Recognized as one of the standout Godzilla films of the past decade, 2016`s Shin Godzilla recently began a remastered theatrical run in America. This version features its original Japanese audio, English subtitles, and restored text cards. Following its cinematic debut, the film will be released on 4K Blu-ray on October 28. This new 4K Blu-ray edition will come with fresh special features and a collector`s steelbook case, offering fans an opportunity to add this cult Kaiju favorite to their home collections.
The Shin Godzilla Steelbook Edition 4K Blu-ray is a three-disc set. It contains the new 4K remaster of the film, a standard Blu-ray, and a digital download option. A dedicated bonus disc is also included, packed with additional features. The entire package is presented in a collectible Steelbook case, adorned with cover and interior artwork depicting Godzilla`s menacing form unleashing its atomic breath.
Shin Godzilla 4K Blu-ray Collector`s Editions (Exclusive Options)
Beyond the standard release, two exclusive collector`s editions of the Shin Godzilla 4K Blu-ray are available via the Godzilla Store, alongside other related merchandise. One option is a four-disc collector`s set, which includes all the video content of the Steelbook Edition, a unique black and white version of the film, and a booklet containing never-before-translated English behind-the-scenes notes. This special edition is housed in a fold-out digipak box. Additionally, a bundle is offered, which pairs this collector`s edition with a T-shirt featuring the movie`s original theatrical poster art.
Bonus Features of the Shin Godzilla 4K Blu-ray
Every version of the new 4K Blu-ray release comes with an additional disc dedicated to special features. These extras, presented in 1080p, delve into the making of the film, showcasing production materials and the creation of its special effects. The bonus materials include:
- Promotional Video Collection
- Making Of Shin Godzilla
- Deleted Scenes
- Outtakes
- News Reels
- Previs Reel Collection
- Previs and Special Effects Outtakes
- Visual Effects Breakdown
Co-directed by Hideaki Anno, known for Evangelion, and Shinji Higuchi (Shin Ultraman), Shin Godzilla represented Japan`s first new Godzilla film since 2004`s Godzilla: Final Wars. This reboot returned the colossal monster to its origins as a destructive force, depicting the iconic Kaiju as an atomic-powered entity unleashing chaos upon Tokyo. Drawing inspiration from the 1954 original, which used Godzilla as a metaphor for the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Shin Godzilla serves as an allegory for the 2011 earthquake, tsunamis, and subsequent Fukushima Nuclear Disaster in Japan. Notably, it also stands as the most recent film, for the time being, to feature Godzilla predominantly through practical effects, presenting the creature in its most grotesque and monstrous form.
Upon its 2016 premiere, Shin Godzilla garnered significant critical acclaim, ushering in the `Reiwa Era` of Japanese Godzilla cinema. Although initially conceived as a standalone movie, the production studio Toho has since expressed intentions to develop a sequel.
Toho continued the live-action Godzilla series with Godzilla: Minus One, a film written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. This movie serves as a distinct reboot of the franchise, separate from Shin Godzilla, and loosely reinterprets the 1954 original. The narrative centers on Koichi Shikishima, a Kamikaze pilot who survives a Godzilla attack on his airbase, leaving him traumatized and unable to fulfill his mission. Returning home post-war, he faces ostracism in his devastated hometown. As he attempts to rebuild his life, Godzilla reappears to menace Japan once more.
Mirroring the critical success of Shin Godzilla, Godzilla: Minus One received widespread acclaim upon its release, notably earning the franchise`s first Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2023. A sequel is currently in production, slated for a 2026 premiere. This development means fans now have three distinct live-action Godzilla continuities to follow, including Hollywood`s MonsterVerse. Fortunately, both the Shin Godzilla and Godzilla: Minus One series are easy to catch up on, each currently featuring a single installment.
The Reiwa Era: Films and Publications
Beyond the primary Godzilla films of the Reiwa Era, fans might also explore other related projects, such as Hideaki Anno`s `Shin` trilogy, which includes Shin Kamen Rider and Shin Ultraman—modern reimaginings of classic Tokusatsu heroes. Additionally, Toho produced the sci-fi Godzilla Anime Trilogy, presenting Godzilla as a planet-destroying titan; these films have received varied reviews. Toho was also involved in the live-action Monster Hunter adaptation by Paul W.S. Anderson, a film with a loose connection to the Capcom game series and a mixed critical reception, though praised for its monster effects.
Hollywood`s Godzilla Interpretations
Legendary Pictures` Monsterverse represents the third active live-action Godzilla continuity, beginning in 2014 with Godzilla, directed by Gareth Edwards. This cinematic universe has expanded to include films such as Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. Further expanding the lore is the TV series Monarch and various Monsterverse graphic novels. The next film, Godzilla X Kong: Supernova, is anticipated for a 2027 release.
Discussing Hollywood`s Godzilla productions, the 1998 film directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Matthew Broderick is also notable. Despite initial negative critical reception, it has developed a cult following, often appreciated for its “so-bad-it`s-good” entertainment value. This iteration of Godzilla also inspired a 40-episode animated cartoon series, which many fans consider superior to the film.
Classic Toho Godzilla Films on Blu-ray
In addition to contemporary releases, a vast collection of classic Godzilla films are available, with many recently re-released on Blu-ray. The definitive starting point is the original 1954 Godzilla, offered in a Criterion Collection Edition on both 4K and standard Blu-ray. The Criterion Collection also features a comprehensive set of the Showa Era films, encompassing all 15 Godzilla movies produced by Toho from 1954 to 1975. While these earliest entries in the series, often characterized by their campiness, may not have aged as gracefully as the 1954 original, they remain an enjoyable viewing experience.
Films from the subsequent Heisei Era (1984-1995) and Millennium Era (1999-2004) can be more challenging to find on Blu-ray. Nevertheless, notable classics such as the Heisei Era`s Godzilla vs. Biollante and the Millennium Era`s Godzilla 2000 are accessible for collectors.
Godzilla in Comics: The Library Collection
While the films are the quintessential way to experience Godzilla, the iconic monster has also featured prominently in numerous comic books and graphic novels. Many of these stories are compiled in IDW Comics` ongoing Godzilla Library Collections.
This series of omnibus-sized paperback volumes systematically gathers all Godzilla comics previously published by IDW. These collections include some of the franchise`s most acclaimed comic narratives, such as James Stokoe`s visually striking Godzilla: Half-Century War, found in Godzilla Library Collection Vol. 1. Currently, four volumes have been released, with Volume 5 and subsequent installments anticipated.