Godzilla vs. Megalon: Difference between revisions

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{{Mtab
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|soundtrack={{soundtracktab}}
|soundtrack=Godzilla vs. Megalon/Soundtrack
|credits=Godzilla vs. Megalon/Credits
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{{Nav
{{Nav
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|type1      =Dragon
|type2      =Dark
|type2      =Bug
|type        =[[Godzilla (Franchise)|Godzilla]] [[:Category:Godzilla Films|Films]]
|type        =[[Godzilla (franchise)|''Godzilla'']] [[:Category:Godzilla Films|Films]]
|name        =Godzilla vs. Megalon
|name        =''Godzilla vs. Megalon''
|prev        =Godzilla vs. Gigan
|prev        =Godzilla vs. Gigan
|prevname    =Godzilla vs. Gigan
|prevname    =''Godzilla vs. Gigan''
|next        =Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
|next        =Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
|nextname    =Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
|nextname    =''Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla''
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{{Infopelicula
{{Infobox Film|ratings=yes
|type1      =Dark
|type1      =Bug
|type2      =Fire
|type2      =Dragon
|header      ={{Toho}} {{Kaijup}} {{Film}}
|image      =Megalon-big.jpg
|image      =Megalon-big.jpg
|caption    =The Japanese poster for Godzilla vs. Megalon
|caption    =The Japanese poster for Godzilla vs. Megalon
|nameoffilm  =''Godzilla vs. Megalon''
|name        =''Godzilla vs. Megalon''|alt-titles=yes
|dt          =''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' (1973)
|dt          =''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' (1973)
|producer    =[[Tomoyuki Tanaka]]
|producer    =[[Tomoyuki Tanaka]]
|director    =[[Jun Fukuda]]
|director    =[[Jun Fukuda]]
|writer      =[[Jun Fukuda]],<br>Takeshi Kimura,<br>Shinichi Sekizawa
|writer      =[[Jun Fukuda]] (screenplay),<br>[[Shinichi Sekizawa]] (story)
|composer    =Riichiro Manabe,<br>Masato Shimon
|composer    =[[Riichiro Manabe]], [[Masato Shimon]]
|distributor =[[Toho]]{{sup|[[Japan|JP]]}}<br>Cinema Shares{{sup|[[United States|US]]}}
|sfx        =[[Teruyoshi Nakano]]
|rating      =G{{sup|[[United States|US]]}}
|produced    =[[Toho Eizo Bijutsu|Toho Eizo]]
|budget      =Unknown
|distributor =[[Toho]]{{sup|[[Japan|JP]]}}, Cinema Shares{{sup|[[United States|US]]}}
|gross      =¥220,000,000<ref name="Japanese Wikipedia">[https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B4%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A9%E5%AF%BE%E3%83%A1%E3%82%AC%E3%83%AD ゴジラ対メガロ - Wikipedia]</ref>
|rating      =G{{sup|[[United States|US, 1977]]}}, TV-14{{sup|[[United States|US]], 2019}}, 12{{sup|[[United Kingdom|UK]]}}
|runtime    =81 minutes{{sup|[[Japan|JP]]}}<br />{{Small|(1 hour, 21 minutes)}}<br />78 minutes{{sup|[[United States|US]]}}<br />{{Small|(1 hour, 18 minutes)}}
|runtime    =81 minutes{{sup|[[Japan|JP]]}}<br>{{Small|(1 hour, 21 minutes)}}<br>78 minutes{{sup|[[United States|US]]}}<br>{{Small|(1 hour, 18 minutes)}}
|designs    =[[MegaroGoji]], [[Jet Jaguar|ShodaiJyagga]], [[Megalon|ShodaiMegaro]], [[MegaroGigan]], [[SoshingekiAngira]]
|aspectratio =2.35:1{{sup|[[Japan|JP]]}}<br>2.39:1{{sup|[[United States|US]]}}
}}
}}
'''''Godzilla vs. Megalon''''' {{Nihongo|ゴジラ対メガロ|Gojira tai Megaro|lit. ''Godzilla Against Megalon''}} is a [[1973]] [[tokusatsu]] [[:Category:Kaiju Films|kaiju film]] produced by [[Toho]], and the thirteenth installment in the [[Godzilla (Franchise)|Godzilla series]] as well as the [[Showa era|Showa series]]. The film was released to [[Japan]]ese theaters on March 17, [[1973]].
{{Quote|Dreaded [[Megalon]] from the [[Seatopia|undersea kingdom]]! A miraculous deathblow from the wound-ridden [[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Godzilla]]!|parenthetical=海底王国のすごいやつメガロ!傷だらけのゴジラ必殺のウルトラC!|Japanese tagline}}
{{Quote|Monster against monster for the lost continent of [[Mu]]|International tagline}}
{{Quote|GIANT AGAINST GIANT... the ultimate battle!|American tagline}}
{{Notice|For the short film, see [[Godzilla vs. Megalon (short film)|''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' (short film)]].}}
'''''Godzilla vs. Megalon''''' {{Nihongo|ゴジラ対メガロ|Gojira tai Megaro}} is a [[1973]] [[tokusatsu]] [[:Category:Kaiju Films|kaiju film]] directed and written by [[Jun Fukuda]] from a story by [[Shinichi Sekizawa]], with special effects by [[Teruyoshi Nakano]]. Produced by [[Toho Eizo Bijutsu|Toho Eizo]], it is the 13th installment in the [[Godzilla (franchise)|''Godzilla'' series]] as well as the [[Showa era|Showa series]]. It stars [[Katsuhiko Sasaki]], Yutaka Hayashi, [[Hiroyuki Kawase]], Kanta Mori, Kotaro Tomita, and [[Ulf Otsuki]]. The film was released to [[Japan]]ese theaters by [[Toho]] on March 17, [[1973]], as part of the Spring [[Toho Champion Festival]].<ref name="TohoSITE">[https://www.toho.co.jp/library/system/movies/?1206 Toho WEB SITE - MOVIE DATABASE 作品「ゴジラ対メガロ(ごじらたいめがろ)」]</ref> [[Cinema Shares]] released an edited English-dubbed version of the film to [[United States|American]] theaters in [[1976]].
 
Underground nuclear testing in the Aleutian Islands damages the undersea kingdom of [[Seatopia]], whose angry inhabitants send their guardian monster [[Megalon]] to the surface to seek revenge on [[human]]ity. Inventor [[Goro Ibuki]], his brother [[Rokuro Ibuki|Rokuro]], and his best friend [[Hiroshi Jinkawa]] find themselves caught up in the [[Seatopian]]s' plan, as they plan to use Goro's invention, the robot [[Jet Jaguar]], to guide Megalon. Goro manages to free Jet Jaguar from the Seatopians' control and sends him to [[Monster Island]] to recruit [[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Godzilla]]'s help. The stage is set for a colossal tag-team battle when the Seatopians recruit the aid of the evil cyborg kaiju [[Gigan]] from the [[M Space Hunter Nebula Alien]]s, with Godzilla and Jet Jaguar facing off against Gigan and Megalon. ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was followed by ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla]]'' in [[1974]].
{{TOC}}
{{TOC}}
==Plot==
==Plot==
The underground civilization [[Seatopia]] has been heavily affected by nuclear testing conducted by the surface nations of the world. The nation's people, the [[Seatopians]], watch in horror as a nuclear test conducted near the Aleutian Islands critically damages [[Monster Island]]. [[Godzilla]], [[Rodan]] and [[Anguirus]] had been resting on the island when a huge fissure generated by the test ripped the idyll in two. As Godzilla called out for his friends, Rodan and Anguirus fell down the growing chasm. The earthquake generated by the test that destroyed Monster Island also left the capital city of Seatopia in ruins. Naturally upset by this, they unleash their civilization's protector, [[Megalon]], to the surface to destroy those who would — unknowingly or not — destroy them. The ground opens to reveal Megalon, who goes on a rampage outside of Tokyo. Meanwhile, two Seatopian Agents attempt to steal the newly constructed super-robot [[Jet Jaguar]], which can be used to guide and direct Megalon. They also capture the robot's inventor, Goro Ibuki, his kid brother Rokuro and their friend Hiroshi Jinkawa. One of the Agents stays with Jinkawa and directs Jet Jaguar towards Megalon. The other agent takes Rokuro and Goro into a cargo container and bribes a pair of truckers to dump the container in the lake. Things get out of hand, though, and the Seatopian agent is thrown from the truck after threatining the two truckers with a pistol. Soon afterward, Jinkawa, Goro and Rokuro are reunited and try and convince the Military into using Jet Jaguar to re-direct Megalon, who is attacking Tokyo. Goro manages to regain control using his hand-held voice-command devise, and sends Jet Jaguar to Monster Island to bring [[Godzilla]] back to fight Megalon. An extended fight scene then takes place, with Godzilla and Jet Jaguar, the latter newly giant-sized and self-directed, fighting Megalon in a generic small field. The Seatopians, however, summon [[Gigan]] to aid Megalon. The film ends with Megalon and Gigan (who for the second time abandons an ally) defeated, Godzilla returning to Monster Island, and Jet Jaguar returning to his previous, human-sized state, reuniting with Goro, Rokuro and Jinkawa.
An underground nuclear test on Asuka Island in the Aleutian Islands triggers seismic aftershocks felt as far away as [[Monster Island]], where [[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Godzilla]], [[Anguirus (Second Generation)|Anguirus]], and [[Rodan (Showa)|Rodan]] are disturbed as the island begins breaking apart. Godzilla and Anguirus try to flee, but Anguirus falls and is pulled into a fissure, leaving Godzilla roaring defiantly at the rest of the collapsing island. A second seismic event occurs at Lake Kitayama in [[Japan]], where inventor [[Goro Ibuki]] enjoys a picnic with his friend [[Hiroshi Jinkawa]] as his little brother [[Rokuro Ibuki|Rokuro]] rides on a dolphin boat in the lake. A whirlpool forms in the middle of the lake and nearly pulls Rokuro in before Goro and Jinkawa pull him back to shore with a life rope. The three then watch as the lake completely drains in a matter of moments. As they drive home, they worry that these repeated nuclear tests will cause civilization to sink just like the ancient continents of [[Mu]] and Lemuria. When they arrive at Goro's home, they are attacked by an intruder who is fought off by Jinkawa. Jinkawa gives chase in his car, but loses the trespasser after he throws a grenade out the window of his car and sets a field ablaze. Back in Goro's lab, he and Rokuro find it trashed but no sign of anything being stolen. When Jinkawa returns, he finds that a button he pulled off the intruder's coat is the same color as a deposit of red sand left behind in the lab. He goes to get the sand tested while Goro completes work on his advanced new robot. Goro completes his new robot, which he names [[Jet Jaguar]], and activates it. The robot wanders aimlessly through the lab, guided by cameras installed in its eyes. Jinkawa reports to Goro that the sand they found comes from an ancient stratum, confusing them both as to just who the intruder was. While Rokuro rides his minibike not far from Goro's lab, he is abducted by the intruder from earlier and his driver, then used as bait for Goro to open the door. The intruder breaks in once more and knocks Goro, Jinkawa, and Rokuro out with his gun, then contacts [[Seatopia]] using equipment in the lab.
 
His message is received in the advanced underwater kingdom of Seatopia, where Emperor [[Antonio]] holds a ritual to awaken their guardian [[Megalon]] to make war on the surface-dwellers in retaliation for the damage caused by their nuclear tests. Megalon awakens and burrows his way to the surface, where Jet Jaguar, now under [[Seatopian]] control, will guide him. Goro and Rokuro awaken inside a container on a truck, which is being driven to the lake where it is to be dumped. Jinkawa awakens in the lab, where he sees the intruder controlling Jet Jaguar remotely. He asks where the man has taken Goro and Rokuro, but he replies that they will be brought to Seatopia where Goro will create other robots like Jet Jaguar for the defense of the kingdom. Jinkawa escapes his bonds and subdues the Seatopian agent, forcing him to reveal that the two are being transported in a container truck. Jinkawa sets off to rescue them, but is tailed by two more Seatopian agents. He manages to lose them in a construction area, and continues to the lake. With Megalon sighted on the surface, the two truck drivers are hesitant to continue approaching the lake, only to be held at gunpoint by the Seatopian agent who hired them. Thinking quickly, they throw him out of the truck and prepare to dump their cargo into a dam. Jinkawa arrives just in time and asks the drivers to help him save Goro and Rokuro, but the two tell him to screw himself and steal his car. Jinkawa mans the truck and tries to get the container clear, only for Megalon to burst through the dam. Timing it perfectly, Jinkawa drops the container onto Megalon's hand, which causes it to go flying into the distance. Jinkawa reunites with Goro and Rokuro and finds that they are both okay. Goro meets with the [[JSDF]] and informs them he can get the robot guiding Megalon under his control. He is flown to Jet Jaguar in a helicopter and uses a remote control device to order the robot to seek Godzilla's help. Jet Jaguar complies and flies to Monster Island. With this turn of events, Antonio contacts the [[M Space Hunter Nebula Alien]]s and asks for [[Gigan]]'s help against Godzilla.
 
Without his guide, Megalon begins to act erratically and jump around wildly. The JSDF confronts him, but is quickly wiped out by his napalm bombs and horn laser. Megalon reaches [[Tokyo]] and devastates the metropolis unopposed. Fortunately, Jet Jaguar reaches Godzilla and informs him of the situation, prompting Godzilla to set off for the mainland. Jet Jaguar returns to Goro's lab, which the three have successfully taken back from the Seatopian agent. Jet Jaguar confirms his success in reaching Godzilla before flying away. Goro remarks that Jet Jaguar has seemingly developed a will of his own, and leaves with the others to observe him. Jet Jaguar lands in front of Megalon, who laughs at the diminutive robot before Jet Jaguar grows to Megalon's size right before the [[kaiju]]'s eyes. Jet Jaguar punches Megalon and begins battling with him to stall his rampage until Godzilla arrives. Jet Jaguar holds his own until Gigan arrives to back up Megalon. The two kaiju combined overwhelm Jet Jaguar, but Godzilla soon arrives to help. Godzilla battles both Gigan and Megalon, allowing time for Jet Jaguar to get back into the fight. Godzilla and Jet Jaguar's combined efforts turn the battle in their favor, prompting Gigan to beat a quick retreat. Jet Jaguar and Godzilla waste no time in beating up on Megalon until he finally retreats back to Seatopia. The Seatopians close all fissures to the surface and end their war on the surface world. Victorious, Godzilla and Jet Jaguar shake each other's hands and go their separate ways. Jet Jaguar returns to human size and reunites with his creator, who finds his free will is seemingly gone. But perhaps one day it will return if the world faces another similar threat. The three then return home happily with Jet Jaguar.
 
==Staff==
==Staff==
{{Main|Godzilla vs. Megalon/Credits}}
{{Staffs
{{Staffs
|Directed by=[[Jun Fukuda]]
|Directed by|[[Jun Fukuda]]
|Written by=[[Jun Fukuda]], Takeshi Kimura, [[Shinichi Sekizawa]]
|Screenplay by|Jun Fukuda
|Produced by=[[Tomoyuki Tanaka]]
|Based on a story by|[[Shinichi Sekizawa]]
|Music by=Riichiro Manabe, Masato Shimon
|Produced by|[[Tomoyuki Tanaka]]
|Cinematography by=Yuzuru Aizawa
|Music by|[[Riichiro Manabe]]
|Edited by=Michiko Ikeda
*Theme song "[[Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!]]"
|Production Design by=Yoshifumi Honda
|*Performed by|[[Masato Shimon]]
|Assistant Directing by=Tsunesaburo Nishikawa
|*Lyrics by|Shinichi Sekizawa
|Special Effects by=Teruyoshi Nakano
|Cinematography by|Yuzuru Aizawa
|Edited by|Michiko Ikeda
|Production design by|Yoshifumi Honda
|First assistant director|Tsunesaburo Nishikawa
|Director of special effects|[[Teruyoshi Nakano]]
}}
}}
==Cast==
==Cast==
{{Cast
{{Cast
|[[Katsuhiko Sasaki]]|[[Goro Ibuki]]
|[[Katsuhiko Sasaki]]|[[Goro Ibuki]], inventor
|Yutaka Hayashi|[[Hiroshi Jinkawa]]
|Yutaka Hayashi|[[Hiroshi Jinkawa]]
|Hiroyuki Kawase|[[Rokuro Ibuki]]
|[[Hiroyuki Kawase]]|[[Rokuro Ibuki|Rokuro "Roku" Ibuki]]
|Robert Dunham|[[Emperor Antonio]]
|Kanta Mori|[[JSDF]] commander
|Kotaro Tomita|Head Seatopian Agent
|Kotaro Tomita|[[Seatopian]] agent in black
|Wolf Otsuki|Seatopian Agent
|[[Ulf Otsuki]]|Seatopian agent in gray
|Gentaro Nakajima|Truck Driver
|Sakyo Mikami|truck driver's assistant
|Sakyo Mikami|Truck Driver's Assistant
|Fumio Ikeda|man at Ground 1
|Kanta Mori|Japan Self Defense Force Commander
|Gen Nakajima|truck driver
|[[Robert Dunham]]|Seatopian Emperor [[Antonio]] (Japanese voice actor: [[Goro Naya]])
|[[Ralph Jesser]]|Seatopian radio operator (as Ralph Jessup)
|[[Shinji Takagi]]|[[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Godzilla]]
|[[Hideto Date]]|[[Megalon]]
|[[Tsugutoshi Komada]], Masachika Mori|[[Jet Jaguar]]
|[[Kenpachiro Satsuma]]|[[Gigan]] (as Kengo Nakayama)
|Eizaburo Komatsu|JSDF member (uncredited)
|Eisuke Nakanishi|Asuka Island nuclear test announcer (uncredited)
}}
===International English dub===
{{Cast|notice=no
|Chris Hilton|[[Goro Ibuki]]
|Warren Rooke|[[Hiroshi Jinkawa]] / truck driver's assistant / Seatopian agent in gray
|Barbara Laney|[[Rokuro Ibuki]]
|Ted Thomas|[[Antonio]] / narrator / radio announcer
|Ron Oliphant|Seatopian agent in black<ref name="Ron Oliphant">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ78z_y_7Mw|title=Ron Oliphant, Hong Kong voice actor, As Agent Black from Godzilla Vs. Megalon|author=Harley Thomas|date=24 April 2023|work=YouTube}}</ref>
}}
}}
==Appearances==
==Appearances==
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{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
===Monsters===
===Monsters===
*[[Godzilla]] ([[MegaroGoji]])
*[[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Godzilla]] ([[MegaroGoji]])
*[[Megalon]]
*[[Megalon]]
*[[Jet Jaguar]]
*[[Jet Jaguar]]
*[[Gigan]] ([[MegaroGigan]])
*[[Gigan]]
*[[Anguirus]] ([[SoshingekiAngira]])
*[[Anguirus (Second Generation)|Anguirus]]
*[[Rodan]] ([[SoshingekiRado|Stock Footage]])
*[[Rodan (Showa)|Rodan]] (stock footage)
*[[Gaira]] (Stock Footage, erroneous)
*[[Gaira]] (stock footage, erroneous)
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
===Weapons, Vehicles, and Races===
===Weapons, vehicles, and races===
*[[Type 66 Maser Cannon]] (Stock Footage)
*[[Type 70 Maser Cannon]] (stock footage)
*[[TH-55J Helicopter]]
*[[Type 66 Maser Cannon]] (stock footage)
*[[Type 61 Tank]] (Stock Footage)
*[[wikipedia:Hughes TH-55 Osage|TH-55J Helicopter]]
*[[M24 Chaffee Tank]] (Stock Footage)
*[[Type 61 Tank]] (stock footage)
*[[M4A3E8 Sherman Tank]] (Stock Footage)
*[[M24 Chaffee Tank]] (stock footage)
*[[F86F Sabre]]
*[[M4A3E8 Sherman Tank]] (stock footage)
*[[Rocket Launcher Truck]] (Stock Footage)
*[[Mitsubishi F-86F Sabre|F-86 Sabre]]
*[[Missile Launcher Truck]] (Stock Footage)
*[[24 Twin Rocket Car]] (stock footage)
*[[Hybrid Tank]] (Stock Footage)
*[[Multipurpose Tank]] (stock footage)
*[[Type M3A1]] (Stock Footage)
*[[Type M3A1]] (stock footage)
*[[Support Helicopter]] (Stock Footage)
*[[Support Helicopter]] (stock footage)
*[[SAR-1]] (Stock Footage)
*[[SAR-1]] (stock footage)
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}
==Production==
==Production==
''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was originally planned as a non-Godzilla film, but instead a film for Jet Jaguar, which was the result of a contest Toho had for children in mid-to-late 1972. The winner of the contest was an elementary school student, who submitted the drawing of a robot called "Red Alone," which superficially resembled both [[w:c:ultra:Ultraman (Character)|Ultraman]] and Mazinger Z. The robot was renamed Jet Jaguar and was set to star in Jet Jaguar vs. Megalon, which pitted him against Megalon. However, after doing some screen tests and storyboards, Toho figured Jet Jaguar would not be able to carry the film on his own, either in screen appearance or marketing value, so they shut the project down during pre-production. Nearly a month later, producer [[Tomoyuki Tanaka]] called in screenwriter [[Shinichi Sekizawa]] to revise the script to add Godzilla and Gigan. To make up for lost production time, the film was shot in a hasty three weeks. The production time totaled at nearly six months, from planning to finish.
In mid- to late 1972, Toho held a contest for elementary school children to design a robot who would appear in the next ''Godzilla'' film.<ref name="Aiken">[http://www.americancinematheque.com/archive1999/2005/japanese_giant_monsters_festival.htm The Japanese Giant Monster Festival by Keith Aiken]</ref> The winner's creation was named "Red Alone," which superficially resembled both [[wikia:w:c:ultra:Ultraman (character)|Ultraman]] and Mazinger Z. The character was renamed Jet Jaguar for its inclusion in the film.
 
While ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was made over the course of six months, its allocation of time was unusual.<ref name="AotG">{{cite book|title=[[Age of the Gods: A History of the Japanese Fantasy Film]]|date=1996|author=Guy Mariner Tucker|publisher=Feral House|page=215}}</ref> As special effects director [[Teruyoshi Nakano]] recalled, "That movie seemed to take forever to develop, then it went into production without enough preparation."<ref name="MAAT">{{cite book|title=[[Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo!]] The Incredible World of Japanese Fantasy Films|author=Stuart Galbraith IV|date=1998|publisher=Feral House|page=115}}</ref> Due to the time constraints, screenwriter [[Shinichi Sekizawa]] simply provided a story outline, while director [[Jun Fukuda]] wrote the script. Principal photography started immediately thereafter and took place over approximately three weeks.
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Main|Godzilla vs. Megalon/Gallery}}
{{Main|Godzilla vs. Megalon/Gallery}}
==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Godzilla vs. Megalon (Soundtrack)}}
{{Main|Godzilla vs. Megalon/Soundtrack}}
==Alternate Titles==
==Alternate titles==
*'''''Godzilla vs. The Megalon Brothers: The Undersea Kingdom's Annihilation Strategy''''' {{Nihongo|ゴジラ対メガロ兄弟 海底王国全滅作戦|Gojira tai Megaro Kyōdai Kaitei Ōkoku Zenmetsu Sakusen|early Japanese title}}<ref>[[File:Tn_megalon_script000collect.jpg|150px]]<br>[http://web.archive.org/web/20180716054216/www.cyberkids1954.com/toho_script.html Cyberkids1954.com (archive)]</ref>
*'''''Godzilla vs. Megalon: The Undersea Kingdom's Annihilation Strategy''''' {{Nihongo|ゴジラ対メガロ 海底王国全滅作戦|Gojira tai Megaro Kaitei Ōkoku Zenmetsu Sakusen|early Japanese title}}<ref name="TSEMCW">{{cite book|title=[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]|date=28 September 2012|publisher=[[villagebooks]]|page=158|isbn=9784864910132}}</ref>
*'''''Insect Monster Megalon vs. Godzilla: The Undersea Kingdom's Annihilation Strategy''''' {{Nihongo|昆虫怪獣メガロ対ゴジラ 海底王国全滅作戦|Konchū Kaijū Megaro tai Gojira Kaitei Ōkoku Zenmetsu Sakusen|early Japanese title}}<ref name="TSEMCW"/>
*'''''Gorgo and Superman Meet in Tokyo''''' (''Gorgo y Superman se citan en Tokio''; Spain)
*'''''Gorgo and Superman Meet in Tokyo''''' (''Gorgo y Superman se citan en Tokio''; Spain)
*'''''Planetary Titans''''' (''Titanes planetarios''; Mexico)
*'''''Planetary Titans''''' (''Titanes planetarios''; Mexico)
*'''''Godzilla 1980''''' (''Godzilla 1980''; France; French Belgium)
*'''''Godzilla 1980''''' (''Godzilla 1980''; France; French Belgium)
*'''''King Kong: Demons from Outer Space''''' (''King Kong — Dämonen aus dem Weltall''; Germany)
*'''''King Kong: Demons from Outer Space''''' (''King Kong — Dämonen aus dem Weltall''; West Germany)
*'''''At the Borders of Reality''''' (''Ai confini della realtà''; Italy)
*'''''At the Borders of Reality''''' (''Ai confini della realtà''; Italy)
==Theatrical Releases==
*'''''Godzilla Against Megalon - At the Borders of Reality''''' (''Godzilla contro Megalon - Ai confini della realtà''; Italian video title)
*'''''Godzilla Against Megalon''''' (''Godzila protiv Megalona''; Yugoslavia; ''Godzila proti Megalonu''; Yugoslavia (Slovenia); ''Godzilla contra Megàlon''; Spain (Catalonia); ''Godzilla contra Megalon''; Netherlands; Spanish DVD title)
*'''''Superman in Space''''' (''סופרמן בחלל''; Israel)
*'''''Monsters from Other Spaces''''' (''Monstros de Outros Espaços''; Brazil)
*'''''Godzilla Faces Megalon''''' (''Godzilla Enfrenta Megalon''; Brazilian video title)
*'''''The Flying Superman vs. Monsters''''' (''Ο Ιπτάμενος Υπεράνθρωπος εναντίον Τεράτων''; Greece)
*'''''The Beast That Shakes the World''''' (''Dünyayı Titreten Canavar''; Turkey)
*'''''Prince of the Sun''''' (太陽王子, ''Taai3 joeng4 wong4 zi2''; Hong Kong)
 
==Theatrical releases==
{{All Posters}}
{{All Posters}}
*[[Japan]] - March 17, 1973 {{Popup-poster|file=Megalon-big.jpg|caption=Japanese poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*[[Japan]] - March 17, 1973<ref name="TohoSITE"/> {{Popup-poster|file=Megalon-big.jpg|caption=Japanese poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*[[United States]] - 1976 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_United_States.png|caption=American poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*[[United States]] - April 28, 1976 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla vs megalon.jpg|caption=American poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Spain {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Spain_1.jpg|caption=Spanish poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Canada - December 17, 1976
*France {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_1980.jpg|caption=French poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*West Germany -1973 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Germany_1.jpg|caption=German poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Germany {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Germany_1.jpg|caption=German poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Brazil - March 24, 1974
*Italy {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Italy_1.jpg|caption=Italian poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Netherlands - August 21, 1974
*Spain - February 8, 1975 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Spain_1.jpg|caption=Spanish poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*France - October 26, 1976 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_1980.jpg|caption=French poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Italy - 1976 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Italy_1.jpg|caption=Italian poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Mexico - 1976 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Mexico_1.jpg|caption=Mexican poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Australia - September 1, 1977 {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Australia_1.jpg|caption=Australian poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Belgium {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Belgium.jpg|caption=Belgian poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Belgium {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Belgium.jpg|caption=Belgian poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Mexico {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Mexico_1.jpg|caption=Mexican poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Yugoslavia {{Popup-poster|file=Megalon_is_a_slav.jpg|caption=Yugoslav poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Australia {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla_vs._Megalon_Poster_Australia_1.jpg|caption=Australian poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Israel {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla vs. Megalon Poster Israel.jpg|caption=Israeli poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Greece {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla vs. Megalon Poster Greece.jpg|caption=Greek poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}
*Turkey {{Popup-poster|file=Godzilla vs. Megalon Poster Turkey.jpg|caption=Turkish poster|link={{PAGENAME}}}}


==[[United States|U.S.]] Release==
==Foreign releases==
[[File:Godzilla vs. Megalon Poster United States.png|thumb|right|200px|American ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' poster]]
===[[United States|U.S.]] release===
In 1976, CinemaShares released a dubbed version of ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' theatrically. Riding the coattails of Dino De Laurentiis' big-budget ''[[King Kong (1976 film)|King Kong]]'' remake, poster art showed Godzilla and Megalon battling on top of the [[World Trade Center]], despite the fact that no scenes were set in [[New York]].
[[File:Godzilla vs megalon.jpg|thumb|right|200px|U.S. ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' poster]]
In 1976, [[Cinema Shares]] released an edited edition of the international English-dubbed version of ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' theatrically. Riding on the coattails of Dino De Laurentiis' 1976 big-budget ''[[King Kong (1976 film)|King Kong]]'' remake, the U.S. theatrical release poster art showed Godzilla and Megalon battling on top of the [[World Trade Center]], although no such scene exists in the film.


To obtain a G-rating from the MPAA, CinemaShares cut three minutes of footage, including:
To obtain a G-rating from the MPAA, Cinema Shares cut three minutes of footage, including:
*The opening credits.
*The opening credits.
*Rokuro being abducted by Seatopian agents, who pull him into their car.
*Rokuro being abducted by Seatopian agents, who pull him into their car.
*Scenes in the container truck that showed pornographic material on the back wall (There was more dialogue in the scenes that added to the story, thus making these cut scenes somewhat confusing).
*Rokuro getting shot by the Seatopian agent's gas gun.
*A fight scene between Hiroshi and the lead Seatopian agent.
*Most of a fight between Jinkawa and the lead Seatopian agent, Jinkawa holding him down and pummeling his head on the floor, demanding to know where Rokuro and Goro are being held, and the agent telling him about the container.
*A scene of the bearded Caucasian Seatopian agent being thrown down a cliff by the truck drivers.
*Some shots of two topless centerfolds in the back of the truck, removing dialogue in the processes, such as the driver asking the bearded Caucasian Seatopian why he wants the container disposed of at Lake Kitayama. It instead abruptly cuts from the establishing shot of the truck to the driver saying "Well, the way I see it, it's none of our business anyway. I mean, we're getting a hundred thousand yen!".
*Some scenes of bloody violence, when the toy jet (which Rokuro borrowed from the hobby shop) flies into the lead Seatopian agent's face, there was a brief shot of blood dripping from his face and when Hiroshi says "Get him!!!", Rokuro swings on the chained picture boxes in Goro's lab, and strikes the agent above the chest.
*The truckers overhearing the news of [[Megalon]]'s emergence at Lake Kitayama. The Caucasian Seatopian urges them to continue. The driver yells in reply "Like hell we will!" 
*The Seatopian agent being crushed by a boulder hurled by Megalon.
*The Caucasian Seatopian agent being jettisoned from the truck, where he dies from his tumble down a hill.
*Dialogue: "''What the hell was that?''" and "''Damn you!''"
*The truckers pulling over and exclaiming "What the hell's that?" after hearing Megalon nearby.
With this being the second of the three CinemaShares [[Godzilla (Franchise)|Godzilla]] releases, the publicity factor was high. Along with the poster, buttons with one of the four [[kaiju]]'s faces on them were released. A couple of weeks before the release of ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'', CinemaShares had a [[Godzilla vs. Megalon (Comic)|comic book]] released to promote the film, but in the comic there are numerous errors present in the monster's names and locations and events. The theatrical trailer for the film also contain these errors, such as Jet Jaguar being called "Robotman."
*After Jinkawa pleads with the truckers to lower the truck bed, the truckers tell him to "Go to hell!" before stealing his car and driving off.
==Box Office==
*The lead Seatopian agent bleeding profusely from Rokuro hurling the toy [[F-86 Sabre]] into his face.
When ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was released on March 17, 1973 in Japan, it only sold
*Violence after Jinkawa shouts "Get him!". While he holds the Setopian back, Rokuro swings on the chained picture boxes in Goro's lab and strikes the agent above the chest.
980,000 tickets, making it the first Godzilla film to sell less than a million tickets.
*The lead Seatopian agent being crushed to death by a boulder hurled by Megalon.
With this being the first of the three Cinema Shares ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' releases, the publicity factor was high. Along with the poster four buttons, each one with one of the four [[kaiju]]'s faces on them, were released. A couple of weeks before the release of ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'', Cinema Shares published a short [[Godzilla vs. Megalon (comic)|comic book]] to promote the film, although it altered the story significantly, even renaming Gigan "Borodan" and Jet Jaguar "Robotman." The U.S. theatrical trailer also uses this name for Jet Jaguar. In 1978, [[Cinema Shares]] re-released it in a Godzilla Triple Bill alongside ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan|Godzilla on Monster Island]]'' and ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla|Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster]]''.
 
The Cinema Shares version was frequently shown on television and received numerous unlicensed fullscreen VHS and DVD releases throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with American fly-by-night home video companies operating under the erroneous assumption that it had fallen into the public domain.<ref name="Domain">{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/dvd-blu-ray-digital/godzilla-vs-megalon-special-edition-dvd-extras-detailed|title=GODZILLA VS MEGALON Special Edition DVD “Extras” Detailed|author=Pusateri, Richard|work=SciFi Japan|accessdate=5 March 2023}}</ref> [[wikipedia:Alpha Video|Alpha Video]] and Passion Productions released the same version on DVD in the early 2000s. In 2002, the uncut international version of the film aired on the Sci-Fi Channel.<ref name="Channel">{{cite web|url=https://www.scifijapan.com/dvd-blu-ray-digital/godzilla-vs-megalon-region-1-dvdblu-ray-rumors-false|title=GODZILLA VS MEGALON Region 1 DVD/Blu-ray Rumors False|author=Aiken, Keith|work=SciFi Japan|accessdate=5 March 2023}}</ref> [[Media Blasters]]' Tokyo Shock imprint released the film on DVD and Blu-ray in 2012, with both the English and Japanese audio tracks simply using the same Japanese video track. They also planned to release the Japanese soundtrack to the film on CD in the U.S. for the first time in 2012 as well, but ultimately it was never released for unknown reasons. The 2019 [[The Criterion Collection|Criterion Collection]] ''Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954-1975'' Blu-ray box set took the same approach to the film as the Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock releases did.
 
===United Kingdom release===
[[File:PolyGram Godzilla vs. Gigan and Godzilla vs. Megalon VHS cover.png|thumb|180px|UK ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' double feature VHS cover]]
''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was never released theatrically in the UK, remaining unseen until it aired on Channel 4 in 1990.<ref name="Four">{{cite web|url=http://www.smguariento.com/monsters-from-an-unknown-culture-godzilla-and-friends-in-britain-1957-1980-by-sim-branaghan-part-2/|title=Monsters From An Unknown Culture: Godzilla (and friends) in Britain 1957-1980 by Sim Branaghan – Part 2|author=Branaghan, Sim|work=SMGuariento.com|accessdate=5 March 2023}}</ref> This was followed by two VHS releases by [[wikipedia:PolyGram Filmed Entertainment|PolyGram Video]] in 1992 (paired with its predecessor, ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'') and its imprint 4 Front in 1998. These VHS releases were both uncut, save for the removal of the opening [[Toho]] and/or [[Toho Eizo Bijutsu|Toho Eizo]] logos. The 1998 release included the Toho logo with the opening music from ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'' briefly before fading out into the beginning of the film. [[Sony]] released the Japanese version of the film on Blu-ray in 2019 as part of [[The Criterion Collection]]'s ''Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954–1975'' box set, with the international English dub available as a secondary audio option. The BBFC rated the film 12 for "moderate violence, brief nudity," although previous releases on VHS were assigned a PG rating.<ref name="BBFC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/godzilla-vs-megalon-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00nda4oty|title=Godzilla Vs Megalon|work=BBFC|accessdate=2 December 2023}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
===Italian release===
[[File:Godzilla vs. Megalon Poster Italy 1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Italian ''At the Borders of Reality'' poster]]
''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was released in Italy under the title ''Ai confini della realtà'' (lit. "''At the Borders of Reality''") in [[1976]] by Indipendenti Regionali and AVO Film, with an Italian dub produced by CVD.<ref name="Doppiatori">{{cite web|url=https://www.antoniogenna.net/doppiaggio/film/godzillacontromegalon.htm|title=AntonioGenna.net presenta: IL MONDO DEI DOPPIATORI - ZONA CINEMA: "Godzilla contro Megalon"|first=Genna|last=Antonio|date=2003|work=Zona Cinema|accessdate=3 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="Cinematographo">{{cite web|url=https://www.cinematografo.it/film/ai-confini-della-realta-cb0y8ld2|title=Ai confini della realtà Gojira tai Megaro GIAPPONE 1973|date=2016|work=Cinematografo|accessdate=3 January 2023}}</ref> In the dubbing, Rokuro was renamed Robert, Jinkawa was renamed Jimmy, and "[[Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!]]" was replaced with "Mireille", an instrumental library piece by the group I Gres, from the group's 1974 self-titled album. The Italian-dubbed version was released on VHS in 1995 by AVO Film. The film was first released on DVD on August 21, 2003, by Mondo Home Entertainment, using a fullscreen transfer of the Italian version, then again by Password, this release using [[Toho]]'s DVD transfer of the Japanese version of the film.
{{Clear}}
 
==Reception==
==Reception==
{{stub|section}}
{{stub|section}}
''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' has been widely disliked among critics and fans. Common sources of criticism revolve around the film's extensive use of stock footage, the [[MegaroGoji|Godzilla suit]] used in the film, and the film's overall tone.
''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' has been widely disliked among critics and fans. Common sources of criticism revolve around the film's extensive use of stock footage, the [[MegaroGoji|Godzilla suit]] used in the film, and the film's overall tone.


==DVD and Blu-ray Releases==
==Video releases==
'''Power Multimedia''' DVD (Year Unknown)
Before [[Media Blasters]] acquired the rights to ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'', numerous American fly-by-night home video companies distributed fullscreen versions of the Cinema Shares cut of the film on unlicensed VHS and DVD releases throughout the 1980s and 1990s, operating under the erroneous assumption that it had fallen into the public domain.
*Region: N/A
 
*Discs: 1
'''Power Multimedia''' DVD (1999)
*Audio: English (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
*'''Region:''' N/A
*Special Features: None
*'''Discs:''' 1
*Notes: Presents an unaltered 16mm transfer of the film's international version, albeit cropped to 1.33:1. Includes traditional and simplified Chinese subtitles. Out of print.
*'''Audio:''' English (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
*'''Subtitles:''' Chinese (traditional and simplified)
*'''Special features:''' None
*'''Notes:''' Presents an unaltered 16mm transfer of the film's international version, albeit cropped to 1.33:1. Out of print.
 
'''Media Target''' DVD (2002)
*'''Region:''' 2
*'''Discs:''' 1
*'''Audio:''' German (2.0 Mono)
*'''Subtitles:''' None
*'''Special features:''' Trailers, photo gallery, production notes, information on the cast and crew
 
'''[[Toho]]''' DVD (2004)
'''[[Toho]]''' DVD (2004)
*Region: 2
*'''Region:''' 2
*Audio: Japanese
*'''Discs:''' 1
'''Madman''' DVD (2006)
*'''Audio:''' Japanese (1.0 Mono and 5.1 Surround)
*Region: 4
*'''Subtitles:''' Japanese
*Discs: 1
*'''Special features:''' Audio commentary by [[Katsuhiko Sasaki]], ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' trailer, scans of the theater program, interview with [[Teruyoshi Nakano]] (one hour), two sing-alongs for "[[Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!]]"
*Audio: Japanese (2.0 Mono, 5.1 Surround), English (2.0 Mono)
 
*Special Features: Trailers for ''[[All Monsters Attack]]'', ''[[Godzilla vs. Hedorah]]'', ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'', and ''Godzilla vs. Megalon''
'''Aventi''' DVD (2006)
*Notes: Both versions of the film use the same Japanese video track.
*'''Region:''' 2
'''Media Blasters''' DVD/Blu-ray (2012/2014)
*'''Discs:''' 2
*Region: 1 (DVD) or A/1 (Blu-ray)
*'''Audio:''' Japanese (2.0 Mono)
*Discs: 1
*'''Subtitles:''' French (forced)
*Audio: Japanese (2.0 Mono, 5.1 Surround), English (2.0 Mono)
*'''Special features:''' None
*Special Features: None (standard version) OR audio commentary by Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV, image gallery (13 minutes), interview with Ted Thomas (30 minutes), Toho trailer reel (37 minutes), ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' TV spots and trailers, opening credits from the U.S. theatrical print ("Oops" Edition)
*'''Notes:''' Packaged with ''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''. Cropped to 1.33:1.
*Notes: Difficulties in securing Toho's approval for the special features led to Media Blasters releasing ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' without any.<ref name="The Great GODZILLA VS MEGALON Mix-Up Mystery">[http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/10/22/the-great-godzilla-vs-megalon-mix-up-mystery/]</ref> However, the duplicating facility the company used accidentally pressed over 500 DVDs using the original digital files. Because this version of the release was an accident, the only way to tell if a given disc has the special features is to play it.
 
'''[[Madman Entertainment|Madman]]''' DVD (2006)
*'''Region:''' 4
*'''Discs:''' 1
*'''Audio:''' Japanese (2.0 Mono, 5.1 Surround), English (2.0 Mono)
*'''Special features:''' Trailers for ''[[All Monsters Attack]]'', ''[[Godzilla vs. Hedorah]]'', ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'', and ''Godzilla vs. Megalon''
*'''Notes:''' Both versions of the film use the same Japanese video track.
 
'''[[Media Blasters|Tokyo Shock]]''' DVD/Blu-ray (2012/2014)
*'''Region:''' 1 (DVD) or A/1 (Blu-ray)
*'''Discs:''' 1
*'''Audio:''' Japanese (2.0 Mono, 5.1 Surround), English (2.0 Mono)
*'''Special features:''' None (standard version) OR audio commentary by Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV, image gallery (13 minutes), interview with Ted Thomas (30 minutes), Toho trailer reel (37 minutes), ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' TV spots and trailers, opening credits from the U.S. theatrical print (accidental release of the DVD version only)
*'''Notes:''' Both versions of the film use the same Japanese video track. Difficulties in securing Toho's approval for this film's special features led to Media Blasters releasing ''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' without any;<ref name="The Great GODZILLA VS MEGALON Mix-Up Mystery">[http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/10/22/the-great-godzilla-vs-megalon-mix-up-mystery/ The Great GODZILLA VS MEGALON Mix-Up Mystery - SciFi Japan]</ref>however, the duplicating facility that the company used accidentally pressed over 500 DVDs using the original digital files. Because this version of the DVD release was an accident, the special features are not mentioned on the back cover and the only way to tell if a given disc possesses them is to actually play it. The standard version was released twice on DVD, the first time in 2012 as a standalone title and the second time in 2014 as part of a 2-in-1 box set called ''Godzilla Stomp Box'', which also contained the 2014 Tokyo Shock standard DVD release of ''[[Destroy All Monsters]]''. Both versions of the film are out of print.
 
'''Toho''' Blu-ray (2014)
*'''Region:''' A/1
*'''Discs:''' 1
 
'''[[The Criterion Collection]]''' Blu-ray (2019) [''Godzilla: The [[Showa era|Showa-Era]] Films, 1954–1975'']
*'''Region:''' A/1 or B/2
*'''Discs:''' 8
*'''Audio:''' Japanese, English
*'''Subtitles:''' English
*'''Special features:''' All bonus features on Criterion's ''[[Godzilla (1954 film)|Godzilla]]'' Blu-ray, 1990 [[Ishiro Honda]] interview by [[Yoshimitsu Banno]], interview with director [[wikipedia:Alex Cox|Alex Cox]], interviews with actors [[Bin Furuya]] and [[Tsugutoshi Komada]], 2011 interview with critic Tadao Sato, ''[[Toho Unused Special Effects Complete Collection]]'', trailers, illustrated hardcover book with an essay by Steve Ryfle and liner notes on each film by Ed Godziszewski<ref name="CC">[https://www.criterion.com/boxsets/2648-godzilla-the-showa-era-films-1954-1975 Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954-1975 | The Criterion Collection]</ref>
*'''Notes:''' Uses a new English subtitle translation. [[Sony]] distributed a Region B/2 version of the set in the United Kingdom.


==Videos==
==Videos==
===Trailers===
===Trailers===
{{Videos|
{{Videos|
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">hSQ8hlQHUBI</youtube>|''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' Japanese trailer}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">leqmMWzVJNI</youtube>|Japanese trailer}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">F8hrFuuAFHQ</youtube>|''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' American trailer}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">h4fJP902N4U</youtube>|U.S. trailer #1}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">sqky0SLXnS4</youtube>|''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' German trailer}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">GCcLIIhnsyM</youtube>|U.S. trailer #2}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">docJPG2JPHU</youtube>|U.S. TV spot}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">zVBZTF4EJtc</youtube>|U.S. Godzilla Triple Bill TV spot}}
{{vid|<dailymotion dimensions="300x149">k1KOc1XTaCHwSqzOXvJ</dailymotion>|West German trailer}}
}}
 
===Credits===
{{Videos|
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">Nm0SEHPlgxE</youtube>|Credits for the international export version (red)}}
}}
===Miscellaneous===
{{Videos|
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">Bo18EoH0T2s</youtube>|Audio commentary by Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV}}
{{vid|<youtube width="300" height="169">eBKbdALIL4U</youtube>|Filming locations revisited in 2019}}
}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*According to the DVD commentary for this film by Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV, the nuclear detonation at the beginning of the film may be a reference to [[wikipedia:Cannikin|Cannikin]], a test of a 5-megaton hydrogen bomb conducted on the island of Amchitka in the Aleutian Island chain of Alaska on November 6, 1971. It was the American largest underground nuclear test.
*According to the DVD audio commentary for this film by [[Steve Ryfle]] and Stuart Galbraith IV, the nuclear detonation at the beginning of the film may be a reference to [[wikipedia:Cannikin|Cannikin]], a test of a 5-megaton hydrogen bomb conducted on the island of Amchitka in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska on November 6, 1971. It was the largest American underground nuclear test.
*''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' took only three weeks to film.
*''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' is the only ''[[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla]]'' film in which there are no named female characters and no female characters with a speaking role. The only women in the film are the [[Seatopian]] dancers, [[Antonio]]'s court lady, and some of the villagers fleeing [[Megalon]], with the villagers appearing via stock footage from ''[[Mothra vs. Godzilla]]''.
*There are no female characters in this entire film, except for the [[Seatopians|Seatopian]] dancers.
*For the West German release of this film, [[Jet Jaguar]] was renamed "King Kong." However, there is no connection to the real [[King Kong]] beyond his name. Contrary to a widespread [[Godzilla misconceptions#Does the German dub of Godzilla vs. Megalon say Jet Jaguar is King Kong in a robot suit?|misconception]], the dub does not say the character is a giant ape wearing a robot suit.
*''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' received a number of strange titles overseas, including "''Gorgo y Superman se citan en Tokio''," literally meaning "''[[Gorgo]] and Superman Meet in Tokyo''" for the Spanish release, and "''King Kong - Dämonen aus dem Weltall''", literally meaning "''King Kong - Demons From Outer Space''" for the German release.
*According to production stills, in one scene, where [[Godzilla (Second Generation)|Godzilla]] was meant to beat [[Gigan]] and Megalon with a tree, he was going to have a telephone pole in his mouth. 
*For the German release of this film, Jet Jaguar was renamed to "King Kong." However, there is no connection to the real [[King Kong]] beyond his name, and in contrary to a widespread [[Godzilla Misconceptions#Does the German dub of Godzilla vs. Megalon say Jet Jaguar is King Kong in a robot suit?|misconception]], he is not said to be a giant ape wearing a robot suit in the dub.
*When Megalon attacks fighter jets that are firing at him, stock footage of Gigan's hook hands from the [[Godzilla vs. Gigan|previous film]] are used. In addition, a shot of Gigan's lower body smashing through a freeway is used to depict Megalon stomping through the city.
*According to production stills, in one scene, where Godzilla was meant to beat Gigan and Megalon with a tree, he was going to have a telephone pole in his mouth. 
*The scene where Megalon attacks Tokyo is almost entirely accomplished with stock footage. The only original shots that were not taken from ''[[Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster]]'' or ''Godzilla vs. Gigan'' are close-up shots of Megalon.  
*When Megalon attacks fighter jets that are firing at him, stock footage of Gigan's claws from the [[Godzilla vs. Gigan|previous film]] are used.
*''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was released at the Spring [[Toho Champion Festival]] on March 17, [[1973]] alongside a film called ''Prominent Youth'' about a boy's soccer team, an early animated film from Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata called ''Panda! Go Panda!: The Rainy Day Circus'' and ''Jungle Kurobe''.
*The scene where Megalon attacks Tokyo is almost entirely done with stock footage. The only original shots that weren't taken from ''[[Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster]]'' or ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]'' are close-up shots of Megalon.
*''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was featured on Season 2 of the movie-mocking television series ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]''. The episode is known for its comedic translation of the song "[[Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!]]" at the end of the film.
*''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was released at the Spring Toho Champion Film Festival on March 17, 1973 alongside a film called ''Prominent Youth'' about a boy's soccer team and an animated film called ''Panda! Go Panda!: The Rainy Day Circus''.
**Along with ''[[Ebirah, Horror of the Deep]]'', it is the first film to be released in [[The Criterion Collection]] after appearing on ''Mystery Science Theater 3000''.
*''Godzilla vs. Megalon'' was featured on Season 2 of the movie-mocking television series ''[[Mystery Science Theater 3000]]''. The episode is known for its comedic translation of the "[[Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!]]" song at the end of the film.
==External Links==
*[http://www.crunchyroll.com/godzilla-vs-megalon/godzilla-vs-megalon-godzilla-vs-megalon-subtitled-669635 Stream of the Japanese version (Crunchyroll)]
*[http://www.crunchyroll.com/godzilla-vs-megalon/godzilla-vs-megalon-godzilla-vs-megalon-dubbed-669637 Stream of the English dub (Crunchyroll)]
*[http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1zxg1r_godzilla-vs-megalon-1973-theatrical-german-credits_shortfilms German theatrical credits]


==External links==
*[https://archive.org/details/Megalon35mm 35mm U.S. trailer print]
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Kaiju Movies}}
{{Godzilla vs. Megalon}}
{{Kaiju Movies|tab=Godzilla}}
{{Comments}}
{{Era|TOH|SHO|FIL|GOD|JJ|MEG|GIG|ANG}}
{{Era|TOH|SHO|FIL|GOD|JJ|MEG|GIG|ANG}}
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Latest revision as of 15:13, 8 March 2024

Article.png
Image gallery for Godzilla vs. Megalon
Credits for Godzilla vs. Megalon
Godzilla vs. Megalon soundtrack


Godzilla Films
Godzilla vs. Gigan
Godzilla vs. Megalon
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
Godzilla vs. Megalon
See alternate titles
The Japanese poster for Godzilla vs. Megalon
Directed by Jun Fukuda
Producer Tomoyuki Tanaka
Written by Jun Fukuda (screenplay),
Shinichi Sekizawa (story)
Music by Riichiro Manabe, Masato Shimon
Special
effects by
Teruyoshi Nakano
Production company Toho Eizo
Distributor TohoJP, Cinema SharesUS
Rating GUS, 1977, TV-14US, 2019, 12UK
Running time 81 minutesJP
(1 hour, 21 minutes)
78 minutesUS
(1 hour, 18 minutes)
Aspect ratio 2.35:1JP
2.39:1US
Rate this film!
3.38
(79 votes)

Dreaded Megalon from the undersea kingdom! A miraculous deathblow from the wound-ridden Godzilla! (海底王国のすごいやつメガロ!傷だらけのゴジラ必殺のウルトラC!)
„ 

— Japanese tagline

Monster against monster for the lost continent of Mu
„ 

— International tagline

GIANT AGAINST GIANT... the ultimate battle!
„ 

— American tagline

For the short film, see Godzilla vs. Megalon (short film).

Godzilla vs. Megalon (ゴジラ対メガロ,   Gojira tai Megaro) is a 1973 tokusatsu kaiju film directed and written by Jun Fukuda from a story by Shinichi Sekizawa, with special effects by Teruyoshi Nakano. Produced by Toho Eizo, it is the 13th installment in the Godzilla series as well as the Showa series. It stars Katsuhiko Sasaki, Yutaka Hayashi, Hiroyuki Kawase, Kanta Mori, Kotaro Tomita, and Ulf Otsuki. The film was released to Japanese theaters by Toho on March 17, 1973, as part of the Spring Toho Champion Festival.[1] Cinema Shares released an edited English-dubbed version of the film to American theaters in 1976.

Underground nuclear testing in the Aleutian Islands damages the undersea kingdom of Seatopia, whose angry inhabitants send their guardian monster Megalon to the surface to seek revenge on humanity. Inventor Goro Ibuki, his brother Rokuro, and his best friend Hiroshi Jinkawa find themselves caught up in the Seatopians' plan, as they plan to use Goro's invention, the robot Jet Jaguar, to guide Megalon. Goro manages to free Jet Jaguar from the Seatopians' control and sends him to Monster Island to recruit Godzilla's help. The stage is set for a colossal tag-team battle when the Seatopians recruit the aid of the evil cyborg kaiju Gigan from the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens, with Godzilla and Jet Jaguar facing off against Gigan and Megalon. Godzilla vs. Megalon was followed by Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla in 1974.

Plot

An underground nuclear test on Asuka Island in the Aleutian Islands triggers seismic aftershocks felt as far away as Monster Island, where Godzilla, Anguirus, and Rodan are disturbed as the island begins breaking apart. Godzilla and Anguirus try to flee, but Anguirus falls and is pulled into a fissure, leaving Godzilla roaring defiantly at the rest of the collapsing island. A second seismic event occurs at Lake Kitayama in Japan, where inventor Goro Ibuki enjoys a picnic with his friend Hiroshi Jinkawa as his little brother Rokuro rides on a dolphin boat in the lake. A whirlpool forms in the middle of the lake and nearly pulls Rokuro in before Goro and Jinkawa pull him back to shore with a life rope. The three then watch as the lake completely drains in a matter of moments. As they drive home, they worry that these repeated nuclear tests will cause civilization to sink just like the ancient continents of Mu and Lemuria. When they arrive at Goro's home, they are attacked by an intruder who is fought off by Jinkawa. Jinkawa gives chase in his car, but loses the trespasser after he throws a grenade out the window of his car and sets a field ablaze. Back in Goro's lab, he and Rokuro find it trashed but no sign of anything being stolen. When Jinkawa returns, he finds that a button he pulled off the intruder's coat is the same color as a deposit of red sand left behind in the lab. He goes to get the sand tested while Goro completes work on his advanced new robot. Goro completes his new robot, which he names Jet Jaguar, and activates it. The robot wanders aimlessly through the lab, guided by cameras installed in its eyes. Jinkawa reports to Goro that the sand they found comes from an ancient stratum, confusing them both as to just who the intruder was. While Rokuro rides his minibike not far from Goro's lab, he is abducted by the intruder from earlier and his driver, then used as bait for Goro to open the door. The intruder breaks in once more and knocks Goro, Jinkawa, and Rokuro out with his gun, then contacts Seatopia using equipment in the lab.

His message is received in the advanced underwater kingdom of Seatopia, where Emperor Antonio holds a ritual to awaken their guardian Megalon to make war on the surface-dwellers in retaliation for the damage caused by their nuclear tests. Megalon awakens and burrows his way to the surface, where Jet Jaguar, now under Seatopian control, will guide him. Goro and Rokuro awaken inside a container on a truck, which is being driven to the lake where it is to be dumped. Jinkawa awakens in the lab, where he sees the intruder controlling Jet Jaguar remotely. He asks where the man has taken Goro and Rokuro, but he replies that they will be brought to Seatopia where Goro will create other robots like Jet Jaguar for the defense of the kingdom. Jinkawa escapes his bonds and subdues the Seatopian agent, forcing him to reveal that the two are being transported in a container truck. Jinkawa sets off to rescue them, but is tailed by two more Seatopian agents. He manages to lose them in a construction area, and continues to the lake. With Megalon sighted on the surface, the two truck drivers are hesitant to continue approaching the lake, only to be held at gunpoint by the Seatopian agent who hired them. Thinking quickly, they throw him out of the truck and prepare to dump their cargo into a dam. Jinkawa arrives just in time and asks the drivers to help him save Goro and Rokuro, but the two tell him to screw himself and steal his car. Jinkawa mans the truck and tries to get the container clear, only for Megalon to burst through the dam. Timing it perfectly, Jinkawa drops the container onto Megalon's hand, which causes it to go flying into the distance. Jinkawa reunites with Goro and Rokuro and finds that they are both okay. Goro meets with the JSDF and informs them he can get the robot guiding Megalon under his control. He is flown to Jet Jaguar in a helicopter and uses a remote control device to order the robot to seek Godzilla's help. Jet Jaguar complies and flies to Monster Island. With this turn of events, Antonio contacts the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens and asks for Gigan's help against Godzilla.

Without his guide, Megalon begins to act erratically and jump around wildly. The JSDF confronts him, but is quickly wiped out by his napalm bombs and horn laser. Megalon reaches Tokyo and devastates the metropolis unopposed. Fortunately, Jet Jaguar reaches Godzilla and informs him of the situation, prompting Godzilla to set off for the mainland. Jet Jaguar returns to Goro's lab, which the three have successfully taken back from the Seatopian agent. Jet Jaguar confirms his success in reaching Godzilla before flying away. Goro remarks that Jet Jaguar has seemingly developed a will of his own, and leaves with the others to observe him. Jet Jaguar lands in front of Megalon, who laughs at the diminutive robot before Jet Jaguar grows to Megalon's size right before the kaiju's eyes. Jet Jaguar punches Megalon and begins battling with him to stall his rampage until Godzilla arrives. Jet Jaguar holds his own until Gigan arrives to back up Megalon. The two kaiju combined overwhelm Jet Jaguar, but Godzilla soon arrives to help. Godzilla battles both Gigan and Megalon, allowing time for Jet Jaguar to get back into the fight. Godzilla and Jet Jaguar's combined efforts turn the battle in their favor, prompting Gigan to beat a quick retreat. Jet Jaguar and Godzilla waste no time in beating up on Megalon until he finally retreats back to Seatopia. The Seatopians close all fissures to the surface and end their war on the surface world. Victorious, Godzilla and Jet Jaguar shake each other's hands and go their separate ways. Jet Jaguar returns to human size and reunites with his creator, who finds his free will is seemingly gone. But perhaps one day it will return if the world faces another similar threat. The three then return home happily with Jet Jaguar.

Staff

Main article: Godzilla vs. Megalon/Credits.

Staff role on the left, staff member's name on the right.

Cast

Actor's name on the left, character played on the right.

International English dub

  • Chris Hilton   as   Goro Ibuki
  • Warren Rooke   as   Hiroshi Jinkawa / truck driver's assistant / Seatopian agent in gray
  • Barbara Laney   as   Rokuro Ibuki
  • Ted Thomas   as   Antonio / narrator / radio announcer
  • Ron Oliphant   as   Seatopian agent in black[2]

Appearances

Monsters

Weapons, vehicles, and races

Production

In mid- to late 1972, Toho held a contest for elementary school children to design a robot who would appear in the next Godzilla film.[3] The winner's creation was named "Red Alone," which superficially resembled both Ultraman and Mazinger Z. The character was renamed Jet Jaguar for its inclusion in the film.

While Godzilla vs. Megalon was made over the course of six months, its allocation of time was unusual.[4] As special effects director Teruyoshi Nakano recalled, "That movie seemed to take forever to develop, then it went into production without enough preparation."[5] Due to the time constraints, screenwriter Shinichi Sekizawa simply provided a story outline, while director Jun Fukuda wrote the script. Principal photography started immediately thereafter and took place over approximately three weeks.

Gallery

Main article: Godzilla vs. Megalon/Gallery.

Soundtrack

Main article: Godzilla vs. Megalon/Soundtrack.

Alternate titles

  • Godzilla vs. The Megalon Brothers: The Undersea Kingdom's Annihilation Strategy (ゴジラ対メガロ兄弟 海底王国全滅作戦,   Gojira tai Megaro Kyōdai Kaitei Ōkoku Zenmetsu Sakusen, early Japanese title)[6]
  • Godzilla vs. Megalon: The Undersea Kingdom's Annihilation Strategy (ゴジラ対メガロ 海底王国全滅作戦,   Gojira tai Megaro Kaitei Ōkoku Zenmetsu Sakusen, early Japanese title)[7]
  • Insect Monster Megalon vs. Godzilla: The Undersea Kingdom's Annihilation Strategy (昆虫怪獣メガロ対ゴジラ 海底王国全滅作戦,   Konchū Kaijū Megaro tai Gojira Kaitei Ōkoku Zenmetsu Sakusen, early Japanese title)[7]
  • Gorgo and Superman Meet in Tokyo (Gorgo y Superman se citan en Tokio; Spain)
  • Planetary Titans (Titanes planetarios; Mexico)
  • Godzilla 1980 (Godzilla 1980; France; French Belgium)
  • King Kong: Demons from Outer Space (King Kong — Dämonen aus dem Weltall; West Germany)
  • At the Borders of Reality (Ai confini della realtà; Italy)
  • Godzilla Against Megalon - At the Borders of Reality (Godzilla contro Megalon - Ai confini della realtà; Italian video title)
  • Godzilla Against Megalon (Godzila protiv Megalona; Yugoslavia; Godzila proti Megalonu; Yugoslavia (Slovenia); Godzilla contra Megàlon; Spain (Catalonia); Godzilla contra Megalon; Netherlands; Spanish DVD title)
  • Superman in Space (סופרמן בחלל; Israel)
  • Monsters from Other Spaces (Monstros de Outros Espaços; Brazil)
  • Godzilla Faces Megalon (Godzilla Enfrenta Megalon; Brazilian video title)
  • The Flying Superman vs. Monsters (Ο Ιπτάμενος Υπεράνθρωπος εναντίον Τεράτων; Greece)
  • The Beast That Shakes the World (Dünyayı Titreten Canavar; Turkey)
  • Prince of the Sun (太陽王子, Taai3 joeng4 wong4 zi2; Hong Kong)

Theatrical releases

View all posters for the film here.

  • Japan - March 17, 1973[1]   [view poster]Japanese poster
  • United States - April 28, 1976   [view poster]American poster
  • Canada - December 17, 1976
  • West Germany -1973   [view poster]German poster
  • Brazil - March 24, 1974
  • Netherlands - August 21, 1974
  • Spain - February 8, 1975   [view poster]Spanish poster
  • France - October 26, 1976   [view poster]French poster
  • Italy - 1976   [view poster]Italian poster
  • Mexico - 1976   [view poster]Mexican poster
  • Australia - September 1, 1977   [view poster]Australian poster
  • Belgium   [view poster]Belgian poster
  • Yugoslavia   [view poster]Yugoslav poster
  • Israel   [view poster]Israeli poster
  • Greece   [view poster]Greek poster
  • Turkey   [view poster]Turkish poster

Foreign releases

U.S. release

U.S. Godzilla vs. Megalon poster

In 1976, Cinema Shares released an edited edition of the international English-dubbed version of Godzilla vs. Megalon theatrically. Riding on the coattails of Dino De Laurentiis' 1976 big-budget King Kong remake, the U.S. theatrical release poster art showed Godzilla and Megalon battling on top of the World Trade Center, although no such scene exists in the film.

To obtain a G-rating from the MPAA, Cinema Shares cut three minutes of footage, including:

  • The opening credits.
  • Rokuro being abducted by Seatopian agents, who pull him into their car.
  • Rokuro getting shot by the Seatopian agent's gas gun.
  • Most of a fight between Jinkawa and the lead Seatopian agent, Jinkawa holding him down and pummeling his head on the floor, demanding to know where Rokuro and Goro are being held, and the agent telling him about the container.
  • Some shots of two topless centerfolds in the back of the truck, removing dialogue in the processes, such as the driver asking the bearded Caucasian Seatopian why he wants the container disposed of at Lake Kitayama. It instead abruptly cuts from the establishing shot of the truck to the driver saying "Well, the way I see it, it's none of our business anyway. I mean, we're getting a hundred thousand yen!".
  • The truckers overhearing the news of Megalon's emergence at Lake Kitayama. The Caucasian Seatopian urges them to continue. The driver yells in reply "Like hell we will!"
  • The Caucasian Seatopian agent being jettisoned from the truck, where he dies from his tumble down a hill.
  • The truckers pulling over and exclaiming "What the hell's that?" after hearing Megalon nearby.
  • After Jinkawa pleads with the truckers to lower the truck bed, the truckers tell him to "Go to hell!" before stealing his car and driving off.
  • The lead Seatopian agent bleeding profusely from Rokuro hurling the toy F-86 Sabre into his face.
  • Violence after Jinkawa shouts "Get him!". While he holds the Setopian back, Rokuro swings on the chained picture boxes in Goro's lab and strikes the agent above the chest.
  • The lead Seatopian agent being crushed to death by a boulder hurled by Megalon.

With this being the first of the three Cinema Shares Godzilla releases, the publicity factor was high. Along with the poster four buttons, each one with one of the four kaiju's faces on them, were released. A couple of weeks before the release of Godzilla vs. Megalon, Cinema Shares published a short comic book to promote the film, although it altered the story significantly, even renaming Gigan "Borodan" and Jet Jaguar "Robotman." The U.S. theatrical trailer also uses this name for Jet Jaguar. In 1978, Cinema Shares re-released it in a Godzilla Triple Bill alongside Godzilla on Monster Island and Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster.

The Cinema Shares version was frequently shown on television and received numerous unlicensed fullscreen VHS and DVD releases throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with American fly-by-night home video companies operating under the erroneous assumption that it had fallen into the public domain.[8] Alpha Video and Passion Productions released the same version on DVD in the early 2000s. In 2002, the uncut international version of the film aired on the Sci-Fi Channel.[9] Media Blasters' Tokyo Shock imprint released the film on DVD and Blu-ray in 2012, with both the English and Japanese audio tracks simply using the same Japanese video track. They also planned to release the Japanese soundtrack to the film on CD in the U.S. for the first time in 2012 as well, but ultimately it was never released for unknown reasons. The 2019 Criterion Collection Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954-1975 Blu-ray box set took the same approach to the film as the Media Blasters/Tokyo Shock releases did.

United Kingdom release

UK Godzilla vs. Megalon double feature VHS cover

Godzilla vs. Megalon was never released theatrically in the UK, remaining unseen until it aired on Channel 4 in 1990.[10] This was followed by two VHS releases by PolyGram Video in 1992 (paired with its predecessor, Godzilla vs. Gigan) and its imprint 4 Front in 1998. These VHS releases were both uncut, save for the removal of the opening Toho and/or Toho Eizo logos. The 1998 release included the Toho logo with the opening music from Godzilla vs. Gigan briefly before fading out into the beginning of the film. Sony released the Japanese version of the film on Blu-ray in 2019 as part of The Criterion Collection's Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954–1975 box set, with the international English dub available as a secondary audio option. The BBFC rated the film 12 for "moderate violence, brief nudity," although previous releases on VHS were assigned a PG rating.[11]

Italian release

Italian At the Borders of Reality poster

Godzilla vs. Megalon was released in Italy under the title Ai confini della realtà (lit. "At the Borders of Reality") in 1976 by Indipendenti Regionali and AVO Film, with an Italian dub produced by CVD.[12][13] In the dubbing, Rokuro was renamed Robert, Jinkawa was renamed Jimmy, and "Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!" was replaced with "Mireille", an instrumental library piece by the group I Gres, from the group's 1974 self-titled album. The Italian-dubbed version was released on VHS in 1995 by AVO Film. The film was first released on DVD on August 21, 2003, by Mondo Home Entertainment, using a fullscreen transfer of the Italian version, then again by Password, this release using Toho's DVD transfer of the Japanese version of the film.

Reception

Godzilla vs. Megalon has been widely disliked among critics and fans. Common sources of criticism revolve around the film's extensive use of stock footage, the Godzilla suit used in the film, and the film's overall tone.

Video releases

Before Media Blasters acquired the rights to Godzilla vs. Megalon, numerous American fly-by-night home video companies distributed fullscreen versions of the Cinema Shares cut of the film on unlicensed VHS and DVD releases throughout the 1980s and 1990s, operating under the erroneous assumption that it had fallen into the public domain.

Power Multimedia DVD (1999)

  • Region: N/A
  • Discs: 1
  • Audio: English (Mono), Mandarin (Mono)
  • Subtitles: Chinese (traditional and simplified)
  • Special features: None
  • Notes: Presents an unaltered 16mm transfer of the film's international version, albeit cropped to 1.33:1. Out of print.

Media Target DVD (2002)

  • Region: 2
  • Discs: 1
  • Audio: German (2.0 Mono)
  • Subtitles: None
  • Special features: Trailers, photo gallery, production notes, information on the cast and crew

Toho DVD (2004)

Aventi DVD (2006)

  • Region: 2
  • Discs: 2
  • Audio: Japanese (2.0 Mono)
  • Subtitles: French (forced)
  • Special features: None
  • Notes: Packaged with Godzilla vs. Mothra. Cropped to 1.33:1.

Madman DVD (2006)

Tokyo Shock DVD/Blu-ray (2012/2014)

  • Region: 1 (DVD) or A/1 (Blu-ray)
  • Discs: 1
  • Audio: Japanese (2.0 Mono, 5.1 Surround), English (2.0 Mono)
  • Special features: None (standard version) OR audio commentary by Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV, image gallery (13 minutes), interview with Ted Thomas (30 minutes), Toho trailer reel (37 minutes), Godzilla vs. Megalon TV spots and trailers, opening credits from the U.S. theatrical print (accidental release of the DVD version only)
  • Notes: Both versions of the film use the same Japanese video track. Difficulties in securing Toho's approval for this film's special features led to Media Blasters releasing Godzilla vs. Megalon without any;[14]however, the duplicating facility that the company used accidentally pressed over 500 DVDs using the original digital files. Because this version of the DVD release was an accident, the special features are not mentioned on the back cover and the only way to tell if a given disc possesses them is to actually play it. The standard version was released twice on DVD, the first time in 2012 as a standalone title and the second time in 2014 as part of a 2-in-1 box set called Godzilla Stomp Box, which also contained the 2014 Tokyo Shock standard DVD release of Destroy All Monsters. Both versions of the film are out of print.

Toho Blu-ray (2014)

  • Region: A/1
  • Discs: 1

The Criterion Collection Blu-ray (2019) [Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954–1975]

Videos

Trailers

Japanese trailer
U.S. trailer #1
U.S. trailer #2
U.S. TV spot
U.S. Godzilla Triple Bill TV spot
West German trailer

Credits

Credits for the international export version (red)

Miscellaneous

Audio commentary by Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV
Filming locations revisited in 2019

Trivia

  • According to the DVD audio commentary for this film by Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV, the nuclear detonation at the beginning of the film may be a reference to Cannikin, a test of a 5-megaton hydrogen bomb conducted on the island of Amchitka in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska on November 6, 1971. It was the largest American underground nuclear test.
  • Godzilla vs. Megalon is the only Godzilla film in which there are no named female characters and no female characters with a speaking role. The only women in the film are the Seatopian dancers, Antonio's court lady, and some of the villagers fleeing Megalon, with the villagers appearing via stock footage from Mothra vs. Godzilla.
  • For the West German release of this film, Jet Jaguar was renamed "King Kong." However, there is no connection to the real King Kong beyond his name. Contrary to a widespread misconception, the dub does not say the character is a giant ape wearing a robot suit.
  • According to production stills, in one scene, where Godzilla was meant to beat Gigan and Megalon with a tree, he was going to have a telephone pole in his mouth. 
  • When Megalon attacks fighter jets that are firing at him, stock footage of Gigan's hook hands from the previous film are used. In addition, a shot of Gigan's lower body smashing through a freeway is used to depict Megalon stomping through the city.
  • The scene where Megalon attacks Tokyo is almost entirely accomplished with stock footage. The only original shots that were not taken from Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster or Godzilla vs. Gigan are close-up shots of Megalon.
  • Godzilla vs. Megalon was released at the Spring Toho Champion Festival on March 17, 1973 alongside a film called Prominent Youth about a boy's soccer team, an early animated film from Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata called Panda! Go Panda!: The Rainy Day Circus and Jungle Kurobe.
  • Godzilla vs. Megalon was featured on Season 2 of the movie-mocking television series Mystery Science Theater 3000. The episode is known for its comedic translation of the song "Godzilla and Jet Jaguar: Punch! Punch! Punch!" at the end of the film.

External links

References

This is a list of references for Godzilla vs. Megalon. These citations are used to identify the reliable sources on which this article is based. These references appear inside articles in the form of superscript numbers, which look like this: [1]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Toho WEB SITE - MOVIE DATABASE 作品「ゴジラ対メガロ(ごじらたいめがろ)」
  2. Harley Thomas (24 April 2023). "Ron Oliphant, Hong Kong voice actor, As Agent Black from Godzilla Vs. Megalon". YouTube.
  3. The Japanese Giant Monster Festival by Keith Aiken
  4. Guy Mariner Tucker (1996). Age of the Gods: A History of the Japanese Fantasy Film. Feral House. p. 215.
  5. Stuart Galbraith IV (1998). Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo! The Incredible World of Japanese Fantasy Films. Feral House. p. 115.
  6. Tn megalon script000collect.jpg
    Cyberkids1954.com (archive)
  7. 7.0 7.1 Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works. villagebooks. 28 September 2012. p. 158. ISBN 9784864910132.
  8. Pusateri, Richard. "GODZILLA VS MEGALON Special Edition DVD "Extras" Detailed". SciFi Japan. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  9. Aiken, Keith. "GODZILLA VS MEGALON Region 1 DVD/Blu-ray Rumors False". SciFi Japan. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  10. Branaghan, Sim. "Monsters From An Unknown Culture: Godzilla (and friends) in Britain 1957-1980 by Sim Branaghan – Part 2". SMGuariento.com. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  11. "Godzilla Vs Megalon". BBFC. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  12. Antonio, Genna (2003). "AntonioGenna.net presenta: IL MONDO DEI DOPPIATORI - ZONA CINEMA: "Godzilla contro Megalon"". Zona Cinema. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  13. "Ai confini della realtà Gojira tai Megaro GIAPPONE 1973". Cinematografo. 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  14. The Great GODZILLA VS MEGALON Mix-Up Mystery - SciFi Japan
  15. Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954-1975 | The Criterion Collection

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