A critically acclaimed installment in the legendary Kaiju saga, 2016`s Shin Godzilla, recently returned to American theaters with a newly remastered version featuring its original Japanese audio, English subtitles, and updated text cards. Following its theatrical run, this refreshed edition is set for a 4K Blu-ray release on October 28. This new 4K Blu-ray will come packed with never-before-seen special features and housed in a collector`s steelbook case, making it an essential addition for fans looking to own this unique take on the iconic monster.
The Shin Godzilla Steelbook Edition 4K Blu-ray includes the new 4K remaster alongside standard Blu-ray and digital download formats. A dedicated bonus disc offers extensive special features, detailed below. This three-disc set is presented in a stunning collectible Steelbook, featuring captivating cover and interior artwork depicting Godzilla`s menacing form unleashing its devastating atomic breath.
Shin Godzilla 4K Blu-ray Collector`s Editions
Beyond the Steelbook, two exclusive collector`s editions are available through the Godzilla Store, alongside other Shin Godzilla merchandise. The Shin Godzilla Collector`s Edition is a four-disc set that mirrors the Steelbook Edition`s video content but adds a unique black and white cut of the film and a booklet with behind-the-scenes notes translated into English for the first time. This comprehensive package is presented in a fold-out digipak box. An enhanced bundle also includes this Collector`s Edition plus a T-shirt featuring the film`s original theatrical poster art.
Shin Godzilla Steelbook Edition 4K Blu-ray Bonus Materials
All iterations of the new 4K Blu-ray release come with an additional disc brimming with special features. These include a “Making of Shin Godzilla” documentary, deleted scenes, and production materials that reveal the creation of the film`s special effects, among others. All bonus materials are presented in 1080p resolution:
- 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, creator of Evangelion, and Shinji Higuchi (Shin Ultraman), Shin Godzilla marked Japan`s first new Godzilla film since 2004`s Godzilla: Final Wars. It effectively reboots the franchise, returning the colossal monster to its roots as a destructive force of nature wreaking havoc on Tokyo. While drawing inspiration from the 1954 original, which used Godzilla as an allegory for nuclear devastation, Shin Godzilla reinterprets the monster as a metaphor for the 2011 earthquake, tsunamis, and subsequent Fukushima Nuclear Disaster that impacted Japan. It`s also notable for being, for now, the last film to employ practical effects for Godzilla, showcasing him in his most grotesque and monstrous form yet.
Upon its 2016 debut, Shin Godzilla garnered widespread critical acclaim, heralding the new “Reiwa Era” of Japanese Godzilla films. Initially conceived as a standalone movie, the production studio Toho has recently indicated plans for a sequel.
Toho followed Shin Godzilla with its next live-action film, Godzilla: Minus One, directed by Takashi Yamazaki. This movie is another separate reboot of the franchise, serving as a loose remake of the 1954 original. It centers on Koichi Shikishima, a Kamikaze pilot who witnesses Godzilla destroy his airbase, leaving him traumatized. Returning home after the war, he is ostracized, only for Godzilla to reappear and attack Japan as he attempts to rebuild his life.
Like Shin Godzilla, Godzilla: Minus One received high praise and even secured the franchise`s first-ever Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2023. A sequel is planned for 2026, marking a total of three distinct live-action Godzilla continuities, including Hollywood`s MonsterVerse series. Thankfully, with only one entry each so far, Shin Godzilla and Godzilla: Minus One are easy to catch up on. A novelization of Minus One, expanding on the film`s scenes, is also set to release on September 2.
Godzilla Reiwa Era Films and Related Media
- Shin Godzilla 4K Steelbook Edition | Releases October 28
- Godzilla: Minus One (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla: Minus One (Blu-ray)
- Godzilla: Minus One Novelization (Paperback) | Releases September 2
Fans of the Reiwa Era Godzilla films might also be interested in other projects connected to Shin Godzilla and Godzilla: Minus One. Notably, Hideaki Anno`s other “Shin” trilogy entries, Shin Kamen Rider and Shin Ultraman, offer modern reimaginings of these classic Tokusatsu heroes. Additionally, Toho`s sci-fi Godzilla Anime Trilogy reimagines the monster as an enormous planet-destroying titan, available for streaming. Toho was also involved in the live-action Monster Hunter film, known for its impressive monster effects despite mixed reception.
Hollywood Godzilla Films: The MonsterVerse and Beyond
The third major live-action Godzilla timeline is Legendary Pictures` MonsterVerse, which began in 2014 with Godzilla, directed by Gareth Edwards. This series has expanded to include films like Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Godzilla X Kong: New Empire. There`s also the TV series Monarch and a MonsterVerse graphic novel. With the next film, Godzilla X Kong: Supernova, slated for 2027, there`s ample time to catch up. A Godzilla x Kong MonsterVerse 5-Film 4K Blu-ray Collection offers a convenient way to experience the saga, with individual films also available.
It`s also worth mentioning Roland Emmerich`s 1998 Godzilla film, starring Matthew Broderick. While initially met with poor critical reception, it has since gained a cult following who appreciate its unique, “so-bad-it`s-good” take on the Japanese monster. The film is available on 4K Blu-ray. Despite the movie`s reception, this version of Godzilla spawned an animated cartoon series that ran for 40 episodes and is often considered a more enjoyable watch than the film itself. The complete animated series is available on DVD.
MonsterVerse and 1998 Godzilla Film Collections
- Godzilla x Kong MonsterVerse 5-Film Collection (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla – 2014 (4K Blu-ray)
- Kong: Skull Island (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla: King of the Monsters (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla vs. Kong (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire (4K Blu-ray)
- MonsterVerse: Declassified (Graphic Novel)
- Godzilla (1998) (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla: The Complete Animated Series (DVD)
Classic Toho Godzilla Blu-rays
Beyond the modern films, a vast library of classic Godzilla movies awaits, many of which have been re-released on Blu-ray. The definitive starting point is the 1954 original Godzilla, available in a Criterion Collection Edition on 4K or standard Blu-ray. The Criterion Collection also offers a comprehensive set of the Showa Era films, gathering all 15 Godzilla movies produced by Toho from 1954 to 1975. While these early films vary in quality and age, they offer a charming and often entertaining look at Godzilla`s origins.
Films from the subsequent eras—the Heisei Era (1984-1995) and the Millennium Era (1999-2004)—can be more challenging to find on Blu-ray, though classics like the Heisei Era`s Godzilla vs. Biollante and the Millennium Era`s Godzilla 2000 are available. Below is a selection of classic Godzilla films on Blu-ray:
Millennium Era (1999-2004)
- Godzilla 2000 (Blu-ray)
- Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) / Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (Blu-ray)
- Godzilla: Final Wars / Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (Blu-ray)
- Godzilla Vs. Destoroyah (1995) / Godzilla Vs. Megaguirus: The G Annihilation Strategy (Blu-ray)
Heisei Era (1984-1995)
- Godzilla vs. Biollante (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla vs. Biollante (Blu-ray)
- Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla II / Godzilla Vs. Spacegodzilla (Blu-ray)
Showa Era (1954-1975)
- Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films Collection, 1954-1975 (15 Movies)
- Godzilla – 1954 (4K Blu-ray)
- Godzilla – 1954 (Blu-ray)
Godzilla Library Collection Comics
While the films are the primary way to experience Godzilla, the giant lizard has also left its mark on numerous comic books and graphic novels over the years. Many of these stories are compiled in the expansive Godzilla Library Collections from IDW Comics.
This ongoing series of omnibus-sized paperback volumes aims to collect all the Godzilla comics published by IDW. These include some of the most highly regarded Godzilla narratives, such as James Stokoe`s visually stunning Godzilla: Half-Century War, featured in Godzilla Library Collection Vol. 1. Four volumes have been released to date, with Volume 5 slated for launch on November 18, and further installments planned.