In late February, BFI will host the international premiere of new 4K restorations of the first three Gamera movies. Photo courtesy of Kadokawa. © Kadokawa Corporation 1967
Author: Steven Sloss
Official Site: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/gamera-trilogy
The first three entries in Daiei’s Gamera series – GAMERA (aka GAMERA, THE GIANT MONSTER, 1965), GAMERA VS. BARUGON (1966), and GAMERA VS. GYAOS (1967) – will screen at London’s BFI Southbank cinema as a triple feature on Saturday 28 February 2026. All three films are presented in brand-new 4K restorations and will be accompanied by newly commissioned programme notes by Steven Sloss, author of the upcoming book BFI Film Classics: Godzilla.
Tickets are now on sale now: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/gamera-trilogy
See details below...
RESTORED SPECIAL: GAMERA TRILOGY – INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE OF 4K RESTORATIONS
This trilogy of landmark Japanese monster movies is given a special UK screening with this restoration premiere.
About the Restorations
The Showa Gamera films were restored by KADOKAWA CORPORATION in 4K at IMAGICA Entertainment Media Services from the scanning of original 35mm negative films. IMAGICA Entertainment Media Services conducted color grading with the supervisors Shinji HIGUCHI, the director known for the Heisei Gamera Trilogy and SHIN GODZILLA, and Shunichi OGURA. All three films are presented in the original Japanese with English subtitles.
Tickets available for single screenings or a joint ticket can be purchased for all three films. Joint tickets £28.50, concs £22.50 (Members pay £3 less). Book in person at the box office or by phone on 020 7928 3232.
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London SE1 8XT
Photo courtesy of BFI. © Kadokawa Corporation 1965
GAMERA (1965)
Saturday 28 February 2026, 16:00, Screen NFT1
The military is on red alert when a giant turtle attacks in this newly restored monster movie.
The huge success of the Godzilla movies paved the way for many other films that captured global apprehension over the Atomic Age, including the fantastic series of films featuring giant, fire-breathing turtle monster Gamera. This first instalment, a classic origin story, was so popular it spawned a number of sequels and is a fine example of this genre at the very pinnacle of its popularity.
Photo courtesy of Kadokawa. © Kadokawa Corporation 1966
GAMERA VS. BARUGON (1966)
Saturday 28 February 2026, 18:15, Screen NFT1
An epic battle between heavyweight monsters brings about chaos and destruction.
Gamera returns to battle giant lizard Barugon, which recently hatched and is causing havoc. A powerful beast, it possesses a deadly rainbow ray which threatens humanity’s very existence. Japan’s military have used all their might to stop the beast, but the only hope now lies with Gamera, which takes the battle to Barugon across a variety of locations around the country.
Photo courtesy of BFI. © Kadokawa Corporation 1967
GAMERA VS. GYAOS (1967)
Saturday 28 February 2026, 20:40, Screen NFT1
The unbeatable Gamera meets its match in a further monster mash-up.
The Japanese people look to the skies for the latest blight on the country’s population. The giant winged monster Gyaos seems intent on destroying the world and, once again, it seems only Gamera can save the day. These films were not widely seen in the UK and the international premiere of these splendid digital 4K restorations closes with this classic of the genre.
About the BFI
BFI (British Film Institute) is a cultural charity, a National Lottery funding distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image.
About BFI Southbank
Four screens open seven days a week for the widest choice of great films. Eat, shop and study in a safe, scenic riverside landmark.