DVD NEWS - US updates

HOLOCAUST 2000 (1977)

This Italian/UK horror film follows in the wake of the original The Omen (1976) but succeeds better than its sequels. I previously reviewed Holocaust 2000 here, which I could only locate on DVD in Italy. It was also known as The Chosen but has finally been released on DVD in the US as Rain of Fire by Lionsgate on October 28th.

THE SHUTTERED ROOM (1967)
IT! (1966) double-bill

DVD Drive In once again has the scoop on upcoming Best Buy exclusives, including the latest DVD cover art on their website. The new releases include this atmospheric chiller, based on H.P. Lovecraft's The Shuttered Room - which I reviewed here, but can shortly removed from Not On DVD status on October 7th.

It's twinned with It! - a cheap-looking sequel to the German and Czech Golem movies. But It! stars Roddy McDowall and Jill Haworth, which certainly makes it watchable.

The previous Warner Bros. double-bill releases are now more widely available - Diabolik DVD are now selling Moon Zero Two, for instance, so hopefully The Shuttered Room will also eventually be easier to get.

THE BEYOND (1981)

One of my favourite Lucio Fulci Italian horror films gets re-released by Grindhouse from October 28th. After directing Zombie Flesh Eaters, Fulci injected some undead action into several subsequent stories, like this one and City of the Living Dead, which both got released in UK cinemas. This is infamous for introducing a large jar of acid to an annoying little girl, and for the flaying of an unfortunate prisoner with chains - both scenes regularly being heavily censored on home video through the years. It stars David Warbeck, Catriona MacColl and Al Cliver.

THE BOYS IN THE BAND (1970)

This is appearing for the first time on DVD and the first time in widescreen for this ground-breaking movie where gay men took centre-stage as characters rather than incidental stereotypes. Leonard Frey, as the acid-tongued Harold gets many of the best lines, in the drunken bitchy style of Roger the alien from American Dad. Based on Mart Crowley's play, it's now dated today, but provides a reminder of life in the gay ghetto and in the closet of sixties America. It's due on DVD from November 11th.

William Friedkin may not be the obvious choice as director, but he'd previously shot comedies and even a vehicle for Sonny and Cher. This was before his breakthrough hit The French Connection and of course The Exorcist. Though Friedkin returned to the gay subculture in Cruising, which has just been restored and remastered. If these early works can get released, where is Friedkin's masterpiece Sorceror?

DUCKMAN (1994)

With all the adult animated sit-coms out there at present, let us not forget this earlier dysfunctional family, just as surreal and political as American Dad. Duckman is a truly terrible detective whose success stems from his pig sidekick, Cornfed. He lives with his dead wife's sister, two sons, (one is two-headed, the other stupid beyond belief) and a comatose flatulent mother-in-law. His appetites for porn, booze and cigarettes are constantly challenged by his feminist sister-in-law and ultra-PC stuffed bear secretaries. Cornfed Pig is the standout character, with his droll, private dick monologues that contrast with Duckman's foul-mouthed tirades.

This is a late DVD release for a very funny animated series. The first boxset contains seasons 1 and 2, but further sets are already on the way.

EXECUTIVE KOALA (2005)
RUG COP (2006)
THE EARTH SINKS EXCEPT JAPAN (2006)

Coming on November 18th from Synapse films, are three new DVDs from the director of Japanese comedy The Calamari Wrestler (reviewed here). Hopefully these will be released seperately as well as a boxset, because I wholeheartedly don't recommend The World Sinks Except Japan (reviewed here) although all three look fun on paper. The Calamari Wrestler may prove to have been Minoru Kawasaki's best film, but I'm willing to risk his murder comedy Executive Koala, and martial arts cop comedy Rug Cop (his wig is a deadly weapon!) just in case.

FREEDOM (2007)

I heard that this anime was coming on Blu-Ray in Japan, and I reviewed the first episode on HD-DVD, but the great news is that the entire series should debut on DVD and Blu-Ray in the US and UK on November 11th. The contents will probably look like the Japanese release pictured above.

DVD NEWS - UK and region 2 updates

MS. 45 / ANGEL OF VENGEANCE (1981)

Infamous under both titles, Abel Ferrara's almost mainstream rape/revenge reaction to Death Wish has been notably missing from DVD. It's surfaced in France in a reportedly uncut version with English audio. While it serves as a Maniac-style borderline slasher, Ms. 45 also has the most feminist subtext for the era.

TOKYO ZOMBIE (2005)

This offbeat horror comedy has been a long time coming, and will finally appear in the UK on October 13th. Nippon Cinema has a review. Starring Tadanobu Asano - Ichi The Killer himself.

GUARD POST / GP506 (2008)

For any fans of the creepy cross-genre wartime ghost story R-Point, comes this follow-up by the same director in similar territory. Also out on October 13th in the UK.

CHOCOLATE (2008)

The female follow-up to Thai action sensation Ong-Bak is out in the UK in November. While Tony Jaa is still mucking about with Ong-Bak 2, Chocolate should keep non-CGI, non-wirework martial arts fans very happy. There's a trailer and more news on 24framespersecond.

Update: region 2 DVD news

The best news in this batch of region 2 DVD news, is that the weird, wonderful, unique, Czech children's nightmare, that is Valerie and her Week of Wonders, has finally been restored and released. Previous video releases were from a print that literally looked like it had been dragged over a cheese grater. This 1970 film is released in the UK by Second Run video. Full review here.

The Animals Film (1981) will be released in the UK on September 29th by BFI Video. This tough documentary took an unflinching look at the meat industry, and helped me to decide to become a vegetarian nearly 25 years ago.

The awesome adult anime fairy tale Jin-Roh finally gets a DVD release in the west, from Optimum DVD. In an alternate future, where Japan is wracked with civil disobedience, heavily-armed police are used to quell street rioting. When an officer is involved in a fatal incident with a young protestor, he starts to question his allegiance. I can't wait to see this again. It's one of the most dramatic animated feature films, though the tone couldn't be less like a 'cartoon'.

Vexille, another mecha-thriller from the makers of the 3D CGI Appleseed feature films, comes out in the UK on September 1st from Momentum Pictures.

And now for a few more DVD releases, all PAL region 2, from around Europe. The bonkers circus serial killer Berserk (1967) has debuted on DVD in Spain, reportedly with English audio. Joan Crawford and Michael Gough (also both in Trog), Ty Hardin and Judy Geeson star. This was last released on US VHS but has not been on DVD before.


In Germany, the 1975 Doc Savage - The Man of Bronze (movie reviewed here) gets a DVD release where the UK and USA never have. It's listed as having English audio, which is not necessarily a given on German releases. If confirmed, this sort of removes it from 'Not On DVD' status, but I'd like a widescreen remaster ideally (it's been listed as fullscreen) and to be available closer to home.

Two more rare releases will have to stay on the Not On DVD list because they probably have no English on them. Madchen In Uniform (1931, reviewed here) finally debuts on DVD, but only for German-speakers. Hopefully it's been restored, making it easier for another European distributor to pick it up for a subtitled edition, please, somebody?


Also in Germany on DVD is Who? (1973), also known as Robo Man on US VHS, which is on my wanted list. This is an American movie, based on a novel by Algis Budrys who passed away recently, telling the story of a scientist whose identity has been erased in a lab explosion, his head now covered by a metallic mask. American authorities have to determine if he is their man, or a trained Russian imposter. It starred Elliott Gould and Trevor Howard, and has apparently been released full-frame, without any English audio or subtitles, as Der Mann Aus Metall. So close, and yet no good. I reviewed an old VHS of the film here.

Update: Japanese Blu-Ray news - and more

While it's not surprising that Chinese blockbusters like Curse of the Golden Flower and House of the Flying Daggers are out on Blu-Ray in America, there's a few high definition surprises for sale over in Japan.

Blu-Ray anime in the west is restricted to recent titles like Appleseed: Ex Machina, Tekkon Kinkreet and Satoshi Kon's Paprika. But there are many more, reportedly with English subtitles, on sale or coming soon from Japanese online stores like CD Japan... (Note that Japanese DVD releases that include English subtitles normally only add subs to the main feature, and not the extras or commentary tracks).

Remember also that the Blu-Ray format has it's own new region coding system, that's different to the zones used by DVD companies. Like DVD, your Blu-Ray player or Playstation3 will refuse to play discs from other regions.

Impressively, in Japan, there's already an entire series boxset of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on Blu-Ray, containing both TV series (that's 52 episodes), and the three feature-length spin-offs (series reviewed here). This is a limited release, so hurry.


More exciting still, is the announcement that the revised CGI-enhanced version of the original movie, released to Japanese cinemas earlier this year as Ghost in the Shell 2.0, will appear on Blu-Ray in November. CD Japan only lists English subtitles on the limited edition Boxset version, which also includes a Blu-Ray disc of the original version of the movie.

While Freedom was only releassed on the HD-DVD format in America (first episode reviewed here), the entire series is now a Blu-Ray boxset in Japan, listed as having English subtitles and even the English language track.


A reissue of the Japanese Jin Roh Blu-Ray has English subtitles, where the first release had none. This awesome, adult fairy tale has only just been released on DVD in the UK.

Live-action films take a backseat to anime on Japanese Blu-Ray, but a couple of interesting titles are the first Gegege No Kitaro movie (review here) and Mamoru Oshii's Avalon, both listed as having English subtitles. There's also a Director's Cut of Day Watch that's 15 minutes longer.


A few more movies of interest on Blu-Ray in the US include the live-action Initial D: The Movie (movie review here) made in Hong Kong, as well as Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle and CJ7.


As for movies from Thailand, Vengeance (review here) has appeared in America - a rather odd choice. But only the US remakes of Thai horror hits Shutter and The Eye, and not the originals, are on Blu-Ray as yet. Wha?

DVD news: region 1

MISHIMA - A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS (1985)

Paul Schrader's film has rightfully been released as part of the Criterion Collection, with both the Japanese and American voiceovers. Thoroughly recommended, I reviewed it here. Criterion have also released Patriotism, the only film to be directed by Mishima. The short film eerily anticipates his ritual suicide.

THE MAN WHO COULD CHEAT DEATH (1959)

This is a first on DVD and I've never seen it on VHS either. It's certainly taking me decades to see all of Hammer Studio's classic horrors in any form. Newly released, this early Hammer Horror was directed by maestro Terence Fisher after Curse of Frankenstein and Horror of Dracula, just before he made The Mummy in 1959.

The Man Who Could Cheat Death is a tale of science misused for personal gain, with a couple of chills and a classic cast. Anton Diffring (Circus of Horrors, The Beast Must Die) as the scientist with a secret, Hazel Court (Masque of the Red Death) as his dark infatuation, and Christopher Lee as his reluctant aide. The lush transfer is richly colourful and looks fantastic. For fans of Hammer and British horror, this is very welcome title from Legend Films, who have also just released Freddie Francis' The Skull, starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, in 2.35 widescreen for the first time on home video.

MOON ZERO TWO (1969) plus

WHEN DINOSAURS RULED THE EARTH (1970)

Two more rare and sought-after Hammer films debut on DVD as a double-bill. Moon Zero Two is a space western, released to cash in on the Moon landings in 1969. Starring James Olsen (The Andromeda Strain) and Catherine Schell (Space 1999), it's colourful, inventive, and tongue-in-cheek (a lunar property tycoon playing Moonopoly). I particularly like Adrienne Corri as the ray-gun toting space sheriff.

It's paired with When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth - the title should be familiar to anyone who remembers the finale to Jurassic Park. Following the success of One Million Years BC starring Raquel Welch, Hammer repeated the 'cavemen vs. dinosaurs' formula with more scantily clad cavegirls (headed by Victoria Vetri), grunting dialogue, stop-motion dinosaurs (impeccably animated by Jim Danforth), but with added sex and nudity.

This is only available in the US, and as a BestBuy exclusive but there may be an availability problem, according to chatter on the Classic Horror Forum, Warners appear to have muddled the adult version with the 'G' rated one.

42nd STREET FOREVER

Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of 42nd Street Forever should have been released before Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse movies, to educate us all as to what the hell 'grindhouse' actually was. Turns out Quentin meant seventies exploitation movies, except I saw them all in the Studio 7 (later 'Pine World') in Kingston-on-Thames, which I'd call 'a fleapit' rather than 'a grindhouse'.

The trailers were often better than the movie in this genre that preceded straight-to-video, The best scenes were always going to be in the trailer, laced together with death-dealing hyperbole.

There are several priceless feature-length collections of trailers from Synapse Video. They illustrate the many seventies trends, where the hunt was on to replace Bruce Lee, and rip-off any of the big hits, like The Exorcist or Animal House.

For instance, Volume 3 'Exploitation Explosion', contains trailers for kung fu thrillers, horror movies, monster action and general sleaze, including Alligator, Blood Beach, Survive, House by the Lake, Tentacles, Enter the Ninja, Prison Girls and dozens more. All the trailers are remastered for anamorphic widescreen.

Sometimes the picture quality is misleadingly dupey and slightly blurry – so remember that the final film may look 100 times better. Well, maybe 10 times. Also, some of these films aren’t on DVD, so this is your only way to catch a glimpse of them.

These outrageous previews for outrageous movies are fun to watch and full of ideas what to check out next. Don’t let the boring cover artwork put you off, these are dynamite. compilations. Thanks to Marios for telling me about these video gems.

CLASSIC SCI-FI - ULTIMATE COLLECTION volumes 1 & 2

This is simply a fantastic collection of classic fifties science fiction, where spectacle and suspense are more important than science. Quality black-and-white movies in their original aspect ratios, this Universal boxset is a reasonable way to jump-start a sci-fi collection.

The titles included are Tarantula (atomic radiation, giant spider), The Mole People (lost civilisation), The Incredible Shrinking Man (atomic radiation accident - based on the novel by Richard Matheson), The Monolith Monsters (alien rocks), Monster on the Campus (prehistoric Dr Jekyll), Dr. Cyclops (1941 technicolor - mad prof with shrink ray), Cult of the Cobra (vengeful snakey cult), The Land Unknown (dinosaurs in the Arctic), The Deadly Mantis (atomic radiation, giant mantis), and The Leech Woman (killing for eternal life).

GODZILLA FILMS ON DVD and BLU-RAY - an updated checklist

How to complete your collection of Godzilla movies outside of Japan

(Last updated in April 2014)

The picture above is of the 'Godzilla Final Box' collection. One huge Japanese DVD boxset, because in Japan all the films are owned by the same studio, Toho. Problem is, their DVD and Blu-ray releases don't have English audio or subtitles on them.

Outside Japan, the rights to release these films have been sold to a dozen different distributors, so there's no hope of getting all the Godzilla films in one big box, in English. In fact, you can't even get all the films from the same country.
Through the years, I've tried to keep this page up to date with all the new DVD releases. With a new Godzilla film due in America, over half of the Japanese films will also be available on blu-ray.

Older Godzilla films were often re-edited for the American release. I'll mention where the Japanese and US versions are drastically different, but to keep this concise I won't be listing minor differences. For that level of minutia you'll need to refer to the articles in G-Fan magazine or a thorough guidebook.

The US titles often differ from the literal English translation of the Japanese titles, meaning that the same film can be listed in IMDB and on DVD sites under differing years and titles. 

Another twist in the tail is that there can be two different English language tracks - one recorded to match the Japanese edit (refered to as 'international audio', usually for release in Hong Kong). The other is done in the US to match the re-edited release. I'll point out any releases where the English audio isn't the American version. (The Godzilla films shown on Channel 4 in the 1990s and then released on VHS in the UK all had this alternate 'Hong Kong' English language track, not used in the USA.)

The cover art is from the DVD release that I most recommend. All DVDs are US region 1 NTSC, unless otherwise stated. There have been 28 Japanese Godzilla movies in all, 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 4:3 (1.33) and in black and white.Classic Media 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. The Japanese version is also available in the UK, released by the BFI on region 2 PAL DVD.

Classic Media also released a blu-ray of this version in 2009, not to be confused with the Criterion blu-ray (below).

The Criterion Collection released Godzilla and Gojira together on DVD and blu-ray (pictured) in January 2012 from a newly discovered print, which I believe offers much-needed, improved image quality.

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)

The US version of this was cutdown, then extra scenes were filmed. It's now available on DVD and blu-ray in a beautiful 2.35 widescreen release in the US from Universal Home Video (pictured). This US version contains all the monster action of the Japanese version. (In addition, Universal have also released the non-Godzilla sequel King Kong Escapes on DVD and blu. It features King Kong, Mechani-Kong and Gorosaurus...).

The Japanese version of King Kong vs Godzilla is longer, with more dialogue scenes and humour. But it's only available in Japan and has never been released with English subtitles.

4. MOTHRA vs GODZILLA (1964)

This was retitled Godzilla vs The Thing in the US.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 (from Sony or Simitar).

The Simitar DVD has non-anamorphic widescreen 2.35, and with only the English language audio.

5. GHIDRAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964)

Despite the title, this is also 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 (pictured). 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 - not as good for widescreen TVs) with only the English language track.

7. GODZILLA vs THE SEA MONSTER (1966)

Also called Ebirah - Horror of the Deep. Sony Pictures released this as Godzilla vs The Sea Monster (pictured) 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.

Kraken will also release this on blu-ray in May, 2014.

8. SON OF GODZILLA (1967)

Sony Pictures released a 2.35 widescreen version (pictured) 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.

A new transfer from Media Blasters heralded an anamorphic widescreen release on DVD and blu-ray in the US in October 2011 (with the above artwork). While the anamorphic widescreen was welcome, the blu-ray transfer wasn't as sharp as I'd hoped, possibly because the film elements were several generations down from the Japanese original. 

ADV released this with two different covers in 2000 and 2004. It's only the US version of the film, in 2.35 non-anamorphic widescreen, and only has the American English audio track. 

10. ALL MONSTERS ATTACK /

GODZILLA'S REVENGE (1969)

Lots of repeated footage from earlier films makes 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 (pictured) including both the Japanese and US versions.

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 /

GODZILLA vs THE SMOG MONSTER (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 too.

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

Kraken will also release this on blu-ray on May, 2014.

12. GODZILLA vs GIGAN (1972)

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


Kraken will also release this on blu-ray on May, 2014.

13. GODZILLA vs MEGALON (1973)

>The first US DVD release was issued by Media Blasters in 2012, and it should also be on blu-ray any week now (due April 2014). The DVD has optional Japanese or English audio and English subtitles.

Beware the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 version - it's cropped to fullframe 4:3 and the team talk humorously over the entire movie.

14. GODZILLA vs MECHAGODZILLA (1974)

Sony Pictures have released a 2.35 anamorphic widescreen DVD (pictured), 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 breasts in the series (sort of)!

Classic Media released this as a special edition (pictured) 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 both 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. Also called Godzilla 1984 (in Japan) and Godzilla 1985 (in the US).

This has never been on DVD in the USA. The Japanese version has been released by Universe Video in Hong Kong, on an NTSC region 3 DVD as The Return of Godzilla (pictured). It's widescreen, with Japanese audio and English subtitles (that share the screen with Chinese subtitles). The US version was last seen on VHS as Godzilla - The Legend is Reborn.

17. GODZILLA vs BIOLLANTE (1989)

This finally hit DVD and blu-ray in the US in 2012. Optional Japanese (5.1) or English (mono) audio, and of course English subtitles.

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.

Sony are releasing this on blu-ray in May as a double-bill with Godzilla vs Mothra (1992). I've heard that it will also get a DVD release, but be careful not to get their 1998 version of this double-bill on DVD - it was a very tightly-cropped 1.33 fullscreen version (pan-and-scanned), with English language only.

19. GODZILLA vs MOTHRA (1992)

One of the best 90s' Godzilla movies for monster action. Sony are releasing this on blu-ray in May as a double-bill with Godzilla vs King Ghidrah (1991). I've heard that it will also get a DVD release, but be careful not to get their 1998 version of this double-bill on DVD - it was a very tightly-cropped 1.33 fullscreen version (pan-and-scanned), with English language only.

20. GODZILLA vs MECHAGODZILLA II (1993)

Sony Pictures released a 16:9 anamorphic widescreen DVD in the US (pictured) with both the Japanese and English soundtracks. 

They're now also releasing it on blu-ray, in May, on a double-bill with Godzilla vs Space Godzilla (1994).

21. GODZILLA vs SPACE GODZILLA (1994)

This old Columbia Tristar DVD double-bill (pictured above) is correctly presented in anamorphic widescreen, but with English language only.

In May, Sony are releasing Godzilla vs Space Godzilla on blu-ray, on a double-bill with Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II (1993). That's rather confusing...

22. GODZILLA vs DESTOROYAH (1995)

The old Columbia Tristar DVD double-bill (pictured above) is anamorphic widescreen, but with English language only.

Godzilla vs Destoroyah will hit blu-ray in May, on a double-bill with Godzilla vs Megaguiras (2000).

23. GODZILLA 2000 (1999)

Godzilla returned (again), after the three-year break allowed for Roland Emmerich's Godzilla. Godzilla 2000 was also known as Godzilla Millennium.

The Madman Entertainment Australian PAL region 4 DVD (above) is almost the same as the US DVD, with 2.35 anamorphic widescreen and no Japanese audio. The advantage is a notably less grainy image.


The Columbia Tristar release in the USA (pictured) has only English (and French) audio on it, and is anamorphic widescreen 2.35. The letterbox looks too tight at the top, on this and all other versions that I've seen. This version is also slightly shorter compared to the Hong Kong disc. The American dubbing can't resist occasionally poking fun at the film in a bizarre and unfunny way, "Great Caesar's ghost!"

Universe Video released this in Hong Kong on region 3 NTSC. There are Chinese and Japanese audio tracks, but the English subtitles can only be selected with the Chinese audio track. The image is a tightly-framed transfer, the Japanese audio mix is muddy and therefore not recommended.

24. GODZILLA vs MEGAGUIRUS (2000)

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

Sony will release this on blu-ray in May on a double-bill with Godzilla vs Destoroyah.

25. GODZILLA MOTHRA KING GHIDRAH - 

GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (2001)

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

26. GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (2002)

The Sony Pictures DVD (pictured) has Japanese language, optional English language or subtitles, 2.35 anamorphic widescreen. Reviewed here.

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

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

This will be released on blu-ray in May on a double-bill with Godzilla Final Wars (2004).

28. GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004)

The last Japanese Godzilla film. Bigger budget, international locations, electronic soundtrack, and ALL the Toho monsters they could possibly cram in... Review here.

DVD released by Sony in the US (pictured above), with Japanese or English audio, and English subtitles.

Sony are releasing this on blu-ray in May, on a double-bill with Godzilla Tokyo SOS.

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

Good luck, and happy hunting! The Hong Kong DVDs can be found here from YesAsia. Thanks also to Ian W. (Killer Meteor on the Classic Horror Forum) for info about the Australian releases.