Rodan/War of the Gargantuas (1956)

RODAN: Rodan, originally released in Japan in 1956 involves a giant monster being awoken from an ancient hibernation by human beings. In Rodan, miners digging far into the earth stumble across a clutch of giant, prehistoric insects which viciously attack several of the miners and prompt a government investigation into the matter. The giant bugs turn out to be little more than food for two gigantic flying beasts called Rodans, who hatch from giant eggs and proceed to terrorize the entire world. WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS: War of the Gargantuas, released in Japan in 1966 as "Frankenstein's Monsters: Sanda versus Gaira" and a semi-sequel to Frankenstein Conquers The World. It introduces two giant, hairy humanoids called Gargantuas, which spawned from the discarded cells of Frankenstein's Monster from the previous film and are described as brothers. The Green Gargantua is violent and savage, preying upon human beings; as he lives in sea water, he is given the name Gaira for "stranger." The Brown Gargantua had been raised in captivity, and is docile and gentle; because he resides in the Japan Alps, he is called Sanda for "mountain". The film follows the investigation and military engagements of these creatures until their climatic confrontation in Tokyo.

Pure nostalgia

Nostalgia is a strange thing. It makes us rate with five stars such a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad film. I saw this film when I was 11 and couldn't sleep near a window for years (remembering the airport scene). And the kid within me was scared again when I watched it again. It happened again with Count Yorga films. KNowing the inner kid is alive and well. That alone deserves a five star. November 9, 2008

English Subtitles Don't Work

I sometimes wonder when I see all these glowing reviews so soon after a new DVD comes out...

I have gotten two copies of the set from Amazon so far and on both of them the English subtitles don't work; don't come on at all. Seems like a problem with the run of the disks. Beware. October 23, 2008

Kaijutastic!

Classic Media has once again put out an amazing product with its two disc set of Rodan and War of the Gargantuas. This is the first time I have been able to see the Japanese versions of these films and what a difference it makes. The pointless and schmaltzy voice over narration from the dubbed American version of Rodan is mercifully absent from the original version, both of which are presented here. The picture from the Japanese version looks clean, with great colors and is presented in its original full screen ratio. The transfer is so clean in fact that you can actually see the strings on Rodan in a couple sequences. I was also surprised to hear the scientists discussing global warming in a kaiju film, and one that is over 50 years old!

The documentary, Bringing Godzilla Down to Size, also included on the Rodan disc, is interesting and informative, though it shortchanges a bit in the clips department.

The War of the Gargantuas is a wonder to behold in widescreen. Several other reviewers have mentioned that the Japanese language version is a bit dark, however, I didn't find that it detracted from my enjoyment of the film, it just made it seem moodier. If you're that concerned about it, you can watch the brighter dubbed version which is also available on this disc. The Japanese version restores the references that clearly place this film as a sequel to Frankenstein Conquers the World. Again the picture and colors look good, and the film was just as much fun as I remembered from seeing it in my childhood. It was odd hearing Russ Tamblyn dubbed in the Japanese version however.

All in all, a fantastic bargain for the price, and probably as good as you're going to get for these films. October 18, 2008

Rodan War of the Gargantuas dvd (2008)

A great release! The classic film "Rodan", restored and featuring a bonus Godzilla documentary, and a smashing bonus, "War of the Gargantuas"!!! I've been waiting for this one for years! Film is cleaned up and sound is great! Recommended!
>>>>>>> October 16, 2008

Good restoration of both movies, but Rodan didn't receive full treatment

At last, the waiting is over. The official "War of the Gargantuas" DVD is released in its full glory. (Widescreen,original japanese language w/english subtitles etc.)No more need to search for bootleg copies of this movie, which are sold at other collectors on the web. Unfortunately, "Rodan" did not receive the full treatment. Although its been remastered and shown with the original japanese language, the DVD release does not display it in 16:9 but rather full screen (4:3). Also, now that it has been restored, you can really see the cables in the background lifting Rodan as he attacks Tokoyo, which unfortunately spoil some of the realism of the movie. Other than this, the DVD pack is worth the money and you can now have the official "War of the Gargantuas" for your japanese monster DVD collection. October 12, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...