Weekly Kaiju Movie Viewing Thread #5 (6/9-6/10)

[MekaGojira3k]

I watched King Kong vs. Godzilla, finally. First time I've not watched a film during the original weekend, but here we go.

King Kong vs. Godzilla was probably the fourth Godzilla film I ever saw. I think I liked it, but never quite as much as some of the other films (Monster Zero, Mothra vs. Godzilla). Some time, like last year I think, I rediscovered the film and just sort of felt like a whole new level of enjoyment flooded the viewing I had. King Kong vs. Godzilla may not be one of my absolute favorites, but it's definitely up there and it's definitely one of the best of the Godzilla films (top 10 maybe?).


Firstly, we've got these two guys. Dr. Johnson angered me to no end as a child. I was all "GODZILLA IS NOT THAT DUMB." Nowadays, there's some kind of charming campiness that permeates these scenes and makes them a riot.


I love Oodako. I love the Giant Octopus here more than in War of the Gargantuas when its a prop. Something about the live action Octopus works for me. I also love the scene itself. Stupid animals trying to get in their stock of berry juice.


I can't honestly remember whether I watched this Kong first or the original. I think I had seen some of the original Kong, but I was young enough that the shortcomings of this suit didn't bother me. I also prefer this suit to the King Kong Escapes suit. This one is slightly less goofy to me.


I love this sequence. The start of it especially as you get them facing off from different levels and see the helicopters buzzing about as the fight begins.


I just thought this image was funny. *tail*


There's something about this shot that I ADORE. The energy of it as Kong moves down the hillside to the castle with Godzilla waiting just looks great.

King Kong vs. Godzilla is definitely a great film, and its a LOT of fun. That's probably the factor that keeps me coming back to it anyhow.

[Alpha OTS]

Was anyone selected to start another thread? I saw Thomas volunteering.

I was out of town all weekend and I don't know if I'll have time tonight to watch. I'm not sure which version I'll watch yet. Probably the Japanese version, but I don't think my copy of that looks good as the American version.

I don't want to comment too much on what everyone's said so far yet, but I thought the berry juice theory of Kong's growth was interesting. Although wouldn't all the islanders then suffer the same gigantism? Always loved the octopus, and for a long time I wondered how they made it look so life-like.

I did watch Gorath on Friday morning before I left, and I really enjoyed it. The monster walrus scene didn't seem as "out of nowhere" as I was expecting, although in cutting it from the movie you do lose absolutely nothing storywise.

And Latitude Zero still has not arrived!

[MekaGojira3k]

[Tyler E. Martin]

[Alpha OTS]

[MekaGojira3k]

[Tyler E. Martin]

Just finished watching the U.S. version for the first time in a long time, and it did a great job of reminding me why I watch it so rarely. The U.N. news bits with the renowned Dr. Arnold Johnson, the moronic inclusion of stock footage from The Mysterians, and the replacement of Ifukube's epic score (which I'm listening to right now) with generic B-movie cues all work together to undermine what was originally an enjoyable comedic monster romp. Both cuts suffer from pacing issues, but the American version just feels interminable due to the immense stupidity of the changes made at every turn.

One thing that never really washed with me is the idea that the original version was meant to serve as a commentary on rampant commercialism in the same way that the original Godzilla was made as a protest against nuclear proliferation and war. Yes, it takes some pretty effective jabs at commercial greed, but at bottom, the movie is a lighthearted monster mash and isn't meant to be taken that seriously. The strong comedic elements set it apart from other films in the genre (but in a good way). It's not the greatest, but it's certainly a lot of fun.

[MekaGojira3k]

I kind of like the American cut for being so absurd. Especially Dr. Johnson and his idea of a prehistoric era in which giant apes fought dinosaurs.

[jellydonut25]

[MekaGojira3k]

[Alpha OTS]

Just popped in the Japanese version, and I'm really liking how my sound system's handling the opening King Kong song. Granted I set it to an enhanced mode, but I'm liking how the bass is popping. I fiddled with my tv's viewing settings. Normally this Japanese version I have looks really washed out color-wise, but I was able to restore it with the "Vivid" setting. It's not a setting I really ever use, but it worked here. I hope the screen grabs look as good once I load it on my laptop.

"This is a scene that you would expect from a comic book." Laying the ground work for the story to come?

Strange light in an iceberg? I'm getting the impression these guys don't know how to steer a submarine as they plow right into it.


Not sure if this is something Toho wants floating about nowadays.

"Alright, you can stay. But they will take no responsibility if their god eats you both."

"It's Godzilla!" And now the Godzilla versus the military base scene that's just too short. Where is this military base exactly?

Godzilla was born in Japan and that's why his instinct will drive him to return, eh?

Ok, swinging that jungle lizard around by the tail was just a little silly.

I love the giant octopus. It's a great monster, and the "slimy" sound effects as it writhes around really helps sell the scene. The puppet model doesn't work quite as well, but it's intercut pretty cleverly so its never lingering too long on screen. Even when it jumps on Kong's head, there's a scene inbetween where it's the actual octopus and not the saran-wrap looking puppet.

What exactly was the plan once they arrived in Japan with King Kong anyway? They even mention they intended to wake him up! "A request to allow King Kong into the country was not presented, so he is considered to be smuggled goods."


Ok, this jumped out at me because I was looking for some good human interaction scenes. This is kind of contrary to the lightheartedness people were talking about in the thread so far. Godzilla's in the process of tearing up the countryside, and this couple is in sheer terror as he passes by.

Should we hire Myth Busters to see if you can blow up dynamite by shooting it?

"We must make it clear that King Kong is an animal, whereas Godzilla is a monster born from radiation." Is that a distinction without a difference when they're both currently tearing up the countryside? And then they meet! Round 1! Fight! I really like how active Godzilla's tail is. Makes him seem real agitated. Although I miss the dialogue about Kong might as well be fighting a flamethrower that's in the American version(it was at this scene, right?). It even seems that the military considers Godzilla the bigger threat.

"Commander! It's getting worse! Godzilla is normally the problem, but King Kong is an immediate threat!" Maybe I spoke too soon?

Round 2! Fight! Kong's using the old primate brain this time! Well, initially at least. The stop motion kick! This is just one long great fight sequence that the kid in me still loves. Into the ocean they go!

I'll always love this movie. It has that good blend of fun similar to what Mothra had last week. However, this is definitely the more lighthearted movie in comparison.

[MekaGojira3k]

I've never had a problem with the lizard scene just because it fits the tone of the film perfectly.

[Tyler E. Martin]

[jellydonut25]