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M o n s t e r l a n d F o r u m s was created on January 29, 2006 for the purpose of giving fans of giant monster films and other sci-fi/horror movies a friendly online meeting place to discuss all of their favorite films and other things of interest.

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Aspect ratio vs improved color?
I would rather have the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio 3 (37.5%)
I would rather have the improved color and 40 sec of footage 2 (25%)
I have no preference-thank God we're getting anything from CM 3 (37.5%)
Total Votes: 8
Classic Media Dvd Question; Cast your vote. Explain your reply.
Topic Started: Aug 25 2006, 05:11 AM (545 Views)
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As most of you know by now Classic Media is in the process of re-releasing their Godzilla film DVD inventory. One of these has generated great discussion and, regrettably, some tension among those on the internet talking about it. The subject of their discussion, and argument: the aspect ratio of Godzilla Vs The Thing(1964), the AIP version of Godzilla Vs Mothra(1964), which is the original Toho film. The original film is, as part of the CM DVD release, being presented in it original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, in Japanese language with English subtitle option. The AIP version is English dubbed, but the aspect ratio is 1.77:1, which means that this version has undergone some cropping. When I say "cropping" I am referring to the overall image of the film. A 2.35:1 aspect ratio, along with another fairly common ratio, 2.40:1, means that the film is presented in the exact image as that shown in the movie theater presentation of the film. A 1.77:1 ratio, or similar ratios like 1.78:1 or 1.66:1, means that there has been some preening(chopping off) of the film's print(top/bottom and side-to side subtractions). The AIP version of the 1964 Toho Godzilla classic will have 40 more seconds of footage that would have been missing has this re-release been offered as a 2.35:1 transfer, and it has been stated that the color of the AIP 1.77:1 transfer will be much more vibrant. Given the choice, would you, as a kaiju fan, prefer that this movie be offered in it's original, 2.35:1 aspect ratio, or would you prefer the alternative(with some marginal cropping(to 1.77:1 ratio) that has the 40 seconds of missing footage restored, and with greatly improved color? All replies welcome. Cast you vote and explain your answer. :)

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I cast my vote for what is scheduled to be released: the 1.77:1 transfer of Godzilla Vs The Thing(1964). I already have the Simitar DVD of this film, which does present this movie in 2.35.1 letterbox. That said, I can understand why others, not possessing the SIMITAR DVD might prefer that the AIP dub still be offered up in 2.35:1. There have been some comments made about the Simitar DVD-that it has "washed out colors", one reason why it has been stated that CM chose to opt for the better colors and missing footage. Bottom line: I'm still buying this DVD. thumbs up

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Ro-Dan
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Well, thanks for clearing this up, Lee. I knew there was a big hubbub about this DVD release I just wasn't sure about the specifics of it. I don't really know where I come in on this. I guess it's a trade-off. You can have the cropped, colorful version or the full-aspect "washed out" version.

Let me just say that I, too, own the Scimitar release of Godzilla vs the Thing and I've never had any problems with the color. I didn't even realize that the color was faded. It always looked good to me. Having said that, I'm pretty pleased with my Scimitar DVD so I won't be buying this new CM release. I like my dubbed version and I really have no interest in watching the Japanese version.

However, if I didn't own the Scimitar disc I would jump at the opportunity to get CM's MOTHRA VS GODZILLA DVD. Sure the American version is cropped, but you will get the full aspect version in the Japanese version so it isn't so bad.

Do we know if the other DVDs (Ghidrah, Raids Again, Terror of...) will have the same problems with their American transfers?
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Ro-Dan
Aug 25 2006, 09:09 AM
Do we know if the other DVDs (Ghidrah, Raids Again, Terror of...) will have the same problems with their American transfers?

I know that Gigantis The Fire Monster(1955), the english-dubbed Americanized version of the Toho film Godzilla Raids Again(1955), will be presented in standard(full frame) format. I will check on the specs for the Toho original GRA and get back to you.

Regarding the other upcoming releases, Ghidrah The Three-Headed Monster(1964), Monster Zero(1965), Godzilla's Revenge(1969), and Terror Of Mechagodzilla(1975), there has been no info on the specs for these yet.

edit: click the link, Dan, for info on the specs for "GRA" and "Gigantis The Fire Monster":
www.scifijapan.com-art and specs for GRA/Gigantis

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Excellent. Thanks for the info. I'm gonna venture a guess and say the only problem will be with Godzilla vs The Thing.
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Ro-Dan
Aug 25 2006, 06:37 PM
I'm gonna venture a guess and say the only problem will be with Godzilla vs The Thing.

And I'm gonna venture a guess and say you're right. tongue-1

Honestly, if Classic Media were to show the American versions of some of these other features in the upcoming box set in a cropped version, in order to include improved color and/or other things, I could roll with that. You can be sure though that there would be howls of protest from many others. faster <!--emo&shifty eyes-->Posted Image<!--endemo-->

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josh TX
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Anyone know the release dates yet for Godzilla's Revenge and Terror of Mechagodzilla? The last I heard was September but I haven't heard a concrete release day.
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josh TX
Aug 12 2007, 10:11 PM
Anyone know the release dates yet for Godzilla's Revenge and Terror of Mechagodzilla? The last I heard was September but I haven't heard a concrete release day.

There has been no official release date issued by Classic Media for Terror Of Mechagodzilla(1975) & Godzilla's Revenge(1969). I have seen connected individuals on the web post "early September", but nothing more specific. Josh, in case you're interested, and don't want to wait for the Classic Media re-release, SIMITAR issued a very good R1 DVD of Godzilla's Revenge(1969) in 1998(or thereabouts)-the print is great and the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 is preserved. The only downside is that the SIMITAR disc of this movie is English dubbed. I have a copy of this SIMITAR disc. Click the link to see it for sale at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Godzillas-Revenge-To...86971701&sr=1-3

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TrentonFella
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I don't really care to be honest, I'm usually supportive of all Godzilla dvds (including now even though my interest in Godzilla has fallen quite a bit) and I don't see that changing.
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TrentonFella
Aug 13 2007, 06:41 PM
I don't really care to be honest, I'm usually supportive of all Godzilla dvds (including now even though my interest in Godzilla has fallen quite a bit) and I don't see that changing.

My own interest in watching "Godzilla" films really hasn't waned...but the time I find available to watch them certainly has. I have also wanted, over the last several years, to spend more time watching horror and sci-fi, and not just limiting myself to giant monster movies. I'll always be a die hard Godzilla fan though...just like my support of the Philadelphia Eagles. tongue-1

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packmule
Aug 15 2007, 08:25 PM
My own interest in watching "Godzilla" films really hasn't waned...but the time I find available to watch them certainly has.

I couldn't have said this better. My girlfriend likes to watch all the new release movies when they come out so that really takes up a good chunk of our film watching time. Lately I have been trying to squeeze in one of "my" movies per week, usually a kaiju, horror, or foreign film to break up the hollywood stuff.
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Quote:
 
My own interest in watching "Godzilla" films really hasn't waned...but the time I find available to watch them certainly has. I have also wanted, over the last several years, to spend more time watching horror and sci-fi, and not just limiting myself to giant monster movies.


That's what I have been doing lately, getting into different types of movies and anime series. Maybe one day I will regain my fire for Godzilla (pun intended).

Quote:
 
I'll always be a die hard Godzilla fan though...just like my support of the Philadelphia Eagles.  tongue-1


I can respect...to a certain degree anyway tongue-1
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"Trentonfella"
 
I can respect...to a certain degree anyway
And coming from a Dallas Cowboys fan I certainly appreciate that. thumbs up :)

I'm surprised, somewhat, that Classic Media hasn't made any announcement about their next two upcoming R1 DVD releases, considering their tentatively scheduled to hit the streets in September, 2007. confused

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josh TX
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Tohokingdom.com is listing Terror Of Mechagodzilla as being released on September 5th. I don't know how accurate or truthful that really is, considering there is no mention of that date on Classic medias site. I'm guessing it is probably true, though, because I know some Tohokingdom employees have been working pretty closely with CM as far as getting the word out to the public about these DVD's. As far as Godzilla's Revenge, the date for that still says "TBA".
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josh TX
Aug 17 2007, 06:45 PM
Tohokingdom.com is listing Terror Of Mechagodzilla as being released on September 5th. I don't know how accurate or truthful that really is, considering there is no mention of that date on Classic medias site. I'm guessing it is probably true, though, because I know some Tohokingdom employees have been working pretty closely with CM as far as getting the word out to the public about these DVD's. As far as Godzilla's Revenge, the date for that still says "TBA".

Josh, if it's posted at Toho Kingdom then I'm sure it's true. Anthony Romero, aka "Arbok" at TK, and the site's founder, is a very well connected young guy, and he also works diligently to keep Toho Kingdom accurate and up to date. This site's database is very impressive and Romero's staffers are all very talented folks. noddy

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