Showa Godzilla films with best and worst special effects

[Planetxman]

What the skreeonk did ''Destroy All Monsters'' have that was so bad? The dummy? Please, almost all of the Godzilla movies had dummies falling. It's not like they could use real people.

I grew up with DAM and just love it and consider it a high point in The Godzilla Series. NOT a lowpoint.

[ScootaVaran]

I think Godzilla vs Gigan might have had the worst. Still a fun movie though.

[Planetxman]

I think Godzilla vs Gigan might have had the worst. Still a fun movie though.

I like parts of the film, but consider it the most unwatchable of that era. The stock footage was just too much for me to get past. Those horrible miniatures, the stiff puppets,etc.

[Goji]

How are the miniatures so "horrible" in comparison to what was seen in previous films? Can you be a little more specific?

Most of the new SPX footage is good, save for the lifeless Ghidorah marionette, and "mist" that shoots out of the Gigan one. Those are probably the most glaring things in the film other than the abundance of stock footage.

[Legion1979]

The pyrotechnics during the oil refinery battle are absolutely amazing.

[Megalon-5]

Other than the stock footage and decaying Godzilla and Ghidorah, I find the SPFX for Godzilla vs. Gigan to be quite good. The refinery rampage is really neat and I like the shot inside of the department store when Gigan's foot comes down. And the final battle in Children's Land is cool as well with the bizarre miniatures adding to the movie's charm. I really like the mushrooms and the "box" building, really gives a surreal 70's vibe to the fight. Honestly, other than those two suits and the stock footage, i think the miniatures are pretty good.

As for my opinion on the worst SPFX in a Godzilla film, I think Raids Again's ratty Godzilla suit is my pick. I'm not a big fan of the Kong puppet either.

[Planetxman]

How are the miniatures so "horrible" in comparison to what was seen in previous films? Can you be a little more specific?

Well, my opinion is that the buildings look cheap and unconvincing in Children's land. Like Mike mentioned, the oil refinery scene is a highlight of the film. The stiff puppets are too much for me to watch. Also, did you guys not hate the bad scaling of the boat when Angilas came ashore ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2DMD5gZmvk

[Goji]

The miniatures in Children's Land look just fine.

[Planetxman]

The miniatures in Children's Land look just fine.

Yeah, because I have seen many structures that look just like that in real life.

[Goji]

I'm pretty sure realism wasn't the point, but you knew that, right?

It was a theme park... built by aliens... for human children. What exactly would you have preferred?

[Megalon-5]

Yeah, because I have seen many structures that look just like that in real life.

Dude, it's a 70's Godzilla film made for kids, of course it's not going to be realistic. And there's way weirder structures than the Children's Land stuff in real life as it is. If anything the Children's Land buildings reflect the comic book atmosphere of the film.

[Legion1979]

I'm still wondering years later what that boxy pyramid thing in Childrens Land is supposed to be.

[MaxRebo320]

Another question: Just how big is the Godzilla Tower?! If Gigan and Ghidorah are tiny compared to it, then damn that's big tower! And Ghidorah is twice Godzilla's size!

[Giga Kaiju]

Best: Godzilla and Mothra Vs Godzilla.

Worst: Godzilla Raids Again

[Planetxman]

AAAAhhhh...the first flame war and I am only on here for two days.

[Legion1979]

Another question: Just how big is the Godzilla Tower?! If Gigan and Ghidorah are tiny compared to it, then damn that's big tower! And Ghidorah is twice Godzilla's size!

It's just a bad matte combined with the fact that the Ghidora and Gigan props weren't built as large as the suits. The Tower is SUPPOSED to be 50 meters.

[Planetxman]

It's just a bad matte combined with the fact that the Ghidora and Gigan props weren't built as large as the suits. The Tower is SUPPOSED to be 50 meters.

You're wrong Mike !!!
It's just a CHILDREN'S FILM(Ultimate Cop Out Defense) and what did you expect ?!

[Goji]

I suspect planetxman is somebody I actually like from elsewhere, so I'll just agree to disagree regarding the miniatures.

[Planetxman]

I suspect planetxman is somebody I actually like from elsewhere, so I'll just agree to disagree regarding the miniatures.

Well to each his own. You can't argue opinion. You like what you like. That's it.

Some people think Rosie O'Donnel is hot. How can I argue with that ?

[Zentenk]

Best: Godzilla and Mothra Vs Godzilla.

Worst: Godzilla Raids Again

Really? I just watched Godzilla Raids Again and it was pretty good, I just didn't like the puppets.

Kobayashi has a great arm also, tossing that note from plane to boat.

I also loved Godzilla's grunts, so cool.