Here's a little announcement that should make the film nerds and the Godzilla heads happy. Criterion, known for putting out extremely high-quality releases of classic movies, has announced they're putting out a giant Blu-ray collection of all the Showa-era Godzilla films. It's also Criterion's 1000th release and they're going all out for it. Not only will these films feature the highest quality film transfers available, but also all sorts of commentaries, old and new, interviews, and new subtitle translations. With 15 films in this monstrous collection, its a tokusatsu fan's dream come true. You can pre-order it here for $180 which comes out to slightly more than 10 dollars a film.
The list of films that are going to be part of this Criterion release is massive. We have the original Godzilla, both the original Japanese version and American edit with Raymond Burr. There's also Godzilla Raids Again, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster, Invasion of Astro-Monster, Ebirah Horror of The Deep, Son of Godzilla, Destroy All Monsters, All Monsters Attack, Godzilla vs. Hedorah, Godzilla vs. Gigan, Godzilla vs. Megallon, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, and The Terror Of Mechagodzilla. Each movie will feature a new cover illustration too by a variety of artists.
Godzilla's recent outings have been pretty mixed in my opinion. Of course, there's Hideaki Anno's incredible Shin Godzilla which is arguably the best Godzilla film of all time or at least tied with the original. Then again, there's the Polygon Pictures Netflix Godzilla trilogy which is unfortunately pretty boring. The general consensus is that the 2nd new Hollywood Godzilla movie was better than the first, but I personally didn't love it. I did, however, watch and love all of these Showa-era Godzilla movies as a kid and, even if it hurts my wallet, I probably will give Criterion my money to experience them again.
Criterion brings out the Godzilla: The Show Era Films Boxset on October 29.
