English Versions in Most Need of a Restoration/DVD Release

[Rockzilla]

Toho has int'l prints of both MEGALON and MONSTER ZERO that have screened many times before. It makes absolutely no sense that Madman didn't bother utilizing these prints, unless Toho instructed them not to use them.

That is what I thought. Madman either goofed up, or for some stupid reason Toho didn't want them to use those prints.

[Tamura]

You people are really picky for not having much . It's like they always say, beggars cannot be choosers. At least there was a legit release of quality for Megalon and not the many and numerous crappy knockoffs that exist in the US. It's like you're never satisfied.

If i was TOHO I wouldn't listen to you either because after awhile , it gets very annoying of doing fan service and then getting hammered for being a business (It's not a charity) that wants to make money. Wait until the upcoming releases that will flood the market when the hype for Legendary's Godzilla gets high and demand for Godzilla gets back to what it was before 1998. And hell, if the film's successful both ways, you'll get more chances for quality releases for you picky eaters.

Well, too skreeonk bad. I'm putting myself in touch with any company releasing these films in North America from now on. I've proved to be a huge help to one company already. Try and stop me.

[Bigdog]

You people are really picky for not having much . It's like they always say, beggars cannot be choosers. At least there was a legit release of quality for Megalon and not the many and numerous crappy knockoffs that exist in the US. It's like you're never satisfied.

If i was TOHO I wouldn't listen to you either because after awhile , it gets very annoying of doing fan service and then getting hammered for being a business (It's not a charity) that wants to make money. Wait until the upcoming releases that will flood the market when the hype for Legendary's Godzilla gets high and demand for Godzilla gets back to what it was before 1998. And hell, if the film's successful both ways, you'll get more chances for quality releases for you picky eaters.

Well, too skreeonk bad. I'm putting myself in touch with any company releasing these films in North America from now on. I've proved to be a huge help to one company already. Try and stop me.

I won't because even I want an R2-like release for the Godzilla series and an English version of the Mysterians to watch for curiosity's sake , though I'm not exactly picky in what form it will come in . Just make sure you know that it needs to be seen that it'll make a good profit, which will be easy to convince since they're making that film to exploit the hype.

[Legion1979]

You people are really picky for not having much . It's like they always say, beggars cannot be choosers. At least there was a legit release of quality for Megalon and not the many and numerous crappy knockoffs that exist in the US. It's like you're never satisfied.

If i was TOHO I wouldn't listen to you either because after awhile , it gets very annoying of doing fan service and then getting hammered for being a business (It's not a charity) that wants to make money. Wait until the upcoming releases that will flood the market when the hype for Legendary's Godzilla gets high and demand for Godzilla gets back to what it was before 1998. And hell, if the film's successful both ways, you'll get more chances for quality releases for you picky eaters.

I've learned that it doesn't matter how good a new kaiju DVD is. There's always going to be that one guy who runs around screaming that it could have been better.

[Ethan]

I'm pretty sure that nobody (in their right mind) would complain about a release that has both the Japanese and US versions of a film in great quality and complete. I for one have no complaints about the Icons of Sci-Fi DVD.

[Gojira-Fan]

I'm pretty sure that nobody (in their right mind) would complain about a release that has both the Japanese and US versions of a film in great quality and complete. I for one have no complaints about the Icons of Sci-Fi DVD.

Except the Japanese version of Battle in Outer Space has dubitles.

[Ethan]

I've seen most of these film a fifillion times, I don't really mind the subtitles issue. Besides you're not missing any crucial plot point like in GMK.

[o.supreme]

Greetings,

I'm just bumping this topic as I have compiled my own list of films I am trying to preserve on DVD. Of course none of these have been licensed, they are just for my own personal collection, not intended to be copied or sold. I believe many fans would want to preserve these as well, but again fans dont always have the same preferrences. Mine are mostly obtaining original english dubs, and title cards/title credits. I'm not really well versed in aspect ratios and internaitonal credits etc... but I know many fans are. Also I know that "reconstructions" bother a lot of fans, but as long as any true content isn't missing, it dosen't bother me much, but I respect the fans that are aware enough to know the differences as I generally dont. Below is my dream list, about 50% is completed thus far I'm hoping in the next couple of weeks to obtain the equipment I need to transfer these films since I have pretty much all of them on VHS:

Year/ Film Title/ Reason for DVD Preservation
1955/ Godzilla Raids Again/ 1959 WB "Gigantis the Fire Monster" Title Card never released on DVD
1955/ Half Human/ 1957 DCA English Dub/Edit never released on DVD
1957/ The Mysterians/ 1959 RKO English Dub never released on DVD
1958/ Varan/ 1962 Crown Int. English Dub/Edit never released on DVD
1960/ Human Vapor/ 1964 Brenco Pic. English Dub never released on DVD
1961/ The Last War/ 1964 Brenco Pic. English Dub never released on DVD
1962/ Gorath/ 1966 Brenco Pic. English Dub never released on DVD
1963/ Atragon/ 1965 AIP English Dub & Credit Sequence never released on DVD
1963/ Matango/ 1965 AIP "Attack of the Mushroom People" Title and Credit Sequence never released on DVD
1964/ Dogora/ 1966 AIP "Dagora the Space Monster" Title and Credit Sequence never released on DVD
1966/ Ebirah/ 1968 Walter Reade Org. "G vs The Sea Monster" English Dub & Title Card never released on DVD
1967/ Son of Godzilla/ 1969 Walter Reade Org. English Dub & Title Card never released on DVD
1968/ Destroy All Monsters/ 1969 AIP English Dub & Credit Sequence never released on DVD* (included solely as BD extra on MB Blu-Ray dosen't count IMHO)
1970/ Space Amoeba/ 1971 AIP English Dub "Yog: Monster From Space"& Credit Sequence never released on DVD
1971/ G vs Hedorah/ 1972 AIP English Dub "G vs. The Smog Monster"& Title Card never released on DVD
1972/ G vs Gigan/ 1977 CS Logo &"Godzilla on Monster Island" Title Card never released on DVD
1973/ G vs Megalon/ 1976 CS Logo never released on DVD
1974/ G vs. MG/ 1977 CS Logo & "Godzilla vs. The Cosmic Monster" Title Card never released on DVD
1974/ Proph of Nos/ 1979 "Last Days of Planet Earth" English Dub/Edit never released on DVD
1984/ Return of G/ 1985 New World "Godzilla 1985" English Dub/Edit never released on DVD
1989/ G vs Biollante/ 1992 HBO/Miramax English Dub never released on DVD
1998/ ROM 3/ 2003 Tristar English Dub never released on DVD

I know fans such as Tamura had a much more extensive list earlier on in this thread. What I was wondering however, if there are any films you personally feel are missing from this list and are in need of DVD preservation, I would like to know what they are, and why you feel so. Also if any clips on Youtube could be linked sighting examples this would be appreciated. I love seeing things on Youtube I've never seen before, or perhaps haven't seen in a long time and had forgotten about.

[Goji]

Hey supreme. I think I can help out too.

You're list is really comprehensive, but there are even more versions/credits that need preserving, with most being international versions. I'll list some more.

The Last War-An international version has been said to exist, that is much different from the U.S. version. Both this, and the U.S. Brenco version need preserving.

Gorath-The Brenco version is in need of saving, as does the international version. There is an international trailer for the film on Toho's R2, but it is unknown whether or not this version has ever seen release anywhere.

The Human Vapor-Brenco's version is in dire need of a preservation.

Atragon-Toho's international version under the "ATOROGON" title (which oddly enough, Toho re-used in Godzilla:Unleashed for the Nintendo Wii) has never been released in the states. Both that, and the AIP version under the ATRAGON title, need preserving.

Matango-Same case as is with ATOROGON and ATRAGON.

Dogora-Same case as the above two. It is unknown if an international version even exists, or if it has ever been released.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep-While the Sony DVD does technically use this version, the original Ebirah title sequence was replaced with a generic looking "Godzilla vs.The Sea Monster one. The credits were also re-done, though they are very faithful to the original international credits. The "End" card is also completely different on the Sony DVD. The Walter Reade release would probably have to be reconstructed.

Son of Godzilla-Same case with Ebirah, though the title sequence is extremely faithful to the international title sequence, and is only slightly smaller. As is the case with the Walter Reade version of Sea Monster, a reconstruction would likely have to be made.

Destroy All Monsters-Since MB didn't do the job themselves, both the AIP and international versions still need restorations. The AIP version would be impossible to restore without 16/35mm elements in decent shape (since the AIP credits seen on the MB release are in terrible shape), but the Blu-ray release provides all that's need to restore the international vesrion. The international credits are in HD, and look damn good, actually.

Space Amoeba-International version is MIA. It is unknown if it has ever seen release. The AIP version under the "Yog" title (as you previously mentioned) is also in need of saving. Like many of these original U.S. versions, it only ever had a pan and scan VHS release, which makes a preservation/reconstruction, tricky.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah- Minus the pesky copyright info, and omitting the on screen text for Ken's haiku, Sony's DVD did a fine job of recreating the international version of HEDORAH, for the most part. All that really needs saving now is the AIP SMOG MONSTER version. The best source outside of 16/35mm is the LaserDisc release.

Godzilla vs. Gigan-Regarding the international version, it's really complicated (Tamura or I will update the English Versions Guide soon enough). The Cinema Shares release of GODZILLA ON MONSTER ISLAND is definitely in need of sainvg/preservation. This version has never seen release on VHS in the U.S. Most fan-circulated copies are taped off of TV, and generally look awful.

Godzilla vs. Megalon-This is a tricky one..some claim (same as with all of the Cinema Shares releases) that MEGALON was first released uncut theatrically, and then later, was cut for re-releases, as well as for TV airings. It is possible, that using Toho's uncut international version, and an HD version of the CS logo, that an approximation of the original CS release could be made. As for the international version, it has never been released on home video, though a restoration may be possible if we ever get that special edition release of MEGALON ,which was to include the CS logo and credits, as well as the international credits all in HD. If the BD release of MEGALON never happens, it won't be possible to restore either version without 35mm elements.

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla-Sony's release of the international version is very well done, like HEDORAH. The original Cinema Shares version of COSMIC MONSTER is definitely in need of saving, as is the even more rare BIONIC MONSTER version (which may not even exist anymore, if there are any surviving prints, I don't think it's something anyone in the fandom knows about). 35mm elements would have to be used, since COSMIC MONSTER has never been released on home video outside of faded, pan and scan releases.

Prophecies of Nostradamus- The U.S. "Last Days" cut deserves to be preserved, at the very least (as awful as it may be) utilizing the lone LaserDisc release. The international version would have to be recreated, using a high quality transfer of the film, and that will most likely never happen.

Terror of Mechagodzilla-Tamura has restored the credits of this version, so all that would need to be done is add these credits to a nice looking transfer of the film. A U.S. release is highly unlikely until somebody else gets the rights to the films that Classic Media has, and even then, it's a stretch.

Return of Godzilla-Preserving this version is very difficult, since it has only been released on PAL VHS (In both England and Finland). It will be impossible to restore without 35mm elements, or a really high quality BD release. The U.S. version (GODZILLA 9185 could probably be recreated using a version of the Monsters HD airing in 1080p, but even then, it would require more work to make it match the theatrical/home video versions.

Godzilla vs. Biollante-the HBO releases contain the uncut international versions..but because it was never released on anything after the LaserDisc format, a restoration is almost impossible until an HD version is available, or if 35mm elements could be utilized.

Rebirth of Mothra III-This was available for playback in HD on crackle.com, for a long time, but has since disappeared. It may never seen a home video release, so the best option would be for someone to somehow record the online streaming version (if that's even possible) in an effort to preserve the international version.

A few of these titles will be impossible to restore, without 16/35mm elements. Those included are The three Brenco titles (The Last War, Gorath, and The Human Vapor), The two Walter Reade releases of the Island Godzilla films, and the AIP releases of "Yog Monster From Space", "Attack of the Mushroom People", Atragon, "Dagora the Space Monster", and Destroy All Monsters. Except for Atragon, all of them have at least gotten VHS releases, so they can at least be preserved via DVD-R copies.

[o.supreme]

Thanks Goji,

Your passion and attention to detail are truly appreciated. My concern comes when we as fans start to speculate on what truly "exists" and what may or may not. I wish some fans had access to Toho representatives who know exactly what film elements truly exist and what do not with respect especially to International Versions.

According to this site, a Toho International English dub of The Three Treasures was released in 1960 (cut from 182 minutes down to 112). I have asked a few of the most knowledgeable Toho film fans that I know about this version-and they all basically said the same thing- that it did have limited release in 1960, but none of them have ever seen it personally, or know of anyone who did see it, or know if Toho even still has it. Other International English dubs such as King Kong vs. Godzilla, Return of Godzilla, or Godzilla 2000: Millennium are also questionable. I know some "previews" exist, but it would be nice to know if the actual film still exists assuming all elements were not destroyed. Also if anyone can confirm any of the information I have been unable to thus far, insights are truly appreciated. This is why I limited my list to what I had. Also I think a more fair term for what I am doing is simply preservation rather than restoration. I fully admit I dont have the knowledge or equipment to do some of the fine restorations that some fans (such as Tamura- you are awesome!) have done. I just want them off of VHS and on to a best possible quality media file and/or DVD which is for the time being the best way to preserve the films.

Also everythingI have been reading about the changes MB made in order to release Frankenstein Conquers the Word is a bit disconcerting. I probably only saw this film in its unadjusted English format in the early 1980's on local TV, and have no recollection of how it originally was. Since then the multiple airings on TBS and TNT in the 1990's was all I had seen until the DVD release in 2007.

[Tohosaurus]

Rebirth of Mothra III-This was available for playback in HD on crackle.com, for a long time, but has since disappeared. It may never seen a home video release, so the best option would be for someone to somehow record the online streaming version (if that's even possible) in an effort to preserve the international version.

I'm curious as to why Sony pulled those down and why they released the first two way back but never the third along with them. Rights issues? Something with Toho? I'm no expert so idk.

[o.supreme]

I'm curious as to why Sony pulled those down and why they released the first two way back but never the third along with them. Rights issues? Something with Toho? I'm no expert so idk.

I'm not sure why it was pulled from Crackle.com. But I know there is nothing holding back Sony from releasing it on DVD in North America (as of this writing) except for the perhaps pecieved view that the cost associated with releasing it on DVD would not be profitable. When the "Icons" set came out, I believe Sony's collective response about ROMIII was "Oh yeah, we forgot about that one! We'll get to it...eventually..."

[Goji]

Thanks Goji,

Your passion and attention to detail are truly appreciated. My concern comes when we as fans start to speculate on what truly "exists" and what may or may not. I wish some fans had access to Toho representatives who know exactly what film elements truly exist and what do not with respect especially to International Versions.

Glad to be of help, good sir. Keeping track of all of this stuff can be confusing, and I was surprised that a comprehensive guide to all English versions didn't already exist. It's why Tamura and few of us decided to go ahead and make one.

According to this site, a Toho International English dub of The Three Treasures was released in 1960 (cut from 182 minutes down to 112). I have asked a few of the most knowledgeable Toho film fans that I know about this version-and they all basically said the same thing- that it did have limited release in 1960, but none of them have ever seen it personally, or know of anyone who did see it, or know if Toho even still has it.

I've heard very little about the English version of this, so thanks for the info. Unfortunately, it's possible that it's something that only exists in Toho's vaults. I guess we'll know if it still exists or not whenever somebody picks it up for release. This is what happened when MB was planning on releasing VARAN. Since they weren't able to use VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE, they opted to use Toho's English dub from their international version (simply titled- VARAN). I believe Toho told them that it was no longer available, or something along those lines.

Other International English dubs such as King Kong vs. Godzilla, Return of Godzilla, or Godzilla 2000: Millennium are also questionable. I know some "previews" exist, but it would be nice to know if the actual film still exists assuming all elements were not destroyed.

RETURN OF GODZILLA definitely exists, and has had VHS releases in England and Finland, though has never been released on DVD anywhere. It's also the only English language-version of a Godzilla film that has never been released in the U.S, next to GODZILLA 2000:MILLENNIUM.

KING KONG VS. GODZILLA's export version either still exists in Toho's vaults, (and simply can't be released basically anywhere) or it's no longer around. I know it played in Malaysia as late as 1980, though the likelihood that it got a VHS release anywhere in the world is pretty low.

GODZILLA 2000: MILLENNIUM has never been released anywhere, neither theatrically, or on home video. It was basically replaced by Sony's version, which Toho liked so much, they released it internationally. It is the only Godzilla dub/international version that remains unreleased anywhere in the world.

There are a few cases where it is not known if an international versions actually exist, since they've never popped up anywhere. This includes GHIDORAH THE THREE HEADED MONSTER, and MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA. One that many aren't sure about is KING KONG ESCAPES. An international poster exists, as does one line from Dr. Nelson (what sounds to be from an alternate dub of the film) in the U.S. trailer for the film. Other than that, this version has never appeared on home video anywhere, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist for sure.

Also I think a more fair term for what I am doing is simply preservation rather than restoration. I fully admit I dont have the knowledge or equipment to do some of the fine restorations that some fans (such as Tamura- you are awesome!) have done. I just want them off of VHS and on to a best possible quality media file and/or DVD which is for the time being the best way to preserve the films.

Yeah, sorry, I think I went back and fourth between saying preservation/restoration. My bad. Using 35mm elements would be the only way to truly "restore" any of these versions, and I agree that we should at least attempt to preserve the ones that have (at the very least) had home video releases. It gets complicated when you consider some versions have only had releases in Europe, and that transferring PAL to a NTSC format seems to be pain in the ass, and requires equipment that most people don't have.

In the case of the international version of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, since ADV's release of the film was so atrocious, it's worth restoring. It's the only Godzilla film in existence (on home video) to have international credits that exist in HD. Those credits could be matched up with a color corrected version of the film (to try and improve the rather bland look of Toho's transfers) to best re-create Toho's export version.

Also everything I have been reading about the changes MB made in order to release Frankenstein Conquers the Word is a bit disconcerting. I probably only saw this film in its unadjusted English format in the early 1980's on local TV, and have no recollection of how it originally was. Since then the multiple airings on TBS and TNT in the 1990's was all I had seen until the DVD release in 2007.

Tamura will tell you, MB's construction of the AIP version of FCTW is, in a word, a fluke. Tamura and CT Himes covered most of the changes in the guide we made a while back. Check it out.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7462

[scrocks13]

DVD Release needed:

We have nearly all Godzilla (and related) movies on DVD except these that have not been available by ANYONE for Region 1 or 0:

Godzilla 1985
Godzilla vs Biollante
Rebirth of Mothra 3

Please release to complete collections.

[Tamura]

There are a few cases where it is not known if an international versions actually exist, since they've never popped up anywhere. This includes Toho's SPX output from 1964: DOGORA, GHIDORAH THE THREE HEADED MONSTER, and MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA.

DOGORA does indeed have an international dub. It's the one heard in the AITV version and on the MB DVD, sans any accompanying English credits. Ted Thomas can be heard in all his glory.

In the case of the international version of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, since ADV's release of the film was so atrocious, it's worth both preserving and restoring, since it's the only Godzilla film in existence (on home video) to have international credits that exist in. Those credits could be matched up with a color corrected version of the film (to try and improve the rather bland look of Toho's transfers) to best re-create Toho's export VHS.

I'm sorry Goji, but I don't quite understand what you're saying. Could you please reiterate?

[Tohosaurus]

[quote="o.supreme]
I'm not sure why it was pulled from Crackle.com. But I know there is nothing holding back Sony from releasing it on DVD in North America (as of this writing) except for the perhaps pecieved view that the cost associated with releasing it on DVD would not be profitable. When the "Icons" set came out, I believe Sony's collective response about ROMIII was "Oh yeah, we forgot about that one! We'll get to it...eventually..."[/quote]
I see, I see. Yeah, I guess the potential slim profit margin keeps this from really being on their radar. Plus the first two need a full HD widescreen (it's already widescreen but IDR if it's been remastered in HD) presentation with Japanese audio and English subs (they have dubtitles don't they?). Offering BRD versions makes sense to me as well. A decent Gamera-style box set for a fair price just seems logical, but then again I'm a biased fan.

[Goji]

DOGORA does indeed have an international dub. It's the one heard in the AITV version and on the MB DVD, sans any accompanying English credits. Ted Thomas can be heard in all his glory.

Derp. That's right. There must be an international version since the dub was done overseas. Sometimes I forget that DOGORA's dub is a Hong Kong dub.

In the case of the international version of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, since ADV's release of the film was so atrocious, it's worth both preserving and restoring, since it's the only Godzilla film in existence (on home video) to have international credits that exist in. Those credits could be matched up with a color corrected version of the film (to try and improve the rather bland look of Toho's transfers) to best re-create Toho's export .

I'm sorry Goji, but I don't quite understand what you're saying. Could you please reiterate?

Sorry about that, (Not sure why I typed VHS at the end of that sentence, I meant to say export version). I meant to say "since it's the only Godzilla film in existence (on home video) that has international credits in HD (1080p)". By utilizing those credits, and a color corrected version of Toho's transfer of DAM, one could restore the international version. It would be the next best thing to using 35mm elements.

[Ethan]

The idea of reconstructing a VHS is very nice, though.

[omgitsgodzilla]

GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS! is long overdue for a nice, uncut HD restoration.

Quite the prophetic OP, I must say. Don't you love it when things that we want to happen happen?

[o.supreme]

Quite the prophetic OP, I must say. Don't you love it when things that we want to happen happen?

Yeah now all we need him to say is: KK vs Godzilla is long overdue for a nice uncut HD restoration, or have a million dollars in my bank account tomorrow morning .