Customer Reviews

Rodan/War of the Gargantuas

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Following the release of GOJIRA (Godzilla, King of the Monsters, before Raymond Burr was cut in) and it's sequel, Toho made their first color giant monster movie: RODAN(aka Radon, and Rodan ,The Flying Monster).Unlike most creature features of the time RODAN doesn't make you wait 2/3's of the movie for a monster to show up .Meganurons, giant prehistoric dragonfly larva make their appearance rather early in the film.It's this part of the film that's often compared to "Them".However,in RODAN the giant insects are only the set up.In the most memorable scene, when the character comes out of shock, he not only remembers being trapped underground with the Meganurons but also the hatching of a Rodan chick from it's egg.Having the audience already in on the size of the larva provides instant scale, as the hatchling devours the Meganurons.To add to the excitement of the rest of the picture we learn that in fact two Rodans have hatched.

The film is played straight, unlike later entries in what's become known as the Godzilla series.

Although Rodan has appeared in other films, Gidorah,the Three Headed Monster,Godzilla vs Monster Zero(Invasion of the Astro Monsters),and Destroy All Monsters, the look of Rodan was never as good as in this, the original.

Now for the first time Classic Media is presenting this film to American audiences in both it's original 82 min Japanese language version as well the 72 min English language version.


THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS makes it's DVD debut. It's also presented in both the Japanese Version (88 mins.), and English Version (92 mins.).

Special Features: "Bringing Godzilla Down To Size" a new Documentary (68 mins.)

If the quality of the re-mastering and source material remains the same, as it's been, since their Gojira release, in 2006, this should be the best video release of RODAN ever.

RODAN and THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS are two of Toho's best giant monster films, and both were subjected to awkward and unnecessary Americanization jobs. With this welcome release, USA fans can now easily and cheaply make their comparisons, as Japanese and USA versions of both films are generously included.

GARGANTUAS is especially long-awaited, but, sadly, Classic Media's transfer of the Toho version is a letdown. Toho's print has always been darker, with less-saturated color than the UPA (not AIP!) print. This transfer, however, is WAY too dark, and not terribly sharp; in the scenes with Gailah vs. the military, he often looks like little more than a shadow...just awful! No, my TV settings are not to blame- this transfer is plain inferior to Toho's Laserdisc and DVD releases, which is odd when you consider how many nice DVDs of the Godzilla titles have been released by Classic Media. All the more unfortunate is that the Japanese version of GARGANTUAS works much better as a movie than the English-dubbed one. That version LOOKS much better on this DVD, but its problems are well-known and numerous. Said problems are probably the fault of the late and notoriously clueless producer, Henry Saperstein...I can just envision him looking at the rushes, smoking a huge cigar, and saying, "Don't look like no Frankenstein to me!". So, the Frankenstein references are gone, along with much of the integrity of the screenplay. Gone, also, is much of Ifukube's fine score. (replaced by stupid library music, and even by Ifukube music from previous films: why?) Add to this some ill-advised editing, and Russ Tamblyn instead of Nick Adams...Tamblyn is clearly about half past give-a-damn throughout, though his presence may not be all UPA's fault. Bottom line: this kaiju classic was nearly ruined by gaijin interference. Still, this is the version that most USA fans fondly remember, and the monster mayhem and great Toho cast make GARGANTUAS pretty tough to dislike, so it's good to finally have it.

Both versions of RODAN are fine, and the Japanese print looks great. The USA version has been released before, has many of the same issues as GARGANTUAS, but isn't nearly as painful to watch, apart from the absurd stock footage and narration. I've always been fond of RODAN.

No trailers, galleries or commentaries are included here, which doesn't bother me that much. What is included is the outstanding documentary, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE...no, it doesn't sing the praises of GODZILLA VS. MEGALON and the like, and that clearly irks some fans, but it does pay attention to several lesser-known (but still significant) Toho FX craftsmen. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

All things considered, a flawed but still worthwhile release for Kaiju fans, especially at this bargain price.

Rodan's great, but War of the Gargantuas is the treat here. With all very due respect to the original Godzilla and King Kong, I'm just going to throw out there that there is no better giant monster movie than WOTG. I've seen it many times since it gave me nightmares the first time I saw it when I was 5 or so, and it's still nearly perfect. At least in the American version, there are almost no slow spots, some genuine terror and horror, and the monsters are onscreen for an amazing amount of time. Of course there's no putting a movie like this together without some cheeziness, but even that fits perfectly with it being a sixties film.

It's all in there: an almost funnily disinterested performance by Russ Tamblyn (looking a little unenthused and questioning whether he should have taken this gig) as the lead scientist, his babe-aliciuos assistant Kumi Mizuno, the chick lounge singer crooning, Gargantua vs octopus, Gargantua vs military (including masers), Gargantua vs Gargantua, Gargantuas vs city, a volcano... it's got it all. Of course the music is awesome, and I can't believe I'm going to see it in a wider screen view than I ever have. Can't wait!

The wait is over! Devoted fans of Toho's classic Japanese monster movies can now add this excellent two-disc set to their collection. This is a perfect double-feature: RODAN and WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS are two of my favorites. Plus, there's also a wonderful documentary, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE.

So with all this going for it, why does this set only get four stars? Well, not to be an ingrate, but I do have some minor quibbles. Both RODAN or WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS are bereft of Extras ... no commentaries or theatrical trailers. Nothing. (On the Japanese laserdisc edition of RODAN, the lovely overture is included, as well as an exciting theatrical trailer. Why couldn't those have been included here?) Also, the Japanese print of WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS is too dark during several passages, while the American print is sharp and clear. Perhaps a commentary track would have explained this discrepancy.

That said, however, I'm grateful to have these films in both the American and original Japanese editions. These titles have often been severely underappreciated by film historians and scholars. But fans know that these are two top-notch efforts brimming with superb special effects, representing those talented Toho craftsman at their very best. What's Japanese for "Hallelujah!"?

Why Amazon does not carry this title anymore is a mystery. These are the definitive versions of these films. Please do not get ripped off by independent sellers of this film. This film can be bought direct from Classic Media on their website. classicmedia.tv

Classic Media's RODAN/WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS collection will also include an all-new documentary entitled BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE.

Running 68 minutes, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE goes behind the scenes of a filmmaking style that remains firmly rooted in the past even as special effects leap into the future. From the original GOJIRA (1954) through 50-plus years of sequels, spin-offs and imitations, this original documentary tells the story of the genre's creation and evolution via exclusive interviews with filmmakers, special-effects artists, actors and monster stuntmen.

Featuring Akira Takarada, Hiroshi Koizumi, Yoshio Tsuchiya, Shogo Tomiyama, Haruo Nakajima, Kenpachiro Satsuma, Tsutomu "Tom" Kitagawa, Shusuke Kaneko, Teruyoshi Nakano, Akira Tsuburaya, Ryuji Honda, Shinichi Wakasa, Yasuyuki Inoue, Toshiro Aoki, Akinori Takagi, Toshio Miike, Shiro Sano, and narrated by self-proclaimed Godzilla fan Alex Cox (director of REPO MAN, SID & NANCY), the film celebrates the artistry behind the world of Japanese monsters and ponders the future of Godzilla and his city-smashing analog brethren in the digital age.

The website SciFi Japan has an exclusive first look at BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE, packed with photos and information on this great bonus feature for the upcoming Classic Media DVDs.

http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2008/07/26/bringing-godzilla-down-to-size-the-art-of-japanese-special-effects-first-look-part-1/

I have been waiting for 'War of the Gargantuas' to be released on DVD for many years. I had not seen this film in 30 years and I have to say the wait was worth it! The U.S. film print here looks very good and the film is more fun than I remembered. Even better is the inclusion of the original Japanese release. Unfortunately, the Japanese print is dark and not very crisp, but since my concern was for the film I grew up with, this is acceptable to me. The Japanese version is nice to see for curiosity, but I don't see me watching it more than once or twice.

Now about the film, if your a fan of Godzilla type films (ToHo), I really don't need to point out that these films are not meant to be taken too seriously....at least in America! This film is a hoot and the FX are actually pretty good for the most part. The scene with the green "Gargantua" attacking the airport is a stand out!

This film was a quasi-sequel to 'Frankenstein Conquers The World', but all references to the first film were removed when release in the U.S. 'Sanda VS Gailah Frankenstein's Monsters' (the original Japanese title) has never looked so good!

'Rodan' which is featured on the first disc in this 2 disc set is another good film from the studio, but unfortunately, my copy would not play, so I sent for a replacement, it wouldn't play either!?? I am surprised I am the only reviewer who has experienced this problem...or at least mentioned it. The 'Rodan' disc has a new documentary on it, which is very interesting with tons of obscure photos and insight. Happy "Shocktober" to all my horror buddies! from yours truly Dr. Shock!


***DVD Update***
I sent for another replacement many months later and finally received a Rodan disc that works perfectly. It appears the problem discs have been corrected.

***End Of Update***

I'm so pleased to see Rodan finally released remastered with the uncut japanese version included. I just wish the soundtrack for the japanese version was given a little more attention remaster wise. There are faint snaps and pops throughout the film. Maybe it was unavoidable but idi (i doubt it). Probably one of Akira Ifukube's greatest scores for a monster film. It was great to see War Of The Gargantuas finally released as well.

Years ago you were lucky to find any Toho movies on VHS (!) and they were usually the scan and panned, dubbed versions that played on TV, which always looked cheap and gave the genre a negative image.

The folk at Classic Media have made a dream come true by making these films available in their original formats and language, with beautiful prints, sumptuous packaging and extra features as well. This is treating the genre with respect.

"Rodan" is technically impressive, even if the story drags a big, but to have the film in its original format is a major plus.

The real treat here is "War of the Gargantuas", a totally bonkers kaiju epic that is a sequel to "Frankenstein Conquers the World" with two protagonists in the title slugging it out across Japan. The visual effects are often stunning even if the Gargantuas look a bit like "Odd Bod" from "Carry On Screaming".

The icing on the cake here is both the Japan and US version, the latter having some scenes printed slightly brighter, with different takes used and a lot of the Ifukube score replaced with stock cues from both US and other Toho films - bizarre!

Fantastic stuff, its a pity that rights issues mean Classic can't work their way through the whole series of Godzilla and other Toho classic, but what they have done is wonderful.

It's a great time to be a kaiju fan, and the release of RODAN and WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS give us even more reason to cheer. Both films are prized for their sequences of wholesale city smashing, as well as being great examples of what a kaiju film is all about. Monsters attack, the military is unable to deal with the threat, and science tries to figure out just what the new menace really is. The FX work is vintage TOHO and Tsuburaya, colorful, well photographed, not "realistic" in a western sense, but amazingly vibrant and a joy to see. GARGANTUAS is released in a 16x9 anamorphic print, finally putting an end to the horrible pan and scan approach that robbed the films of almost half their image. The film is available in a subtitled version (which I prefer) as well as the original AIP English dub, which does have a strong nostalgic appeal. Picture wise...the surprise here is how much better the English dubbed print looks over its subtitled cut. The picture is brighter...cleaner...and much more detailed, where the subtitled original Japanese version is too dark...and worst of all....grainy and suffering compression artifacts galore. How Classic Media screwed this up so much is beyond me. I own the imported region 2 DVD from Japan and the quality is far superior...dark...but not over dark, and well detailed. To me it looks like a very poorly authored DVD...there is really no excuse for such shoddy work.

RODAN, the first TOHO kaiju film to be shot in color is also available Subtitled and dubbed, but stay with the subtitled print, which is superior in picture and sound. Rodan was shot in academy ratio...no wide screen here, but the subtitled print is a wonderful presentation, with bold colors and great detail. So much detail as a matter of fact that wires that were invisible in older prints are clearly visible in quite a number of shots. It would have been nice to have included a commentary track on these films, especially a subtitled version of the commentary from the original Japanese DVD.

The bonus feature is on the RODAN DVD. Titles BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE, and nicely narrated by filmmaker Alex Cox, it is a nostalgic trip thru SOME of Godzilla's history, and focuses on some of the unheralded talents behind the Godzilla films. Written by 3 of the better known Godzilla historians, Norman England, Steve Ryfle and Ed Godzeweski, the film is a nostalgic trip thru the Godzilla series....well...Some of the series. It would be impossible to argue about their combined knowledge of these films, but they seem to feel that Godzilla Films ended around 1969 with DESTROY ALL MONSTERS. Having read quite a bit written by these 3 on Godzilla history, it was always clear that they have little use for the films made after the 70s...often lobbing attacks on the films while seeing the original films thru very nostalgic rose colored glasses. The series from 1985 thru 2005 (7 Heisie films and 6 Millennium films) are only casually mentioned, with only Godzilla actor Satsuma and GMK director Shusuke Kaneko given anything to say. To overlook such excellent Godzilla films as GMK, BIOLLANTE and DESTROYER, films that restored the Godzilla series to a dignified status after so many dreadful productions, is a huge failing. These are the films that rescued Godzilla from being a punch line, and the people involved showed that using mostly traditional Tokuatsu techniques, amazing images could still be created. Not to mention that with GODZILLA vs MOTHRA (1992) Godzilla became, for the first and only time, the top grossing Domestic Japanese film. So, to quote Arthur Miller's brilliant play DEATH OF A SALESMAN....."ATTENTION MUST BE PAID!" In spite of this kind of OTAKU approach, the documentary is enjoyable. If only it were more complete and less of a love letter to their youth

But back to the films. Any kaiju fan should love this set, and it's an amazing bargain, with 2 films, and 4 versions for one great price. So do not miss out, and hope we see more kaiju madness on DVD soon!