GODZILLA FILMS ON DVD and BLU-RAY - an updated checklist

How to complete your collection of Godzilla movies outside of Japan

(Last updated in March 2013)

The picture above is of the 'Godzilla Final Box' collection. One huge Japanese DVD boxset. But in Japan, all the fims are owned by the same studio, Toho. But their DVD and Blu-ray releases never have English audio or subtitles on them. OK for rabid fans (like myself) but most American viewers will of course want English on them.

But around the world the rights to release these films have been sold to a dozen different distributors, so there's no hope of getting all the Godzilla films in one big box, in English. In fact, you can't even get all the films from the same country. It's been a while since the last update, but there've been some new releases. There are even a couple of Godzilla films on Blu-ray now.  

I like watching these in the original aspect ratio, but I'll mention it if the image has been cropped to 4:3 (1.33). I watch them with a Japanese soundtrack and English subtitles, but all releases with English audio are also listed.

Godzilla films through the decades were often re-edited for their American and cinema release. I'll mention where the Japanese and US versions are drastically different, but to keep this concise I won't be listing minor differences. For that level of minutia you'll need to refer to the articles in G-Fan magazine or a thorough guidebook.

The US titles often differ from the literal English translation of the Japanese titles, meaning that the same film can get listed in IMDB and DVD sites under different years and titles. 

Another twist in the tail is that there can be two different English language tracks out there - one recorded to match the Japanese edit (refered to as 'international audio', usually for release in Hong Kong). The other is done in the US to match the re-edited release. I'll point out any releases where the English audio isn't the American version. (The Godzilla films shown on Channel 4 in the 90s and released on VHS in the UK all had this alternate English language track, not used in the USA.) 

The cover art is from the DVD release that I recommend. All DVDs are US region 1 NTSC, unless otherwise stated. There have been 28 Japanese Godzilla movies in all, here we go...

1. GODZILLA / GOJIRA (1954)

There are two very different versions of this film. The original Japanese Gojira is longer and bleaker, portraying the equivalent of a nuclear holocaust. The US Godzilla includes cheaply reshot scenes of news reporter Steve Martin, played by Raymond Burr, talking us through the action. It favours monster action over the human devastation.

Both versions were shot fullscreen 4:3 (1.33) and in black and white.Classic Media released a two-disc set in the US that includes both versions, and is sold under the original Japanese title Gojira - complete with a couple of brief documentaries. This DVD set is the best release to date, though the scratchy source print could still do with further restoration. It was the first time the Japanese version was released in the US. The Japanese version is also available in the UK, released by the BFI on region 2 PAL DVD.

Classic Media also released a blu-ray of this version in 2009, not to be confused with the Criterion blu-ray (below).

The Criterion Collection released Godzilla and Gojira together on DVD and blu-ray (pictured) in January 2012 from a newly discovered print, which I believe offers much-needed, improved image quality.

2. GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955)

The second Godzilla movie was also known as Gigantis the Fire Monster, and also recut for the US. This film was originally made fullscreen 1.33 and in black and white. Godzilla fights the spiky four-legged Anguiras, destroying Osaka castle in the process.

Classic Media have released this on region 1 DVD as a special edition that includes the uncut Japanese version (with English subtitles), and the English language US edit.

3. KING KONG vs GODZILLA (1963)

The US version of the movie was cutdown, with extra scenes inserted, but is available in a beautiful 2.35 widescreen release in the UK and US from Universal Home Video (pictured). This US version contains all the monster action of the Japanese version.The Japanese version is longer, with more dialogue scenes and humour, but I've never seen an English-subtitled version. It's only available in widescreen without any English subtitles.

BEWARE the older US DVD release (from Goodtimes Home Video), because it's panned and scanned (cropped) to fullscreen 1.33.

4. MOTHRA vs GODZILLA (1964)

This was retitled Godzilla vs The Thing in the US.Classic Media have released a US special edition as Mothra vs Godzilla, containing both versions of the film. However the US version is only presented cropped down to 16:9 widescreen, instead of the full 2.35 widescreen. This is OK if you want to see the Japanese version, but if you prefer the Americanised English audio in the full widescreen, get the older DVD releases (from Sony or Simitar).

The Simitar DVD has non-anamorphic widescreen 2.35, and with only the English language audio.

5. GHIDRAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964)

Despite the title, this is also a Godzilla movie. Classic Media released this as a marvellous special edition, in 2.35 anamorphic widescreen in Japanese with English subtitles, with an option of the English language US version.

6. INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER (1965)

Classic Media released this as a US special edition in 2.35 anamorphic widescreen in Japanese with English subtitles (pictured). It includes the English language US edit as well. The opening title sequence says Monster Zero and is only 16:9 widescreen, before branching back to the correct 2.35 for the rest of the film.

The Simitar DVD is also watchable, presented in 2.35 widescreen (but non-anamorphic - not as good for widescreen TVs) with only the English language track.

7. GODZILLA vs THE SEA MONSTER (1966)

Also called Ebirah - Horror of the Deep. Sony Pictures released this as Godzilla vs The Sea Monster (pictured) with the original Japanese audio in 2.35 widescreen. The English language track is the International version, not the dub that American audiences will be familiar with from decades of TV broadcasts.

8. SON OF GODZILLA (1967)

Sony Pictures released a 2.35 widescreen version (pictured) with the original Japanese soundtrack in the US, but only the English International audio (not the US dub).

9. DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968)

Every Godzilla monster was in this film and it's one of the most enjoyable from the sixties. It wasn't available in the US for many years.

A new transfer from Media Blasters heralded an anamorphic widescreen release on DVD and Blu-ray in the US in October 2011 (with the above artwork). While the anamorphic widescreen was welcome, the Blu-ray transfer wasn't as sharp as I'd hoped, possibly because the film elements were several generations down from the Japanese original. There's also a rumour that this release could go out-of-print very soon unless a licensing problem is cleared up with Toho. This same 'problem' is also preventing Godzilla vs Megalon getting its US debut on DVD and Blu-ray.

ADV released this with two different covers in 2000 and 2004. It's only the US version of the film, in 2.35 non-anamorphic widescreen, and only has the American English audio track. In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD, with anamorphic widescreen 2.35 and an option to hear the Japanese audio as well. However, I've been told that the English audio track is "below par", (thanks to Killer Meteor).

10. ALL MONSTERS ATTACK / 

GODZILLA'S REVENGE (1969)

Lots of repeated footage from earlier films makes this the laziest and shortest Godzilla film. But the plot, about a bullied little boy finding his feet, still has charm. Classic Media have done a special edition in the US (pictured) including both the Japanese and US versions.

The earlier Simitar DVD was released as Godzilla's Revenge in 2.35 anamorphic widescreen, but only with an English language track.



 

11. GODZILLA vs HEDORAH /

GODZILLA vs THE SMOG MONSTER (1971)

Usually called Godzilla vs the Smog Monster in the US, this is one of the best Godzilla films - best monsters, best nightclub scene! Very eco-friendly too.

Sony Pictures have released a 2.35 anamorphic widescreen DVD (pictured) , with the choice of English or the original Japanese soundtracks and English subtitles. The onscreen titles are in English.

12. GODZILLA vs GIGAN (1972)

Sony Pictures released a 2.35 anamorphic widescreen region 1 DVD (pictured), with optional English or original Japanese soundtracks and English subtitles.

13. GODZILLA vs MEGALON (1973)

The first proper US DVD release was issued by Media Blasters in 2012, but the announced blu-ray version has yet to materialise. The DVD has optional Japanese or English audio and English subtitles.

There's also this Australian region 4 PAL DVD from Madman Entertainment, in anamorphic widescreen with optional English or Japanese audio. (Thanks to Killer Meteor for thIs information).

Beware the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 version - it's cropped to fullframe 4:3 and the team talk humorously over the entire movie.

14. GODZILLA vs MECHAGODZILLA (1974)

Sony Pictures have released a 2.35 anamorphic widescreen DVD (pictured), with optional English and Japanese soundtracks and English subtitles. Don't get confused with the other four films with MechaGodzilla in the title!

15. TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (1975)

Non-stop alien superspy action in the best seventies Godzilla movie. Only time you'll see breasts in the series (sort of)!

Classic Media released this as a special edition (pictured) in 2.35 widescreen in Japanese with English subtitles. It includes the English language US edit as well, but the title sequence is cropped to 16:9 widescreen, before branching back to the correct 2.35 aspect for the rest of the movie.

BEWARE both the Simitar and Sony DVD releases, they are cropped to full-frame 1.33.

16. THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (1985)

Like the 1954 film, there were two very different cuts of this, with an awful (really awful) Raymond Burr version, shortened from the Japanese, dubbed into English, with more comedy and intrusive Dr Pepper product placement! The longer Japanese cut is by far the better version. Also called Godzilla 1984 (in Japan) and Godzilla 1985 (in the US).

This isn't on DVD in the US. The Japanese version has been released by Universe Video in Hong Kong, on an NTSC region 3 DVD as The Return of Godzilla (pictured). It's widescreen, with Japanese audio and English subtitles (that share the screen with Chinese subtitles). The US version was last seen on VHS as Godzilla - The Legend is Reborn.

17. GODZILLA vs BIOLLANTE (1989)

This finally hit DVD and blu-ray in the US in 2012. Optional Japanese (5.1) or English (mono) audio, and of course English subtitles.

18. GODZILLA vs KING GHIDRAH (1991)

What's more fearsome than MechaGodzilla? Mecha King Ghidorah! Great slamdown finale among the skyscrapers of Tokyo's financial district, Shinjuku.

The Japanese version was released in Hong Kong on NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). Widescreen non-anamorphic letterbox. See news/review here.
In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD, with anamorphic 16:9 picture and an option to hear English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).

The only US DVD is out of print but BEWARE - this old Columbia Tristar double-bill DVD is a very tightly cropped 1.33 fullscreen version, and English language only. There was also an UK widescreen VHS release in English language only.

19. GODZILLA vs MOTHRA (1992)

One of the best 90s' Godzilla movies for monster action. The Japanese version has been released in Hong Kong on an NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). Widescreen anamorphic.

In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD with anamorphic 16:9 picture and English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).
Again the only US DVD was the out-of-print Columbia Tristar double-bill DVD (with Godzilla v King Ghidorah), it's also a very tight 1.33 fullscreen version, and English language only.

20. GODZILLA vs MECHAGODZILLA II (1993)

Sony Pictures released a 16:9 anamorphic widescreen version (pictured) with both the original Japanese soundtrack and the English, on DVD in the US.

21. GODZILLA vs SPACE GODZILLA (1994)

This old Columbia Tristar DVD double-bill (pictured) is correctly framed at 16:9 widescreen, but with English language only.


The Japanese version was released in Hong Kong on an NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles).

In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD with anamorphic 16:9 picture and English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).

22. GODZILLA vs DESTOROYAH (1995)

The old Columbia Tristar DVD double-bill (pictured) is 16:9 widescreen, but with English language only.The Japanese-language version was released in Hong Kong on an NTSC region 3 DVD from Universe Video. Japanese audio and English subtitles (sharing the screen with Chinese subtitles). See news here. In this version, many of the scenes are slightly shorter and play in a different order to the US release.



In Australia, Madman Entertainment have released a region 4 PAL DVD with anamorphic 16:9 picture and English or Japanese audio, (thanks to Killer Meteor).

23. GODZILLA 2000 (1999)

Godzilla returned (again), after the three-year break allowed for Roland Emmerich's Godzilla. Godzilla 2000 was also known as Godzilla Millennium.

The Madman Entertainment Australian PAL region 4 DVD (above) is almost the same as the US DVD, with 2.35 anamorphic widescreen and no Japanese audio. The advantage is a notably less grainy image.


The Columbia Tristar release in the USA (pictured) has only English (and French) audio on it, and is anamorphic widescreen 2.35. The letterbox looks too tight at the top, on this and all other versions that I've seen. This version is also slightly shorter compared to the Hong Kong disc. The American dubbing can't resist occasionally poking fun at the film in a bizarre and unfunny way, "Great Caesar's ghost!"

Universe Video released this in Hong Kong on region 3 NTSC. There are Chinese and Japanese audio tracks, but the English subtitles can only be selected with the Chinese audio track. The image is a tightly-framed transfer, the Japanese audio mix is muddy and therefore not recommended.

24. GODZILLA vs MEGAGUIRUS (2000)

This US release (pictured) marked the moment when Sony Pictures started listening to fans and releasing Godzilla DVDs with Japanese audio as well. There's still optional English audio and English subtitles. It's 2.35 anamorphic widescreen.



 

25. GODZILLA MOTHRA KING GHIDRAH - 

GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (2001)

Sony Pictures DVD (pictured) has Japanese language, optional English language or subtitles, 2.35 anamorphic widescreen.

26. GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (2002)

The Sony Pictures DVD (pictured) has Japanese language, optional English language or subtitles, 2.35 anamorphic widescreen. Reviewed here.

27. GODZILLA TOKYO S.O.S. (2003)

The Columbia Tristar DVD (pictured) has Japanese language, optional English language or subtitles, 2.35 anamorphic widescreen.

28. GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2004)

The last Godzilla film. Bigger budget, international locations, electro soundtrack, and ALL the Toho monsters they could possibly cram in... Review here.

Released by Sony in the US (pictured), with Japanese or English audio, and English subtitles.

For lengthier analysis and interviews about Godzilla and his giant monster friends, try the regular, and professionally produced fan magazine G-Fan. They also organise annual conventions in the US.

For online news about Japanese giants, try August Ragone's The Good the Bad and the Godzilla, and SciFi Japan.

Good luck, and happy hunting! The Hong Kong DVDs can be found here from YesAsia. Thanks also to Ian W. (Killer Meteor on the Classic Horror Forum) for info about the Australian releases.

By the twin globes of Hedorah! That was complicated!