Disc Distributor: Classic Media
Region Coding: R1
Chapter Stops: 11
Year Film Was Released: 1964 (Japanese Release)
Year Disc Was Released: 2006 (American Release)
Video Quality: ****/*****
First off, the Japanese version is perfect. The Japanese version is presented in anamorphic widescreen, along with its original 2.35:1 ratio. There are no signs of speckles, hairs, or grains- it is absolutely perfect. However, we then travel over to the American version- the video presentation here, unfortunately, is a cropped 1:78:1 ratio, Classic Media choosing the cropped print because it was far superior to their Toho Scope copy of the American version. Hairs and speckles are quite frequent, and noticeable, but they come and go so quickly that they won�t lower you viewing experience- much. Both prints have beautiful, vivid colors. Everything is easy to see, and both prints are amazingly good, but the Japanese print is far superior to the English one here.
Audio Quality: ****/*****
The audio is much the same story as the video presentation. First off, the Japanese version is clear, and easy to hear. I can�t find any problems with the Japanese version. However, the English version is basically the same from Classic Media�s previous release of the film. Despite it being much clearer this time around, the hisses and pops are still there and are easy to pick up. But, like the video, it won�t lower you viewing experience- much.
Special Features: ****/*****
This time around, we are granted three special features: A feature audio commentary by Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle. The commentary is intriguing, fun, and informative, but sadly only is available for the English version of the film, but nonetheless it is very entertaining and a nice commentary overall. Next is a poster slide show. The slide show holds some nice, rare photos, and some beautiful posters, but it isn�t really a spectacular bonus for the disc, though it contains some rare stills and lobby cards you may never find anywhere else due to how extremely rare the items shown here tend to be. And the most important featurette, an Akira Ifukube Biography, plus a small tribute from Toho president Shogo Tomiyama. It is a very detailed and interesting look into the life and career of one of the most prestigious composers ever to be involved in cinema. You may even shed a tear or two when Shogo Tomiyama, current president of Toho Studios, pays tribute to Akira Ifukube. Overall, the special features are fun, unique, informative, and interesting.
Overall: ****/*****
Aside from a few errors in the English print, the disc is another great entry from Classic Media. I recommend this DVD to any kaiju fan, if they don�t have the R2 disc for this film already. It truly is a great disc, and deserves to be in all American kaiju fans� possession.