"Gamera: Tha Giant Monster" Movie Review [HD]

My thoughts on the original movie about a giant, fire-breathing/eating, flying turtle (brought to North America in a fantastic DVD release by Shout! Factory). Does this kaijua classic stand the test of time? Should you, as a non-believer, seek this film out? Watch my review and find out! Make sure to stay tuned for my review of the first sequel, "Gamera vs. Barugon", in which Gamera fights (I shit you not) a lizard that uses rainbows as a destructive power.

Opening Song: "What Planet is This?" by Yokko Kanno & The Seatbelts
* Note that I claim no ownership of the song and am merely using it for entertainment purposes. If you'd like the video taken down, just say so. So please...don't sue me. =)

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• gamera
• the
• giant
• monster
• kaiju
• classic
• best
• daikaiju
• film
• movie
• amphibious
• silly
• mystery
• science
• theater
• 3000
• 3k
• mst3k
• daiei
• godzilla
• toho
• eiga

[Spudgurius83]

I've heard that the video presentation on this dvd release of Gamera is really good. How are the subtitles on this one

[phantomsdaydreams]

@Spudgurius83 The actual video quality is quite good. However, considering the age of the source material the picture does contain numerous scratches, blemishes, etc. None of it is terribly detrimental to the overall picture though. Movies like this are bound to show their age without extensive restoration. As for the subtitles, I found them suiting. I didn't notice any errors and never found them obtrusive. I don't recall anything specific about them, which is a good sign. Hope I helped. =)

[darthpetro12]

I'm glad the films in their original Japanese format are released on DVD in our area. One time, I looked up on amazon.com and learned that the first two of the 90's Trilogy of Gamera is going to be released on Blu-ray in the U.S. in less than a month from now. You should check it out.

[Spideyfan117]

the Original 1954 Gojira had something to offer. You understand the pain of the Japanese and their fear of nuclear weapons and war. Gamera managed to be far sillier than Godzilla in the Showa era. There are some Gamera movies that are pretty good though.

[Spudgurius83]

@phantomsdaydreams Thanks for the help. The reason I asked was because on Media Blasters release of Varan the subtitles were excellent and very readble.

[CosmoShidan]

Great review! I think I might check it out!

[kalebknecht]

@phantomsdaydreams

Well, Trey Parker and Matt Stone are supposed to start working on, "Giant Monsters Attack Japan!" which, with THEM at the helm, should be fucking hilarious.

[phantomsdaydreams]

@kalebknecht Definately! They need to revive Godzilla again soon because I want more Toho Godzilla movies. That and make a new "Gamera" movie for that matter. I'm sad to see that monster movies in general seem to have lost a lot of favor with the general public because you're right, they really are a lot of fun. Outside of "Cloverfield" and "King Kong" (2005) I can't even think of other honest attempts at giant monster movies. Save Japanese parodies (which I realy don't find all that funny tbh).