ice.

The Squad this time around in Assault on Arkham consists of seven members. They are all relatively unknown to most with the exception of Harley Quinn and Deadshot. Their mission is to break into Arkham Asylum and steal The Riddlers cane, which contains a flash drive. Sounds easy enough except they have to do this without alerting the guards at Arkham or Batman. There is also a subplot involving Batman attempting to find a dirty bomb that Joker hid somewhere in Gotham before it explodes. Typical boring stuff. Honestly the story here is pretty dull all around. The action and some of the one liners are really what you’re here to see, and in that sense it does not disappoint.

For any non believers out there who still think DC’s animated films are for kids, this movie will prove you wrong. It feels like the writers were trying to do everything they could to be non-kid-friendly, with all of the topless women (though nothing is shown) and death that takes place. Let the record show that I am in no way complaining about any of that. It was nice to see this movie go the more mature route, which does make sense since the film takes place in the Batman Arkham universe rather than the usual DC animated universe. This story is set to take place after the events of Batman: Arkham Origins.
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Taking a page from the games, some of the same voice actors were re-used for this film. I can’t help but feel like someone really dropped the ball with some of the casting. Sure the greats are here: Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) as Batman, Troy Baker (The Last of Us) as The Joker, and even Nolan North (Uncharted series) as The Penguin and KGBeast. My issue is with the casting choice for Harley Quinn. It’s not that the actress did a bad job, it’s just that her voice seemed off. Since she’s a main character, it was hard to ignore. Now I’m sure most out there aren’t as particular as me and can get beyond (BEYOND!) her voice, but for everyone else it will definitely take some getting used to.

All in all Batman: Assault on Arkham is a great film. It has plenty of action and comedy to keep you interested plus a few throwbacks for those who played the games. How can I not support something attempting to bring the Suicide Squad to the general audience. I highly recommend this to all comic book movie fans.

 

The Transformers (and Michael Bay) grow up: A Review of ‘Age of Extinction’

Image courtesy of www.Screenrant.com
Image courtesy of www.Screenrant.com

Rarely do movie franchises make it to a fourth film. Even rarer are the fourth films that are actually good.

Transformers: Age of Extinction—regardless of what critics may say—is one of those rarities.

Five years after the Battle of Chicago, the Autobots are on the run from a distrustful government and a Decepticon bounty hunter. Outnumbered, they ally themselves with a down-on-his luck inventor in a desperate attempt to keep another deadly device out of enemy hands.

(SPOILER WARNING!)

Of all the Transformers films, this is, strangely enough, the least Michael Bay-esque of them all. There are no “stupid jokes” that pervaded Revenge of the Fallen, which left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths. In fact, Age of Extinction is easily the darkest film of the franchise. There are a few “objectifying-women” shots, but only early on. There’s plenty of loud explosions and intense action, but this movie is also the most story-/character-driven film of the franchise. The only “crazy and quirky character” in the film dies 45-60 minutes in, and he’s rarely obnoxious.

In other words, Bay leaves the franchise—he claims this is the last time he will direct a Transformers movie—with a film that seems slightly atypical of his style. For many people, this will be a welcome change.

Much is crammed into this movie, which runs nearly three hours. Like Bay’s first Transformers, this story follows several groups of characters and subplots. There are nefarious government agents (including Kelsey Grammer), an eccentric technology tycoon, and, of course, the warring robots. The heart of the film, however, is the new hero, Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), a single dad with a rambunctious 17-year-old daughter. He’s also an amateur inventor looking for a get-rich-quick breakthrough. He bites off more than he can chew when he buys a rusty old semi-truck. He then discovers his daughter has a secret 20-year-old boyfriend, who joins them on their crusade with the Autobots. Their conflict keeps the fantastical plot grounded in reality. Cade is a well-meaning father trying to keep his daughter from making the same mistakes he did before, but he hasn’t quite seen that his daughter is smart and asserting independence.

All of this makes for a much less juvenile story. There is still a teenage romance; however, it’s not the focal point. Cade is likely where many 30-somethings who grew up enjoying Transformers as ‘80s kids find themselves. He’s head and shoulders above Sam Witwicky’s parents, and their harrowing adventure allows for Cade and his daughter to reconcile.

The robot cast is almost entirely new. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are the only returning Autobots; Megatron sort of returns in the form of Galvatron, a manmade Transformer (an origin different from the source material); and Peter Cullen gives a great performance as usual in creating Prime’s iconic voice. New characters include Hound, a metal stogie-smoking military truck who serves as Ironhide’s replacement; and Lockdown, a Decepticon bounty hunter who is the film’s villain. The latter is a welcome change from the megalomaniacal villains of previous films. Lockdown is as cold as his chassis and as calculating as a supercomputer.
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As for the much-hyped Dinobots, they don’t appear until the last half-hour of the movie. Yes, fans have to wait for two-plus hours before seeing their favorite robo-saurians. Is it worth the wait? Yes and no. Their personalities are underdeveloped and they don’t speak in pidgin English, but they do some cool stuff during the climactic battle, so they aren’t wasted.

The script has a more saturated story, though it’s not as crowded as the franchise’s first film. Although, the latest film does leave a few questions unanswered: What have the Autobots been doing while on the run for five years? Why would Bumblebee leave Sam? What became of the humans who had contact with the Transformers? Some may see these as oversights, but I found myself wanting to know those stories. These untold tales made the world larger. Also, Lockdown mentions he was sent to retrieve Optimus by the latter’s “creators,” but who their identity is never revealed. Is it Primus, like in the comics? Or the Quintessons, like in the original cartoon?

ILM’s special effects are, as usual, top-notch in this film. The CGI robots’ interaction with the “real world,” particularly with the humans, are the best of the series. Lockdown has one of the most expressive, articulated faces of all the robots. Coupled with his voice, he has a strong on-screen presence. Sadly, several of the set pieces are recycled. Battles take place in both Chicago and Hong Kong, two cities utilized in previous films. The action is different, yes, but new environments would’ve been appreciated.

Finally, compared to Revenge of the FallenAge of Extinction is the least kid-friendly of the films. Not because of the off-color humor or graphic violence, but because of language, including one f-bomb (though it goes by fast). This is unfortunate since many kids will want to see this movie. It’s a movie based on a toy line, for crying out loud! Yes, it’s PG-13, but so are the family-friendly Marvel movies.

Bay has said this is the beginning of a new trilogy. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing more—which is saying something because I was mostly happy with how the third film ended. Now that the Dinobots have appeared, I can only think of one other character who could justify another sequel. And he’s literally a big one.

Unicron.

Will he appear? The groundwork might have been laid here, but only time will tell.

Final Grade: B