GODZILLA Related News

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Boy With Cancer Granted Wish to Be Godzilla

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The star of this movie, however, will be no Hollywood action hero, but a five-year-old boy undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His greatest wish? To become the 800-foot-tall lizard he watched on the big screen with his father and grandfather, also huge Godzilla fans.

Maddex, whose family asked that his last name not be used, is now watching the dream he told several months ago to Make-A-Wish “wish granters” come true as his own personal Godzilla movie is filmed around his hometown of Chicago.

On Saturday, Maddex saw the first glimpse of himself as “Madzilla,” the movie’s lead character, in front of a green screen in a Chicago production studio.

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Earlier in the day, he shot scenes alongside the likes of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Bulls’ mascot, Benny, just two of the many local stars making cameos in the film.

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“His parents have been talking about the joy that they’re seeing in their kid again, like, ‘Oh, there’s my boy again. There’s the joy that I remember in my little guy Maddex,’” Stephanie Springs, the CEO of Make-A-Wish Illinois, told ABC News.

Springs was one of a handful of Make-A-Wish staffers who brainstormed what to do with a five-year-old’s request to become Godzilla. When they struck upon the idea to do just that, to make him “Madzilla,” they reached out to creative forces in the Chicago community and found Jonathan Becker, the owner of Becker Films, who is leading the charge and corralling the largely pro-bono effort.

“The effect of a wish can ripple through the community and have a very positive impact in a very broad way,” said Springs. “This has been a several months-long process that we’ve been dreaming and trying to figure this child’s wish out.”

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The “Madzilla” film crew also shot at Maddex’s home on Saturday – his parents, two sisters and cousin all have roles in the film – and took over a historic street in Chicago’s famed “Loop.”

“Maddex and his family were out on LaSalle Street with around 100 volunteers and extras who showed up to pretend like they were running away from an 800-foot lizard that was stomping through downtown Chicago,” said Ryan Blackburn, the marketing director for Make-A-Wish Illinois.

When “Madzilla” makes its debut next month, it will include a three-minute extended trailer of the movie as well as a 15 minute-long documentary chronicling Maddex’s Make-A-Wish experience.

“This experience is shaping this five-year-old boy in so many ways and who knows what we’ll see 10, 15, 20 years down the road when we touch base with Maddex,” Springs said. “Right now we know it’s going to help him pull through the rest of his treatments.”

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Maddex just received his diagnosis in April 2013 and while Spring described his health now as “stable,” she added he is “not by any means done” with his treatments.

“He is a very happy, upbeat, energetic young boy and he has been very much just happy to be part of the project” said Blackburn, who has been with Maddex through the film’s five days of shooting so far. “The directors and others have said he is a joy to work with.”

- abcnews.go.com


Celebrate Godzilla with $1.5M solid gold statue

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To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the classic monster film, one Japanese jeweller has crafted a tribute to Godzilla out of solid 24-karat gold.

When you go to see a film at the cinema, you may fork over a few extra bucks for a commemorative cup with your cola. When you celebrate the 60th anniversary of one of the world's most beloved giant monster movies... well, that raises the stakes surely.

Does it raise them ¥150 million (approx $1.48 million), though? Because that's the asking price for one particular high-end piece of movie memorabilia from Japan. Tokyo jeweller Ginza Tanaka has created a statue celebrating one of the world's most beloved kaiju out of solid, 24-karat gold.

The golden Godzilla comes in at 35 centimetres (13.8 inches) high and weighs 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of solid metal. He's modelled after the version of the monster from the 1989 film "Godzilla vs.Biollante" -- although, according to the official press release, the jeweller has made him a little more muscular.

The statue will be on display at a special Godzilla exhibition in Shibuya Hikarie from 20 July to 10 August, after which it will be on display at the Godzilla expo in Osaka and at various Ginza Tanaka stores across Japan.

- cnet.com
 
That's fu**ing awesome! I'm glad that little kid got his wish granted! :thumbs: I hope his film is released on Youtube or on Bluray/DVD, I would enjoy seeing it! ;)
 
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Godzilla '98 vs. RiffTrax Live!



Monstrous laughs incoming! RiffTrax have their sights set on one of the most frequently requested titles in Rifftrax history -- the King of the Monsters himself -- Godzilla!
Thanks to a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised money to license a "big" Hollywood title, the RiffTrax crew -- Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (known for their groundbreaking work on Mystery Science Theater 3000) -- are at it again this summer with a never-before-seen take on the infamous 1998 Gozilla remake directed by Roland Emmerich.

"Thanks to our many Kickstarter contributors we're happy to be able to do the best giant lizard movie of the late 90's!" said Nelson. "Because everything about it is big, we pledge to supersize the laughs as well."
Presented by IGN, our good friends at Fathom Events and (of course) RiffTrax, "RiffTrax Live: Godzilla" will be broadcast LIVE from Durham, NC, to select movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, August 14, at 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT and tape-delayed to 7:00pm MT/8:00pm PT, with a second showing on Tuesday, August 19 at 7:30pm local time.

Tickets are now available at participating theater box offices and online at FathomEvents.com. The event will be presented in nearly 650 select movie theaters around the country through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network.

- Max Nicholson (ign.com)



Enter RiffTrax Live's Godzilla Trivia Sweepstakes

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If you hadn't already heard the news, RiffTrax will soon be riffing one of their most frequently requested titles in Rifftrax history -- the King of the Monsters himself -- Godzilla! And now, to mark the occasion, Fathom Events have got a monster of a sweepstakes for you...

The name of the game is Godzilla '98 trivia. Test your knowledge, and you could win one of three epic prizes, including passes to see "RiffTrax Live: Godzilla" in cinemas, and more:

Grand Prize:

  • Three (3) Signed RiffTrax DVDs
  • One (1) Godzilla (1998) DVD
  • One (1) Signed RiffTrax Live: Godzilla Poster
  • Four (4) passes to RiffTrax Live: Godzilla cinema event
Second Prize:

  • One (1) Signed RiffTrax DVD
  • One (1) Signed RiffTrax Live: Godzilla Poster
  • Two (2) passes to RiffTrax Live: Godzilla cinema event
Third Prize:

  • One (1) Signed RiffTrax Live: Godzilla Poster
Enter NOW by clicking here.

- ign.com
 
Godzilla 2 San Diego Comic Con 2014 Preview?

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The 2014 International Comic Con in San Diego California starts next week, and fans are already wondering which movies will be premiering their trailers during the event. There have been rumors that a new installment in the ‘Godzilla’ franchise will steal the limelight with a surprise appearance.

Screenrant.com is predicting that history could repeat itself, given the fact that two years ago at the convention, Legendary Pictures brought an original intellectual property directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pacific Rim) to show attendees in Hall H—only for the new ‘Godzilla’ film to be shown in a teaser trailer. This year, Legendary will now be showcasing del Toro’s “Crimson Peak”, so there is a possibility that a sneak peek of ‘Godzilla 2’ might be seen at the Legendary Pictures panel.
However, a ‘Godzilla 2’ release date is unlikely to be anytime soon, given that ‘Godzilla’ director Gareth Edwards has been tapped to direct the new ‘Star Wars’ movie.

Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull stated that “Gareth’s filmmaking talent makes him one of his generation’s most creative and visionary directors.”

“The plan has always been for Gareth to direct a different film before we started on another ‘Godzilla’, but who knew that it would be a ‘Star Wars’ installment?”

Science Fiction reported that the ‘Star Wars’ spin off movie is scheduled to drop on December 16, 2016, and a ‘Godzilla’ sequel will premiere after that.

The Legendary Pictures panel at the 2014 International Comic-Con will take place on Saturday, July 26th from 12:25- 1:10 pm in Hall H.

- breathecast.com


2014 PiFan Fetes Godzilla's 60th Anniversary, Tinto Brass's Eroticism

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The South Korean genre film event is holding special showcases on the Japanese monster — which had been officially banned there for political reasons until the mid-1990s — and the Italian maestro of erotic cinema.

BUCHEON, South Korea — The Puchon (Bucheon) International Film Festival (PiFan) has long been reputed as one of Asia's biggest showcase for quirky genre films, and its 18th edition is pushing more boundaries by spotlighting two icons of local "taboos": Godzilla and Tinto Brass.

Though Godzilla has long been a cinematic legend around the world, the Japanese monster did not gain much attention there due to a former national policy until the mid-1990s that banned cultural imports from Japan, says PiFan programmer Alice Yoo, as the neighboring Asian country's brutal colonization of Korea (1910-45) continues to live on in the memories of many Koreans (Justin Bieber ignited nationwide protest after visiting a Tokyo shrine where Japanese World War II war criminals are buried).
In time for the 60th anniversary of the original Godzilla by Ishiro Honda, PiFan will present the 1954 film and six other titles in the franchise from the 1960s-'80s and the 2004 Godzilla: Final Wars.

For the 1 p.m. screening of Godzilla on July 19, three local experts including producer Kim Taek-gyu, Big Monster chief editor Hong Ki-hoo, and Cinefringe chief editor Kim Song-ho, will hold talks on how the Godzilla series has evolved over the years and influenced other creature films. The panel will also discuss how the franchise had inspired a cult following among Korean creature film fans despite the ban of Japanese cultural products.

For the 2.p.m. showing of the same 1954 original film on July 24, Takeda Yasutaka, art department head of Seoul's Japan Foundation, will introduce fans to the musical world of Akikura Ifukube, the composer of Godzilla's iconic film score.

The Italian director Tinto Brass on the other has often been misunderstood and associated as being a voyeur, pornographer and debauchee. PiFan presents a retrospective of his work, featuring six of his trademark titles including Deadly Sweet (1967), The Howl (1968), Salon Kitty (1976), Caligula (1979), All Ladies Do It (1992) and Do It! (2003), as well as a 2014 documentary on the master filmmaker, Itstintobrass by Massimiliano Zanin.

"This retrospective is a wonderful opportunity to realize [that Tinto Brass] is much more than just 'tits and asses' director; that in fact, he deserves to be recognized as an erotic genius and an artist extraordinaire of sensuality," said Jongsuk Thomas Nam, managing director of PiFan's Network of Asian Fantastic Films (NAFF).

Following the midnight screening of Caligula on July 19, Italian actress Caterina Varzi and film historian Sandro Cappelli, both colleagues of Brass, will host a talk about how the filmmaker tiptoes the boundary between eroticism and perversion.

Advance online tickets for over many of PiFan's film screenings have already been sold out, but on-site sales are still are still open. PiFan continues through July 27.

- hollywoodreporter.com
 
Godzilla 2 San Diego Comic Con 2014 Preview?

godzilla-2.jpg


The 2014 International Comic Con in San Diego California starts next week, and fans are already wondering which movies will be premiering their trailers during the event. There have been rumors that a new installment in the ‘Godzilla’ franchise will steal the limelight with a surprise appearance.

Screenrant.com is predicting that history could repeat itself, given the fact that two years ago at the convention, Legendary Pictures brought an original intellectual property directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pacific Rim) to show attendees in Hall H—only for the new ‘Godzilla’ film to be shown in a teaser trailer. This year, Legendary will now be showcasing del Toro’s “Crimson Peak”, so there is a possibility that a sneak peek of ‘Godzilla 2’ might be seen at the Legendary Pictures panel.
However, a ‘Godzilla 2’ release date is unlikely to be anytime soon, given that ‘Godzilla’ director Gareth Edwards has been tapped to direct the new ‘Star Wars’ movie.

Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull stated that “Gareth’s filmmaking talent makes him one of his generation’s most creative and visionary directors.”

“The plan has always been for Gareth to direct a different film before we started on another ‘Godzilla’, but who knew that it would be a ‘Star Wars’ installment?”

Science Fiction reported that the ‘Star Wars’ spin off movie is scheduled to drop on December 16, 2016, and a ‘Godzilla’ sequel will premiere after that.

The Legendary Pictures panel at the 2014 International Comic-Con will take place on Saturday, July 26th from 12:25- 1:10 pm in Hall H.

- breathecast.com

This would be FU**ING Awesome!!! :thumbs: :cool: I would also love to see something, anything for Pacific Rim 2!!!

Just one more week to go! :naughty:
 
Japan Gets Awesome 22-Foot Tall Statue for Their 'Godzilla' Release

"If there's a way to defeat Godzilla, we need to know." He lives. Found in the middle of Tokyo, Japan is an awesome 6.6 meter (~21.7 feet) "replica" of the King of Monsters from Gareth Edwards' Godzilla, where the film just hits theaters there (quite late) on July 25th this summer. The rather impressive sculpture features nearly life-like details, including a tail coming out of the ground and extending a bit behind, plus check this out: "the 'Midtown Meets Godzilla' project is in collaboration with the Japan release of the Hollywood film version of 'Godzilla', the Godzilla built on the lawns of Tokyo Midtown will host a light show everynight complete with mist, audio and fire rays." Get out of here, I need to see this! This is so cool.

Here are a few shots showing "crewmember" Tetsuo Hayashi putting final touches on Godzilla. Look at this:


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- firstshowing.net


Midtown Meets Godzilla

A 6.6 meter tall godzilla statue is illuminated at the Midtown park in Tokyo for the promotion of the recent godzilla movie at a press preview on July 17, 2014. The light-up godzilla from July 18 through the end of August. — YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP/Getty Images, Jul. 17, 2014

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- mcall.com







 
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Japan Gets Awesome 22-Foot Tall Statue for Their 'Godzilla' Release
"If there's a way to defeat Godzilla, we need to know." He lives. Found in the middle of Tokyo, Japan is an awesome 6.6 meter (~21.7 feet) "replica" of the King of Monsters from Gareth Edwards' Godzilla, where the film just hits theaters there (quite late) on July 25th this summer. The rather impressive sculpture features nearly life-like details, including a tail coming out of the ground and extending a bit behind, plus check this out: "the 'Midtown Meets Godzilla' project is in collaboration with the Japan release of the Hollywood film version of 'Godzilla', the Godzilla built on the lawns of Tokyo Midtown will host a light show everynight complete with mist, audio and fire rays." Get out of here, I need to see this! This is so cool.

Here are a few shots showing "crewmember" Tetsuo Hayashi putting final touches on Godzilla. Look at this:


GodzillabigstatueJapanfull5991.jpg


GodzillabigstatueJapanfull5992.jpg



GodzillabigstatueJapanfull5993.jpg


GodzillabigstatueJapanfull5994.jpg


Godzilla+Gets+Final+Touch+up+Ahead+MIDTOWN+H8XNjPQeefDl.jpg


- firstshowing.net


Midtown Meets Godzilla

A 6.6 meter tall godzilla statue is illuminated at the Midtown park in Tokyo for the promotion of the recent godzilla movie at a press preview on July 17, 2014. The light-up godzilla from July 18 through the end of August. — YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP/Getty Images, Jul. 17, 2014

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- mcall.com









FU**ING lucky bastards!!! :mad: :angry: :( :p
 
Hollywood 'Godzilla' finally stomps home to Japan

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TOKYO (AP) — Tokyo is rolling out the red carpet for Hollywood's "Godzilla" remake although the nation that gave birth to the fire-breathing monster is seeing the latest movie after it opened everywhere else.

"Godzilla," opening in the U.S. May 16, has grossed more than $488 million globally.

But trepidation remains about its reception in Japan because of the intense loyalty fans feel toward the original. The film opens in Japan on July 25.

Director Gareth Edwards, present in Tokyo for the gala Thursday, stressed he had merely parented what was the child of Japan.

"It feels like a homecoming," said Edwards. "His home is Japan."

Ken Watanabe, whose "Godzilla" role is one of several appearances in Hollywood films, acknowledged pressure was high for how the film may be received in Japan.

"It might be a challenge for Japanese to accept this movie," he said after posing with a figure of Godzilla on the red carpet.

He said some scenes show the wreckage of a giant tsunami, evoking painful memories of the March 2011 disaster in northeastern Japan, which killed nearly 19,000 people and set off the worst nuclear catastrophe since Chernobyl.

"I have a special feeling for this film because of the disaster," Watanabe said.

Edwards' 3-D Godzilla, complete with glistening scales, spikes down its back and a terrifying roar, pays homage to the original, tracing the theme of the threat of radiation, following America's atomic attacks on Japan in World War II.

Although Godzilla has grown to be one of Japan's most iconic exports, along with sushi and geisha, its status in mainstream entertainment has waned here.

Toho Co., the creators of Godzilla movies since the first one in 1954, stopped making them after the 28th in a series in 2004.

Officials say times have changed and an actor thrashing about in a rubber suit, smashing miniature models of buildings, just doesn't cut it anymore.

Watanabe said the film's late opening in Japan was because of technical reasons about summer vacations coming later, and denied it was intentional to avoid jinxing it by having it possibly fail in the land of Godzilla's birth.

But he laughed and shook his head when asked whether the best was being saved for last.

Hard-core Godzilla fans think nothing can live up to the charm and pathos of the original, and scoff at computer graphics and other modern filmmaking technology.

Akira Takarada, who played the young diver in the first "Godzilla" and appeared in many sequels, said he burst into tears when he watched the new "Godzilla" in the U.S., and the crowd began stomping on the floor, and then gave Godzilla a standing ovation when it finally appeared about an hour into the movie.

"A giant hero they had been waiting for had arrived," he said with emotion in his voice.

Edwards appeared confident his movie would win over Japanese fans.

"They're the best fans in the world," he said. "They're crazy."

- YURI KAGEYAMA, Associated Press (redding.com)



GODZILLA 2: Would Mothra Really Work?

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It’s pretty surreal that a new GODZILLA movie came out a couple of months ago. Fans waited 4 years for it, and now they’re waiting for the Blu-ray. The film itself was very good and disappointed in few aspects. Yes, the first two non-battles were disappointing, but ultimately Gareth Edwards did something a lot of people thought he couldn’t: bring the Japanese monster to American shores with a serious story. America tried and failed miserably 16 years prior, so it was great to finally see this product.

One of the most controversial things about the film was the portrayal of the title monster. This is not controversial in a bad way, rather just unexpected. All of the marketing painted Godzilla as the bringer of destruction upon the human race. In film it’s quite the opposite. G didn’t destroy any buildings on purpose, and he causally swam by ships without bothering to take them out. He showed no malice to humans. In short, he was a hero, the most heroic Godzilla since 1975 in the Showa era. While many were disappointed that he wasn’t a hostile force such as in the original or GMK, many including myself were thrilled to see this portrayal. When people think of Godzilla as a hero, they think of his portrayal in Godzilla vs. Megalon. Now they will think of this film.

Prior to release, there was a ton of speculation who the other monsters G would be fighting. Many fans hoped it would be from TOHO’s library of creatures, and rumors persisted that it was Kumonga or Kamacuras. Eventually Gareth Edwards revealed they would be original monsters. While it was disappointing to hear that, the prospect of new monsters for Godzilla to fight is always exciting. The MUTO creatures definitely did not disappoint. Technically, the film was more about them than the title monster himself! With its very cool and menacing design, Muto remained a treat to watch, both the male and female ones.

Now the question is: who will fight G in Godzilla 2?

Godzilla II is happening, and more likely than not we’ll be seeing a a classic monster from TOHO’s library. Awhile back in a Facebook Q&A when asked which of the TOHO monsters he would like to see put on film, the Director responded, “Now that would spoil the fun.” There is of course a chance we’ll see another type of Muto in the sequel, but for now let’s go with the idea that Legendary will utilize a monster from TOHO’s library.

Which one would work?

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Besides Godzilla, the world’s most popular Japanese monster is Mothra. Indeed, she’s had 4 films all to herself. To many she would be the obvious choice. But if we take a step back and look at it for a second we realize it’s not so cut and dry for her to work. Mothra in all her incarnations is portrayed as guardian, a true hero. She has battled Godzilla a number of times in the classic films of course. All those times she’s battled him he was the antagonist however. In Legendary’s film universe, he is the protagonist, the guardian. There’s not really a feasible way to have the two fight.

Gareth Edwards respects the franchise greatly, so he knows making Mothra an antagonist would be a disservice to her character. Both monsters are guardians, the good guys. A third kaiju would have to be added to serve as the conflict. Of course, that’s not to say Edwards couldn’t find a way to make her the antagonist; skilled directors can make hard things seem possible. Still, it would be very difficult to have just Mothra in the film with G. It worked 50 years ago in Mothra vs. Godzilla, but that’s because G was a malevolent force. What would be her reason for attacking G, or vice versa in this universe? If she’s in it, time will tell. Personally I’d prefer if Edwards used Rodan, but we shall see!

- unleashthefanboy.com




Japanese Fans Pick "Godzilla vs. Biollante" as Their Best Godzilla Film

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To celebrate the giant monster's 60th anniversary and to promote the upcoming release of the latest film directed by Gareth Edwards, Nihon Eiga Senmon Channel (Japanese Movie Specialty Channel) had held "Godzilla General Election" to choose the best film from the 28 Japanese-made Godzilla films from May 5 to July 18. The top 4 result was finally announced last Saturday.

As expected, Kazuki Omori's 1989 film Godzilla vs. Biollante was chosen as the best film by the votes, beating the 1954 original film directed by Ishiro Honda in the second. The 17th film has been highly praised by critics and fans for its modern approach to create the basic format and atmosphere of the very successful Heisei series featuring a psychic girl Miki Saegusa played by Megumi Odaka. The third popular film is Godzilla vs. Destoroyah in 1995 and the fourth is Mothra vs. Godzilla in 1964. The full result will be revealed on August 1.

The main reason why the 1954 film didn't win is probably the modern day fans are no longer interested in

an old black-and-white film. NHK, Japan's national public broadcasting station, aired the digital remaster

edition of the 1954 film for the first time on its pay-satellite service BS Premium on July 8. While appreciating

the version's surprising clearness, the biggest complaint among the fans I could find online were that

they couldn't understand what the actors were saying in the film. Some viewers said that they felt a need for

Japanese subtitles for the old Japanese dialogs spoken 60 years ago.



- crunchyroll.com
 
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Godzilla’s message still relevant

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Ahead of the first run of the latest, Hollywood-produced version of “Godzilla” on July 25 in Japan, the digitally remastered edition of the original 1954 “Godzilla” movie has been shown at theaters across the country and broadcast on NHK-TV to mark the 60th anniversary of the birth of the monster — a pop culture icon that has inspired the production of about 30 sequels.

The original “Godzilla” movie not only still shines as great entertainment, but also carries a serious theme that remains relevant today — the horrors of nuclear weapons and related technology, which could inflict devastating damage to the Earth and human lives. It is hoped that the new Hollywood version will also rouse people’s interest in the original “Godzilla” film and its message.

Written by Shigeru Kayama and directed by Ishiro Honda, the first Godzilla film took a cue from the hydrogen bomb test the United States carried out on March 1, 1954, on Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the northern Pacific.

Among the sufferers from the nuclear blast were a crew of 23 men aboard the Daigo Fukuryu Maru (Lucky Dragon No. 5), a tuna boat from Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture. They were exposed to the nuclear fallout, and the ship’s radio operator Aikich Kuboyama died Sept. 23 that year while the movie’s production was ongoing.

In the movie, it is assumed that the hydrogen bomb test drove the Jurassic Period monster Godzilla out of its habitat deep in the sea and it eventually stomps across Tokyo. The bomb test gave the monster the ability to emit powerful radioactive heat rays through its mouth. It smashes a train, bridges and buildings and burns down many of the capital’s buildings and landmarks, including the Hattori Clock Tower on the Ginza and the Diet building. Special effects director Eiji Tsuburaya succeeded in creating overwhelming images.

Godzilla’s diabolical acts can be interpreted to symbolize two things: the destructive power of nuclear bombs themselves and an animal’s revenge against mankind, which invented the weapon that had destroyed its habitat.

The movie’s anti-nuclear message is clear. Its producer Tomoyuki Tanaka is reported to have said that the theme of the movie is “dread about a hydrogen bomb.”

Toward the end of the movie, a weapon called “oxygen destroyer,” developed by a scientist named Daisuke Serizawa and capable of destroying the oxygen in water and instantly killing animals in the area, is used. Godzilla is killed and reduced to a skeleton in the Tokyo Bay, letting out a sad scream.

What paleontologist Kyohei Yamane says at the end of movie has gravity: “It is hard to think that Godzilla is the last of its kind. If hydrogen bomb tests are continued, the likes of Godzilla may appear again somewhere in the world.”

The days in which hydrogen bomb tests were detonated one after another are long gone. But the existence of thousands of nuclear weapons means the danger is far from over.

Yamane’s remarks, although couched in a Godzilla narrative, should serve as a warning about the still existing danger and cruelty posed by mankind’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

In the movie, Serizawa first refuses to use his invention against Godzilla, saying that political leaders may be tempted to use it as the third ultimate weapon following atomic and hydrogen bombs. To prevent this, he destroys the weapon’s blueprint, but then goes on to say, in effect, that since humans are weak, he may one day find himself in a position in which he is forced to use the weapon.

So after using the weapon against Godzilla while diving in the Tokyo Bay, he commits suicide by cutting his air hose.

Serizawa’s words and final act pose a serious moral challenge to mankind, especially to political leaders, military planners and scientists who have already accumulated the knowledge of producing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and who even may endeavor to make more powerful and cruel weapons.

Godzilla in the 1954 movie symbolized a horror that has been created by human technology that has spun out of control. Although nuclear weapons have not been used since the end of World War II, the movie’s message is relevant today all the more in the wake of catastrophic accidents at nuclear power plants — including the triple meltdowns at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 plant in March 2011. The accidents show that we cannot fully control nuclear power.

Akira Ifukube, who wrote the unforgettable soundtrack for the original “Godzilla” movies, considered himself a hibakusha (radiation victim) because he suffered bleeding after participating in wartime research to harden wood to be used in aircraft by irradiating it. Although it cannot be determined any more whether his illness was caused by radiation exposure, it is worth remembering that he wrote the music with a sense of mission.

As the anniversaries of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki approach, the recent movie scene offers a chance for people to ponder the message of “Godzilla.”
- japantimes.co.jp
 
Japan’s Toho Woos Female Non-Believers to Hollywood ‘Godzilla’

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TOKYO – Top Japanese distributor Toho is targeting women in order to make its release of the Legendary Pictures-made “Godzilla” a box office success.

The original Japanese “Godzilla” series was a Toho line-up staple for generations, but was pitched squarely at what Toho described as the “family market” — meaning parents with young children. Conspicuous by their absence in the seats were young women — a key audience demo in Japan. This limited the B.O. impact of the series, which ended in 2004 with “Godzilla: Final Wars,” a flop with earnings of $12 million.

Knowing that it has to attract females to make the new “Godzilla” a major hit in its last world market, Toho on Monday staged a “talk event” with 100 young women who had mostly said their interest in seeing the pic was zero.

Charged with winning over these skeptics at the Tokyo Midtown shopping and entertainment complex, were Toho “Godzilla” actor and life-long series fan Shiro Sano, Hollywood “Godzilla” voice actor Haru and film commentator LiLiCo.

Sano somewhat hyperbolically described the title monster as “sexy” while LiLiCo praised 24-year-old star Aaron Taylor-Johnson for marrying 47-year-old director Sam Taylor-Johnson. “It’s gives me hope,” she said.

The pitch succeeded, if the show of “want to see” hands at the end was any indication, but the real test will come on July 25 when the pic opens in 2D, 3D and 3D IMAX versions, both sub-titled and dubbed, including a Japanese-subbed and dubbed version for the hearing-impaired.

Toho, however, has not prepared a “female friendly” cut of the pic, which might have had more close-ups of its hard-bodied, scaly, star.
- variety.com
 
Japanese fans speak on the evolution of ‘Godzilla’

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Japanese Godzilla devotees Yoshihiko Horie, left, and his wife Shizue look at a scale model of Godzilla at Godzilla Expo in Tokyo, Friday, July 25, 2014. Horie, a driver and husband of Godzilla fan Shizue Horie, believes Godzilla must be an extraordinary entity but also one people can emotionally identify with. There are other must-have trademarks: bumpy skin and that roar. (Eugene Hoshiko/Associated Press)

TOKYO — Japanese fans want it known: The radiation-breathing, skyscraper-stomping monster they call “Gojira” was born right here in Japan, 60 years ago.
No matter its evolution in Hollywood over the decades, the Godzilla creature began as an icon for the suffering brought by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II.

The new remake, directed by hard-core Godzilla aficionado Gareth Edwards, has become one of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters this year and finally opens in Japan on Friday.
The Associated Press spoke with some Japanese about their views on how their favorite mutated reptile has changed, including whether they welcome the latest rendition in full computer-graphic glory — so different from their Godzilla, that actor in a rubber suit, who waded into pools and smashed miniature models.

THE ORIGINAL 1954

Directed by Ishiro Honda.

Special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya.

Starring Akira Takarada.

Godzilla was Haruo Nakajima, a stunt actor for samurai films, who was not even credited in the original, so determined was Toho Co. studios to keep the monster shrouded in mystery.

The horrifying mutation arises after nuclear testing in the Pacific. It marches out of Tokyo Bay into the capital, destroying everything in its path, such as the Wako clock-tower building in downtown Ginza and the somber-looking Parliament building, both of which still stand today.
A scientist reluctantly uses a weapon of mass destruction against Godzilla, knowing it’s a last resort. A tragic victim of its own creation, possessing no apparent conscience throughout the black-and-white masterpiece, Godzilla sinks quietly back into the ocean, allowing Mankind to triumph, but not until the monster has smashed half of Tokyo and set off a legacy that continued into 27 Toho sequels.

Classical musician Akira Ifukube did the unforgettable score, and helped create the altered contrabass roar of Godzilla. The first series of Godzilla movies is considered to have continued through 1975.

“Godzilla is neither friend nor foe, but something beyond our control,” says Shizue Horie, 54, whose love affair with Godzilla started when her father took her to see one of the early movies.

The original she has seen many times. “Where it all began,” she said.

She feels her life has been defined by Godzilla. She met her husband after a painful divorce through their mutual interest in Godzilla. And she has taken her children and their friends to Godzilla movies. She gets teary-eyed, remembering when the Japanese Godzilla series ended a decade ago.

“It’s as though my job was over,” she said.

THE VS SERIES 1989-1995

Directed by Takao Okawara, Kazuki Omori and others.

Special effects by Koichi Kawakita.

Starring Tetsuya Bessho, Masahiro Takashima and others.

Godzilla was played by Kenpachiro Satsuma, a new actor in a rubber suit, who is credited with adding a combative flair to the depiction, taking advantage of his martial art skills.

“VS” stands for “versus,” as the films featured Godzilla fighting another creature, such as King Ghidora with the multiple dragon heads, and Mothra, a giant moth. The almost comical battle scenes, which take place underwater and in the sky as well as in urban landscapes, are the highlights.

The series that followed, called the Millenium, saw Godzilla’s following gradually dwindle. Toho discontinued Godzilla films after “Final Wars” released in 2004. Some Godzilla fans include the 1984 film in the VS series.
Others say technically it falls outside the category.

“Godzilla appeals to that destructive instinct that’s in all kids,” says Takeshi Maruyama, a 28-year-old “salaryman,” who grew up on the VS series and has an extensive Godzilla figure collection.

A lot of buildings were constructed while Maruyama was growing up, a period for Japan’s “bubble era” modernization. And it was a delight to see Godzilla destroy them almost as soon as they went up, Maruyama recalled.

One of his favorites is “Godzilla Vs. Mothra,” released in 1992, which showed his hometown of Yokohama destroyed, including Land Mark Tower, one of this nation’s tallest buildings, which was being built as the movie was shot.

“It is so fun to see a giant thing break and get totally destroyed,” he said. “You can’t explain it in words. You just feel it in your heart, and it’s so immediate.”

GOING HOLLYWOOD 1998

Directed by Roland Emmerich.

Special effects by Patrick Tatopoulos.

Starring Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno and others.

Hollywood-style models, robots, including a moving mechanical lizard head and torso, plus computer imagery for the adult Godzilla, and stunt men in latex suits as Godzilla babies.

If anything clinched Japanese fans’ distrust for Hollywood, this reboot was it.

The film, whose tagline was “Size does matter,” portrayed Godzilla as an enlarged tyrannosaurus rex running amok in New York, stomping on yellow cabs and chewing up delivery trucks.

The story starts with a Japanese fishing boat getting attacked, and a lone survivor gasping, “Gojira.”

Thrown in the plot are ambitious American news reporters, a French spy, a scientist studying Chernobyl and a bunch of Godzilla eggs in Madison Square Garden.

A big no-no to Godzilla fans was the monster’s fate at the end of the movie.

Yoshihiko Horie, 54, hated the 1998 film so much he started a website, cheering on the Japanese Godzilla.

Horie, a driver and husband of Godzilla fan Shizue Horie, believes Godzilla must be an extraordinary entity but also one with which people can emotionally identify. There are other must-have trademarks: bumpy skin and that roar.

Godzilla always shoots hot radioactive rays from its mouth. It must be powerful. And it must be cool. Emmerich’s Godzilla failed on all counts, he said.

“I still do not want to call that Godzilla,” said Horie, adding that he refers to it as Zilla, something lacking the “God” factor in a Godzilla. “No wonder even American fans called it GINO, for Godzilla in name only.”

GODZILLA TODAY 2014

Directed by Gareth Edwards.

Visual effects supervised by Jim Rygiel of the “Lord of the Rings” films.

Starring Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Ken Watanabe and others.

Godzilla created by computer graphics and special effects, with 3-D technology-added version as an option.

This work pays homage to the past. It has the monster battles of the VS series. It has the military, well-meaning but often clueless. It has scientists. It has a poster of an old Godzilla movie. It has the precariousness of atomic energy and radiation. Watanabe pronounces the creature’s name as the Japanese say it, combing “gorilla” with “kujira,” which means “whale.” It even has a touching reference to Hiroshima.
Battling in near-death, Godzilla saves San Francisco from grotesque monsters that feed off nuclear material, including bombs and reactor fuel waste. And the creature’s fate evokes the original film’s ending — including setting up a possible sequel.

“Gareth Edwards brought back our Godzilla, the Godzilla we hold in our hearts. He respects Godzilla,” said Yoshinori Nishizawa, 28, who lives in Tokyo and works in nursing.

“I grew up with Godzilla. I like everything about this movie. It shows the power of Hollywood. I feel only gratitude.”
- The Associated Press (washingtonpost.com)
 
‘Godzilla’ upholds legacy

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No one can blame Gareth Edwards for admittedly feeling nervous when asked to helm a remake of the biggest monster movie of all time. Sure, the only other film he had directed happened to be 2010’s “Monsters.”
But this time, it was Godzilla.

Well, the latest iteration of the 60-year-old franchise is in capable hands. Edwards’ “Godzilla” is a pleasingly paced 3-D spectacle that pays chilling homage to the artful legacy of the original 1954 film—Ishiro Honda’s “Godzilla”—while emerging as its own prodigious monster movie.

Created as a symbol of the nuclear threat following America’s atomic attacks on Japan in World War II, Godzilla’s reappearance suggests the nuclear tests conducted by the United States in the Pacific after the war were really meant to hold the radioactive dinosaur back.

This story begins in Japan in 1999 as nuclear physicist Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston, edgy in an unbearable wig) investigates questionable seismic activity at the Janjira nuclear power plant.

When a team at the plant, including his scientist wife, Sandra (an underused Juliette Binoche), dies in what everyone believes is a natural disaster, Joe dedicates his life to proving that what caused the devastation was anything but natural. His obsession creates a rift between himself and his son, Ford.

Fifteen years later, we catch up with Ford (played by a placid but sexy Aaron Taylor-Johnson) in San Francisco, where he lives with his wife (Elizabeth Olsen) and their son.

Serving in the U.S. Navy, Ford disarms bombs, a skill that later helps him save the planet from MUTOs—“Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism”—that emerge from a long dormancy and begin traveling the globe, feeding on radiation.

Screenwriter Max Borenstein, working from a story by Dave Callaham, doesn’t bombard us with multiple narratives or a multitude of characters (Ken Watanabe and Sally Hawkins play scientists, and David Strathairn plays an admiral).

Instead, the film focuses on Ford’s family story, which Borenstein takes his time developing. When we finally see Godzilla—just shy of an hour into the film—the anticipation has built to such a degree that we expect to be awe-struck. And we are.

The tallest of any Godzillas before him, this one stands 108 meters high—about 30 stories—with glistening, scaly skin and dorsal fin spikes down his back. His terrifying yet textured roar shakes the theater.

Aiming for a realistic take on how we might react to an invasion by giant creatures, Edwards makes sure our view of them rarely shifts from the human perspective.

Honoring the eerie music of the original, this film’s score by Alexandre Desplat (“Argo”) is equally menacing, rich with horns that complement the consistently serious tone of the movie.

In the original film, made using stop-motion photography, an actor stomped around a miniature Tokyo in a latex suit. But in the hands of visual effects guru Jim Rygiel (“The Lord of the Rings” franchise), the contemporary take looks incredibly fluid and Godzilla’s movements appear far more natural.

But we’re not bombarded with excessive CGI here. Godzilla isn’t oversold, although for some, his lack of screentime won’t be satisfying enough.

However, the balance between the family-focused story line and intense action sequences is bound to please others.

A threat to the planet in the ’50s version, Godzilla isn’t out to take the world down this time. He’s here to be its hero and his massive showdown—fiery radioactive breath and all—against the MUTOs is the highlight. He’s more than a catastrophic beast and we’re on his side when he swims off into the sunset.

While the predictable sequel has not yet been confirmed, one thing is clear: Edwards’ version of “Godzilla” remains the ultimate monster movie.

The legacy has been upheld.

- Jessica Herndon / The Associated Press (the-japan-news.com)



Godzilla Exhibit Stomps a Hole in Comic-Con

Legendary and Warner Bros.' Godzilla is now heading toward Blu-ray and DVD, but that didn't stop big G from taking the time to stomp around San Diego via a pretty cool art exhibit that features a monstrous sculpture along with poster variations and much more. Check out the eye candy!

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Germany’s High-End Teddy Bear Maker Tackles Godzilla

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A limited-edition Godzilla doll is available in Japan for about $500

Germany-based teddy bear maker Margarete Steiff GmbH began taking orders for a limited edition of stuffed Godzilla dolls to celebrate the 60th year since the monster’s first movie opened in Japan.

While there have been more expensive Godzilla toys created for the occasion–including a $1.47 million golden statue–the stuffed doll still carries a hefty price tag of ¥51,300 ($503).

“This product is an interior ornament item intended for use by adults,” MS1880 Co, which manages Steiff’s Japan operations, says on its website. The company also advises that families with children should keep the doll under adult supervision.

Steiff, known for creating the world’s first teddy bear in 1902, will manufacture 1,954 stuffed toy Godzillas which will be available on Nov. 3. The original Godzilla movie opened in Japan on Nov. 3, 1954.

Each stuffed doll will be manufactured at the doll maker’s factory at Giengen in Southern Germany, according to a spokeswoman at MS1880 Co. The dolls will be 50 centimeters tall and will be made of mohair fabric. Fangs will be made of felt cloth.

The stuffed Godzilla will only be available in Japan. “We can’t disclose the number of orders, but fans have been making reservations already” since it became available online on July 25, the spokeswoman said.

The new Hollywood Godzilla remake, directed by Gareth Edwards, opened in Japan on July 25. A sequel to the movie has also been announced.

- blogs.wsj.com
 
‘Godzilla’ arrested 58 times

He might not be taking down Tokyo, but Scott Swafford has wandered his way through a few streets in his day.

And he’s become one of the most arrested people in Manteca over the course of the last two years as a result.

Swafford – who has “Godzilla” listed as his moniker on the booking slip published by the San Joaquin County Jail – was once again arrested on Friday by Manteca Police officers for an alcohol-related offense.

It was the 58th time that Swafford has been arrested in the last 24 months – the majority of which were just drunk-tank holdovers. He was released on Sunday. Swafford is considered a transient.

Unlike some repeat offenders that are arrested for property crimes, kicked back out of jail after being processed and held for an appearance and then re-arrested days later, Swafford has largely been picked up for alcohol-related offenses.

A look at his booking history shows several months where he was arrested multiple times, and once where he was arrested three times in four days, and a total of five times in 11 days. In some instances, Swafford had to be taken to a hospital emergency room before being booked

A comprehensive history of all of his charges was not available online. Swafford was arrested four times last month, including back-to-back days on July 24 and 25.

Police Chief Nick Obligacion, in response to a request from Councilman Steve DeBrum, is presenting a proposed strategy to address homeless issues during tonight’s 7 o’clock meeting at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

It includes:

• Instituting a homeless encampment ban.

• Possibly banning animals within Library and Wilson parks.

• Establishing clothing requirements for parks.

• Banning public urination.

• Prohibiting scavenging in recycling and waste containers for the purpose of recycling.

• Temporary closure of the Library Park restroom.

• Changes in available seating at Library and Wilson parks.

• At the same time, the chief wants to seek out outreach group willing to assist in providing homeless temporary or permanent housing.
- mantecabulletin.com
 
‘Godzilla’ arrested 58 times

He might not be taking down Tokyo, but Scott Swafford has wandered his way through a few streets in his day.

And he’s become one of the most arrested people in Manteca over the course of the last two years as a result.

Swafford – who has “Godzilla” listed as his moniker on the booking slip published by the San Joaquin County Jail – was once again arrested on Friday by Manteca Police officers for an alcohol-related offense.

It was the 58th time that Swafford has been arrested in the last 24 months – the majority of which were just drunk-tank holdovers. He was released on Sunday. Swafford is considered a transient.

Unlike some repeat offenders that are arrested for property crimes, kicked back out of jail after being processed and held for an appearance and then re-arrested days later, Swafford has largely been picked up for alcohol-related offenses.

A look at his booking history shows several months where he was arrested multiple times, and once where he was arrested three times in four days, and a total of five times in 11 days. In some instances, Swafford had to be taken to a hospital emergency room before being booked

A comprehensive history of all of his charges was not available online. Swafford was arrested four times last month, including back-to-back days on July 24 and 25.

Police Chief Nick Obligacion, in response to a request from Councilman Steve DeBrum, is presenting a proposed strategy to address homeless issues during tonight’s 7 o’clock meeting at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

It includes:

• Instituting a homeless encampment ban.

• Possibly banning animals within Library and Wilson parks.

• Establishing clothing requirements for parks.

• Banning public urination.

• Prohibiting scavenging in recycling and waste containers for the purpose of recycling.

• Temporary closure of the Library Park restroom.

• Changes in available seating at Library and Wilson parks.

• At the same time, the chief wants to seek out outreach group willing to assist in providing homeless temporary or permanent housing.
- mantecabulletin.com

Can't see myself getting excited about a film featuring that Godzilla.
 
Original "Godzilla" reflects on monster's legacy

Watch the Vid -> http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/meet-the-japanese-actor-behind-the-original-godzilla/

TOKYO
-- Sixty-nine years ago on Wednesday, the United States dropped the first of two atomic bombs on Japan. About 140,000 people died in Hiroshima.

A decade later, a movie studio channeled the nuclear paranoia in Japan, unleashing "Godzilla" on the big screen.

Dozens of re-makes followed, included one in 2014, but it all began with one man in a monster suit, CBS News correspondent Seth Doane reports.

In 1954, when "Godzilla" -- or "Gojira" in Japanese -- was released, the mutant sea creature terrorized audiences. Today, the original Godzilla can be found, out of costume, in a memorabilia-stuffed apartment on the outskirts of Tokyo.

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Haruo Nakajima poses with Godzilla costume Courtesy of Haruo Nakajima

Haruo Nakajima was just 25 when he first played Godzilla. He went on to star in 11 other Godzilla films.

"The suit weighed 220 pounds," Nakajima told CBS News. "And I was [surrounded] by [hot] lights. "I stuck a thermometer inside the suit; 140 degrees!"

"Gojira" was released in a post-WWII Japan, which suffered defeat after the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and then Nagasaki.

"Godzilla is a creature of the Americans," Nakajima said. "Godzilla's breath is nuclear radiation. He showed our audiences that atomic bombs are frightening."

A Tokyo mall exhibition displays props from that first film. For shopper Chisato Owada, the display is a modern-day reminder of Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster.

"After seeing the problems caused by radiation and the meltdowns, my consciousness changed," Owada said. "Either we use nuclear power carefully or it will imperil us.

Matt Hester, an American stationed in Japan with the Air Force, remembers loving Godzilla as a kid.

"He's a very iconic character," Hester said.

Nakajima was not surprised another Godzilla film was released in theaters this year.

"I am reluctant to criticize other people's performances," he said, "but what I don't care for is wantonly destroying things. It's one thing to make a path for yourself so you can walk through, but tearing up buildings on purpose? I think that's bad acting."

They just don't make city-destroying mutant-sea-monsters like they used to.
-- cbsnews.com



Godzilla Turns Tuzzy For His 60th Birthday

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Now, we’re pretty sure that the mighty and terrible Godzilla hardly needs an introduction — he’s probably one of the most famous creations to come out of Japan. And the new Hollywood movie featuring a larger than ever before seen version of the monster, which was released late last month in Japan, seems to have gotten off to a good start here, having secured the number-one spot in the box office in its opening week.

It also happens that 2014 is quite a special year for Godzilla, as it marks the 60th anniversary since his very first movie came out from Toho in 1954. And now, to commemorate the celebrity monster’s 60th birthday, Toho has collaborated with renowned German stuffed toy maker Steiff to create a version of Godzilla quite unlike anything we’ve seen before — Yes, it’s the special edition 60th anniversary stuffed Steiff Godzilla, and what’s more, we got to take a look at the actual doll in advance of its sale!


Sure, this stuffed Godzilla may not be made of gold, but we certainly expected him to look precious, since Steiff is known for their expert craftsmanship. They’re now taking pre-orders for the doll, and the actual product won’t become available for several months, but when we heard that one of them was being displayed at the Shinjuku Isetan Department for a limited time, we couldn’t resist heading to the store to get a peek!

▼Here he is on display at Shinjuku Isetan. Standing 50cm (approx 19.5 in) tall, he isn’t exactly gigantic, but he has a definite presence.

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▼The sign placed by the doll explains that the doll is the result of a collaboration between stuffed toy manufacturer Steiff and Toho, and that the timing of the display was arranged to coincide with the release of the movie here in Japan on July 25.

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▼A close-up look at Godzilla’s fierce yet somehow lovable face — yes, he’s fuzzy, and he’s a lovely light-chocolatey color.

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▼Here’s a promotional flyer of the doll that was available next to the display. This is the front …

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▼… and this is the back. We have to say, he looks pretty cool for a gigantic irradiated sea monster.

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When we first heard about this collaboration, we have to say that we did have a slight moment of doubt about the fearsome Godzilla looking fuzzy and cute. But it appears the beast has more than risen to the task, having turned himself into quite an adorable furry toy.

Now, as cute as he may be, this stuffed Godzilla is a masterfully created Steiff product, which means he’s bound to come with, shall we say, a significant price tag. Yes, the fuzzy little fella is priced at 51,300 yen (US$500), but being such an obvious collector’s item for Steiff and Godzilla fans alike, the doll has been so well received that pre-orders for the first batch set to come out in November have already sold out, and they’re now taking advance orders for the next shipment which will become available in December. Well, it is a limited edition after all, as they’re producing just 1,954 dolls in honor of Godzilla’s birth year, and you have to admit he’s a beautiful piece of work, even if he doesn’t have moveable joints.

Unfortunately, August 5, which is when we went to see the Steiff Godzilla at Shinjuku Isetan, was the last day he was being displayed, so you can no longer see him there, but you can enjoy detailed pictures of the doll on the Steiff website, which do quite a good job of giving you an idea of what he actually looks like.

▼We’ll leave with you pictures from the official website, so that you can take a close look at the doll from different angles. Enjoy!

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-- rocketnews24.com
-- Steiff Japan website
 
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