MovieChat Forums > Gojira (2004) Discussion > Criterion edition Jan. 24, 2012

Criterion edition Jan. 24, 2012

posted 13 years ago by hobnob53
18 replies | jump to latest

As noted, Criterion is issuing its own DVD and Blu-ray of Gojira on January 24, 2012. The release will also include the international version, Godzilla, King of the Monsters.

The DVD retails for $29.99, Blu-ray for $39.99, but most sites will of course have them for less.

As you'd expect, there are many more extras in this set than in the previous (and excellent) Classic Media release (although, granted that some people don't care about lots of extras as much as others do). All extras are included in both the DVD and Blu releases. These include:

*Audio commentary on both films by film historian David Kalat
*Interviews with actor Akira Takarada, Godzilla performer Haruo Nakajima, two effects technicians from the film, as well as an interview with composer Akira Ifukube, and one with Japanese critic Tadao Sato
*Booklet with an essay by critic J. Hoberman
*Featurette on the film's visual effects
*"The Unluckiest Dragon", an illustrated audio essay on the fate of the fishing boat Lucky Dragon No. 5, which spurred creation of the film
*Theatrical trailers
*New and improved subtitles

Both films have, of course, been newly remastered, reportedly from better prints.

One curious thing is that Criterion is releasing the disc under the name Godzilla, rather than its original Japanese title, Gojira, unlike the Classic Media version. Also, though the cover of the Criterion issue looks pretty cool, I do prefer the dark, ominous simplicity of the CM cover. On the other hand, better -- and, hopefully, in the credits, more complete -- subtitles will be welcome.

Years ago, well before the Classic Media discs, I wrote Criterion asking that they consider releasing Gojira. I was very satisfied with the subsequent Classic release, but it's great that the "Tiffany" of DVD outfits is making both films part of its distinguished, if oddly eclectic, library.

[–] Big G-2 13 years ago

Well, I would imagine they would prefer to release it as GODZILLA, the better name recognition. I actually like the cover. And truthfully, while many fans liked the CM covers, I suppose I'm in the minority. They were proper covers, but for me, they just didn't reach out and grab me.

It will be interesting to see the interview with Akira Ifukube. If one has THE QUIET DUEL on DVD, that one also contains an interview with Ifukube, but if I recall, that one had very little if nothing on the discussion of Godzilla. It was more about the score for TQD, and his artistic differences with Akira Kurosawa (there have been stories that both did not like each other, but Ifukube says there were no such feelings regarding that and both had a mutual respect for each other).

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

Yes, I'm sure Criterion is calling it "Godzilla" for simplicity's sake (name recognition), but you'd think they'd put "Gojira" in small letters underneath or something. The CM cover did that, in reverse, of course. But Godzilla is rather unmistakable.

I do like the Criterion cover, and it's unique in that it depicts the monster from behind, instead of the usual ways of showing him from either the front or side, which I think is highly imaginative. But the cover shows the smashing, bashing monster, and in my view misses the very point Criterion's text makes about the film as a "humane and melancholy" document about the nuclear threat. I just think the CM cover conveys a much subtler, yet more foreboding, aura of menace, and its dark lighting and classic black & white pictorial are vastly more faithful to the film, and its mood. It's spare, clean and powerful.

I didn't recall that Ifukube did the music for The Quiet Duel, but his comments on Kurosawa aren't surprising. K worked with composer Fumio Hayasaka on many films, but when H was dying of TB in 1954 and was laboring desperatetly to complete the score for Seven Samurai, Kurosawa kept chain smoking in his face even as the guy could barely breathe, trying to compose while being literally choked by K's inconsiderateness.

[–] Big G-2 13 years ago

In Stuart Galbraith's book about Kurosawa & Mifune, Steven Spielberg recalls an incident where he invited K to his office in Hollywood to discuss (what I recall), the production of RAN. Anyway, those offices are "No smoking", but Kurosawa, not realizing the smoking laws, decided to light up a cigar, catching Spielberg off guard. Spielberg, however didn't tell him anything (either he thought it would be rude of him or perhaps he was just too intimated by Kurosawa) and just let him smoke it!

Getting back to GODZILLA, a new commentary will be provided by David Kalaat. He previously did a commentary for Criterion for DR. MABUSE (I have that movie, but I have yet to hear the commentary on that one) and for GHIDRAH for the Classic Media DVD, but don’t recall that. I guess I will have to listen to it again.

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

I love the Galbraith book, especially since he covers so much of Japanese cinema, going beyond K & M, and treats even Toho's sci-fi films with respect...quite unlike Donald Ritchie, who's just a boring snob.

I knew Kalaat's name from someplace (thanks for the reminder!), but I too haven't listened to his commentary on either of the films you mentioned, which I also have. Quite frankly I seldom listen to commentary, with just a few exceptions. I've found much of it inept, inaccurate or just plain dumb and dull. But I did listen to it on the CM set of Gojira/GKOTM, and certainly will do so with the Criterion release.

Isn't he the guy who did the commentary on The Day the Earth Stood Still? "Kalaat borada nikto."?

[–] Big G-2 13 years ago

Isn't he the guy who did the commentary on The Day the Earth Stood Still? "Kalaat borada nikto."?

Hah! Very clever!

Although, I did spell his name wrong (I added an extra "a". It should read David Kalat). If you are reading this Mr. Kalat, I apologize!

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

Yeah, I got it wrong this time, too. But three a's definitely makes him sound more alien.

Just ordered the disc from Amazon, which has the lowest pre-order price I've found ($20.99), though if past is prologue they'll be upping it in a few days.

[–] PillowRock 13 years ago

Twice a year (for the last 2 or 3 years, anyway) B&N runs a 50% off sale on all Criterion products. (If you have one of their member cards, you can get an extra 10% off in store, making a total of 55% off.) Those have been in July and November (employees have already confirmed the Nov sale will happening again this year). That's when I've been doing almost all of my Criterion shopping the last couple years.

Of course, I can also understand wanting to get a personal favorite the day that it comes out. ;-)

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

Yes, and we always take advantage of that sale -- I'm waiting for it before picking up The Killing, Island of Lost Souls, The Four Feathers and, if the sale lasts late enough in November, 12 Angry Men and the Eclipse Series Sabu!.

I was hoping the next B&N sale would be in January, but I really don't want to wait six months to get this DVD. For a $6 difference, I'll deal with it!

But I'm glad you said that having the card gets you 55% -- not 60% -- off. It's 10% off the sale price (in this case, half), not the full price. Few people seem to realize this...including most of the staff at B&N, who keep insisting you get 60% off with the card. No, but 55% is still a great deal.

[–] Big G-2 13 years ago

I'm probably going to pick up ISLAND OF LOST SOULS this weekend (perfect for Halloween!). And Hobnob, those movies you mentioned are also on my wish list and including the Japanese horror movie KURONEKO.

As for GODZILLA, I will hopefully buy it when it comes out in January (assuming what little money I have is not going to get gobbled up during the Christmas season).

[–] PillowRock 13 years ago

I like Kuroneko and definitely recommend it, but I won't be "double dipping" for it any time soon. I've had the UK DVD for a few years. Region free, PAL converting DVD players are handy things.

[–] PillowRock 13 years ago

if the sale lasts late enough in November, 12 Angry Men and the Eclipse Series Sabu!.

On another message board someone said an employee had told him their calendar showed it running through the 21st. That would fit their basic pattern of new sales starting on Tuesdays and old sales ending at the end of Monday. That would also mean that the Criterion sale ended the Monday right before Black Friday, which also makes a certain amount of sense.

Unfortunately, that (if accurate) would mean those two titles would be hitting stores just barely too late for the sale.

Few people seem to realize this...including most of the staff at B&N, who keep insisting you get 60% off with the card.

Who says that basic high school math doesn't have a practical use in everyday life? ;-)

[–] Big G-2 13 years ago

Went to B&N and the clerk did tell me about their Criterion sale beginning in November.

B&N also e-mailed a coupon this weekend to their customers with the possibility of getting 50% off one item (and that was on top of your membership card). Needless to say, I took advantage of that. Bought ISLAND OF LOST SOULS, which had retail value of $29.99. Together with my membership card and the 50% coupon, the price came to $13.08!! I definitely suggest using this coupon!(and I hope something like this will be available when GODZILLA comes out in January).

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

I got that coupon too, but haven't printed it out yet. Good thinking! (As always.) IOLS is one I want to get too.

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

Apparently the staffers at Barnes & Noble!

[–] cindytrells 13 years ago

Barnes & Noble might not be around much longer. The more stores disappear, the fewer public buildings a monster will be able to destroy.

[–] hobnob53 13 years ago

Yes, I've worried about B&N's long-term prospects, too. With Borders now dead and B&N having at least gotten into the electronic book market with Nook (although I still prefer actual books), they might last awhile longer. But all the more reason to get what you can during their twice-yearly 50%-off-Criterion sales.

Oddly, Amazon has been offering pre-orders on upcoming Criterions at the lowest discounts I've ever seen from them (even before Black Friday). In fact, the pre-order price of Godzilla dropped a dollar from its initial price. 12 Angry Men was lower still, as is Anatomy of a Murder, coming in February. Not quite 50%, but around 40% or more. One day we may have to rely solely on such discounts, if the worst befalls B&N.

But never fear about Gojira. Though stores come and go, the buildings either remain, or are replaced by even bigger ones. Plenty of real estate for him to stomp and sizzle.

[–] Nailwraps 13 years ago

Reviews!!!!:

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Gojira-Blu-ray/31499/

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/DVDReviews20/godzilla_dvd_review.htm

[–] buddhabelly3000 13 years ago

Many of the Godzilla films are available through crackle films.com- although the downside is that they are not commercial-free.