Godzilla Raids Again (DVD)

Originally released in Japan in 1955, less than a year after the original Gozira(Godzilla) was released, this sequel, while somewhat rushed is a fun and entertaining 50's era Big monster movie.

Some criticize this one for not being a worthy sequel to the original and for it being somewhat formulaic. However, upon repeated viewings, Godzilla raids Again still is quite enjoyable and contains one of the best big monster fights in all the Godzilla sequels. If you can set aside the low budget and low production values which are prevelent thoughout 50's sci-fi, then you should truly appeciate this one from Toho studios.

Godzilla raids again is considered the "lost" Godzilla movie, as it was nearly completely unavailable in any format in America for 50 years. There have been VHS copies that were sold but never included the orginal Japanese edit of this film, which is drastically different than the American international release.

This DVD contains both versions and also contains a highly informative commentary track by Godzilla experts Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski. They point out many of the differences between the 2 versions and also historical information about the making of the movie and it's long 4 year journey to American theatres. In addition it includes a featureette entitled "the art of suit acting" which is quite interesting and depicts the challenges and difficulties of "being" Godzilla.

Highly recommended for Godzilla fans or if you're just curious about a rare big monster treasure lost to American audiences for many years.

4 out of 5 stars.

The scenes that had Godzilla (known as Giganitis in this movie) and Anguilus battling one another were very good. I purchased the DVD (which I own) because I enjoyed Godzilla movies.

almost excellent, needed a lil more action and better settup in intro and maybe more action thru out the film though it has it everynow and then thruout, an unknown gem.

This is the second Godzilla movie released. I once ouned it on VHS until i wore it out as a child. I was glad it came out on DVD. This movie has become a little hard to find. I believe it is hard to find due to most Godzilla fans not caring for it.

I manly wanted it so I could complete my Godzilla Movie collection and because i have not watched it for a long time.

A must have for any TOHO collector. This is the rare second Godzilla movie that was rarely seen in America until recently. This disc is well done. The graphics on the case are tastefully done - very nice case. Comes with 2 movies. It contains the original Japanese release, which is great. This is the way it was meant to be watched. This DVD also contains the American hack and slash version that was released in U.S. theatres as "Gigantis the Fire Monster". Any 'Zilla fan will see the obvious discrepencies in this version. No wonder it was never shown on TV when I was a kid. The Japanese version is excellent! Very original. Not hoaky/silly like later Godzilla movies. One of Big G's earliest fights. Anguilis and Godzilla level half of Japan as they fight to the death. Great special effects given the time period. A must see!

FIRST OFF, THE PACKAGING ON THIS DVD IS TOP NOTCH. FROM A PACKAGING STANDPOINT, THIS IS ONE OF THE NICEST DVD'S I OWN AMONG A COLLECTION OF OVER 500! AS FOR THE CONTENT, THE PICTURE QUALITY IS AMAZING. ESPECIALLY COMPARED TO THE CHEAP, GRAINY PICTURE QUALITY OF THE VIDEO TREASURES VHS TAPE OF THIS TITLE THAT I OWN, WHICH WAS THE ONLY FORMAT THIS GODZILLA MOVIE WAS AVAILABLE IN UP TIL NOW. THERE ARE 2 VERSIONS OF THE MOVIE ON ONE DISC. BOTH AMERICAN AND JAPANESE. THERE IS ALSO A RESPECTABLE DUBBING JOB DONE ON THE ENGLISH VERSION. THE JAPANESE VERSION OFFERS ENGLISH SUBTITLES. THERE ARE SOME COOL EXTRAS WITH A SUITMATION FEATURE AND AN EXTENSIVE MOVIE POSTER SLIDESHOW. THE AUDIO COMMENTARY IS ALSO WORTH CHECKING OUT AS ITS LOADED WITH INTERESTING GODZILLA FACTS AND INFORMATION. NOTHING REALLY NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS DVD AS ITS A GODZILLA FAN'S DREAM COME TRUE! HOPEFULLY CLASSIC MEDIA WILL CONTINUE TO RELEASE GODZILLA DVDS OF THIS SAME QUALITY. FINGERS CROSSED!