GODZILLA: American Home Video - VHS, Beta, CED, Laserdiscs, & More!

GODZILLA/TOHO AMERICAN VHS (1983-2002):

download PDF of GODZILLA COMPLETE HOME VIDEO GUIDE at The Sphinx Godzilla Guides PDF page!

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This list is under continual revision, and I welcome any corrections or additional information, which will be added to future editions. 

Why collect Godzilla VHS tapes?
Firstly, Godzilla VHS releases are a Godzilla collectible! But amazingly, many of these tapes contain alternate dubs, title cards, and other elements that are STILL not officially available at all on DVD or Blu-Ray.  It's sad but true! Also, some contain some pretty awesome artwork, and some are appealing for their lack of awesome artwork...
I've accounted for over 180 on this list. Here are 3 sketchy ones I still need & will gladly buy if you have them (list here).


GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS
1) Vestron, 1983 [1st official US release, SP, first legit Godzilla VHS?]
2) Vestron, 1988 (variant of #1)
3) Paramount, 1992 (original painting for cover)
4) GoodTimes, 1995
5) KOTM/Megalon "Collector Series" 2-pack - GoodTimes, 1996
6) KOTM/Megalon "Monster Two Pack" - GoodTimes, 1996 [side-loading box]
7) Simitar, 1998 (plain black box, sold standalone, in 3-pack, 5-pack)
8) Simitar, 1998 "Special Edition" greenish-black box (this version was sold in a TV offer, and you can see the commercial on YouTube!)
9) Simitar, 1998 ("dig remastered," colorful box)
10) Simitar, 1998 (Blockbuster version of #7, includes poster)
11) Classic Media, 2002 [last Godzilla VHS made?]

GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN
1) Video Treasures, 1989 (matte box, printed tape)
variant: 1990 (as #1, glossy box, label on tape)
both tapes feature rare print with GIGANTIS title card


KING KONG vs. GODZILLA
1) GoodTimes, 1987
2) GoodTimes, 1998 (clamshell box)
3) GoodTimes, 1998 (release of above in standard box)

GODZILLA vs. THE THING
1) Paramount, 1989
2) Paramount, 1989 (rental variant, extra Paramount logo in lower-left, different text spacings)
3) Paramount, 1994 (original painting for cover)
4) Simitar, 1998 (plain black box, sold standalone, in 5-pack)
5) Simitar, 1998 (colorful box, SP)
6) Simitar, 1998 ("dig remastered," widescreen; sold standalone & in Widescreen 3-pack)
7) Simitar, 1998 (Blockbuster version of #4, includes poster)
Simitar prints feature "GODZILLA vs THE THING" title cards


GHIDRAH, THE THREE HEADED MONSTER
1) Beech/Videoline, no date
2) Film Classics (VCII, dated as "1980")
3) Prism Entertainment, 1985 (unique clamshell)
4) Video Images ("A Video Yesteryear Recording"), 1987
5) Video Treasures, 1988 (matte box, label on tape)
variant: glossy box with printed tape [otherwise boxes identical]
6) Silver Screen Video, 1991 (triple-feature tape with MEGALON + non-Godzilla movie)
7) Anchor Bay, 1997 (sold standalone & in BIGGEST BATTLES box set)

MONSTER ZERO
1) Paramount, 1988 (1st US release; SP)
2) Paramount, 1988 (rental variant; Paramount logo and text differences)
3) Simitar, 1990 (original drawing for cover)
4) Paramount, 1994 (original painting for cover)
5) Simitar, 1998 (plain black box, sold standalone, in 5-pack)
6) Simitar, 1998 (colorful box, SP)
7) Simitar, 1998 ("dig remastered," widescreen; sold standalone & in Widescreen 3-pack)
8) Simitar, 1998 (Blockbuster version of #5, includes poster)

GODZILLA vs. THE SEA MONSTER
1) Beech (Videoline), no date
2) Neon Video (copy of Beech), 1988
3) Video Treasures, 1987 (label on tape)
variant: 1989 box, printed tape
4) GoodTimes, 1992
5) GoodTimes, 1997 (2-pack with MEGALON)
6) GoodTimes, 1998 (standard box)
7) MEGALON/SEA MONSTER - GoodTimes, 2001 (double-feature tape with MEGALON, clamshell)
8) Hollywood Home Theatre (bootleg of below?)
9) Hollywood Home Theatre (Budget Video, 1980)
tapes feature American (Titra) dub, unavailable on DVD


SON OF GODZILLA
1) Video Treasures, 1987 (label on tape)
variant #1: 1989 box, printed tape (tape says 1988)
variant #2: no year on box, printed tape (tape says 1988)
2) Anchor Bay, 1997 (sold standalone & in BIGGEST BATTLES box set)
3) Videoline (date unknown? USA?)
4) Hollywood Home Theatre (Budget Video, 1980)
tapes feature American (Titra) dub, unavailable on DVD


DESTROY ALL MONSTERS
1) ADV, 1998 (purple sky background)
variant: same box with white videocassette
2) ADV, 1998 (red sky background - Suncoast Video only?)
3) ADV, 1998 (red sky background - "Sample Copy For Promotional Use Only," white videocassette is stamped "DESTROY ALL MONSTERS - SCREENER")
tapes are letterboxed, and feature Toho's International dub of film

GODZILLA'S REVENGE
1) Simitar, 1990 (original drawing for cover)
2) Paramount, 1992 (original painting for cover)
3) Simitar, 1998 (plain black box, sold standalone, in 5-pack)
4) Simitar, 1998 (colorful box, SP)
5) Simitar, 1998 ("dig remastered," widescreen; sold standalone & in Widescreen 3-pack)
6) Simitar, 1998 (Blockbuster version of #4 with poster)

GODZILLA vs. THE SMOG MONSTER
1) "Screener Tape" - Orion Home Video, 1989
2) Orion Home Video, 1989
3) Simitar, 1990 (original drawing for cover)
tapes feature American (AIP) dub, unavailable on DVD


GODZILLA ON MONSTER ISLAND/GODZILLA vs. GIGAN
1) New World Video, 1988
2) Starmaker, 1992 (rerelease of New World)
3) 2-pack with MECHAGODZILLA (light gray box) Starmaker, 1993
4) 2-pack with MECHAGODZILLA (black box) Starmaker, 1995
5) Anchor Bay, 1997 (sold standalone & in BIGGEST BATTLES box set)
Honorable mention: GODZILLA ON MONSTER ISLAND (Family Tyme, 1989), one of 3 tapes released in Canada that contain the U.S. Cinema Shares print of GIGAN! 

GODZILLA vs. MEGALON
the most bootlegged movie ever?

1) Crown Movie Classics (no date, "B&W" & wrongly shows Mechagodzilla!)
2) Variant of above, in generic Crown Movie Classics side-loading box 
3) GoodTimes, 1985 (movie poster cover)
4) Viking Entertainment, 1985 (cursive title, 1954 still used for art; front is blue, back is mauve: do not mistake for two different releases)
variant (shown, above): front is green, back is brown
5) Vintage Video, 1985 (movie poster cover)
6) Star Classics, 1985 ("big box" with gatefold, gray; Mechagodzilla on front!) variant: non-gatefold box (top-loading)
7) Star Classics, 1985 (standard box, yellow; Mechagodzilla on front!)
8) Star Classics, 1985 (colorized 1954 still on cover)
9) Video Treasures, 1985?
10) Video Treasures, 1986 (WHITE titles; label says "MEGELON")
11) Video Treasures, 1986 (BLACK titles; different address on back)
12) MEGALON/THE SNOW CREATURE - GoodTimes, 1986 (double-feature tape) (label is blank with lines; says 1985 or 1990)
13) United American Video Corporation (G vs Mothra art on cover) Box dated 1986, tape is dated 1988
14) XYZ Video, Inc. (no date on box, "Movie Favorites" in transparent stripe, label says "XYZ Video Inc, 1987")
known label variants (w/ same box): Trans-Atlantic Video, 1987
Trans-Atlantic Video, 1989
Trans-Atlantic Video, 1990

15) Parade Video, 1987 ("Nightmares Series, Volume 4")
16) Troy Gold, 1988 (Tape says Burbank Video)
17) New Age Video, 1988
18) "Popcorn Classics" (New Age Video, 1988) included a packet of microwave popcorn
19) Congress Video, 1989 (with yet another 1954 cover)
20) Home Video Syndications, 1989 (dates movie as "1955")
21) Trans-Atlantic Video, 1990 ("Movie Favorites" in brown stripe)
22) Diamond Entertainment, 1991 ("Movie Favorites" in transparent stripe)
23) Silver Screen Video, 1991 (triple-feature tape with GHIDRAH + non-Godzilla movie)
24) Alpha Video, 1993 (same as New Age Video)
25) Burbank Video, 1993 (reversed movie poster artwork)
26) Alpha Video, 1994 (movie poster w/ "Giant Against Giant")
27) UAV, 1994 (stylized art cover; sold standalone? & in 2-pack box with COSMIC)
28) MEGALON/GODZILLA 1985 - Starmaker, 1995 (2-pack set)
29) GoodTimes, 1996
30) MEGALON/KOTM - GoodTimes, 1996 ("Collector Series" 2-pack set)
31) MEGALON/KOTM - GoodTimes 1996 ("Monster Two Pack" side-loading box)
32) MEGALON/SEA MONSTER - GoodTimes, 1997 (2-pack set)
33) Anchor Bay, 1997 (also sold in one version of BIGGEST BATTLES box)
34) UAV, 1998 (painted cover, clamshell box)
35) Front Row Entertainment, 1998
36) UAV, 1998 (flames w/ "original live-action classic") sold standalone & in boxed set with MONSTERS IN THE MOVIES: GODZILLAMANIA
37) UAV, 1998 (painted cover as #30, standard box; sold standalone & in 2-pack box with COSMIC)
38) MEGALON/SEA MONSTER - GoodTimes, 2001 (double-feature tape, clamshell)
39) MEGALON/GORGO - Matinee Theater, no date (big box)

GODZILLA vs. THE COSMIC MONSTER/GODZILLA vs. MECHAGODZILLA
1) New World Video, 1988
2) UAV, 1988 (movie poster art over orange box)
3) Starmaker, 1992 (rerelease of New World)
4) GoodTimes, 1993 (original painting cover)*
5) 2-pack with GIGAN (light gray box) Starmaker, 1993
6) UAV, 1994 (stylized art cover; sold standalone & in 2-pack box with MEGALON)
7) Starmaker, 1995 (2-pack with GIGAN (black box)
8) Anchor Bay, 1997 (sold standalone & in BIGGEST BATTLES box set)
9) UAV, 1998 (painted cover, clamshell box)
10) UAV, 1998 (as #9, but standard box)
11)Brentwood Home Video, 1998 (2-pack box with KING OF ALL MONSTERS documentary)*
*these releases feature original "COSMIC MONSTER" title card and print

THE TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA
1) Paramount, 1989 (International poster art for cover)
2) Paramount, 1989 (rental variant; Paramount logo and text differences)
2) Paramount, 1992 (original painting for cover)
3) Simitar, 1998 (plain black box, sold standalone, in 3-pack, 5-pack)
4) Simitar, 1998 ("dig remastered," colorful box, SP)
5) Simitar, 1998 (Blockbuster version of #4 with poster)

GODZILLA 1985
1) New World Video, 1986 (SP; no barcode)
2) New World Video, 1986 (variant with barcode)
3) Starmaker, 1992 (re-release of New World)
4) MEGALON/GODZILLA 1985 - Starmaker, 1996 (2-pack set)
5) Anchor Bay, 1997 (sold standalone & in BIGGEST BATTLES box set)
all tapes feature American version of film, which is unavailable on DVD

GODZILLA vs. BIOLLANTE
1) HBO Video "Screener," 10/12/92
2) HBO Video, 1992 (SP)


GODZILLA vs. KING GHIDORA
1) Columbia/TriStar, 1998
2) Revision of above with "GHIDORAH" (1998; note that spelling is corrected everywhere on the box, but the tape label is unchanged!)

GODZILLA vs. MOTHRA
1) Columbia/TriStar, 1998

GODZILLA vs. MECHAGODZILLA
1) Columbia/TriStar, 1998

GODZILLA vs. SPACEGODZILLA
1) Columbia/TriStar, 1999

GODZILLA vs. DESTOROYAH
1) Columbia/TriStar, 1999


GODZILLA 2000
1) VDI Multimedia, dated 8/23/00; time-coded demo
2) Columbia/TriStar, 2000 (promotional copy with blank space on back for Order & Street Dates)
3) Columbia/TriStar, 2000 (embossed cover)

BOXED SETS (included tapes are mentioned individually above):

GODZILLA "BIGGEST BATTLES" BOX SET (Anchor Bay, 1997) Two versions made:
Godzilla vs. Gigan
Godzilla 1985
Ghidrah the Three Headed Monster
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
Son of Godzilla
Godzilla vs. Megalon
Godzilla vs. Gigan
Godzilla 1985
Ghidrah the Three Headed Monster
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla
spines (and fronts) of videos form a "mural," here are all 6 together!


SPECIAL PURCHASE 5 TAPE SET
Includes 5 sealed SP tapes, shrinkwrapped together in a brick. No box.

GODZILLA "5 RAMPAGING MOVIES" BOX SET (Simitar, 1998)
King of the Monsters
Godzilla vs. Mothra (The Thing)
Godzilla vs. Monster Zero
Godzilla's Revenge
Terror of Mechagodzilla
tapes are "black box" EP-speed versions, which were also sold separately

GODZILLA "5 RAMPAGING MOVIES" BOX SET (Simitar, 1998)
Blockbuster version of boxed set, included poster

GODZILLA "3 TAPE SET" (Simitar, 1998)
King of the Monsters
Terror of Mechagodzilla
Godzilla Trailers & Sci-Fi Monsters
tapes are "black box" EP-speed versions, which were also sold separately

GODZILLA "WIDESCREEN COLLECTION" (Simitar, 1998)
Godzilla vs. Mothra (The Thing)
Godzilla vs. Monster Zero
Godzilla's Revenge
Digitally Remastered and SP speed; tapes also sold separately


GODZILLA "2 VIDEO COLLECTOR'S SET" (UAV, 1997-98)
Godzilla vs. Megalon
Godzilla vs. the Cosmic Monster
included here because of discrepancy:  box dated 1997, shows contents as 1994 "stylized" artwork versions; my box contained the tapes with their 1998 painted artwork versions!

GODZILLA "SPECIAL EDITON COLLECTOR'S SET" (Gemstone Entertainment, 1998)
Godzilla vs. Megalon (UAV, 1998 "Flames")
Monsters In the Movies: Godzillamania (Gemstone Entertainment, regular box, 1998)
Tapes also sold separately.

OTHER GODZILLA VIDEOS:
1) THE FIRE BIRD (Kids Klassics, 1987) Hanna-Barbera animated series
2) BAMBI MEETS GODZILLA & OTHER WEIRD CARTOONS (Rhino Video, 1987; tape dated 1989)
3) WEIRD CARTOONS: THE SPECIAL EDITION (Rhino Video, 1987; "Bambi Meets Godzilla" cover)
4) INVASION EARTH (New World Video, 1987; SP)
5) HOLLYWOOD DINOSAUR CHRONICLES (Rhino, 1990; 1987 program)
6) HOLLYWOOD DINOSAURS (Video Treasures, 1991)
7) INVASION EARTH (Starmaker, 1991)
8)FANTASTIC DINOSAURS OF THE MOVIES (GoodTimes, 1992)
9) HOLLYWOOD'S DINOSAURS (Marathon, 1995, rerelease of Video Treasures)
10) GODZILLA and OTHER MOVIE MONSTERS (Passport Video, 1998; 2 tapes in double box)
11) MONSTERS IN THE MOVIES: GODZILLAMANIA (Gemstone Entertainment, 1998) regular box (sold standalone & in boxed set with UAV 1998 "Flames" MEGALON)
12) MONSTERS IN THE MOVIES: GODZILLAMANIA (clamshell box version of above, 1998)
13) GODZILLA TRAILERS & SCI-FI MONSTERS (Simitar, 1998; sold standalone and in 3-pack box set)
14) GODZILLA vs THE COSMIC MONSTER/KING OF ALL MONSTERS (Brentwood Home Video, 1998; 2-pack)
15) FANTASTIC DINOSAURS OF THE MOVIES (GoodTimes, 2000 reissue as part of 5-pack box set called DINOSAURS)

OTHER TOHO KAIJU on VHS:
RODAN
1) Vestron, 1983 (1st release, SP)
2) Video Treasures, 1988
3) Paramount, 1992 (original painting for cover)


THE MYSTERIANS
1) Star Classics, 1989 (artwork from color production stills)
2) VCI, 1989 (clamshell case)
tapes contain the American (RKO) dub, unavailable on DVD
VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE
1) VCI, 1990
2) VCI, 1994
tapes contain the American version of the film, unavailable on official DVD


MOTHRA
1) RCA/Columbia, 1983 (tape says 1988)
2) RCA/Columbia, 1986 (Hi-Fi VHS version, side-opening box)
3) GoodTimes, 1988 (crude cartoon cover)
4) GoodTimes, 1988 (red title)
5) Columbia/TriStar, 1993 (green title)


GORATH (listed here for Magma, of course)
1) Congress Video, 1985
2) Video Gems, 1985 ("big box," foil)
3) Prism, 1986 (side-opening box)
tapes contain the American edit of the film

WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS
1) Paramount, 1992 (original painting for cover)

DAGORA [DOGORA], THE SPACE MONSTER
Honorable mention: Video Yesteryear, "March of the Monsters, Vol. 2"

YOG, MONSTER FROM SPACE
1) Trans-Atlantic Video, 1987
2) Diamond Entertainment, 1991
2) Vintage Video, 1988 ("Grampa [Munster] Presents")
3) Gee Video (unknown, date unknown? USA? bootleg?)
tapes apparently contain the American (AIP) dub, unavailable on DVD

MOTHRA (REBIRTH OF MOTHRA)
1) Columbia/TriStar, 1998

MOTHRA 2 (REBIRTH OF MOTHRA 2)
1) Columbia/TriStar, 1998

OTHER TOHO:


HALF HUMAN
1) Rhino, 1990
2) Englewood Home Video, 1998
Note:  Although the American version of this film is the only version ever to be released on home video-- probably anywhere in the world—it has never had a subsequent release since these tapes!

THE H-MAN
1) RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video, 1988
2) Columbia/Tristar, 1988


THE HUMAN VAPOR
1) Congress Video, 1985
2) Video Gems, 1985 ("big box," foil)
3) Prism, 1986

MATANGO (ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE)
1) Something Weird Video. 1996 (Hey, it's technically a bootleg, but who else kept this film alive and available?)


GODZILLA/TOHO BETAMAX
Information on any Beta tapes is very hard to find at all, but here are the existing Beta releases that I know of (this information is also included in the PDF download):


1) GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS (Vestron, 1983)
2) GODZILLA vs. MOTHRA (Paramount, 1983)
3) GODZILLA vs. MONSTER ZERO (Paramount, 1983)
4) GODZILLA vs. MEGALON (Crown Movie Classics, 198?)
5) TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA (Paramount, 1983)
6) GODZILLA 1985 (New World Video, 1985)
7) RODAN (Vestron, 1983)
8) VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE (VCI, 198?) 
9) THE HUMAN VAPOR (Video Gems, 1985)
10) GORATH (Video Gems, 1985)
11) MOTHRA (RCA/Columbia, 1983, wrap-around, side-loading box)


GODZILLA CED 
(Capacitance Electronic Disc)

GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS

GODZILLA/TOHO Laserdiscs
The good news for collectors is: there weren't very many Godzilla films released on laserdisc in the USA.  (Japan is a very different story, however.)  
Many photos are "placeholders" and will be upgraded as needed.

GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS

Vestron, 1983

Paramount/Pioneer, 1994


RODAN

Vestron Video, 1983

Paramount/Pioneer, 1994
                                            
GODZILLA vs. MOTHRA

Paramount/Pioneer, 1994

GODZILLA  vs. MONSTER ZERO

Paramount/Pioneer, 1995

WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS

Paramount/Pioneer, 1994

GODZILLA'S REVENGE

Paramount/Pioneer, 1994

GODZILLA vs. THE SMOG MONSTER

Orion Home Video, 1989 (double-set with MONSTER FROM A PREHISTORIC PLANET)

GODZILLA vs. GIGAN
GODZILLA vs. MECHAGODZILLA

New World Video, 1989

TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA

Paramount/Pioneer, 1995

GODZILLA 1985

New World Video, 1985

GODZILLA vs. BIOLLANTE

Dimension-HBO Video/Pioneer, 1993


GODZILLA-RELATED:

New World Video/Image, 1988

The above ad appeared in video magazines in the 1990's, and was an announcement that there would be six Godzilla laserdisc releases in the Criterion Collection, including GOJIRA in the U.S. for the first time! Sadly, they never saw the light of day, and were cancelled (although the remaining five would see laserdisc release through Paramount, as we saw above).  It would be many more years before Godzilla would finally appear in a Criterion Collection!


GODZILLA on CD-ROM
A category of one, and it's, um, really bad.  Alpha Video took advantage of the growing home computer market to offer CD-ROM versions of several of their public domain titles for a short time.  It’s without a doubt the single worst piece of Godzilla home video in existence.  Of course we realize the limitations of a 386 computer running Windows 3.1 (which this called for). However, the “professionally mastered” and “high resolution” product on this disc makes the old Real Player look like real life.  Not only is the print cropped and marred with continual lines, damage, and even burn marks, but the audio is a complete mess as well.  It’s that bad.

GODZILLA vs. MEGALON


Chestnut/CDRP, Inc. [Alpha Video], 1994

GODZILLA on DVD-ROM
Simitar's DVD-ROM titles came in jewel cases in oversized software boxes ("big boxes") and were otherwise identical to their DVD counterparts, in that they included screen savers, a printable art gallery, a trivia game, etc. Basically, movies sold at a software store:

GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS

Simitar, 1998
GODZILLA vs. MOTHRA

Simitar, 1998

GODZILLA  vs. MONSTER ZERO

Simitar, 1998


GODZILLA on UMD
Another category of one.  UMD was the short-lived format developed by Sony for the PlayStation Portable. The 2.5" discs were housed in a plastic shell, with a window beneath that allowed the discs to be read.  They were unpopular with consumers, and vanished quickly.

GODZILLA FINAL WARS

Download a PDF book of this guide at the top of this page!
Please send me any corrections/additions/clarifications, and enjoy!

50 comments:

The Nivekian Konsolate said...

I have an odd question... Of the Godzilla vs Megalon tapes, which one has a yellow top?

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

What I WANT to say is the Star Classics 1985 edition in the bright yellow box (that has Mechagodzilla on the front!), but I just bought one of those, and it came in the mail the other day with no top at all...this was a thing that super-cheap VHS companies did, especially early on, but I found it puzzling. Of course, it's entirely possible that it was available both ways.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

I looked at the Star Classics Megalon again last night, and it's definitely supposed to be like that--the notches for your thumb (the ones that are usually at the bottom of the spine on VHS tapes) are at the TOP...very weird.
So now my official guess for which Godzilla VHS has a yellow top is the Paramount 1994 MONSTER ZERO; it has a yellow top!

The Nivekian Konsolate said...

Much thanks for your reply. Most of my tapes are in storage and I only have pics of their tops. I will be able to get to them at the end of the month and verify your guess. Also, I will see if I have any that you are missing from this page.

ET13 PRODUCTION said...

You forgot Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla(1974) Anchor Bay release and the Godzilla vs Megalon(1973) Anchor Bay release is on the Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla (1975) Slide but thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for!! But also Are you preaty sure this is all of the VHS releases?

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

Thank you for pointing that out--I somehow had the Anchor Bay MEGALON in the MECHAGODZILLA slot--I have corrected this.

This is all that I know of, after several years of research...however, I should point out that just last week, I discovered the 2000 re-issue of FANTASTIC DINOSAURS OF THE MOVIES, with a Godzilla cover, that was only available in a 5-pack called DINOSAURS, which I added to this list. There could always be a couple more out there, but hopefully with feedback from readers like you, this list will be complete.

Also, at the bottom of the page is a link to download a much better-looking version of this guide, in PDF format!

Anonymous said...

Anchor Bay released two versions of their Godzilla set. One had Son of Godzilla and the other had Megalon. I've owned the Megalon variant for several years while a close friend owns the SOG version. Besides listing the unique movie in either version and the way the tapes are organized, the boxes are identical.

Anchor Bay's Canadian distributor, HGV, apparently couldn't get the rights to Ghidrah up north so they substituted Sea Monster. The box art is in the same Anchor Bay style (only with HGV information on the reverse) and the image of Ebirah is culled from the earlier Video Treasures release.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

Fascinating--thank you for your post. I've been paying more attention, and I'm actually seeing more of the MEGALON boxed sets on Ebay than the SON OF GODZILLA ones. It's interesting that the "mural" just shifts to the right or left, depending on which edition, but of course the opposite side's artwork has to be different too, to show the tape boxes. Thanks for turning me on to this variation! I'll include it in the above list.

Anonymous said...

Where is Godzilla 1998 at? Out of curiosity

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

It's in every thrift store and Goodwill that I've ever walked into!
Seriously, I left it out. Maybe time has been kind to that film, maybe not, but I've never seen it. I'm concentrating on only Toho films for this list!
Also, several updates are coming up--I keep finding more variations I didn't know about!

Unknown said...

I would just like to thank you for putting together this page.
I am on the home stretch of my Kaiju DVD collection and have just begun my Godzilla VHS collection within the last month!
This is a very helpful checklist for me and I appreciated your Goodwill Godzilla 1998 comment! Keep on!

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

Unknown: Thank you for your comments! I am very glad that it's helpful to you! That is my desire for all of this blog! I am going to add some new variants that I've found, and update the downloadable guide very soon!

Anonymous said...

Have you found out yet if that one Sea Monster tape is a boot or not? Same for the last tape for SoG?

ET13 PRODUCTIONS said...

Same here I've got all but about 5 Godzilla discs and I'm about half way done with my VHS collection.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

Anon: I do believe the Sea Monster tape is a boot; it's the only one I've ever seen in all my years of Ebay. It really should probably be removed, or separated!

The last Son of Godzilla tape is real--it's the Videoline (Beech) one, which appears to have perhaps been regional in their distribution, because they never come up. What's more, I found a direct copy of Videoline's GODZILLA vs SEA MONSTER where they only changed the logo (to Neon Video)...so what if they copied all of the Videoline tapes? That's bad.

ET13_PRODUCTIONS said...

When will this "update" be? I'm starting to collect the VHSs with a passion and I want to make sure i can get all of them. As of right now I'm missing 66 VHS tapes but if there is no then I can't wait.

ET13_PRODUCTIONS said...

Sorry that should say "if there is more then I can't wait"

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

After much delay, the page (and PDF guide) have been updated....and then updated again, to version 2.1, as I recently discovered a new video (Video Image's Ghidrah from 1987). Enjoy!

The Nivekian Konsolate said...

Just wanted to share a link to the filmogs database's godzilla VHS page. Nowhere near as much information as found here, but one could keep an eye on ii in case something pops up.
https://films.discogs.com/search?format=VHS&q=godzilla&sort=title%2Casc&type=release


PS this is the tape I had in storage; https://films.discogs.com/release/401995-godzilla-vs-megalon

Scott Andrew Hutchins said...

The Congress Video Gorath is in black and white. I rented it and returned it because the cover falsely said that it's in color.

Scott Andrew Hutchins said...

There is a New Agwe Video Popcorn Classics release of Godzilla vs. Megalon. When I can get it out of storage, maybe I'll remember to scan it for you. The title runs off the sides, unlike the Goodtimes version, but the print seems cleaner and brighter. The membranes under Megalon's wings look wetter and more organic.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@Scott Andrew Hutchins:
Thanks for the comments--I desperately need to update this page, and I'll add your info when I do. I sincerely want to see this MEGALON edition that you mention! I'd love to see photos of the front and back. I've recently discovered one by New Age Video that looks identical to the 1993 Alpha Video release (blue with a filmstrip cover) that I need to add to this page. But from your description, it sounds like yours uses the movie poster art?

Anonymous said...

I seem to remember a version of the GoodTimes Mothra with the red title having a version where there was a red border on the tape and I think the credits were on the front of the box? I may be wrong.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

Anonymous--you are a genius, and your memory is excellent.
Not only does the Mothra tape with the red border exist, but I have one on the way, and I'll get it added to the list.

It turns out, it's the original Columbia issue, which makes sense because THE H-MAN has the similar style. More info soon. Thanks for the tip!

Anonymous said...

i tried to get the PDF so I can print it out but it's not giving me access. Is it not publicly available anymore?

Unknown said...

I have the Cabadian Godzilla on Monster Island tape . It's a bit if a Scam really , the cover says Rare Widescreen version but it's just a fullscreen version with blackbars added , so your'e actually seeing even less than a regular fullscreen version.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@Unknown--thanks for the info! When it pops up it goes for a hundred bucks, so that's very disappointing. It certainly gives the impression of being the widescreen American version. Tell me, are the title cards correct? I'd like to add some info to the PDF guide. Thanks again!

By the way, I had someone say the guide wasn't accessible, but it's there and working. If anyone else has difficulty, let me know!

jrodkey said...

I just purchased a copy of Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster on Ebay with a very generic unrelated cover that was release by Foothill Video. I did some digging and found they pretty much used the same cover on all releases, at least the early versions of their releases. I'll be very curious to give this one a watch once I receive it.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...
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Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@jrodkey: I saw that too! I wasn't sure whether to add it to the list or not. (Foothill appears to have been one of those unofficial companies like Video Yesteryear--however some of that product did make it into retail stores.) I would be interested in knowing some details about the print when you get to watch it!

Unknown said...

I have a version of Destroy All Monsters on ADV with a red background instead of purple, which contains the same tape and is otherwise identical to the more common purple one. I've never seen another - do you know anything about this?

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@Unknown - I haven't seen one like that. I know this probably sounds obvious, but are the other colors on the cover the exact same? It's not faded from sunlight, in other words? I have seen some misunderstandings from stuff like that over the years. I'd love to see a scan so we could compare. If it were a promo of some kind, it should say so, somewhere on the box and/or tape.

Unknown said...

Sent to your email address.

Daniel DiManna said...

Hey there!

First off, I love this page! It’s been a hugely invaluable resource as I’ve built up my own kaiju VHS collection. Your hard work is incredibly appreciated!

Second, I stumbled across what looks like a European VHS release of the first two Hanna-Barbera Godzilla episodes on Amazon Japan. I didn’t see it in your list above , so I figured you’d want to know it existed (if you didn’t already)!

Here’s the link:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/Godzilla-VHS-Matthew-Broderick/dp/B00008T72R/ref=sr_1_84?__mk_ja_JP=カタカナ&dchild=1&keywords=ゴジラ+VHS&qid=1632827189&sr=8-84

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

Hi Daniel--I'm really glad to know this page has been a helpful resource for you! I don't really keep up with tapes that are outside of US release, but I am certainly always interested in seeing them, so thank you. That said, I saw a British GHIDRAH tape the other day that has to be the worst kaiju VHS artwork and presentation that I've ever seen. I need to do a post on it just for that reason!

Anonymous said...

Hello!

Thanks so much for posting this guide! It’s been very helpful with discovering different Godzilla VHS releases.

I’ve been looking into the Simitar 5 Rampaging Movies boxset. So, the “colorful” covers were released in SP, while the black box covers were released in EP. I know it stands for “standard” and “extended”, but what’s the real difference? Is it quality? Or was one version more standard for US releases? Which one came first, and why the change? Basically, I’m just trying to figure out the best option to go with! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Josh

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@MechaJoshZilla:
I'm glad this page has been helpful to you! To answer your question, there were actually 3 speeds back in the day, SLP (also known as EP), LP, and SP. It was rare to see a film released in the middle speed, but the other two were common. It came down to quality, with SP being the higher quality, and usually costing more. The EP speed became more of a "budget" price (and sometimes sold in different, "bargain" stores). All of Simitar's releases we are discussing came out simultaneously as far as I know, because they were capitalizing on the American 1998 film. Hope that helps!

Anonymous said...

It does, very much! Thank you!

JunkeonWedge said...

This is near-perfect and had been a valuable resource, but there is one thing missing, Something Weird’s release of Matango/Attack of the Mushroom People.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@JunkeonWedge - You know, that's a good point. Technically it's a bootleg, but I do have a few titles that weren't exactly retail material. Another good point is that it never had a retail release anyhow! I'll be glad to add it as an honorable mention!
Also, I haven't forgotten about the Megalon CD-ROM. I am still planning to get it uploaded shortly!

JunkeonWedge said...

I always thought of Something Weird and the like as an older and more obscure Shout Factory. Regardless of legal status, I didn’t realize it existed until I was near the “finish”(as I’ll probably keep stumbling across obscure releases) of compiling a list of releases I’d like to get and found it in a passing mention on a forum. Thanks on the Megalon update.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@JunkeonWedge - I do know what you mean; I patronized several of those companies too, and they were the best organized, and actually cared about the material! And I'll bet they are the only one that are still around!
By the way, Megalon CD-ROM is UP. Just go back to the original post! I'll leave it up a few weeks but then I'll need the space back. "Enjoy" ...isn't the right word!

josephac.1984 said...

Hello! I hope you are doing well.

I run an account called TokusatsuBTS on YouTube and Instagram.

I’ve recently had an idea for a video showcasing the guide for the various releases of “Godzilla” (1954) in America. Of course, that includes the various VHS & Laserdisc releases that are listed in your document. I’m wondering if you’d be willing to let me use this document for the information I need?

Please respond whenever you have the chance. Thank you and have a good day.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@josephac.1984 - You certainly can, all I'd ask is a credit or a link pointing folks to this blog. All of this info here is at your disposal. That's a great idea for a video. I'm actually getting close to launching the DVD portion of the guide very soon (page & downloadable PDF book), and Blu-ray will be next after that. Email me at samtheq@juno.com and I'll be happy to send you anything you can't find. Just going through my own info here for KING OF THE MONSTERS I see: VHS (11), Betamax (1), CED (1), Laserdisc (2), DVD-ROM (1), DVD (7), and Blu-Ray(I've found 3 so far)!

josephac.1984 said...

I actually did try to get a juno account, although for some reason it did not work. Is there any other alternate forms of communication besides this website and juno?

josephac.1984 said...
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JunkeonWedge said...

A while back, I was on either the Toho Kingdom or Wikizilla forums, and someone mentioned Sinister Cinema put out between 1 and 3 Godzilla films out on VHS. Probably Megalon due to its copyright troubles from the time, and I believe the others could have been Monster Island and Bionic Monster. Not entirely sure of those two as Sea Monster, Son, and Ghidrah were often released by public domain companies. I actually emailed Greg Luce who founded Sinister Cinema and he said that they’d sold 2 or 3 but had to stop when Toho straightened out the copyright around ‘94. Didn’t remember the titles, and the prints were probably sold off. I haven’t been able to find a full scan of a pre 1994 catalog or photo evidence of a tape. Have you heard of these releases? I my efforts to bring this up in Godzilla or tokusatsu groups has largely just been met with silence.

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@JunkeonWedge - I think there are two possibilities to solving that mystery. One being to dig through old magazines and magazine scans (I've looked through a handful of old FILMFAX issues this afternoon, where Sinister Cinema regularly ran ads, but haven't found anything). The second is to watch Ebay for an earlier SC catalog (some pre-1994 catalogs recently sold for $3.95 wouldn't you know it). The only Toho film I've been able to verify that they sold (so far) is the ghost-story film KWAIDAN. Anything is possible, but I would vote for SEA MONSTER and SON OF possibly being the other two, since they came straight to TV and never really got any releases at all until the Public Domain craphouses brought them back into the light of day.

Anonymous said...

Where can I send you some Godzilla tapes I found in the garage?

Sampoerna Quatrain said...

@Anonymous - that's very kind of you! Contact me at samtheq@juno.com and I'll send you my information!