Godzilla King of the Monsters to pay homage to original 1954 film

From Cinema Blend

Godzilla has been keeping a low profile in the MonsterVerse over the last several years, but this summer, the beast is finally making his grand return and will prove he reigns supreme over the other Titans in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Krampus' Michael Dougerty directed and co-wrote the sequel, and one of the ways he left his own stamp on Godzilla was by having the spikes on his back look like the ones from the monster's first cinematic appearance back in 1954. Dougherty explained:

"With Godzilla, I really liked what [director Gareth Edwards] had done in the previous film with Godzilla's look, so I just wanted to make tiny tweaks, like changing his back spikes to look like the 1954 Godzilla. These, in particular, were taken right off the back of the original 1954 Godzilla. So I took Photoshop, and just photoshopped these spikes onto the back of Gareth's film."

When you have a franchise that's been around for as long as Godzilla's, it's nice if there are opportunities to honor/pay homage to the earlier entries, even if they don't exist in the same current continuity. For Michael Dougherty, that was doing something as simple as making those back spikes look closer to their original design. It's hard to say how many average moviegoers would notice that the spikes from Godzilla's return to American cinema in 2014 don't perfectly match the ones he has in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, but the fact that Dougherty even thought to make these tweaks shows just how much of a fan of the Godzilla franchise he is, specifically the first movie, as he mentioned earlier in his interview with Tamashii JP (via GORMARU).

The redesigned spikes also aren't the only reference to the original Godzilla movie inserted into Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Back in August 2017, in the middle of principal photography, Michael Dougherty posted a photo of the Oxygen Destroyer, the weapon of mass destruction that was used against the gigantic reptile in 1954. It remains to be seen if King of the Monsters will show its own Oxygen Destroyer being activated, but the fact that Dougherty took the time to photograph this prop suggests we will at least glimpse it.

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Rialto Planning to Re-Release Classic 1954 'Godzilla' Back in Theaters

Godzilla - Godzilla Raids Again - Signed and Numbered Poster Print

From First Showing

He's back again! Uncensored! The original Japanese monster that started it all. We know WB is bringing us a brand new Godzilla movie this year, directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters) with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but before then we're getting a throwback to the classics that introduced us to the giant lizard monster. Back in 2004, Rialto Pictures commissioned a brand new digital restoration of the uncut 1954 Japanese classic, Godzilla, or Gojira (which is also now on Blu-ray), and released it in theaters around the US. Now they're bringing it back for its 60th anniversary as well as upcoming release of the new Godzilla movie this summer.

The Rialto Pictures Godzilla page (since they have still the rights for the theatrical re-run) has been updated with some very basic details for the upcoming 2014 re-release of the film. Gojira will begin playing in New York at Film Forum starting mid-April this year - just in time for the new Godzilla in May. It will play at various other theaters in New Mexico, Portland, Washington, Texas, Kentucky and Ohio (with more likely to be added). We expect WB/Legendary to go all out with Godzilla marketing this summer, including possibly additional screenings/plans so stay tuned for updates.

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Photo Of The Week - Godzilla Goes On A Date

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Avery Guerra / Rock and Roll Astronaut (blog)

Avery Guerra turned me on to this great pic that was posted on the blog, "Rock and Roll Astronaut." The person who posted it, didn't give any leads to its origin, one can only guess that it was taken during the filming of "Gojira" in 1954.

It would appear that Godzilla (probably actor Haruo Nakajima in the costume) is escorting actress Momoko Kôchi (Emiko Yamane) to the sound stage for shooting.

It may appear that every ones favorite monster isn't being much of a gentleman by hogging the umbrella from the pretty young actress, but you must remember that by keeping the sun off the actor it probably kept him from dying from the heat.

Great photo find!

See Also: New Wooden Godzilla Figures Cost More Than Most Cars / Rare Video - Haruo Nakajima Puts On The Godzilla Suite One Last Time For Magazine Shoot / Toho Is Renting Out Godzilla And MechaGodzilla Movie Costumes / Yumiko Shaku Looks For love At The Blood Bank / Godzilla To Add His Fire To Hot Atlanta / Godzilla Vs The Netherlands / You Can Do Anything But Lay Off Of My Kaiju Shoes / Haruo "Godzilla" Nakajima Turns 80 /King Kong, Godzilla And The Creature From The Black Lagoon At The Rose Parade / The Top Ten Hottest Monsters Of 2008 / Godzilla Rodan Ultraman And Mothra Invade The Miami Beach Art Scene / James Morrow Satirizes Hollywood, Secret Goverment Projects And Godzilla In Shambling Towards Hiroshima / Godzilla 3D Poster / Will Silent Night Be Replaced By Godzilla Christmas? / Rare Sci Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Items Go Up For Auction / Godzilla Godzooky Plush / Todd Tennant To Return To Godzilla 94 / Breaking News! Godzilla Spotted In Chiba.....Wait....Its A Tree! / A New Godzilla Board Game Is In The Early Development Stage / Mom! I Want A 1/100 Scale Radio Controled MechaGodzilla For Christmas! / G-FAN #85 / Godzilla Plaque: School Dedicated Two Years Ago / Norman England's Bringing Godzilla Down To Size Featured On Gargantuas DVD Release

Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out-Attack Trailer

The trailer for the Japanese monster movie "Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack" released in 2001. In a role switch Ghidorah, Mothra, and Baragon must defend Japan from a rampaging Godzilla who houses tormented souls of World War II victims

See More Videos At Robo Japan's Channel On Youtube

See Also: Robo Japan Is Now On Youtube!

Can Cloverfield Promote Healing In A Post 911 America?

Is it possible that J.J. Abrams giant monster film, "Cloverfield", may be exactly what the American public needs to see after experiencing the horrors of 9/11? Could watching a giant monster smash buildings in New York City be good therapy? Anyone who has seen the latest trailers for the film can't help but make comparisons to the type of destruction they witnessed on that infamous September morning. Yet, millions of Americans are waiting in eager anticipation for the film to be released next month. Does all this seem crazy? Well, it might if the exact same thing didn't happen fifty-three years ago.

In 1954, Ishiro Honda unleashed the largest, and most destructive movie monster ever conceived of, Godzilla, into Japanese theaters. A mere nine years after the first two atomic bombs destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, movie goers were treated to the same kind of fiery destruction, this time, being dealt out by a fictitious creature instead of American war planes. The movie was a huge success. In fact if it wasn't for Akira Kurosawa's cinematic masterpiece, "The Seven Samurai", the film would have walked away with Japan's equivalent of the Oscar for "best picture".

The idea for Godzilla (aka Gojira) was spawned after producer Tomoyuki Tanaka was forced to cancel a planned Japan-Indonesia co-production called Eiko kage-ni (Behind the Glory). The story was inspired by a real-life nuclear accident in which a Japanese fishing boat ventured too close to an American nuclear test and was contaminated. After producer Tanaka saw the American monster film "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms" (1953), he got the idea to center the film around a dinosaur-like monster which would wreck havoc on Japan.

Likewise, "Cloverfield" was inspired the events of 9/11 and .......well......Godzilla. On a trip to Japan, Abrams visited a toy shop with his son and marveled at Godzilla figures on the stores shelves. At this years Comic Con, Abrams explained it this way, “I want a monster movie, I've wanted one for so long. I was in Japan with my son and all he wanted to do is go to toy stores. And we saw all these Godzilla toys, and I thought, we need our own monster, and not King Kong, King Kong's adorable. I wanted something that was just insane and intense. "

Bryan Burk, a producer of Cloverfield, has also elaborated that 911 was on the mind of those working on the film,"This film started out as just that: a monster movie. Yet as production continued, it became more and more clear that Cloverfield was "a 9/11 movie that's not actually a 9/11 movie."

Whether a 9/11 movie or Godzilla clone, "Cloverfield" has become one of the most anticipated films of 2008. One can only speculate the effect the film will have on the American public, especially in New York. Maybe seeing a giant monster causing the destruction this time will help people cope with what they saw six years ago, just like it did in Japan in 1954. As for Abrams and his film crew, they can only hope that there mysterious monster film will strike the same chord with audiences that Godzilla has.

Is it good therapy? Is it harmless escapism? Will it be good cinema? Only time will tell.

See Also: Cloverfield - Exclusive Sneak Preview / Cloverfield Gets A PG-13 Rating/Photo On Ebay / The First Look At The Cloverfield Monster / New Cloverfield Trailer / Godzilla - King of the Monsters

Robo Japan Exclusive! - Godzilla 94 Page 56

Todd Tennant has sent us an exclusive from his Godzilla 1994 online graphic novel. On page 56, Godzilla gets very annoyed with a buzzing helicopter, and sends it crashing into the ocean!

Go To The Godzilla 94 Site

See Also: Japan Not Ready For UFOs, But Ready For A Godzilla Attack? /Godzilla Attacks! / Flashback - Godzilla X Mothra X MechaGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.- US Premiere / Godzilla Now Gaurds Toho's Main Gate /

Flashback - Godzilla X Mothra X MechaGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.- US Premiere

Godzilla X Mothra X MechaGodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. - Premiere 6/25/04 USA

My Father-In-Law and I arrived at the Egyptian a little early for the autograph session with Masaaki Tezuka, Yasuyuki Inoue, and Akinori Takagi at about 5:20. There where already several fans waiting around in the courtyard and a couple of vendors were setting up shop. I took my time and scanned the tables for more Godzilla merchandise to add to my collection. I wandered over to a table where a couple of gentlemen were unloading boxes of import Godzilla posters. I picked up a German Godzilla vs Gigan add and made a comment about it. One of the men took notice and asked "Do you know anything about these ?" I responded "Yes". He quickly took me aside and explained that he had just acquired this collection from an estate and that he needed my help in pricing the items. Since I was early I decided "What the heck." I spent the next ten minutes telling him what each item was and it's history and what a fair price for it would be if he wanted to sell it quickly and make a profit. This is where I really could have low balled the prices and snatched the stuff up for myself, but I am an honest person. That was my pre-movie warm up.

It was at that point that I noticed that the autograph line was forming so I took my place in line about ten people from the font. Everyone had their Godzilla items in hand waiting to meet Tezuka, Inoue, and Takagi. The later two gentlemen were late in arriving so a lot of us fans had time to meet and talk about the films and our love of them. Before too long everyone was in place and we got our chances to meet three important people responsible for the Godzilla movie series.

First up was Masaaki Tezuka a very friendly man dressed in his MechaGodzilla t-shirt. His eyes lit up as I placed my GXMXMG press poster in front of him. He seemed very impressed by it. He said "I will sign it real big right here for you." He then signed a large autograph in the middle of the poster. I then explained how much I liked his films and his style of film making. He was very easy to talk to and seemed very happy about my knowledge of his work. It was truly an honor to meet him.

I then moved to my right to where both Mr.Inoue and Mr. Takagi were signing. Both men were quite elderly and signed my Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster press book even though one of them had to use a rubber stamp. I could see from their interaction that they have been close dear friends for decades. It was quite touching to see them both helping each other sign autographs. Their grasp of English was extremely limited so I really couldn't converse with them. I just felt it an extreme honor to meet two great special effects men.

I returned to my father-in-law who had by now staked out a spot for us in the ever growing line for the film. Many fans arriving at this point made the point of skipping the long autograph line for better seats for the show. As happens in events of this size there was the usual confusion over which line was for what. I myself soon learned that I was in the wrong line. My father-in-law discovered that our press tickets allowed us to be in the much shorter "Members Only" line so we jumped over. People at this point were still trying to buy tickets, but I had heard that the event had sold out. From the size of this crowd I would have to say that Toho is wrong in assuming that Godzilla fandom is dying out.

Before too long the moment of truth arrived and the doors opened and we paraded inside the theatre. Inside the lobby were several items from the Godzilla series on display, but we chose to pass them up for good seats for the film. For those of you who have never seen the inside of the Egyptian Theatre it is a truly lovely venue. You get a wonderful feeling of being in old Hollywood inside. We found our seats in the lower section, upper half, dead center. Prime viewing for us Godzilla geeks. Many fans followed our lead and began filling up our section.

This is where one of my favorite moments occurred. A lot of us began an open discussion on the Godzilla film series. We all began to introduce ourselves and opened up a dialog. It was like a group of old friends who hadn't seen each other in months. I soon became the leader of this discussion. The more and more I answered questions the more new people began to ask them. I felt like I was holding my own little Godzilla lecture. My father-in-law got a big kick out of this. I do have to admit that it did make me feel great to be able to share my knowledge of the films with others. This is of course why I started this site in the first place. Don't get me wrong I wasn't a mister know-it-all. I learned a great deal from everyone else. I thought this was a great sharing of information among a group of well informed fans. As a side note: there was the rumor floating around that Toho will continue the series after "Final Wars" as a direct to video only format. Again this is just a rumor.

It was movie time. Masaaki Tezuka was introduced to the fans during a short intro. He looked very much like any other fan in the venue with his bag of popcorn and soda in hand. He received a very large amount of applause and then the lights dimmed. The fans were in full effect for this screening. Applause broke out several times during the film. It seemed like almost every time Godzilla was on screen he got an ovation. This was truly fun to see this film along with it's group of die hard fans.

I don't want to take up too much space here talking about the movie itself. I will be writing my own review on a separate page. I will however mention that I thought the film was very good. Maybe not as good as the film that came before "Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla" yet still one of the top five Godzilla films in my opinion. The action was much better, but the story suffered somewhat from the fact that this was intended to be the middle portion of a trilogy. Some storyline items were started or hinted at and never completed. Otherwise the film was a heck of a lot of fun to watch and a true triumph of Mr.Tezuka's style of film making.

After the film was over there was a short discussion with the film's directer Masaaki Tezuka who answered questions through an interpreter. I had learned from meeting him earlier that he did indeed know some English, but it seemed he was more comfortable this way. He did answer about a dozen or so questions from the audience. I don't have the space to list all the questions and answers, but I will give some highlights. One fan asked how Godzilla's roar is created. Mr. Tezuka explained that Godzilla's sounds are a combination of contra-bass (his roar), lion growl (Godzilla's growl), and cow sounds (Misc Godzilla sounds). Another fan asked about how Gamera One and Godzilla 1998 (USA) had influenced his film making. Tezuka replied "Everything I wanted to do in my films was done in Gamera One." He also explained that all the films that have been made this decade have been inspired by those films or are in response to them. Overall this was a very informative Q&A and the fans really got into it. Sadly it seemed to end very quickly.

We exited the main theatre and decided to view all the items we passed up on the way in. On display were several pre-production drawings from "Destroy All Monsters" and a couple of books of rare photos. All very cool and something the average fan never gets to view with their own eyes. Once outside I took the time to spend my cash on several items that were on sale from the vendors. I purchased a couple of really cool imports from the gentlemen that I had helped before the show. They gave me the stuff at a highly reduced price for helping them out. See honesty paid off. I collected my loot and we headed home. I felt honored that I was able to experience such an awesome event.

I personally want to thank both Margot Gerber and Bernadette De Joya of the American Cinematheque for all their help in making this article happen.

Ken Hulsey