Monster Zero x SciFi Japan - Archive Only

This is far too difficult for me to call, and I haven't even seen Submersion of Japan yet. My "shortlist:"

Rodan, Battle in Outer Space (the effects, music, and core message make me LOVE it in spite of its massive weaknesses), The Human Vapor, Mothra, Matango, Atragon, Frankenstein Conquers the World, War of the Gargantuas, King Kong Escapes, and Latitude Zero. I really like most of the others, but those I count as my favorites.

I'm surprised you didn't count War in Space, since it's technically part of the Showa period. For my money, that movie is a massive pile of crap on the level of Sayonara Jupiter, but to each his own. Say, shouldn't Sayonara Jupiter be on the list too?

Matango is probably my favorite... after that would be Mothra and FCTW

I'll probably say Rodan. Like someone else mentioned, the build up in that movie is just fantastic. And of course, the Rodan theme is great. Probably in my top 5 Toho scores ever.

Also, I find Space Amoeba, Varan, King Kong Escapes and WOTG to be all very fun movies to watch.

One film I didn't include in the list (because it's not a kaiju/sci-fi film, which is what I wanted this discussion to focus on), but I though might warrant a mention because of Tsuburaya's great work is The Battle of the Sea of Japan. I am a history buff who has been studying the Russo-Japanese War 0f 1904-1905 (an extremely important war in world history that is often overlooked or receives scant attention...the long term consequences it had on the world, especially Japan and Russia, is staggering). This film has some amazing work done by Tsuburaya and Nakano...their depiction of the "Battle of Tshushima" with Japan's Imperial fleet's total annihilation of Russia's Baltic Fleet in the "Battle of Tsushima" is vintage Tsuburaya, and some of his best work, and captures the battle's events in amazing accuracy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNj4Icwf9eI
*note: the poster of the video added some bland music in...in the actual movie, there was no music during this scene, adding to its tension and mood).

But if you're not into history, fans will probably find it boring. It will probably never be released R1, which is a shame.

Its a damn shame Frankenstein Conquers the World gets lumped into that "worst movies ever" catagory. Its one of Tohos best outings and of the most entertaining monster movies ever. People suck.