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A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series
This thoroughly updated and revised critical account of the Godzilla movie franchise explores the fascinating story behind Japan's most famous movie monster and its development from black-and-white arthouse allegory to international commercial juggernaut. Reviled by critics but boasting a dedicated cult following, the films of the Godzilla franchise provide a unique window into the national identities of both Japan and the United States. This work focuses on how differences in American and Japanese culture, as well as differences in their respective film industries, underlie the discrepancies between the American and Japanese versions of the films. It features detailed filmographic data for both the American and Japanese versions of each film, including plot synopses, cast, credits, and detailed production notes.
286 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 1, 2016
In the second edition of his book, David Kalat does a couple of things. First, he provides a complete reference to all the Godzilla movies through 2004's Final Wars with release dates, cast and crew listings, and similar data. That's nice information to have collected all in one place.
The second, more significant aspect of the book combines a narrative of the franchise's history with critiques of each movie. The history is very good, looking at things like the decision making process at the Toho corporation, and larger economic and social trends in the US and Japan which affected the movies and how they were made. Although I don't always agree with his opinions about the merits of each film, he is a thoughtful and measured reviewer, despite his self-described status as a fan. Useful, interesting and readable.
The second, more significant aspect of the book combines a narrative of the franchise's history with critiques of each movie. The history is very good, looking at things like the decision making process at the Toho corporation, and larger economic and social trends in the US and Japan which affected the movies and how they were made. Although I don't always agree with his opinions about the merits of each film, he is a thoughtful and measured reviewer, despite his self-described status as a fan. Useful, interesting and readable.
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January 6, 2023Spent the first third of this book or so hoping it would get a little more weird then boom original sin gets brought up and things get better.
All told still a bit too frontways lopsided in the production information vs schizo critical analysis domain
All told still a bit too frontways lopsided in the production information vs schizo critical analysis domain
April 15, 2022
An absolute must for hard-core kaiju fans. Amazing amounts of trivia and history, and a great source of other films to watch. Just outstanding.
January 11, 2016
I don’t remember the first Godzilla movie i ever watched. I feel like it must have been at a time in my life before solid memories were formed. I’m sure i first saw one of the films as a very young child on TV. He became a part of my DNA. I have always known who the Big G is and I’ve always loved watching the films. Information about the series has become somewhat more available in recent years but my own personal knowledge bank is scant at best. At least it was until I read this fantastic book.
The author covers every single Japanese made Godzilla film, from the original all the way to Final Wars, the last Japanese film made. This is no mean feat as there are nearly 30 Godzilla movies. He also covers related films like Mothra, Varan, Rodan, and Dogora among many others to put the canon films into perspective. No stone is left unturned in this deeply researched book. We get biographical information about the film makers, related filmography, and accurate timelines of the creative teams responsible for each film. We learn what the directer was doing before the Godzilla film, what other films the writer had been penning, what other special effects the SFX masters were laboring on before during and even after the film in question was made. Critical analysis of each film is also included in each entry. We learn what was going on in the culture at the time and how it affected each film. There are jokes and references that were always lost on me, that now make more sense because of the thorough picture the author gives of the time and place each film came from. This perspective is very helpful when trying to understand the cultural shifts that were going on which each film was made. Remember, the films span many decades, first starting in 1954 and ending in 2004. Each film serves as a barometer of the culture in which it was made which explains why the films change so dramatically during the run.
We also get a detailed comparison of the American versions of each film which in some cases is dramatically different than the original vision for the film. Beyond that the book is actually fun to read. This could have easily been as dry as toast with no butter but instead the author writes in an authoritative yet sometimes playful and certainly admiring voice. He has a true passion and love for the series and it shines through. He is however capable od fishing out heavy criticism for elements that fail in each film so you need not worry about the book being too much of a fanboy tribute. His vision is loving by not myopic. He can see the shortcomings just as easily as you or I but he also has information that explains why those shortcomings were present.
If you’re looking for a book that deeply researches, analyzes, and seeks to understand the Godzilla franchise, look no further. This book is a treasure and a pleasure to read.
The author covers every single Japanese made Godzilla film, from the original all the way to Final Wars, the last Japanese film made. This is no mean feat as there are nearly 30 Godzilla movies. He also covers related films like Mothra, Varan, Rodan, and Dogora among many others to put the canon films into perspective. No stone is left unturned in this deeply researched book. We get biographical information about the film makers, related filmography, and accurate timelines of the creative teams responsible for each film. We learn what the directer was doing before the Godzilla film, what other films the writer had been penning, what other special effects the SFX masters were laboring on before during and even after the film in question was made. Critical analysis of each film is also included in each entry. We learn what was going on in the culture at the time and how it affected each film. There are jokes and references that were always lost on me, that now make more sense because of the thorough picture the author gives of the time and place each film came from. This perspective is very helpful when trying to understand the cultural shifts that were going on which each film was made. Remember, the films span many decades, first starting in 1954 and ending in 2004. Each film serves as a barometer of the culture in which it was made which explains why the films change so dramatically during the run.
We also get a detailed comparison of the American versions of each film which in some cases is dramatically different than the original vision for the film. Beyond that the book is actually fun to read. This could have easily been as dry as toast with no butter but instead the author writes in an authoritative yet sometimes playful and certainly admiring voice. He has a true passion and love for the series and it shines through. He is however capable od fishing out heavy criticism for elements that fail in each film so you need not worry about the book being too much of a fanboy tribute. His vision is loving by not myopic. He can see the shortcomings just as easily as you or I but he also has information that explains why those shortcomings were present.
If you’re looking for a book that deeply researches, analyzes, and seeks to understand the Godzilla franchise, look no further. This book is a treasure and a pleasure to read.
September 1, 2017
I've listened to David Kalat's commentary tracks on the Media Blasters release of Godzilla films. I am glad to have finally gotten to check out the work that made him famous in Godzilla circles. This functions not only as a thorough and comprehensive history of the Godzilla franchise but to a lesser extent the rise of the kaiju film and related genres.
Kalat does a good job covering the historical and cultural and even the commercial contexts of the franchise. Each of these movies were made in a very specific time and place. Kalat makes sure the reader understands what happened when and how that informs what went into each movie. I was especially intrigued to learn the evolution of what would become Tri-Star's 1998 Godzilla. Toho assumed the only way to grow profits would be to let Hollywood make a Godzilla movie. Though financially successful, the artistic and critical failure of the film would lead Toho into producing another series of Godzilla films.
Well worth the $45 price for Godzilla fans looking for a fix in between installments of the newly restarted franchise. I look forward to seeing what Kalat has to say about the American Monsterverse reboot and Toho's most recent entry Shin Godzilla.
Kalat does a good job covering the historical and cultural and even the commercial contexts of the franchise. Each of these movies were made in a very specific time and place. Kalat makes sure the reader understands what happened when and how that informs what went into each movie. I was especially intrigued to learn the evolution of what would become Tri-Star's 1998 Godzilla. Toho assumed the only way to grow profits would be to let Hollywood make a Godzilla movie. Though financially successful, the artistic and critical failure of the film would lead Toho into producing another series of Godzilla films.
Well worth the $45 price for Godzilla fans looking for a fix in between installments of the newly restarted franchise. I look forward to seeing what Kalat has to say about the American Monsterverse reboot and Toho's most recent entry Shin Godzilla.
July 28, 2017
You REALLY have to be a fan of Godzilla movies to really get into this. A Critical History is an understatement. You need to want to know the director and the person who wrote the score for a particular film. With each film is a synopsis of the film and salient information regarding the film. Early Toho Godzilla films that were reworked for American release have a separate synopsis.
This can certainly be a dry read at times, but if I ever own all the Godzilla movies (which I hope to some day) this is the ideal companion to have before watching each installment.
This can certainly be a dry read at times, but if I ever own all the Godzilla movies (which I hope to some day) this is the ideal companion to have before watching each installment.
March 29, 2023
The Perfect Introduction to the World of Kaiju Films
★★★★★ (5/5)
Before diving into the rich and captivating world of Godzilla and other Kaiju films, I decided to read "A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, 2d ed." by David Kalat. I am delighted to say that this book is an outstanding and informative introduction to the genre, sparking my excitement for the journey ahead.
Kalat masterfully explores the cultural contexts surrounding the iconic Godzilla, examining the influences from both Japanese and American cultures, as well as the connections to other Kaiju films. This comprehensive approach provides readers with a solid foundation, equipping them with the knowledge to better appreciate the films as they watch them.
The author's engaging writing style ensures that the book is accessible and enjoyable, even for those who, like myself, have yet to watch the films. The depth of research and analysis present in this work is truly impressive, offering an essential piece of film history for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
In summary, "A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, 2d ed." is an excellent starting point for anyone embarking on a journey through the Godzilla films and the broader Kaiju genre. This book has left me eager to delve into the films and immerse myself in the world of these awe-inspiring monsters. Highly recommended!
Update: I saw Rodan since writing this.
★★★★★ (5/5)
Before diving into the rich and captivating world of Godzilla and other Kaiju films, I decided to read "A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, 2d ed." by David Kalat. I am delighted to say that this book is an outstanding and informative introduction to the genre, sparking my excitement for the journey ahead.
Kalat masterfully explores the cultural contexts surrounding the iconic Godzilla, examining the influences from both Japanese and American cultures, as well as the connections to other Kaiju films. This comprehensive approach provides readers with a solid foundation, equipping them with the knowledge to better appreciate the films as they watch them.
The author's engaging writing style ensures that the book is accessible and enjoyable, even for those who, like myself, have yet to watch the films. The depth of research and analysis present in this work is truly impressive, offering an essential piece of film history for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
In summary, "A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, 2d ed." is an excellent starting point for anyone embarking on a journey through the Godzilla films and the broader Kaiju genre. This book has left me eager to delve into the films and immerse myself in the world of these awe-inspiring monsters. Highly recommended!
Update: I saw Rodan since writing this.
August 17, 2021
Engaging and surprisingly readable research into the Godzilla filmography that appreciates both the critical and the absurd. Deep dives into each film showcase both the cultural reflections of Japanese eras and the intensity between creative artists and Toho studios to keep Godzilla alive. A definite must read for any fan of this genre. Or any genre. Read it. *Godzilla roar*
May 19, 2024
Kalat has written a near definitive tome on the history and development of Toho's King of the Monsters...Gojira.
Briefly listing the credits of each film up to 2004's Final Wars, with a brief synopsis, Kalat then goes into an in-depth breakdown of the development and filming history of each film for the first 50 years of this series.
Thos is a must have book for the true G fan.
Briefly listing the credits of each film up to 2004's Final Wars, with a brief synopsis, Kalat then goes into an in-depth breakdown of the development and filming history of each film for the first 50 years of this series.
Thos is a must have book for the true G fan.
March 21, 2022
Great book if you are interested in the subject. He really goes through every aspect that I can think of. I really wish there was more. I was hoping that he would go into the newer movies or even Shin Godzilla but overall it was a great read.
April 6, 2025
Who knew Goji was a metaphor for the bomb.
August 31, 2025
Excellent
March 10, 2023
This is an academic text I would only recommend for film scholars and moderate to hardcore fans of Godzilla/the daikaiju genre. But it does seem like the definitive work if you actually want some organized, researched scholarship on a topic served mostly in English by half-assed promotional materials and teenaged YouTubers (though God bless them for doing it).
There is a great anecdote about serious technical pioneer and Godzilla founding father Eiji Tsuburaya deciding to accomplish a sequence of Baragon eating a horse using a floppy puppet instead of matting in real footage of a horse because “it’s funny.”
There is a great anecdote about serious technical pioneer and Godzilla founding father Eiji Tsuburaya deciding to accomplish a sequence of Baragon eating a horse using a floppy puppet instead of matting in real footage of a horse because “it’s funny.”
January 22, 2013
An academic text dedicated to Godzilla? Who would have thunk it? Yet this comprehensive work does just that, and in impressive fashion. Not only are the films examined as films, but also as cultural artifacts. Great care is given to context as well, historical, cultural, and financial. An impressive piece of work on a subject that more than warranted it.
January 9, 2014
I finished this a while ago... a very thorough look at the history behind this series of movies. The 2nd edition includes chapters on every G movie made, which I loved.
Can't wait for the next entry in the series...May 2014!
Can't wait for the next entry in the series...May 2014!
December 15, 2010
both first and second editions are worth every penny. Absolutely fascinating reading
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews