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Godzilla Raids Again(1955); Discuss the movie and Classic Media DVD
Topic Started: Feb 7 2006, 01:23 AM (10,606 Views)
packmule
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"Trentonfella"
 
I didn't really like Varan that much, I thought it was rather boring but it had its high points to it.
I'm pretty much with you there. Not sure if you've ever seen the "Americanized" version of "Varan", which was released to theaters here in the U.S. in 1962. The monster's roar in the American version didn't sound like Baragon's roar(in the Japanese original): it sounded like a Bear grunting(at least to me). thumbs down 2

Topic: have you watched any of the extras for GRA?
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Ro-Dan
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I thought VARAN was rather dull too. And yes, Lee, I've seen the Americanized version. It was absolutely awful and WAAAY more dull than the original version. The American version was just scenes of Myron Healey sitting around a camp site with his token Japanese wife talking about a whole bunch of nonsense.

Just like Trenton said about GRA, I too like the B&W and moody feel of the film. I didn't even know this film existed until about 8 years ago. Through most of my life as a Godzilla fan I didn't even know there was a second B&W Godzilla flick. Watching GRA for the first time back around 1999 was absolutely amazing.

Aside from the mood, I really enjoyed the characters. Especially the character of Kobayashi. I felt bad for him as he was never able to express his love for Hidemi since she was engaged to his best friend Tsukioka. His sacrifice at the end of the film was touching. Easily one of my favorites of the series.
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packmule
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"Ro-Dan"
 
His sacrifice at the end of the film was touching. Easily one of my favorites of the series
Kobayashi showed, beneath his affable exterior, the heart of a lion by crashing his jet into that mountainside, doing exactly what he felt he had to do to accomplish the mission. His death was very sad for me as well. :(

"Ro-Dan"
 
The American version was just scenes of Myron Healey sitting around a camp site with his token Japanese wife talking about a whole bunch of nonsense
I agree, and I say that, as I know everyone here posting does, with absolutely no disrespect to the memory of Mr. Myron Healey, who recently passed away(I posted his passing in the "Farewells" thread).

"Ro-Dan"
 
I didn't even know this film existed until about 8 years ago
I'm not surprised by your admission. I didn't see this movie in it's entirety until the Fall of 1995, when I bought a VHS of Gigantis The Fire Monster from a discount movie store. A couple of years later I watched the original Japanese version on VHS for the first time. As a kid I remember seeing small bits and pieces of it, and that was it.
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packmule
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I came across this very good review of the Classic Media DVD Godzilla Raids Again(1955), at DVDTalk.com: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review.php?ID=27277
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TheDreadedGodOfKaiju
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This is my most favorite of the Showa films.

Godzilla looked great, Anguirus was well done and they made it look like he was a four legged monster, unlike later films.

The Fight scenes were good and different from the rest of the series, the fast speed was odd but entertaining.
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packmule
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"gojiramatthew"
 
This is my most favorite of the Showa films
Do you have the Classic Media DVD of this movie that was released back in early April?


"gojiramatthew"
 
... the fast speed was odd but entertaining
I have often wondered a little about this as well. I know that in "high speed" filming the filming is done at an accelerated rate, as it's name suggests, so that when "slowed down" to normal speed viewing the actions of the monsters look slow, which one would expect from two gigantic monsters. The frequent lack of high speed filming was really my only real knock on Godzilla Raids Again(1955), which is also, I believe, a favorite of Ro-Dan, another member(and admin) here. :)
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TheDreadedGodOfKaiju
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Yes I have the Classic Media DVD, since its the only DVD of GRA I found.
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josh TX
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I also own the CM DVD, and I hadn't seen this film until I got it. I was told about this movie back in 98 or 99', but I didnt pursue it and eventually forgot. It was nice to see Anguirius' first appearance and the way Godzilla was frozen at the end gave explanation to why he was in an ice cap at the beginning of KK vs. Godzilla.
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packmule
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"josh TX"
 
I also own the CM DVD, and I hadn't seen this film until I got it
And that's a recurring thing I read from people who comment on this film on the internet, which lends me to think that Godzilla Raids Again(1955) kind of "flew under the radar" with many fans of Godzilla films. Understandable I think: until the Classic Media DVD release a person wanting to purchase this film would only find it for sale as a Region 2 disc at Yesasia.com, or in scattered bargain bins across the country as a used VHS tape. In fact, I cannot remember ever seeing this film on television. freak out
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josh TX
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packmule
Jul 30 2007, 05:49 PM
In fact, I cannot remember ever seeing this film on television.

I wonder why? I mean just about every other Godzilla film has been shown on tv, why not this one? I wonder if there were licensing issues, or maybe the prints were lost or something.
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josh TX
Jul 31 2007, 09:48 AM
I wonder why? I mean just about every other Godzilla film has been shown on tv, why not this one? I wonder if there were licensing issues, or maybe the prints were lost or something.

I first saw Godzilla Raids Again(1955), in its entireity, Josh, back in 1995 after buying a VHS copy of it: the title of this VHS was Gigantis The Fire Monster. I later bought a copy of a VHS of the original Japanese film in English subtitles. I checked AMC's database, and TCMs- it was in neither. I'm fairly certain I've never seen it on the Sci-Fi Channel as well. As to it's obscurity prior to the Classic Media DVD release I'm not sure but the reasons you suggested are certainly plausible.
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TheDreadedGodOfKaiju
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Here's another review.

**May contain Spoilers**

Godzilla raids again is one most underrated in the showa Godzilla films and the whole series, this film is one of the milestones in Godzilla's movie career, the reason is that it was the first to have Kaiju vs Kaiju and the first Godzilla sequel, The film contains a dark feel to it, sure its a slow film and a rushed in sequel also filmed in black and white, but its still one of the best films.

Godzilla's look in this is great, he looks mean and ready to battle, this is one of the best suits in the Godzilla films.

Anguirus is creative and well done, the monster will return in future Godzilla film sequels.

The Special effects are great, lot of explosions and the miniatures are really detailed.

The monster fights between Godzilla and Anguirus is in fast motions, making it seem the two are real fast animals trying to kill each other, which is great and different.

The American version of this film is an insult to this film, watch the Japanese version of Godzilla raids again and I hope you will agree its the second best of the showa Godzilla films.

8/10 for the Japanese version.
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packmule
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Okay Matthew. Good review. I'm going to post some of my own takes here, some of which will be contrary to your own...just thought I'd warn you first. tongue-1

"gojiramatthew"
 
...sure its a slow film and a rushed in sequel also filmed in black and white, but its still one of the best films
Godzilla Raids Again(1955) aired in Japanese theaters about six months after Gojira(1954)-you're right in that Toho, obviously wanting to capitalize on the huge box office success of the 1954 film, quickly pushed the 1955 film through.

"gojiramatthew"
 
Godzilla's look in this is great, he looks mean and ready to battle, this is one of the best suits in the Godzilla films
I like the G suit in this film fine but I thought the ears were a little oversized-a minor quibble to be sure. Though I like this suit it is not in my top three "Godzilla" suits. A matter of personal preference, I think, and nothing else.

"gojiramatthew"
 
Anguirus is creative and well done, the monster will return in future Godzilla film sequels
Agreed. Anguirus had an auspicious start on the big screen in Godzilla Raids Again and gave Godzilla a good fight.

"gojiramatthew"
 
The Special effects are great, lot of explosions and the miniatures are really detailed
IMO the best pyrotechnic sequence was the truck crash in the refinery and the resulting, and catastrophic explosions that ultimately lure Godzilla back to the coast and landfall. I also thought the miniatures were well done. thumbs up

"gojiramatthew"
 
The monster fights between Godzilla and Anguirus is in fast motions, making it seem the two are real fast animals trying to kill each other, which is great and different
Here is where I disagree. To me the monster battle sequences are very uneven. Now, I believe these giant monster fights look best when their actions are slowed down, which IMO contribute to realism-the slower action is more consistent with the movements of 150 foot tall(or long) creatures. As you mentioned much of the kaiju battling in Godzilla Raids Again is fast, due to lack of high speed filming. This is, IMO, a detraction from the film-given the year this film was made, 1955, I think it can be forgiven, to a degree. Despite my disdain for the quickie movements, at times, of the monsters, it does not prevent me from enjoying, overall, the film itself.

"gojiramatthew"
 
The American version of this film is an insult to this film
I wouldn't use the word "insult"--IMO that's way too strong a word for the American version, though I agree with you that the "Americanization" of the 1955 film was subpar, especially the English dubbing. I would characterize the American version of Varan The Unbelievable(1958), released to American theaters in 1962, as somewhat "insulting", but with no disrespect to (the late) actor Myron Healey.
"gojiramatthew"
 
watch the Japanese version of Godzilla raids again and I hope you will agree its the second best of the showa Godzilla films
I have watched the Japanese version of Godzilla Raids Again(1955): it's not in my top five Showa Godzilla films. For the record, here are my top five favorites, in the order I like them:

1. Gojira(1954)
2. Mothra Vs Godzilla(1964)
3. Destroy All Monsters(1968)
4. Ghidrah The Three Headed Monster(1964)
5. Godzilla Vs The Cosmic Monster(1974)

Honorable mention: Invasion Of The Astro Monsters(1965)

One of the great things to me about Godzilla fandom is the variety of favorite G films regarding everyone. tongue-1
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TheDreadedGodOfKaiju
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True, all Godzilla fans feel different about each films, anyway thanks for sharing your opinions.
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josh TX
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This film might be in my top five. If not it's close. I don't really have a top 5 decided right now so I will have to think about it.
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packmule
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josh TX
Aug 5 2007, 08:48 AM
This film might be in my top five.

What is your top five? heyo

Topic: While I like this film it does not make my top five G films because I really disliked the uneven speed at which the monsters appear to move during their battles.
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Ro-Dan
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I don't think GRA would be in my top 5, however it would make my top 10. I really dig this picture.
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what is GRA?
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packmule
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batrus
Aug 13 2007, 09:41 AM
what is GRA?

"GRA" is an abbreviation, batrus, for "Godzilla Raids Again"(the movie). :)
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what is the story of GRA
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packmule
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batrus
Aug 30 2007, 08:34 AM
what is the story of GRA

Click this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla_Raids_Again
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Gojira
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I have to say I've only seen this film once I would love to get it on DVD
its one of the few Godzilla movies I don't have
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josh TX
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Gojira
Nov 27 2007, 12:47 AM
I have to say I've only seen this film once I would love to get it on DVD
its one of the few Godzilla movies I don't have

Many people, myself included, didnt own this film until the recent Classic media re-release. You can now find it as a single dvd or part of the Godzilla collection boxed set that was released earlier this month.
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josh TX
Nov 27 2007, 11:52 AM
Gojira
Nov 27 2007, 12:47 AM
I have to say I've only seen this film once  I would love to get it on DVD
its one of the few Godzilla movies I don't have

Many people, myself included, didnt own this film until the recent Classic media re-release. You can now find it as a single dvd or part of the Godzilla collection boxed set that was released earlier this month.


Thanks Josh I'll be looking for this set for sure
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packmule
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Gojira
Nov 27 2007, 01:47 AM
I have to say I've only seen this film once I would love to get it on DVD
its one of the few Godzilla movies I don't have

http://www.amazon.com/Godzilla-Raids-Again...96245888&sr=1-1

This film has garnered a great deal of criticism on the internet and is considered by many to be a hastily put together "quickie" sequel to the 1954 classic preceding it. While that may all be true there are, I think, many positives about this film: 1. we fans are introduced to Anguirus, whose screen debut is certainly auspicious-he gives Godzilla all he can handle. 2. I also found many of the characters in this movie appealing, especially the two pilots who work for the commercial fishing company. 3. The movie has received a stellar DVD treatment, that in and of itself a reason, IMO, to buy this movie on DVD if you're a kaiju film fan.
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KexMex
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I love the monster action in this movie. Not only is it Goji's first fight ever, I love the savage, animalistic nature of the two opponents during the battle. Much more appealing than Goji's kung-fu moves in later movies.
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packmule
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KexMex
Nov 28 2007, 08:16 AM
Much more appealing than Goji's kung-fu moves in later movies.

heyo Kung fu moves? Which Godzilla movies are you referring to?
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KexMex
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packmule
Nov 28 2007, 04:43 PM
KexMex
Nov 28 2007, 08:16 AM
Much more appealing than Goji's kung-fu moves in later movies.

heyo Kung fu moves? Which Godzilla movies are you referring to?

Judo toss
Dropkick
Even BOXING

He's done it, and you can't deny it.

This fight, however, is probably the most epically awesome of the entire series for reasons previously stated. By me. Because I'm just that great.
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packmule
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KexMex
Nov 29 2007, 03:02 AM
Judo toss
Dropkick
Even BOXING



"judo toss" = part of judo, a different discipline from kung fu

"boxing" = a different sport from judo

"dropkick" - part of professional wrestling and not judo


tongue-1 tongue-1 tongue-1








j/k Kex. XmaswinkyX
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KexMex
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packmule
Nov 29 2007, 06:54 AM
KexMex
Nov 29 2007, 03:02 AM
Judo toss
Dropkick
Even BOXING



"judo toss" = part of judo, a different discipline from kung fu

"boxing" = a different sport from judo

"dropkick" - part of professional wrestling and not judo


tongue-1 tongue-1 tongue-1








j/k Kex. XmaswinkyX

Kung fu = Right off the Shaolin, basically the starting point for all forms of martial arts.


I win by default. rockin'
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