KMR epi 6 - Varan the Unbelievable

[doom7ish]

Sorry for the bad spelling of varan please do not read the one under this comment.

[Roehm21]

@doom7ish Don't sweat it man.

[doom7ish]

I love Varanasi in godzilla unleash.

[TheKaijuCritic94]

There was an explosion under Varan's crouch, that wasn't suppose to happen. Kind of makes you feel sorry for the suit actors if they can have that kind of accident. The guy wasn't hurt (though how, I'll never know) and went on to do a lot of the godzilla showa films, talk about dedication to a job.

[marcfahn31]

The US version doesn't show varan flying

[knightofrock1908]

its really a shame that an awesome monster like varan didn't get much attention.

[warriorking4ever]

I think its sad that Varan was supposed to have been Godzilla's ally or foe in a number of Godzilla movies that were never made or which were recast with different monsters...I really think Varan should face Godzilla in a fight someday, he's had so little exposure so he'd be like an all new kaiju to less informed fans & honestly it would be refreshing to see him fight someone different from Mothra or Ghidorah or MechaG etc. Though they may have to explain how he achieves flight, any ideas? lol

[Krazy3912]

Varan's growl's appear to be a mixture of Godzilla, Rodan and Baragon.

[Themaniacnextdoor]

Varan looks realy cool.

[elfwizardofchaos]

in godzilla unleashed he made energy breath out of air

[MasterGhidorah1117]

I love Varan but this film sucked for me.

[TheDigitalEclipse]

3:57 didn't JamesNintendoNerd say exactly the same thing when he reviewed the movie on Cinemassacre?

[Roehm21]

@TheDigitalEclipse Yes he did, good catch :D

[varan619]

Technically, this is a review of the 1958 Japanese film "Daikaiju Baran" (The Monster Baran) and not the 1962 US film "Varan the Unbelievable". As mentioned at the end, don't even bother watching "Varan the Unbelievable" unless your curious to see how vastly different it is from the original film (different cast, different plot, Varan doesn't even fly).

Varanus is the actual genus for monitor lizards including the komodo dragon (varanus komodoensi).

[Roehm21]

@varan619 Thats was the main reason I wanted to watch the americanized version of the film...just to see all the changes. I went with using Varan the Unbelievable at the time because I thought more people would recognize it that way. However in hindsight I probably should have used the Japanese title.

[warriorking4ever]

I finally have Varan the Unbelievable on DVD, & loved it, very unique monster & I enjoyed the scenes in which he menaced the mountain village & took off like a jet into the air. Varan is definitely an overlooked kaiju & it stinks that he keeps losing movie roles to more famous kaiju, dude deserves a shot. If he did return however as a Godzilla foe, do you think he'd need updated powers/arsenal to prove an effective threat to Godzilla? Also, they'd likely have to explain how his flight works

[silverbeast75]

no ability?? i thought varan had poison spikes and a toxic smog he shot out of his mouth..meh ohh well

[Roehm21]

@silverbeast75 I don't recall that during the film, however it is possible I over looked something.

[MOVIEmania709]

@Roehm21 does the tokyo shock dvd come with both the japanese and english dub release of Varan the Unbelievable.

[gojirajin]

@silverbeast75 From what i've seen he has none. But he was givven and mouth beam weapon in Godzilla: Unleashed. I still have no idea what that was based on though.

[baranguirus]

@silverbeast75 It would be awesome if he had them, though! :-3

[Gojira439]

Ever notice...being a kaiju nerd...Varan's theme later became Rodan's theme in Ghidorah, the Three Headed Monster..and so on in later movies XD

[warriorking4ever]

Nice review!  Can Varan be found on Amazon.com?

[Roehm21]

@warriorking4ever Thank you, yes it can be but you are better off buying the three pack it comes in with Matango and Mysterians.

[warriorking4ever]

@Roehm21 Does the three pack come with English Language versions? Nothing against the original Japanese dialogue, I just like being able to watch a movie instead of reading it (unless the dub is like really bad, but even then I like to compare the English and subtitled versions to see the differences between them).

[Roehm21]

@warriorking4ever I don't remember...I knwo all of them have Japanese language but not sure about english.

[D2Kprime]

@Roehm21 : Interestingly enough, the Japanese version Varan The Unbelievable is actually available through Netflix. That's where I saw it first. At least it used to be there.

[TheStupedCat]

VARAN makes a cameo in the opening of GODZILLA FINAL WARS

[Roehm21]

@TheStupedCat Very true buts its only stock footage so I don't count it ;)

[TheBump465]

@Roehm21 Actually, there is on part where they used a stiff figure in the suit, it is not a human, and you see him land in a field next to Baragon.

[TheStupedCat]

Good review ,and I also believe that Varan should have another shot at a movie..,,

[RileyZilla1001]

Did you hear of the story that during the process of finishing the movie ,the big explosion at the end went haywire and severly burned the guy in the monster suit.

[GodzillaXAbudAwwal]

its pronounced as varahn, not vahren

[FamilyOfMan1975]

I've never seen this movie but I enjoyed your review.

The only thing: I never liked any of the monsters that walk on all four legs. That's what makes it painfully obvious that it's a guy in a rubber suit.

[adth446]

the pretty butterflies where motha!

[THEEND123321]

OMG VARAN USE"S HIE GAS (ass) TO FLY dont you know that!!!!!

[varan1231]

OMG!!!

IT'S VARAN!!!

PURE AWESOMENESS!!!

[Roehm21]

@varan1231 Thanks man :D

[dxguy3000]

yeah i bought this movie a couple days agol, i like it but the only thing i couldnt stand about this movie was the stock footage and how they used scenes from Gojira. everything else was excellent

[wildganger]

This review always reminds me of the good ole KMR days. Here's my take on a movie: DEMON BEN, MONSTER OF TERROR!

[Spudgurius83]

This looks like an interesting movie and I just bought this in the Toho 3 pack I figure I give it a chance and the movie looks like a good one. Varan looks cool as well. Good review on this movie this persuaded me to buy it.

[Shaderaygun]

The reason its in black and white is that this was originally made to be a TV movie before color was made for TVs. The project fell threw but later they revived it as this film. However they already filmed some scenes in black and white so they had to do the entire film that way.

[boofdfast]

Varan is a giant marine iguana. Except he can fly, and walk on 2 legs, sometimes. They shoulda used him in more movies. lol

Also, this movie SHOULD be more about the monster... who gives a crap about those corny love stories?? Varan shoulda been in color.

[gigantis2001]

Great to hear a review from somebody who knows some background info (the unmade movies, etc). No offense to Gojigirl, she seems cool and all, but sometimes it feels like she doesn't have the context for certain films. Just discovered these reviews and looking forward to going through the rest. I was gonna say that it's weird that you haven't reviewed a Godzilla movie, but now that I think about it, it's weird that I haven't reviewed one on my blog either when my username here is what it is.

[smallbadger44]

qiuck quistion, did varan die? just let me know,okey? so...bye

[Roehm21]

@smallbadger44 You should be able to google it and find out. I'm one for not spoiling the endings to movies I review :D.

[smallbadger44]

@Roehm21 i know,its just it seems when movies say ''un stopable'' and stuff like that,you have to know the truth.

[KaijuSlasher13]

Great, Great, GREAT review man!

[Ernieball10s]

Great review- one burning question I have-I recall a monster movie of the toho type and, similar to godzilla or varan. Near the end I recall pilots chasing or tracking the monster as it walked or swam in the water, but the water was covered in ice or at least full of icebergs. Driving me crazy! any clues or was i just imagining. I'd love to find Varan DVD too (japanese version of course! anyhow thanks.

[Roehm21]

@Ernieball10s I believe the movie you might be thinking of is Godzilla Raids Again. Its the second of the Goji series and goes unofficial by Gigantis, The Fire Monster.

[Ghidorah1986]

Great review man, I really like this film in its Japanese Version. The English version was terrible.

[Shaderaygun]

I kinda sad that Varan is the only black and white monster that has not gotten a major roll yet. He is my favorite kaiju. Well it is bound to happen soon.

[xpander2k]

Superb review. I agree with everything you said. I've been a Kaiju fan all my life and surprisingly I only saw this movie for the first time a few months ago on Netflix.  I think Varan is a monster worthy of a reboot.

[Roehm21]

@xpander2k Thank you very much, also I agree. It would be an interesting reboot but hopefully they will leave it be. Since its such a bad ass film.

[xpander2k]

@Roehm21 : Yes it is. I think TOHO could really trick it out. I think if they don't try to change the story and present it in the same way it could be a great reboot. This is one of the Kajiu films that actually had a decent storyline.

[Hewylewis]

It''s pronounced Vah-Rawn.

[TOMILYproductions]

I saw in one of your other reviews you had the "Toho Pack" which included this movie on dvd and I was just wandering if it included the english dubbed version?

[Roehm21]

Sadly it does not contain that version. It does have the TV adaptation of the Japanese film. Havne't watched it yet. I know there is a VHS version of the english release floating around some where.

[CharmieKid]

varan has also appeared as stock footage in final wars.

[TitusYorick]

Excellent review. I admit, I haven't seen the movie yet but I'm saving up to be able to spluge next paycheck so I can. I just want to say, your comment about it being in black and white - so what? I think you made a comment that it helped add eariness to the movie, right? All in all though, good job.

[SpiderKing389]

Your reviews are the best dude! Well done! 5/5

[Roehm21]

Thanks much.

[oninone]

good

[MrLegoteen33]

Varan is so BEAST

[stereomaxout]

In Godzilla:Unleashed he is f'in dangerous in the right hands, I can win the game without any damage taken even on the final boss with no cheats, and I butchered heavy hitters like Destroyah.

[MrLegoteen33]

yeah he is i love his pick up move

[7DARKHELLS]

I agree the American version was horrible!

[stereomaxout]

America tends to butcher most Japanese Kaiju masterpieces, in my opinion.

[diddymuck]

like your stuff. good info.

[Krazy3912]

The most UNDERRATED Toho monster of all time.

[Roehm21]

Agreed

[dxguy3000]

is the japanese better than the american version/ and why? lol???

[Roehm21]

That would be a matter of opinion I believe. I've only ever seen the Japanese verson but I'm guessing its better. In the english version they removed a lot of the scenes with Japanese actors and replaced them with newly filmed ones with American actors. The American version is suppose to be included on that DVD but I never bothered looking for it.

[Goji73]

I heard that they removed all of Varan's flying scenes from the U.S. version...

[Roehm21]

They did that in the American version on Reptilicus. Don't know if they did the same on this one or not.

[johnnycitystar]

Stay away fron the english version. that all i have to say.

[dxguy3000]

how'd u get the japanese versions? and how much?

[Roehm21]

I got it in the Toho Pack released by Media Blasters under there Tokyo Shock label. The pack was around $20 when it first came out but that was long ago. Check out Amazon you might be able to get it fairly reasonable.

[professorcurtis]

Great review! Thank you for your posting.

[JustinThoj]

wait...does he have a godzilla kinda roar goin on here? I've never seen the movie...

[Roehm21]

Yes, its similar.

[GodZillaSaursRex]

It's Godzilla's Death Cry From The First Movie. Hope It Clears Your Confusion. :)

[TOMILYproductions]

Varan should have another movie!

[TOMILYproductions]

I really really like how you did these ones in fact they remind me of Cinemassacres 3 to 4 minute ones with clips like this in them.

Do you know of any tutorials I could find on how to make videos like these?

[Roehm21]

I just kind of found a few programs and played around with them a bit. There might be some kind of tutorial but I've never watched'em

[TOMILYproductions]

I really want this movie on Dvd even if it is the american version I still want it.

Thank you for putting up a review of this one because I wanted to know what someone thought of it before I bought it.

I LOVE YOUR REVIEWS!You cover the good and bads of the movies you do.Major props to you dude.

[DETHGOJIRA]

If you buy the Toho Pack (3 movies in one) you'll get the original Jap version of Varan. You can find it on Ebay and Amazon.

[TOMILYproductions]

Is the english version in there as well?

I love amazon.

[DETHGOJIRA]

No. I was looking for a dvd of both versions, but I haven't seen or heard of any existing yet.

[TOMILYproductions]

Dang that sucks.

It will be made someday.

[XYZsquad]

Good Review

I will be sure to check this one out : )

[killerrodan]

I want to see this movie.

[killerrodan]

Nice review.I'm going to watch this monster.

[PsycoCheese]

I think I would have enjoyed Godzilla x Varan x Baragon x Anguirus: Giant Monster All Out Attack better then how it turned out. I mean thats one of my favorite monsters for Godzilla but it would have been nice to see Varan in a new millenium movie and Mothra appears way too much.

[Roehm21]

I totally agree with you on that, especially the part about Mothra.

[PsycoCheese]

Yeah hopefully they'll include Varan in a film in the new era when Godzilla makes a comeback...with less Mothra and Mechagodzilla.

You make really good reviews. If you take requests I would kind of like to see Gamera the Brave reviewed if you could that would be really nice/cool.

[AzulFlameXII]

I agree! Veran is so underated along with Manda

[megaman2160]

how is varan underated?

[AzulFlameXII]

Hes not given much credit even tho he starred in his own movie. Have you seen Destroy All Monsters he hardly appears. Hes not one of the popular kaiju's like Mothra or Rodan but I think hes pretty cool.

[megaman2160]

yeah i seen it, they only showed him at the end

[CosmicFunkOSMOSIS]

I"m so glad you're reviewing the TRUE Toho version of this film and NOT that CROWN PICTURES travesty starring Myron Healy that we all grew up with here in the states. I am sad, though, that Toho didn't find a decent (HA!) copy of "Varan The Unbelievable" to add to the domestic DVD of "Giant Monster Varan", for a side-by-side comparison.

[Roehm21]

I hear that :D

[21KyuubiextremeLP]

varan is awsome its ashame he did not appear in godzilla giant monsters attack i would of liked a different monster for once

[Spliffdoobwah]

That is a pretty dang kewl suit mayn

[Wiktormotra]

4:44: I personally like the idea of b&w movies, for example Godzilla 1954 just wouldn't look the same in colour.

I really want to see this movie. If you used a torrent, can I ask you to e-mail it to me somehow?

[Roehm21]

I agree 100% with you. I wouldn't like to see this movie in color. I really just meant to draw attention to it with my comment. Though I still would like to know why Toho as a company decided to use B&W.

No I actually purchased it in the "Toho Pack" box sex from Media Blasters. You can get it pretty reasonably off of Amazon if you need it. Its worth the money for the 3 movies you get.

[TylerPreston20]

The reason why they chose to film Varan in black and white is because originality like the other Toho film Latitude Zero, Varan was originally an American- Japanese co production for the American TV audience but later on the American left and so Toho filmed the remaining movie in black and white.

[Hewylewis]

Not to be rude, but your pronounced Varan's name wrong. Just saying. Still a great review.

[Roehm21]

I apologize for that my mistake. :p

[IAmDaChosn1]

There's actually 4 pronounciations for Varan.

[Roehm21]

did I happen to use one of the 4 correct pronunciations?

[pernicketty]

No, Varan is not one of the names for this type of creature. They are more commonly called Wiseguy, Smartass, Nitpicker or Dorkan. They can often be found hovering around other peoples YouTube uploads looking for some incredibly trivial point to criticise and are in fact rather mundane and uninteresting.

[Zillasniper]

Toho really needs to bring Varan back.

Great video! Can't wait for more.

[Roehm21]

Yes they really need too. They tried a couple time but where more interested in making money by using King Ghidorah and such. Thanks I will have another video up soon.

[Roehm21]

Oh yeah, Toho is quiet good at making quality kaiju suits, they usually don't use puppets too often.

Thanks,

[JewWario]

Th... that's a SUIT?

Another fun video.

[Roehm21]

No problem man. As long as people will keep watching them, I will keep making them.

[kaijuking28]

nice job once again! :-) Thanks for posting these!