The 16th Godzilla epic and the first “reboot” of the Godzilla series is finally making its way across the pond. After 32 years the original, uncut, Japanese version of The Return of Godzilla will be officially released in North America, September 13th.
Simply titled Godzilla in Japan, the 1984 movie was recut with American footage that included Raymond Burr. Fans know this version as Godzilla 1985, but unfortunately this cut will not be included due to licensing disputes between Anchor Bay and Toho.
On the bright side, fans can rejoice that the original version of the film will be available for the first time on DVD and Blu-ray, courtesy of Kraken Releasing. It will include the original Japanese language version and the once elusive English dub by Hong Kong based Omni Productions. (Responsible for the English dubbing in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s Godzilla films.) Like previous Godzilla titles under Kraken, special features will be limited to theatrical trailers. Kraken Releasing had recently distributed Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster (1966), Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) and Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) on both DVD and Blu-ray.
The original reboot of the Godzilla series played as a direct sequel to Ishiro Honda's 1954 masterpiece and spawned six direct sequels known by fans as the “Heisei Series” or “VS Series”. Director Koji Hashimoto channeled the atmospheric anxiety of the Cold War, bringing Godzilla back as a challenging threat for a nuclear powered world. The film also marks Teruyoshi Nakano's (Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla [1974], Terror of MechaGodzilla [1975]) final special effects work in the Godzilla series.
Although it's unfortunate that the release will be without the Raymond Burr cut distributed by New World Pictures (no relation to New World Cinema distributing Godzilla Resurgence), it's exciting that fans will finally have the opportunity to see, and own, Hashimoto's original take on the Godzilla legend. Kraken Releasing sends The Return of Godzilla to the market, September 13th, 2016.
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Sources:
Anime News Network
The Fandom Post
The Good, The Bad and the Godzilla
Sci Fi Japan (Blu-Ray art)
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