Godzilla KOTM... from the Criterion Collection!?!?!

[Gwangi]

[O.Supreme]

[jellydonut25]

[Dr Kain]

[william newell]

If these discs look like their counterparts that were shown on Starz, then I will be rather disappointed. While I did not see all of them, the ones I did see, especially vs. Mechagodzilla, had a healthy dose of "Toho Haze", which I believe is partly due to the fact that Japan has a different black level standard. At least, that's what I remember being said around the time that Sony was releasing the Millennium films. Hopefully that issue was dealt with and the versions that have been currently airing are not indicative of the video quality on the discs.

[O.Supreme]

Just to put some things into perspective. For those of us that grew up in North America. *If you grew up in other locations, you have fortunately had access to more* however....From the time these
Godzilla films appeared in Theaters and on Television, they were only heard in English (1950's through early 1990's) that's 40+ years for the older films, and nearly 20+ for the later ones.

There was only ONE Version, and they were all spoken in English. These were the same versions released on VHS in the 80's and 90's.... Yes there were a few outliers like myself that sought out Japanese VHS copies because we figured we'd never get them in any form. They were not easy to find, and of course were often from dubious sources.

It was not until the mid-late 1990's when Sci-Fi Channel aired..."Godzilla vs Hedorah", and "Destroy All Monsters" that our worlds were turned upside down---. Sure they were still in English, but something *wasn't right* (Thus the first time Toho International Versions that replaced previous versions were broadcast in the United States).

In the late 90's Tri Star started releasing the Heisei films on DVD, again English Versions ONLY. Scimitar starting releasing some of the Showa films in the same fashion....In fact it was not until 2004! that Sony released the first batch of Godzilla films (some Showa and some Millennium) that had both original Japanese and English dubs for the first time. That is ONLY 15 years ago. (again, how people saw these films for 50 years prior vs the last 15....) In fact ADV released Orochi (aka Yamato Takeru) AND the Heisei Gamera Trilogy all in dual language format shortly BEFORE any Godzilla film!

This is not meant to be a criticism, but if anyone can't remember watching Godzilla films prior to say...20 years ago on TV, either you are quite young, or just have a short memory. Again, not a bad thing, just a fact. If this Criterion set is everything you want. Go for it! I am more than thrilled for all to enjoy these wonderful films. As for me, it just doesn't feel satisfactory. Criterion was built up to be this saviour who could provide the all-inclusive definitive set, after all, their stellar work with the original Godzilla was all the proof we needed right? Apparently Toho is so hard to deal with that even the prestigious Criterion had to bow to their demands, which is sad.

I mean how much would any of us pay just to have something as simple as this:

Just imagine this with 15 seperate Blu rays. One film on each disc. Each disc having the original Japanese film with Subtitles, and as a Bonus feature it's corresponding English dub (or two in the case of those that have two dubs). Throw in as additional bonus features any title sequences specific to English language versions. Lobby cards, movie posters etc.... I'd pay top dollar for that set, certainly more than what Criterion is asking for what they revealed.

[jellydonut25]

[kiryugoji04]

Jesus Christ, the bellyaching over this completely absurd. I don't think we ought to ignore the set's flaws but acting like this isn't the best case scenario for this release is insane to me. Obviously the omission of the American cuts and other dubs is rightfully lamentable but the most important thing here is that these films are being perpetuated for society at large by one of the best companies in the game and that is GREAT. Toho's red tape was always going to screw SOMETHING up, so there's really no use in acting like this is in any way an egregious offense.

[jellydonut25]

[kiryugoji04]

Your hyperbole is on point, friendo.

[Heiseigodzilla425]

[kiryugoji04]

Isn't Sony's master of MG74 cropped slightly compared to the Japanese blu? Inseem to recall seeing comparison shots of that awhile back, so that would be another improvement if so.

The biggest point to me is definitely availability. Yes, a lack of dubs may make it harder for children to come to the franchise but you know what makes it even harder? The movies not being available for mass consumption. Not everyone has access to huge nerds like us in their circles to introduce them to the best part of the franchise that is currently 86% out of print. And with the most recent movie being, at least for me, the worst movie in the franchise to date, I'm thankful to see this set being released.

Plus, who has the better reputation for cinematic preservation here, Criterion or Toho? Lord knows Criterion is well aware of how godawful this fandom is and they have obviously done a lot to try and make this release something special so I completely believe that all the notable content omissions are 100% on Toho until I see proof otherwise.

So, yes, at this time I do believe this to be the best case scenario and I am completely down with Criterion spitting in my face if their saliva is going to taste so gosh-darned delicious.

[KaiserGhidorah]

[kiryugoji04]

Like maybe three of the images are so-so but how anyone can look at all the artwork in totality and call it garbage is completely beyond me.

[Benjamin Haines]

[Dr Kain]

I give up on arguing about this set. Some of you were ready to hate it right from the get go and you did, so congratulations. Now if you would please stop shitting in our pots and let the people that want to enjoy this set enjoy it. Go email Toho demanding an explanation for why they are trying to sabotage the set while the rest of us talk about what we are excited for.

[kiryugoji04]

Ben, I wish I could upvote you for that post but I can't so I'm just going to say so. Well said.

[H-Man]

It's a discussion thread, not a "you're wrong if you're disappointed that the most prestigious boutique label is going to present solely what Toho wants them to present" thread.

[kiryugoji04]

The disappointment is not unwarranted but the hyperbolic attacks on Criterion are borderline self-parody. I'm super psyched about the release and I am not without my disappointments but it feels like some takes are being willfully blind of the bigger picture.

[jellydonut25]

[H-Man]

It's not even Criterion's fault. This is the stench of Toho's bullshit.

[jellydonut25]

[Benjamin Haines]

[kiryugoji04]

Also, I can't speak for most kids but I was definitely able to handle subtitled movies well before I was a teenager. If it's a legitimate burden then I do feel for you but, once again, this is still the best case scenario given Toho's absurd red tape.

[lhb412]

As much as we want the films to be as accessible to kids as they can be, realistically kids are way more likely to see newer movies, whether they are MonsterVerse or Toho films and then if they're interested they'll go back to watch the originals. The days of people being introduced to the franchise via TV airings of these movies is long over.