Description
Book Synopsis This thoroughly updated and revised critical account of the Godzilla movie franchise explores the fascinating story behind Japan''s most famous movie monster and its development from black-and-white arthouse allegory to international commercial juggernaut. Reviled by critics but boasting a dedicated cult following, the films of the Godzilla franchise provide a unique window into the national identities of both Japan and the United States. This work focuses on how differences in American and Japanese culture, as well as differences in their respective film industries, underlie the discrepancies between the American and Japanese versions of the films. It features detailed filmographic data for both the American and Japanese versions of each film, including plot synopses, cast, credits, and detailed production notes.
Trade Reviewimpressive production notes...scholarship is commendable in its harnessing of details from both sides of the Pacific...sure to please Godzilla fans"" -
Library Journal""should become the definitive work on this important film series...highly recommended"" -
ARBA""the ultimate word on the series...all-encompassing history of the building-stomping franchise will be required reading"" -
Film Review""thorough evaluation...the creature’s origins are brilliantly documented"" -
Samhain""no stone is left unturned in this deeply researched book...a treasure and a pleasure to read"" -
Toxic Graveyard""excellent"" -
Big Reel""fascinating"" -
Little Shoppe of Horrors""detailed credits, lengthy synopsis and commentary"" -
Classic Images.Table of Contents
- Preface to the New Edition
- Introduction
- A Note on the Text
- PART ONE: King Kong vs. Godzilla
- G for Giant
- Gojira
- Godzilla Conquers America (and America Conquers Godzilla)
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters!
- Godzilla Raids Again
- Rodan
- Varan the Unbelievable
- Mothra
- King Kong vs. Godzilla
- Tsuburaya Enterprises
- PART TWO: Monsterland
- Mothra vs. Godzilla
- Ghidrah, The Three- Headed Monster
- Invasion of Astro- Monster
- Monsters Inc.
- Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster
- Son of Godzilla
- Destroy All Monsters
- All Monsters Attack
- PART THREE: Something Funny's Going On
- Survival of the Silliest
- Godzilla vs. Hedorah
- Godzilla vs. Gigan
- Godzilla vs. Ultraman
- Godzilla vs. Megalon
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
- Terror of Mechagodzilla
- The Crook, the Geek, the Reporter, and His Lover
- PART FOUR: The Return of Godzilla
- Waiting for Godzilla
- The Return of Godzilla
- Godzilla
- Godzilla vs. Biollante
- Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah
- Godzilla and Mothra: The Battle for Earth
- Godzilla vs. the Gryphon
- Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II
- Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla
- Godzilla vs. Destoroyah
- PART FIVE: The Godzilla Millennium
- Godzilla vs. Godzilla
- Godzilla
- Godzilla
- Godzilla x. Megaguirus
- Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All- Out Attack
- Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla
- Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.
- Godzilla Final Wars
- Epilogue
- Chapter Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
