Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
On May 6, 2014 Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release four "Toho Godzilla Collection" Blu-rays. Coming to the North American marketplace in high definition to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the franchise, the sets include double features of GODZILLA VS. KING GHIDORAH (1991) + GODZILLA AND MOTHRA: THE BATTLE FOR EARTH (1992), GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA II (1993) + GODZILLA VS. SPACEGODZILLA (1994), GODZILLA VS. DESTOROYAH (1995) + GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS (2000) and GODZILLA: TOKYO S.O.S. (2003) + GODZILLA: FINAL WARS (2004). The 2-Disc sets have a SRP of $19.99 each. The news has created a lot of interest -- and quite a few questions -- from Godzilla fans. In an exclusive to SciFi Japan, Sony reps have now answered the most frequently asked questions about these Blu-rays... Q: What is the source for the transfers Sony is using for their Godzilla Blu-rays? A: The majority of the HD masters for these releases were recently acquired from Toho. Q: Which versions of the films will be included? The original Japanese cuts, Toho`s international English versions (which usually featured complete English credits and title overlays), or Sony`s DVD versions (some of which were missing the end credits)? A: The Blu-rays will have the uncut Japanese versions with Japanese and English audio tracks. Q: Will the film have proper English subtitles or "dubtitles"? Several of the Sony Godzilla DVDs used subtitles that matched the English dubbing rather than the Japanese audio track. A: The subtitles were created from the original Japanese audio tracks. Q: Sony`s press release stated that there would be featurettes on the GODZILLA: TOKYO S.O.S. + GODZILLA: FINAL WARS Blu-rays, but these features aren`t listed on the back cover art for this set. Will the featurettes be included? A: The info about bonus features in the press release is correct. It’s the same added value that was on the earlier DVD releases. Q: Does Sony still have North American rights to GODZILLA 2000, GODZILLA, MOTHRA AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK and GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA? These movies were not included among May`s Blu-ray releases. A: Yes, these films are still licensed to Sony and will be for many years to come. Q: Is Sony working on Blu-rays for those three films? What about their other Toho titles: THE H-MAN, BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE, MOTHRA and the REBIRTH OF MOTHRA trilogy? A: We don’t currently have plans to bring them out on Blu-ray, but that could change based on the consumer response to these 8 titles. Q: GODZILLA 2000 is the only film among Sony`s Godzilla titles to get a North American theatrical release and have distinct Japanese and American versions. If Sony decides to release this movie on Blu-ray would both edits be included? What about the Toho international English dub? A: We would determine the release strategy for GODZILLA 2000 at the point we decide to bring it out on Blu-ray.
About Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE`s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies.
For more information on the "Toho Godzilla Collection" Blu-rays please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan:
- First Look: New "Toho Godzilla Collection" Blu-rays from Sony
- First Look: Sony "Toho Godzilla Collection" Blu-ray Back Covers and Title Treatments