I'm New To The Godzilla Franchise

[Cimmerian Dragon]

^ He'd probably be able to get the CM version cheaper.

Still, I'd recommend the Criterion release if it were possible, DagarahX.

[GotengoXGodzilla]

If you get the Classic Media DVD of Gojira, then you'll get both the Japanese version and the American version.

Why would he get the Classic Media release when the far superior Criterion discs are out?

Eh, it's debatable as to wether or not the Criterion Collection's set is better then Classic Media.

Classic Media's release has everything that a Godzilla fan could ever ask for. A quality release of both versions, plenty of bonus features and commentaries, lots of new information, etc. The Criterion Collection's version isn't perfect. This review pretty encapsulates everything about their set:
http://www.tohokingdom.com/blu-ray/godz ... ion11.html

In the end, I'm honestly going to stick with my Classic Media DVDs.

[tymon]

The Criterion has the best picture and audio quality the film will ever receive. I like the CM special features and all, but to many of us it's the PQ/AQ that makes or breaks a release.

[Jomei]

GxG, pointing to some minor bloodshed in a few Godzilla movies isn't really a good counter to the claim that the films are kid-aimed. Ultraman, another series primarily aimed at youngsters, features FAR more violence than any Godzilla movie--on television, no less.



Japan simply seems to be less bothered by violence and challenging/mature themes in entertainment aimed at--or at least popular with--children.

[JVM]

For someone who is NEW to the franchise, I don't think Criterion vs. Classic Media will make a big difference. CM's DVD is inferior, but it's still plenty watchable for a NEW FAN at least.

[tymon]

^It's plenty watchable period, it just ain't like Criterion. However, it is $8 vs $20 on Amazon right now, and under $25 in the CM Godzilla Collection with the six other films..I would go with the Collection honestly, it's just a goddamn bargain. Then pick up the Criterion DVD or Blu-Ray if further quality and extras sounds appealing to you.

[Cimmerian Dragon]

I guess if the choice is between the CM collection and just Godzilla from Criterion, then yes, the set is the way to go. On a 1:1 basis, I consider the Criterion version a no-brainer simply due to the image quality. When I buy a film, the quality of the film itself is the most important thing to consider. I love extras, don't get me wrong, but thay are just that; extras. Seeing the movie in the best manner available takes precedence.

[Tohosaurus]

GxG, pointing to some minor bloodshed in a few Godzilla movies isn't really a good counter to the claim that the films are kid-aimed. Ultraman, another series primarily aimed at youngsters, features FAR more violence than any Godzilla movie--on television, no less.



Japan simply seems to be less bothered by violence and challenging/mature themes in entertainment aimed at--or at least popular with--children.

Pretty much, and I haven't looked at this discussion to see if anyone's brought up Gamera, who had plenty of graphic moments in the young audience-aimed Showa films and Gamera the Brave.

[Cimmerian Dragon]

That's because the Japanese understand that most little kids are totally fascinated by mayhem and gore. Seriously, read a freaking fairytale, Hollywood. Traditional children's literature was a safe place to confront their fears, and an outlet for their violent impulses. In this country, we have studios that take things like G.I. Joe, which was definitely one of Marvel's most violent mainstream comic books during the mid-eighties (in sheer number of blatant killings if nothing else), and turn it into a cartoon show with a zero-bodycount.

Then what do I and I my other little friends in kindergarten do? We had battles with our G.I. Joes, announcing graphically that "Snake Eyes cut Xamot's head off an' there's blood spraying everywheres!!!"

Yeah. I guess BS&P really saved our fragile, angelic minds.

[DagarahX]

Excuse me, but I have remembered from reading the monster bios that there was a Rebirth of Mothra 3 film?
How is that film? I thought there was only 2 films, is it any good?

[Cimmerian Dragon]

I think it's the best of the Mothra trilogy by far. Decent effects, a very formidable threat in King Ghidorah, and a more engaging script than the first entry (to say nothing of that piece of shit RoM 2).

Unfortunately, Sony never released it on R1 DVD. It used to be available on Crackle, but it's no longer there.

[JVM]

Guys, I understand why ya'll think better video quality is important. But for someone who's brand new to the franchise, hasn't seen Godzilla a billion times before and isn't a videophile... I just don't think it'll make a HUGE difference.

[DagarahX]

I'll buy both, although my GODZILLA Criterion will be arriving tomorrow from Amazon. So I'll invest myself into that first. Then I'll buy the classic media version with my next paycheck.

[Living Corpse]

Only on TK would people argue what video release a newcomer should buy.

Just get whatever you want and enjoy the films.

[Tohosaurus]

I think it's the best of the Mothra trilogy by far. Decent effects, a very formidable threat in King Ghidorah, and a more engaging script than the first entry (to say nothing of that piece of shit RoM 2).

Unfortunately, Sony never released it on R1 DVD. It used to be available on Crackle, but it's no longer there.

This.

[DaveTheAnalyzer]

Crackle.com legally has the original Mothra and many of the Heisei and Millenium films. However, they are dub only, so think that what you will (I'm personally fond of the Hong Kong dub, even if there seems to be only six voices).

And there were two Godzilla cartoons. The first was made by Hanna Barbara of Scooby Doo fame and it's...divisive, like the American Godzilla. The first 13 out of 26 episodes are availabe at Hulu, so you could judge for yourself.

The second cartoon was inspired by the American Godzilla, and many consider it to be the best thing that came out of the whole mess of a movie. IMHO, it's not the Japanese Godzilla, but it manages to form a nice identity of its own and the human characters are a fun, snarky bunch.

[tymon]

Only on TK would people argue what video release a newcomer should buy.

Who's arguing? We were discussing the details of different releases of the same film, brah.

..And I see my man already went with the Criterion, nice. Still, if you're gonna get the CM discs too, I would just pick up the Godzilla Collection boxset - it breaks down to $3.50 per film that way for seven movies.

[JVM]

I'll buy both, although my GODZILLA Criterion will be arriving tomorrow from Amazon. So I'll invest myself into that first. Then I'll buy the classic media version with my next paycheck.

Well if you already went for the Criterion release, not much reason to go for CM yet. Criterion version IS superior to the CM release, I just wished to make the point I don't think a newer fan would see a tremendous amount of difference compared to the more senior ones around here.

[James23873]

In case you don't know already, the series has several different continuities. It goes like this.

Godzilla (original)-Terror of Mechagodzilla (Technically speaking Destroy all Monsters is last because it took place in the then future 1999, but you don't have to watch it last. Also, other non godzilla movies tied into this series are Rodan, Varan, Mothra, Atragon, Frankeinstein vs. Baragon, War of the Gargantuas, and King Kong Escapes.)

Godzilla/The Return of Godzilla-Godzilla vs Destoroyah. (This series ignored all previous movies with The Return of Godzilla acting as a direct sequel to the original movie.)

The American Godzilla completely stands on it's own and was followed by the show Godzilla The Series, a cartoon.

The third series is divided into several different continuities that would take forever to explain. Here's a link to an article that explains it all. http://www.tohokingdom.com/articles/art_mill_conti.htm

Just thought I'd let you know, this way you won't be watching Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah and wondering why they never heard of him before.

[Tyler]

Also, other non godzilla movies tied into this series are Rodan, Varan, Mothra, Atragon, Frankeinstein vs. Baragon, War of the Gargantuas, and King Kong Escapes.

I thought it was only Rodan and Mothra and even then it was very loosely.