GODZILLA FILMS ON DVD - an updated checklist

It's been a good year for new Godzilla releases, so here is a complete update of the list I first compiled two years ago. The flow of US releases seems to have slowed for the moment, with Classic Media now looking at other Japanese non-Godzilla monsters.

Here are all the (Japanese) Godzilla films and where they can be found on DVD. I like watching them in the original aspect ratio, with a Japanese soundtrack and English subtitles, but all releases with just English audio are also listed.

Many Godzilla films were imported and re-edited for the American market. I'll comment where the Japanese and US versions are drastically different, but to keep this concise, I won't be listing slight differences - for that you'll need to refer to the articles in G-Fan magazine or a thorough guidebook. This also means that many films get listed in IMDB and Amazon under two different release years and with various titles.


At present, all the films are available on DVD in Japan in their original versions and original aspect ratios, BUT there are no English subtitles or language tracks on any of them, and Japanese DVDs are expensive. This is a guide about how to complete a Godzilla collection outside Japan.

Another twist in the tail is that there can be two different English language tracks out there - one recorded to match the Japanese edit and refered to as the International audio. The other is done in the USA to match the re-edited western release. For fans in the US, the chance to finally see the American version in widescreen obviously needs the option of the now familiar English track that has been on television and VHS.

The cover art is from the DVD release that I'd recommend. All DVDs are region 1 NTSC, unless otherwise stated. There are 28 movies to collect, here we go...



1. GODZILLA / GOJIRA (1954)

There are two very different versions of this film. The original Japanese Gojira is longer and bleaker, portraying the equivalent of a nuclear holocaust. The US Godzilla includes cheaply reshot scenes of news reporter Steve Martin, played by Raymond Burr, talking us through the action. It favours monster action over the human devastation. Both versions were shot fullscreen (1:1.33) and in black and white.

Classic Media have released a two-disc set in the US that includes both versions, and is sold under the original Japanese title Gojira - complete with a couple of brief documentaries. This DVD set is the best release to date, though the scratchy source print could still do with further restoration. It was the first time the Japanese version was released in the US.

If you just want the English language Raymond Burr version, it was available on the Simitar DVD label as Godzilla, King of the Monsters.

The Japanese version is also available in the UK, released by the BFI, on region 2 PAL DVD.


2. GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955)

The second Godzilla movie was also known as Gigantis the Fire Monster, and also recut for the US. This film was originally made fullscreen 1.33 and in black and white. Godzilla fights the spiky four-legged Anguiras, destroying Osaka castle in the process.

Classic Media have released this on region 1 DVD as a special edition that includes the uncut Japanese version (with English subtitles), and the English language US edit.


3. KING KONG vs GODZILLA (1963)

This was also recut for the US version. It's available in a beautiful 2.35 widescreen release in the US from Universal Home Video. The US version contains all the monster action of the Japanese version.

The Japanese version of the film is longer, with more dialogue scenes and humour, but I've never seen a subtitled DVD. It's only available in Japan or Thailand, in widescreen without English subtitles.

Beware the old US DVD release (from Goodtimes Home Video), because it's panned and scanned (cropped) to fullscreen 1.33.


4. MOTHRA vs GODZILLA (1964)

This was retitled Godzilla vs The Thing in the US. It was released first on both Simitar and Sony Pictures DVDs in the US. The Simitar DVD has non-anamorphic widescreen 2.35, and with only the English language audio.

Classic Media have released a US special edition as Mothra vs Godzilla, containing both versions of the film. However the US version is only presented cropped down to 16:9 widescreen, instead of the full 2.35 widescreen. This is OK if you want to see the Japanese version, but if you prefer the Americanised English audio in the full widescreen, get the older DVD releases.


5. GHIDRAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964)

Don't worry, despite the title, this is a Godzilla movie.

Classic Media released this as a marvellous special edition, in 2.35 anamorphic widescreen in Japanese with English subtitles, with an option of the English language US version.

6. INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER (1965)

Classic Media released this as a US special edition in 2.35 anamorphic widescreen in Japanese with English subtitles. It includes the English language US edit as well. The opening title sequence says Monster Zero and is only 16:9 widescreen, before branching back to the correct 2.35 for the rest of the film.

The Simitar DVD is also watchable, presented in 2.35 widescreen (but non-anamorphic) with only the English language track. This isn't too bad though because by now there were token American actors in the cast, and the US and Japanese versions became very similar. Just as its annoying to see Japanese actors dubbed into English, it's equally distracting to see American actors dubbed into Japanese. There's some mad outer-space action with Ghidrah too!

7. GODZILLA VS THE SEA MONSTER (1966)

Also called Ebirah - Horror of the Deep. Sony Pictures released this as Godzilla vs The Sea Monster with the original Japanese audio in 2.35 widescreen. The English language track is the International version, not the dub that American audiences will be familiar with from decades of TV broadcasts.


8. SON OF GODZILLA (1967)

Great preying mantis monsters (the Kamikiras), pity about the goofy-toothed son, Minya...

Sony Pictures released a 2.35 widescreen version with the original Japanese soundtrack in the US, but only the English International audio (not the US dub).


9. DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968)

Every Godzilla monster was in this film and it's one of the most enjoyable from the sixties. It wasn't available in the US for many years and this release was much heralded.

ADV released this with two different covers. It's only the US version of the film, in 2.35 non-anamorphic widescreen, and only has the American English audio track.

In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD, with anamorphic widescreen 2.35 and an option to hear the Japanese audio as well. However, I've been told that the English audio track is "below par", (thanks to Killer Meteor).


10. ALL MONSTERS ATTACK (1969)

Lots of repeated footage in this, the laziest and shortest Godzilla film. But the plot, about a bullied little boy finding his feet, still has charm.

Classic Media have done a special edition in the US including both versions, released as All Monsters Attack.

The earlier Simitar DVD was released as Godzilla's Revenge in 2.35 anamorphic widescreen, but only with an English language track.


11. GODZILLA vs HEDORAH (1971)

Usually called Godzilla vs the Smog Monster in the US, this is one of the best Godzilla films, best monsters, best nightclub scene! Very eco-friendly.

Sony Pictures have released a 2.35 anamorphic widescreen DVD, with the choice of English or the original Japanese soundtracks and English subtitles. The onscreen titles are in English.


12. GODZILLA vs GIGAN (1972)

Sony Pictures released a 2.35 anamorphic widescreen region 1 DVD, with optional English or original Japanese soundtracks and English subtitles.

13. GODZILLA vs MEGALON (1973)

This is the hardest film to get on DVD at the moment. The only release so far is an Australian region 4 PAL DVD from Madman Entertainment, in anamorphic widescreen and with optional English or Japanese audio. (Thanks to Killer Meteor for tihs information).

The only US DVD release is cropped to 1.33 full-frame and talked over! Part of the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 series, where the team humorously razz the entire movie.

14. GODZILLA vs MECHAGODZILLA (1974)

Sony Pictures have released a 2.35 anamorphic widescreen DVD, with optional English and Japanese soundtracks and English subtitles. Don't get confused with the other four films with MechaGodzilla in the title!


15. TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975)

Non-stop alien superspy action in the best seventies Godzilla movie. Only time you'll see naked breasts in the series!

Classic Media released this as a special edition in 2.35 widescreen in Japanese with English subtitles. It includes the English language US edit as well, but the title sequence is cropped to 16:9 widescreen, before branching back to the correct 2.35 aspect for the rest of the movie.

BEWARE the Simitar and Sony DVD releases, they are cropped to full-frame 1.33.


16. THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (1985)

Like the 1954 film, there were two very different cuts of this, with an awful (really awful) Raymond Burr version, shortened from the Japanese, dubbed into English, with more comedy and intrusive Dr Pepper product placement! The longer Japanese cut is by far the better version. They were also called Godzilla 1984 and Godzilla 1985.

The Japanese version was released by Universe Video in Hong Kong, on an NTSC region 3 DVD as The Return of Godzilla. It's widescreen, with Japanese audio and English subtitles (but sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). The US version was last seen on VHS as Godzilla - The Legend is Reborn.

17. GODZILLA vs BIOLLANTE (1989)

Biollante is a fantastic nightmarish adversary, fanged tendrils and all, like Audrey II on acid.

The Japanese language version was released in Hong Kong on Universe Video, Region 3 NTSC DVD, with English subtitles (but sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). It's widescreen non-anamorphic letterbox. More here.

The English language version was last released on widescreen laserdisc in the US. There was also a full-frame 1.33 VHS in the US with English audio.


18. GODZILLA vs KING GHIDRAH (1991)

What's more fearsome than MechaGodzilla? Mecha King Ghidorah! Great slamdown finale among the skyscrapers of Tokyo's financial district, Shinjuku.

The Japanese version was released in Hong Kong on NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). Widescreen non-anamorphic letterbox. See news/review here.

In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD, with anamorphic 16:9 picture and an option to hear English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).

BEWARE the old Columbia Tristar double-bill DVD of this, it's only a very tightly cropped 1.33 fullscreen version, English language only. There was also an UK widescreen VHS release in English language only.


19. GODZILLA vs MOTHRA (1992)

One of the best nineties Godzilla movies for monster action.

The Japanese version has been released in Hong Kong on an NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). Widescreen anamorphic.

In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD with anamorphic 16:9 picture and English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).

BEWARE the old Columbia Tristar double-bill DVD of this, it's only a very tight 1.33 fullscreen version, and English language only.


20. GODZILLA vs MECHAGODZILLA II (1993)

Great robot Godzilla, dodgy pteranadon flying-machine.

Sony Pictures released a 16:9 anamorphic widescreen version with both the original Japanese soundtrack and the English, on DVD in the US.


21. GODZILLA vs SPACE GODZILLA (1994)

Space Godzilla is an awesome creature, but this also features the return of the son of Godzilla - you have been warned.

This old Columbia Tristar DVD double-bill is correctly framed at 16:9 widescreen, but with English language only.

The Japanese version was released in Hong Kong on an NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles).

In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD with anamorphic 16:9 picture and English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).

22. GODZILLA vs DESTOROYAH (1995)

Godzilla meltdown! Marvellous finale as Godzilla bows out for a few years to make way for the 1998 Roland Emmerich remake.

The old Columbia Tristar DVD double-bill is 16:9 widescreen, but with English language only.

The Japanese-language version was released in Hong Kong on an NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). See news here. In this version, many of the scenes are slightly shorter and play in a different order to the US release.

In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD with anamorphic 16:9 picture and English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).

23. GODZILLA 2000 (1999)

Godzilla returned again, after the lull for the Emmerich version. This was also known as Godzilla Millennium. The old Columbia Tristar release has only the English audio on it, and is widescreen 2.35 as it should be. The US version is slightly shortened compared to the Hong Kong disc.

Universe Video released this in Hong Kong on region 3 NTSC, back when it usually provided poorly translated subtitles and poor transfers. The English subtitles can only be selected with the Chinese audio track! The image is a tightly-framed transfer, the audio mix is muddy. Even though it's got Japanese audio, it's not recommended.

The Madman Entertainment Australian PAL region 4 DVD is anamorphic widescreen.



24. GODZILLA vs MEGAGUIRAS (2000)

This US release marked the moment when Sony Pictures started listening to fans and releasing Godzilla DVDs with Japanese audio as well. There's still optional English audio and English subtitles. 2.35 anamorphic widescreen.

Also available on a Universe Video Hong Kong region 3 DVD, but with Japanese audio only, and poorly translated English subtitles.



25. GODZILLA MOTHRA KING GHIDRAH - GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (2001)

Great fun, with many breaks from the tradition of the series, from the director of the awesome nineties Gamera trilogy.

Sony Pictures DVD has Japanese language, optional English language or subtitles, 2.35 anamorphic widescreen.

Also available on a Hong Kong region 3 DVD with Japanese audio and poorly translated English subtitles.

26. GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (2002)

All action movie, which stars sulky Yumiko Shaku, of cult movies Sky High and Princess Blade. Reviewed here.

The Sony Pictures DVD has Japanese language, optional English language or subtitles, 2.35 anamorphic widescreen.

Also available on a Hong Kong region 3 DVD with Japanese audio and poorly translated English subtitles.


27. GODZILLA TOKYO S.O.S. (2003)

A bit too much like the plot of GODZILLA vs MOTHRA (1964), right down to the staging of the fight sequences.

The Columbia Tristar DVD has Japanese language, optional English language or subtitles, 2.35 anamorphic widescreen.

Also available on a Hong Kong region 3 DVD with Japanese audio and English subtitles.

28. GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004)

The last Godzilla film until 2012. Bigger budget, international locations, electro soundtrack, and ALL the Toho monsters they could cram in... Reviewed here.

Released by Sony in the US, with Japanese or English audio, and English subtitles.

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Good luck, and happy hunting! The Hong Kong DVDs can be found here, from HK Flix. Thanks to Ian W. (Killer Meteor on the Classic Horror Forum) for telling me about the Australian releases, the final piece in the puzzle, for now...

For lengthier analysis and interviews about Godzilla and his giant monster friends, try the regular, and professionally produced fan magazine G-Fan. They also organise annual conventions in the US.

For regular news about Japanese giants, also try August Ragone's The Good the Bad and the Godzilla, and SciFi Japan.

By the twin globes of Hedorah! That was complicated!