Godzilla 1985 betamax?

[Godzilla 1986]

First post! I've lurked here forever and am a rather avid and admittedly opinionated fan, but am finally making an account so I can share this little gem that, as any fan whose ever walked into a thrift store and spotted either a rare kaiju tape, or a kaiju tape period, make me mark out in excitment.

I walked into my local Salvation Army and checked the VHS section, as I've made it a habit to buy every G-related tape I find that's not a duplicate, and the first thing I see is this. At first I thought its was just a normal tape, but upon closer inspection it was actually a betamax. After some closer inspection I can conclude that its an original 1985 release by New World Home Video, not any rerelease (if there ever was any), and other than the stickers from whatever rental place it came from, its in extremely good condition. I actually have a betamax player at home, but haven't had the chance to view it yet. My question is, in the world of G-Fandom, is it actually worth anything? I don't intend on selling it, but I'm just curious on what it would be worth overall, and if anyone has seen this version, is it any different than the VHS release (as I know numerous little edts are abound)? I included some pics of the case and tape itself. My thanks for any insight on this, whether its a gem of a find or just a cool addition to my collection.

Front Cover: http://i41.tinypic.com/w70594.jpg

Back Cover: http://i41.tinypic.com/20htsv9.jpg

Tape: http://i41.tinypic.com/30x954i.jpg

[wataru]

To Godzilla collectors? sure it's worth something. But only the most hardcore of collectors. Id say $20 tops.

To the rest of the world? $1 tops.

[RyanClark]

I bought a copy off Ebay a short time back, but I don't have the means to play it (I collect kaiju videos just for fun). I'm assuming the contents are identical to the VHS release. Actually I bought another copy previously, but the seller failed to mention (or a take a good enough pic to represent it) that the box had been butchered for it to be a video store rental. I actually just gave it away the other day to a friend. In terms of value, here's one on Ebay BuyItNow for $4.79. I think I paid a bit more than that for mine. http://www.ebay.com/itm/GODZILLA-1985-T ... 0920860968

[g2kmaster]

Just wondering, how does betamax stack up against VHS?

[Cimmerian Dragon]

Noticeably better quality, even for a casual viewer. The problem is that they could not fit as much on a Beta tape as a VHS, and so convenience won out over quality. Also, there was no porn allowed on the Beta format, which many people credit with hammering the final nail in its coffin.

[Goji]

The best way to watch the "original" (home video) version of GODZILLA 1985 is the LaserDisc. Though it is pan and scan..

The Monsters HD version looks great, but that's assuming you can track down the 1080i version floating around (if it's even there to begin with). Most copies of it seem to only be in 480p, and don't look fantastic, despite being in the OAR.

[g2kmaster]

I have yet to own a laserdisc player. I however have had handed down to be the casing that you are supposed to but the betamax tape in in order to play it in a vhs player. And with the betamax of G85 being so cheap, I might pick one up one of these days.

Thanks you two.

[goji1986]

The best way to watch the "original" (home video) version of GODZILLA 1985 is the LaserDisc. Though it is pan and scan..

The Monsters HD version looks great, but that's assuming you can track down the 1080i version floating around (if it's even there to begin with). Most copies of it seem to only be in 480p, and don't look fantastic, despite being in the OAR.

The only minor nitpicky thing about it is that it's a test print. A few shots are edited differently and a couple have not been color corrected compared to the final version. But that's not enough to detract from your enjoyment

[Goji]

You're talking about the MHD version, correct?

A couple of things are missing from that, including the original loon call that's heard right before Godzilla arrives, as well a few different music cues here and there. For the most part though, it's the same.

From my understanding, the home video versions of '85 are the same as the theatrical versions minus having Godzilla's roar during the New World logo (which was only heard in theatrical prints, TV airings, and at least one VHS release from Europe I believe).

[Tamura]

The Australian tape is the closest thing to the US theatrical version. It has the original optical subtitles for the Russians, for example.

New World's home video version looks horrible, but it's oddly nostalgic for some reason. The blown-out highlights sort of add to the creepiness.

[Goji]

The Australian tape is the closest thing to the US theatrical version. It has the original optical subtitles for the Russians, for example.

Ah yes, I almost forgot about the Russian subtitles.

New World's home video version looks horrible, but it's oddly nostalgic for some reason. The blown-out highlights sort of add to the creepiness.

"Get outta my head Chaaaaaaaales"

Seriously though, that's exactly how I feel about it. I have two versions of the MHD cut (both with their fair share of problems), but I find myself more often-than-not watching the pan and scan rip I have. The quality is actually better than my New World VHS. (Maybe it's an LD rip? I'm really not sure).

The way the film looks is just incredibly nostalgic for me. It was one of the first films I ever saw, outside of Disney stuff and random dinosaur movies/education films.

[wataru]

I have yet to own a laserdisc player. I however have had handed down to be the casing that you are supposed to but the betamax tape in in order to play it in a vhs player. And with the betamax of G85 being so cheap, I might pick one up one of these days.

Thanks you two.

Laserdisc isnt that great. The LDs are heavy, the machines are noisy and most movies are 2 double sided LDs. Also, you have to look at the player(s). There's ones that you have to manually flip the LD. Some can read both sides. Some have remotes, some dont. And if it breaks, youre skreeonk because no one outside of Dubai or Japan repairs them.

I owned one, watched a couple films, saw no benefit over VHS, and sold it on Craig's List for $75.

[g2kmaster]

I still own a laserdisc set though. Can't say that the laserdisc box sets from Japan don't kick ass. Not to mention, Criterion started off doing Laserdiscs.

[Legion1979]

I still own a laserdisc set though. Can't say that the laserdisc box sets from Japan don't kick ass.

Most DVD sets (like Toho's releases of the Heisei Godzilla films) contain all the same stuff anyway. I know you're talking about special features, because you're you.

Not to mention, Criterion started off doing Laserdiscs.

...and?

[g2kmaster]

Mike, the laserdisc sets also came with nicely detailed books, all with supervision from Kawakita (for the Heisei Godzilla releases). Along with that, they generally had better box art than the DVDs/Blu-Rays that came afterwards (the GVS.M'92 and GVS.D laserdisc set covers aren't up my alley at all, while the Gamera trilogy laserdisc set artwork are just beautiful). Not to mention the 40th Anniversary box set for GOJIRA is pretty sweet. This is not just about stuff on the laserdisc either. Along with making of books, you could also get trading cards, film cells, SD toys, and other nice things. The aforementioned Gojira LD box set also had nice goodies like stills, a copy of the screenplay (with the same bloody-looking font that the three characters that Godzilla is made of on the cover), also a copy of the shinto purification ceremony transcript, and other nice goodies. Not to mention that in terms of the Gamera LD sets, not everything has been ported over to the more accessible DVDs/Blu-Rays (Though Mill Creek did do a good job breaking the chain and included most of what was on these sets. But, for things like the G3 MATERIAL REMIX on the Mill Creek disc, you do miss out some because that feature was made to go along with the book released with the LD set).

And I mentioned Criterion because 1. Criterion starting off with laserdiscs gives the format more credibility and 2. Much like the Records vs. CD cases argument, the bigger size of the format meant bigger covers. Bigger productions of the cover art is always nice eye candy. And a lot of laserdisc releases - not just stuff from Criterion - had great covers. Though Criterion did have some nice covers.

Here are some links to illustrate my point:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LD-GAMERA-2-att ... 19cf602dc1
http://members.fortunecity.com/hgrele/TLL2235.htm

[Gawdziller]

Noticeably better quality, even for a casual viewer. The problem is that they could not fit as much on a Beta tape as a VHS, and so convenience won out over quality. Also, there was no porn allowed on the Beta format, which many people credit with hammering the final nail in its coffin.

Well that tears it. I refuse to support Betamax now. I need my Strapon Legends Volume 26

[Godzilla 1986]

Yeah, I figured it wouldn't be worth too much, but as a collector of course I jumped on it. You NEVER see betas anywhere, so I was lucky. I also own a G84 LP, which is believe is the sound drama of the movie. Not sure how much that's worth, but its in pretty good condition.

Noticeably better quality, even for a casual viewer. The problem is that they could not fit as much on a Beta tape as a VHS, and so convenience won out over quality. Also, there was no porn allowed on the Beta format, which many people credit with hammering the final nail in its coffin.

Not ENTIRELY true. When I bought my betamax player, honest to God, there was a porn still inside it. The name escapes me, but I know the main actress was PJ Sparxx. And no, it was no softcore, lol.

[Cimmerian Dragon]

^ You're right. I forgot that they did eventually start releasing it. Anyway, if anyone's interested, here's a decent article on the Beta Vs. VHS war:

http://www.mediacollege.com/video/forma ... x-vhs.html

[Tamura]

While we're on the subject of GODZILLA 1985, it's true that nobody has the Monsters HD 1080i file who's kind enough to share it, right? I've searched high and low for it in full HD for literally years and have only run into standard definition copies.

[Cimmerian Dragon]

Me too, Tamura.

It seems like it was floating around certain internet circles at one time, but now all you can find are rumors and dead links.