This is a comparison between the US Version and the Japanese Version (both included on the German DVD released by Anolis).


- 145 differences with a difference in time of 350 seconds (= 5:50 minutes)
* 104 cuts in the US Version: 1212.7 seconds (= 20:13 minutes)
* 20 scenes with additional footage in the US Version: 862.5 seconds (= 14:23 minutes)

* 33 re-cuts
* 16 scenes with alternate footage/course of events

Background

The third Godzilla movie from 1962 was an exeptional one. Even though several alternate titles of later Kaiju-movies advertised a clash with the famous giant gorilla, only this one actually has the giant battle between Japan's most famous monster and the American King Kong. The basis for the movie was created by Willis O'Brien, the man who was responsible for the incredible stop-motion-effects of the 1933 King Kong. In the 50's, he was asked to do a sequel to the King Kong series. Originally, he planned to either have Frankenstein be the villain (which again is falsely advertised in several alternate titles for later Godzilla flicks) or one of his very own monster creations. After Hollywood execs didn't seem to be too eager to finance such a movie, producer John Beck contacted the Toho-studios - and things took their course.

When Warner and Universal purchased the rights of this Japan-made flick in order to release it in Western countries, they (as often) couldn't resist to to their very own version. The result, which was cut together for the American market by Thomas Montgomery, is quite different from Ishirô Honda's Japanese Version. Several scenes and plot elements were cut out. In return, they had a budget of $15000 which they used to shoot new scenes with American actors. Most of the time, these scenes revolve around unnecessary comments that needlessly explain what is happening. Additionally, they replaced Akira Ifukube's beautiful score with random music from the Universal archives.

While most of the other movies from the first Godzilla era were released in their original version with English subtitles in the course of years, King Kong VS Godzilla was for years was only released in its US Version in both the UK and the USA. The Japanese Version was only available in Japanese language and without subtitles.
In march/april 2013, two labels were there to help out. While the release by Dynasty pictures included the shortened German Version as well as the US Version with subtitles, the Anolis set (which is a part of the popular Kaiju Classics series) includes these two versions plus the original Japanese Version. The latter, however, is only included with the Japanese soundtrack and German subtitles. Still, in the history of the movie's release this is a huge step forward. And of course, reasons enough for us to present to you the detailed report about this classic!

The Japanese Version

In the booklet of the Anolis DVD there is talk of roughly 40 minutes of additional footage in the US Version, thus making it the Godzilla movie with the most extensive editing for Western audiences. However, the details about the difference in time are a little overstated... Still, the last statement could be true.

There are two very noticeable things.
ON the one hand, in the US Version there is an entirely new News/TV segment which gives the movie a pseudo-documental touch. They mostly used Western actors, which was probably supposed to be more appealing for local audiences. Additionally, there is some more background information about Godzilla, while other scenes just get explained via the TV segments. Especially the scenes that belong to the latter category are rather useless and at times even annoying, even though it was at times necessary because of the other alterations that were made. All in all, this slows the movie down at times. Moreover, the new scenes in the US Version sometimes are just stock footage, for example during the earthquake scenes towards the beginning of the movie. These sequences originate from Ishirô Honda's The Mysterians.
ON the other hand, the Japanese Version goes a little deeper into the storyline of Mr. Tako who is craving for better ratings as well as the relationship between Osamu's sister Fumiko and Fujita - most of the shortening in the US Version affected these storylines. In the case of Mr. Tako, this was probably done because comedy star Ichirô Arishima's performance is rather silly and overexcited. Western audiences often believe this to be too much for their target audience. However, the performance is not as over the top as several Hong Kong movies. Overall, the Japanese Version seems to have a better flow and also comes across as being more comprehensible, thanks to the deeper insight into the commercial perception of King Kong. The same goes for the more detailed relationship which was probably just toned down to make hte movie shorter. In any case, the events that lead to Fumiko and friends getting involved in the monster battle, are more understandable. Also, this side plot is not at tall distracting or bothering.

An essential feature that has to be regarded when comparing the two versions are the extensive re-cuts. Very often, it is not at all comprehensible what the editors were thinking. This makes it very confusing for viewers to keep track of what is happening where and when (maybe this is the reason why the Anolis booklet talks about a difference in time of 40 minutes). For this report we tried to establish a suitable marking via putting a colored frame around any scene that was recycled at other parts of the movie. However, none of these alterations is profoundly relevant. For example, via the earlier break-out of Godzilla in the US Version the movie probably tries to up the audience's expectations as soon as possible. At other times, the alteration of the order of sequences is probably supposed to make action-packed scenes more dramatic. The latter editing is not bad at times, but still comes across as being unneccessary.

A fact that won't and can't be mentioned any further in this report is the altered score. Instead of using Akira Ifukube's original music, the US Version uses archive material from Universal's catalog. Some of these tracks originate from The Creature from the Black Lagoon. In the end, this comes down to your personal taste, however, it would not be surprising if a lot of people will rather dislike this alteration.

A point which will be mentioned marginally throughout the report is the alteration of the meaning due to the dubbing. The US Version's translation in general is rather free (at least as far as we can tell from our the subtitles from the Anolis DVD which we can't compare to anything else), but every now and again characters talk about completely different things. One example would be the scene where Fumiko is looking for Fujita (which is in this report because it had been re-cut). In the Original Version she hears about a naval accident and we already heard that he is on the high sea. For whatever reason they in the US Version turned this into an air crash.

Overall, the US Version is not entirely useless, however, fans should favor the Japanese Version. The sad thing is that the quality of this version is much worse in comparison to the Universal master which was used for the Anolis/Dynasty Film releases. This is not at all Anolis' fault, since the Japanese DVD by Toho has the exact same quality (see the comparison of the image quality). It seems as if the studio does not have a better version of the movie.



Time designation are given as follows:
US Version / Japanese Version

Credits
00:00-01:05 / 00:00-01:27

Different logos / credits

Japanese Version 21.5 sec longer

US Version	Japanese Version

Alternate (Additional Footage US Version / Cut in the US Version) + Recut
01:28-04:35 / 01:50-06:31

After the identical voyage to earth, the versions already differ resp. the actual beginning of the movie is completely different.

US Version

The US Version starts with the news read by „United Nations Reporter“ Cater.

First, he reports about a huge earthquale in Chile the UN has already organized transports of relief supplies for. A life connection to Rodrigo Infanta, who reports about the arrival of the supplies and he also expresses the gratefulness of the Chilean President.
Back at the studio, he elaborates a strange incident near Bering Sea. Icebergs break away and float in the direction of Japan. The regurlarly cold current is oddly warm. The UN have sent the submarine Seahawk on recon mission in that region, onboard of the sub are several renowned scientists.
The last issue Carter mentions are berries discovered by Japanese Nobel Price winner Akiro Markino that are supposed to be used as medication in the field of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, these berries only grow on an island and the natives don’t want to share because they need the fruit to make a juice for their divinity.

(186.6 sec)

Japanese Version

The Japanese Version starts with the TV show. The head of the marketing department of a pharmaceutical company, Mr. Tako, is watching the show without any real highlights. He appears to be gloomy (his company is the sponsor of the show).
Tako yells “Hey you”, one lady turns around but he wasn’t talking to her. He calls Obashi over. Obashi would like to finish his meal first but Tako makes it perfectly clear that, if he finished his meal, he’d be done as well. Obashi approaches the head of the department and is being asked why that show is supported by the company. The ratings are lousy and the creators obviously don’t have a single clue what the audience wants.
While Tako is talking himself into a rage, the phone rings. The head of the company is at the end of the other phone and he makes the same critical comments about the quality of the show. An apology is being demanded. At first, Tako doesn’t recognize the voice on the phone and asks for his name. When he finally realizes he’s been talking to his boss all along, he becomes very sheepish.

Back to the show with a report about mysterious incident in the Bering Sea. Immediate cut from the submarine to that spot.

The part in the colored box will also be in the US Version later on (please check 07:44-09:29 / 11:04).


A commercial for Pacific Pharmaceuticals follows – obviously, Osamu Sakurai could have done a better job. When his friend Kinzaburo arrives and asks him during the break why Osamu, who is the director of photography, is doing the acting part as well. Osamu explains the original actor couldn’t make it. Kinzaburo drags him away because the head of the company had a special assignment for Osamu: making sure the ratings will rise again. Furthermore, Osamu is supposed to meet Dr. Makioka who found something huge on some distant island.

(281.5 sec)

Japanese Version 94.9 sec longer



Additional Footage US Version
06:25-06:31 / 08:21

The US Version contains an additional shot of the city in daylight (archive material).

+ 6.7 sec

Cut US Version
06:35 / 08:25-09:25
The scene at the Sakurai house starts earlier. Osamu comes in and calls his sister’s name but she isn’t there and she hasn’t cooked anything either. He rushes over to the neighbor apartment and finds her there with her boyfriend Fujita. While Fumiko is leaving to the kitchen, Sakurai sits next to Fujita and he explains they didn’t do anything. Then Osama takes a napkin and wipes red lipstick from Fujita’s face.

60 sec

Cut US Version
07:21 / 10:11-10:41

The medium long shot is longer, then further shots with the continuing conversation before the steak on the plate.
Fujita says he was going to be off to the sea the next day to figure out how the silk floss is doing when the conditions are quite rough. Osamu believes it was about for a farewell celebration and mentions that he was going to go on an expedition as well in order to find the “Demon God”. That sounds much more exciting than Fujita’s reason to leave which he also mentions subsequently.

30.2 sec

Additional Footage US Version / Recut
07:44-09:29 / 11:04
After the conversation, the US Version goes on with an exsterior shot, followed by Carter on the radio making contact with Seahawk. While the submarine can be seen once, the commander on board – Commander Roberts – gets in touch from the off. Omura chimes in in the conversation as well.
Now the within the colored box mentioned submarine scenes already mentioned during the first difference (no screens).

+ 104.9 sec (with 37 sec exclusive footage)

The versions are back in sync with the announcement of the current water depth (resp. this is the first shot after Osama mentioned the submarine in the Japanese Version while the US Version only contains the posterior part of a longer submarine sequence).




Cut US Version
09:58 / 11:33-13:13

Before the iceberg cracks, only the Japanese Version shows the sideplot with Osamu hitting the road.
Of course, Mr. Tako wants to make a huge event out of it. As a result, a huge banner adverts to the “Wonder of the World-Series-Departure-Celebration of the Overseas Expedition”. Osama mentions to Kinzaburo that a trip with two people was not exactly an expedition. Mr. Tako approaches and speaks aboput the high ratings he’s going to have because of them.
On the party itself, Osamu asks Fumiko if she had heard any news from her fiancéwho’s been at sea for five days at that point.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tako talks to Obayashi, one of his staff members. He tells Mr. Tako any news reporter had already left. Mr. Tako reacts in anger.

100 sec

Cut US Version
10:13 / 13:28

The underwater shot is slightly longer in the Japanese Version.

0.6 sec



Recut
10:43-10:45 / 13:59

Only in the US Version, another sailor already reports further damage (please see the next difference).

+ 1.4 sec



Cut US Version
10:55 / 14:09-14:13

Extended shot.
Now the sailor in the Japanese Version as well.

3.5 sec



Cut US Version
11:07 / 14:25-14:32

Extended shot of Captain Roberts speaking resp. he asks for a repetition of the statement.

6.7 sec

Cut US Version
11:21 / 14:45-14:51

The distance shot is longer as well which means more panic on board.

5.3 sec

Cut US Version
11:24 / 14:54-14:55

Another trivially extended shot in the Japanese Version.

1.6 sec




Cut US Version
11:26 / 14:57-15:10

Another distance shot and the damage on the submarine, followed by two shots on the high seas.

12.4 sec

The Japanese Version immediately continues with Osamu’s and Kinzaburo’s arrival on the island. The US Version contains the previously-described block of scenes. Parts of it also appear in the Japanese Version later on (text in a box with a colored frame again). But a lot of scenes are exclusively in the US Version, too.


Recut + Additional Footage US Version
11:26-16:05 / 15:10

The US Version already shows Godzilla escape here. Also later in the Japanese Version but in different order, please see 23:23-26:45 / 22:40-28:41. To be more specific: any scene in the colored frame remains within this block of scenes – the details can be found below when it actually takes place.


A comment of Carter follows. Now, he mentions Godzilla for the very first time and it’s being explained to the audience.



The now in the US Version following scene is after Godzilla’s escape in the Japanese Version.


Omura critically reports about the destruction and tries to calm down the audience. More chaos on the TV screen in the meantime.


The beginning of the following scene is longer in the Japanese Version (after Dr. Shigezawa’s comment) than it is later in the US Version.


Finally another shot of the high seas.

+ 279.4 sec (with 78 sec exclusive footage)

Cut US Version
16:09 / 15:13-15:18

Extended shot of screaming Konno.

4.6 sec


Re-cut
16:13-16:17 / 15:22

Shortly afterwards, the rest of the shot which has just been removed is now shown almost completely in the US version, too.

+ 3.5 sec



Cut in the US Version
16:19 / 15:24-15:26

Osamu and Kinzaburo, looking doubtful, are shown a bit longer.

1.6 sec



Re-cut
16:23-17:04 / 15:30

Some scenes of the undisturbed life on the island were already used at this point (see 18:16 / 16:48-17:30).

+ 40.7 sec



Re-cut
17:49-17:54 / 16:15-16:23

At first, the Japanese version has Konno yielding and then the natives running towards the team.
The US version begins with the shot of the natives and splits it in half, by showing Konno yielding in between, which fits a little bit better this way. But they also shortened this sequence a little bit when they put it together.

JP 2.8 sec longer



Cut in the US Version
18:09 / 16:38-16:41

The people run insignificantly longer.

3.5 sec




18:16 / 16:48-17:30

The shot of the island, which could already be seen 90 seconds earlier in the US version, also comes up now in the Japanese version.

42 sec



Cut in the US Version
18:34 / 17:48-17:49

One shot insignificantly longer; the native in the background makes a face.

0.5 sec



Cut in the US Version
21:50 / 21:04-21:06

The shot begins slightly earlier, before the lightning strikes.

1.7 sec



Cut in the US Version
23:09 / 22:25-22:26

The natives pray insignificantly longer.

1 sec



Alternative (Additional footage in US version / Cut in the US Version) + Re-cut
23:23-26:45 / 22:40-28:41

Between the shots on the island, the course of action differs completely for a few minutes in the two versions and there are some exclusive scenes to be found, while sometimes only the chronology of scenes is different.

US Version

At first, the archive footage of the city during daylight again.
The part with the colored frame was already used at this point; it comes up later in the Japanese version (see 41:51 / 45:03-45:33).


After that follows a longer cluster of additional news scenes with Omura and Carter. The latter has a guest: Dr. Johnson, who explains the background of Godzilla with a dinosaur picture book. He says that it's a hybrid between a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Stegosaurus. Even an exceptionally long hibernation is possible, in connection to a frog recently found in Mexico. Johnson thinks that Godzilla will return to Japan, because there they found some fossils and it may well be that he sees it as is home. Moreover, Godzilla is probably scared of electricity, but Johnson isn't quite sure about that – in any case, he thinks that an atom bomb would definitely be more destructive than the monster itself.

After he has assured the viewers that Dr. Johnson will stay in the studio for more questions, Carter goes on with reports from Japan, according to which screams of a gigantic creature could be heard during the expedition on Faro. They zoom in on a still frame on a TV screen and after that, the versions are in sync again when the movie goes on with the events on the island.

(201.6 sec (thereof exclusive: 172 sec))

Japanese Version

Starting with a lion on TV, there's a scene in the home of the Sakurais, which is completely missing in the US version. Fumiko is worried; Tami wants to calm her.

At sea, we see Fujita talking with the captain. He's informed that they have to turn back and he shows a photo of Fumiko, who he thinks will be disappointed about his uneventful trip.
Suddenly, they see the iceberg with yellow smoke (and later Godzillla) coming out of it.

Several scenes with Godzilla breaking free follow; he goes ashore and destroys the military base. This already came up earlier in the US version, sometimes with a different chronology (see 11:26-16:05 / 15:10); additional alterations were already described there.
While Akihiko Hirata gets to say something immediately after Godzilla broke free form the ice in the US version, this happens only after he has destroyed the military base in the Japanese version. Initially, there are four additional introductory shots, which weren't mentioned above due to the quite difficult classification : newspapers with Godzilla on the title page are being printed and the agency is shown.

Immediately after that comes Mr. Tako's reaction to Godzilla; this also the end of this cluster of scenes. It's clearly longer in the Japanese version. The US version begins with him sitting there, while the Japanese version has him complaining in front of his employes and tearing up some newspaper articles about Godzilla, first.

(361.6 sec)

JP 159 sec longer




Cut in the US Version
27:28 / 29:24-29:27

Osamu nags at Kinzaburo a bit longer.

3 sec

Cut in the US Version
28:29 / 30:28-30:30

Kinzaburo fumbling around a little longer with the iguana is shown insignificantly earlier.

2.4 sec


Cut in the US Version
28:56 / 30:58-31:00

The heaven is shown a bit earlier before the lightning.

2.3 sec



Cut in the US Version
28:57 / 31:01-31:05

The shot is longer and the camera moves down – this was shortened and reinserted into the US version at a later point.

3.9 sec



Cut in the US Version
29:18 / 31:26-31:29

Kinzaburo complains in an additional shot.

2.8 sec

Cut in the US Version
29:26 / 31:37-31:41

Konno speaks a little bit longer.

It has to be considered that he used the language of the natives before in the Japanese version, when he was talking to the little boy. First, he tells Osamu now in this removed part what he had said there. Before, he just said it in English in the US version , so there was no need for an explanation..

4.6 sec

Cut in the US Version
31:06 / 33:22-33:30

Konno and Osamu set out before the upset natives are shown.

8.6 sec

Cut in the US Version
31:27 / 33:51-33:54

Kinzaburo fumbles around a little longer with his shoes.

3.2 sec

Re-cut
33:18-33:21 / 35:45

At 28:57 / 31:01-31:05 just being the rest of a shot, this was played backwards here and used again in a slightly shorter way in the US version.

+ 2.5 sec



Re-cut
36:09-36:11 / 38:33

A shot of Kong getting sleepy was already used at this point in the US version.

+ 2.1 sec



Cut in the US Version
36:13 / 38:35-38:39

...and comes up in the Japanese version after the shot of the drummer, only a little bit longer.

3.6 sec



Cut in the US Version
36:51 / 39:17-39:21

Another shot of the natives dancing in front of Kong.

3.8 sec

Cut in the US Version
36:56 / 39:26-39:28

An additional shot of some dancing native girls.

2 sec

Cut in the US Version
37:06 / 39:38-39:42

Again the tribe, dancing.

4.3 sec

Cut US Version
37:37 / 40:13-40:20

Ditto – with Kong in the background.

7 sec

Cut US Version
37:58 / 40:41-40:44

More dancing again.

3 sec

Cut US Version
38:00 / 40:46-40:49

Same here before Kinzaburo addresses Osamu with fear.

2.6 sec



Cut US Version
38:08 / 40:57-41:02

And here we go.

5.4 sec



Cut US Version
38:25 / 41:19-41:24

Extended shot of whining Kinzaburo.

The dialog is different here, as well. In the Japanse Version, Osamu tells him a raft should be build before the cut. In the cut scene, Kinzaburo stutters in fear while he’s pointing at King Kong. He asks if Osamu actually wanted to get that thing across the entire Pacific.

5.2 sec

Alternate (Additional Footage US Version / Cut US Version )
38:34-40:19 / 41:33-42:30

Before the shot of Kong on the raft, the versions continue differently one more time.

In the US Version, the current events around Omura are being summarized. Then Johnson explains the size of King Kong could be the result of a nuclear contamination of the air. Moreover, he says King Kong had a much bigger brain and he assumes he was going to destroy him in a direct confrontation.
According to Omura, Godzilla is on his way to Japan now. Omura is not happy about it of course and yet he still says King Kong wouldn’t get the chance to destroy Tokyo.

(105.1 sec)

Enthusiastic Mr. Tako in the Japanese Version now. He’s excited because the newspapers only report about King Kong but not about Godzilla anymore. Obashi says one didn’t have to advertise anymore which Tako angrily rejects of course. His assistant is supposed to get a chopper because they are leaving soon. While he gets dressed for the expedition in the next room, his associates assume he wants to go full throttle in front of his house and that’s why he’s full of energy.

(57.3 sec)

US Version 47.8 sec longer




Cut US Version
40:35 / 42:47-43:01
Inside the ship, Osamu says they were almost in Japan and Kinzaburo, who’s still afraid, tells him not to be such a wuss. Subsequently, a guy informs that a visitor for Osamu was arriving by chopper. Finally a shot of Mr. Tako being let down the chopper.

14 sec

Recut
40:37-40:40 / 43:03

The shot of Osamu and Kinzaburo on deck gets only interrupted in the US Version in order to add the previously removed shot of Tako being let down the chopper here.

+ 2.3 sec




Cut US Version
41:43 / 44:07-44:55

Mr. Tako goes in the cabin, there’s some talk about advertising strategies. Tako wants to make the ape laugh for a picture. As advertising pitch, he wants “I’m going to take down Godzilla in my sleep because I get my medication from Pacific pharmaceuticals”.
After some more small talk, Mr. Tako mentions a battle ship while he’s looking outside the window. Then the other guys have a look as well.

48.7 sec

41:51 / 45:03-45:33

The scenes on high seas are interrupted by another scene which was approx. 20 minutes ago in the US Version.
Tami appoaches Fumiko and points out the newspaper article about a ship accident (while it was a plane crash in the US Version!) probably caused by Godzilla because the ship got swallowed by a superhuge wave. Tami talks her into hitting the road to get more information.

The US Version on the other hand contains a smooth transition from the previous sea shot to the following conversation inside the ship.

29.7 sec

As a result, Fumiko is travelling to Hokkaido because a plane crash / ship accident – depending on the version. Fujita’s explanation differs, too: in the US Version, he missed the flight while he jumped ship and returned home in the Japanese Version (has also been implied within the block of scenes at 23:23-26:45 / 22:40-28:41).



Additional Footage US Version
42:37-42:41 / 46:19

And again the high-angle shot of the city (already seen several times now).

+ 3.8 sec



Cut US Version
44:17 / 47:55-48:03

Extended profile shot of the train.

7.3 sec

Alternate (Additional Footage US Version / Cut US Version ) + Recut
44:21-45:22 / 48:07-48:16

The version continue differently again before Godzilla approaches the tracks.

In the US Version, Omura takes action again. He reports about the preparations made in Japan. Furthermore, every nation has agreed to supply soldiers and arms. Introductory to the next scene - approx. 5 minutes later in the Japanese Version (please see 49:16 / 52:38-53:34) – there are two additional shots of someone getting out of a car in front of a building.


Finally two air-to-air shots that actually don’t belong here either (please see the next difference 45:33 / 48:27-48:54):


(60.3 sec (with 30.1 sec exclusive footage))

The Japanese Version contains different scenes at HQ. A soldier reports Godzilla had passed Sendai at 2015 and he was now moving south.

(9.7 sec)

US Version 50.6 sec longer




45:33 / 48:27-48:54

The next difference after the shot of Godzilla: the Japanese Version shows the next meeting at HQ here. Shinzu announces his battle plan. Almost ten minutes later in the US, shortened though (please see 54:55-56:02 / 60:30-61:19).
Then the two air-to-air shots from the block of scenes in the US Version.

26.5 sec




Cut US Version
48:06 / 51:26-51:27

Fujita slightly longer.

0.7 sec




Cut US Version
48:22 / 51:43-51:46

Additional shot Fujita at the wheel.

3.6 sec

Recut
49:10-49:12 / 52:34

Fujita and Fumiko in the car (only in the US Version).

+ 2.4 sec




Cut US Version
49:16 / 52:38-53:34
Now the very same shot in the Japanese Version as well after the shot of Godzilla, but way longer here. Fumiko is pretty whiny and Fujita tries to cheer her up.
Now the meeting with General Shinzu (already described in detail at 44:21-45:22 / 48:07-48:16 in the US Version).

55.7 sec

Alternate (Additional Footage US Version / Cut US Version ) + Recut
51:39-51:58 / 55:57-57:14

Of course: after King Kong got free, the US Version goes on with another news report. Omura explains the current situation one more time.
Subsequently Mr. Tako and the other breaking through a roadblock.

(18.9 sec (with 12.3 sec exclusive footage))

The Japanese Version shows several if construction work instead. Then General Shinzu with a battle plan – a part of that scene is also in the US Version, please check 54:55-56:02 / 60:30-61:19. There are only two missing shots in between, the last 30 seconds remains exclusively in the Japanese Version so far… but then has been re-insert in another block of scenes at 56:20-56:42 / 61:48. Most of the footage has simply been recycled. Screenshots only for the very few new footage. Anyway, the announcement that gas is lead into the rivers and toxic gas will be administered at Godzilla’s arrival is being made here.

The remaining part is within the following block of scenes at 61:26-62:42 / 66:47-67:27 in the US Version:
Another soldier rushes over and reports King Kong’s current position. Then Kong stepping on two houses etc.

(76.9 sec)

Japanese Version 58 sec longer




52:16 / 57:32-57:37
After the very same shot of the car radio, now the breaking through the roadblock shot in the Japanese Version.

5 sec




Alternate (Cut US Version / Recut)
52:44-52:49 / 58:05-58:19

In the US Version, the soldiers already get armed here – in the Japanese Version at 54:55-56:02 / 60:30-61:19.
The Japanese Version shows different shots of the soldiers in the field tracking down Mr. Tako and his entourage in order to run them off – missing in the US Version.

Japanese Version 9.6 sec longer

Recut
53:07-53:10 / 58:37-58:40

In the middle of the shot of Tako and the others, the US Version cuts to Godzilla. In the Japanese Version, the shot of Godzilla is subsequent to the one of Tako and the others.

no difference




Cut US Version
53:22 / 58:53-58:54

Extended shot of King Kong approaching Godzilla.

1 sec


Cut US Version
53:29 / 59:01-59:03

Extended shot of posing King Kong.

2.2 sec



Recut
53:46-53:57 / 59:20

The shot of Tako and the others making a wager is earlier in the US Version – between two battle scenes.

+ 10.9 sec




Schnitt in der US-Fassung
54:11 / 59:34-59:35
Tako and the others slightly longer.

1 sec



54:28 / 59:52-60:03

After King Kong looked at his belly wound, the Japanese Version continues with the above-mentioned wager scene. Except the dialog is different in the Original Version resp. the coin tossing is not being commented here. Mr. Tako only says it couldn’t be.

11.3 sec



Alternate (Additional Footage US Version / Cut US Version ) + Recut
54:55-56:02 / 60:30-61:19

After our two monsters encountered, only the US Version contains a scene with Carter commenting the next steps.


A smooth transition to the battle plan schematic follows. This shot actually belongs to the block of scenes at 55:57-57:14. The colored frame contains information about this montage with an entirely different order.


(67.3 sec (with 18.4 sec exclusive footage))

Several shots of power poles and the military in the Japanese Version.
Then the short shot of the soldiers getting armed – 52nd minute in the US Version.
Subsequently, the minister is being questioned by reporters in the field.

Both scenes (before and after the mentioned shot of the soldiers) are also in the US Version – please see 59:16-60:38 / 64:21-65:47.

(48.9 sec)

US Version 18.4 sec longer



Cut US Version
56:13 / 61:30-61:41

Two more shots of the construction work. The following shot of Godzilla starts earlier, too.

10.9 sec


Alternate
56:13-56:20 / 61:41-61:48

Those following shot of Godzilla has been edited as well: only the US Version shows the footage through binoculars in order to make it fit the previous shot of Shinzu with binoculars.

no difference

US Version	Japanese Version

Recut
56:20-56:42 / 61:48

Mega-Recut: now the scene of block from the US Version at 51:39-51:58 / 55:57-57:14 and 54:55-56:02 / 60:30-61:19 / 56:13 / 61:30-61:41 in an entirely twisted order.
First, the shot of the hill above the heads of the soldiers and Dr. Shigezawa, followed by the tracking shot to Shinzu on the hill. Then an high-angle shot in which explosives are being attached. Last but not least, two high-angle shot of cranes and the construction.

+ 21.7 sec




Alternate
58:22-58:25 / 63:28-63:30

The US Version shows the crumbling mountain, the Japanese Version a further shot of the soldiers.

US Version 1.2 sec longer

US Version	Japanese Version

Alternate (Additional Footage US Version / Cut US Version ) + Recut
59:16-60:38 / 64:21-65:47

Further comments of Omura in the US Version. He tells them that high-voltaged wires were being built aroung Tokyo. Dr. Johnson confirms Godzilla is reluctant to the wires for some reason while King Kong doesn’t care about them at all. Carter interrupts them because the news reporter says they were going to the North Western border where Dr. Shigezawa is inspecting the barricade at the very moment.

The following colored-framed scene are also in the Japanese Version as part of the montage at 54:55-56:02 / 60:30-61:19.

What follows now is the beginning of the mentioned montage in the Japanese Version.

(82.1 sec (with 52.5 sec exclusive footage))

Shinzu on the phone in the Japanese Version. He learns that the trap on the ground had failed and King Kong was on his way to Tokyo plus evacuation measures.
Also in the US Version at 61:26-62:42 / 66:47-67:27.

Now a longer scene with Fumiko and the others of which the US Version only contains a small part and the end, the beginning is entirely missing. Please see 63:11-63:28 / 68:15.
She doesn’t want to be evacuated because, contrary to a typhoon for instance, there is no safe place as long as Godzilla and King Kong are on the loose. Osamu says to Fujita he should make that clear to her with more determination. Fujita on the other hand is a little down and says he wanted to stick with Fumiko under any circumstances. Osamu is bugged by that mushiness and he’s also proven right when he hears the announcement that Godzilla is coming closer to Tokyo.


(86.1 sec)

Japanese Version 4 sec longer




Cut US Version
60:46 / 65:55-66:05

Extended shot of rampaging Godzilla, then a first shot of Shinzu and Dr. Shigezawa plus repetitive shots of the power poles.

9.4 sec

Cut US Version
60:50 / 66:08-66:10

Shinzu slightly longer.

1.4 sec



Cut US Version
60:58 / 66:18-66:19

Godzilla earlier before he attacks the electric wires.

1.4 sec



Alternate (Additional Footage US Version / Cut US Version ) + Umschnitt
61:26-62:42 / 66:47-67:27

The US Version now shows a few scenes from earlier in the Japanese Version.

Dr. Shigezawa says Godzilla retreats – only a small part of the shot here which is also in the Japanese Version – please see further below.

Another scene has been brought forward:


Now a part of the montage at 59:16-60:38 / 64:21-65:47.

Finally:

Also very short but not that coherent in the Japanese Version and colored for that reason:

(75.7 sec (with no exclusive footage))


Basically, the Japanese Version starts with the same shot but the beginning and end is longer. Instead, Dr. Shigezawa also says here that one couldn’t be sure about Godzilla but King Kong was coming closer.
Now the very same shot with the people in the fore- and Kong in the background – earlier in the US Version within the montage. Osamu, Tako and the others are in crowd, too. It’s getting wild. A strategy to fight the monsters is being discussed.

(39.4 sec)

US Version 36.3 sec longer




Cut US Version
62:51 / 67:36-67:38

Shinzu and the others slightly longer.

2.1 sec



62:52 / 67:39-67:44

Now the last box with colored frame from the previous block of scenes in the Japanese Version when King Kong is stepping on houses again.

4.4 sec




Alternate / Cut US Version
62:56-62:58 / 67:48-67:53

Shinzu and the others again in the US Version (probably a shot used twice, no screens). The Japanese Version shows Osamu instead. He films enthusiasticly while startled Kinzaburo tries to talk Tako into going home.

Japanese Version 3 sec longer

Cut US Version
63:01 / 67:56-68:05

Tako again who looks pretty impressed. Furthermore, another shot of gnawing Kong which most likely has only been removed for continuity reasons.

9.2 sec

Recut
63:11-63:28 / 67:56-68:05

Now parts of the end of Fumiko’s conversation with Fujita and Osamu in the US Version. Fumiko is supposed to obey evacuation procedure.
Already seen in the Japanese Version within the block of scenes at 59:16-60:38 / 64:21-65:47. It’s more detailed in the Japanese Version though.

+ 16.2 sec




Cut US Version
67:18 / 72:05-72:12

Fujita‘s overacting screaming attack is longer in the Japanese Version plus a first shot of Osamu and Kinzaburo.

7.1 sec

Cut US Version
68:06 / 73:00-73:05

Extended shot of King Kong holding Fumiko in his hand.

4.4 sec

69:15 / 74:14-74:19

King Kong longer. He’s getting sleepy – re-insert after the recut to Osamu in the US Version.

5.2 sec



Recut
69:22-69:29 / 74:26

Now in the US as well. Subsequent to that, the shot from approx. 1 minute ago (the speakers get positioned) has simply been recycled.

+ 7.3 sec



69:54 / 74:51-74:54

Missing tracking shot of Shinzu and Tako in between.

2.8 sec



Recut
70:00-70:03 / 75:00

… but it has been re-insert as intercut to a longer shot of Kong in the US Version.

+ 2.7 sec



Cut US Version
70:11 / 75:08-75:11

King Kong slightly earlier.

2.7 sec


Cut in the US Version
70:16 / 75:16-75:17

Ditto.

1.5 sec



Cut in the US Version
70:27 / 75:28-75:30

He stumbles a little earlier and thus turns for the first time.

1.7 sec



Cut in the US Version
70:38 / 75:41-75:43

When he sits he's shown a little earlier, too.

2.3 sec



Cut in the US Version
70:57 / 76:02-76:04

Fumiko is shown in Kong's hand a little earlier before he drops her.

1.9 sec



Cut in the US Version
71:08 / 76:15-76:16

Towards the middle, the shot was shortened a little bit so that Fujiat comes comes out from behind Kong's hand a little earlier, carrying Fumiko.

1.1 sec



Cut in the US Version
71:10 / 76:18-76:20

Osamu and Kinzaburo are shown earlier.

1.4 sec



Cut in the US Version
71:12 / 76:22-76:24

They are also shown a little longer. The following shot of Fujita running away starts slightly earlier.

2.6 sec



Cut in the US Version
71:17 / 76:29-76:30

Another rather irrelevant cut.

1.2 sec



73:48 / 79:01-79:04

A shot from above...

2.6 sec



Recut
73:50-73:53 / 79:06

...which was cut back into the US Version moments later.

+ 2.6 sec




75:17 / 80:30-80:37

Right during that shot Fujita asks the pilot when they will arrive at the Fujiyama. In the US Version, this follows a little later (see next cut).

6.4 sec



Alternativ + Additional Footage US Version + Recut
75:27-75:44 / 80:47-81:03

In the US Version you see a longer additional shot of the city from above (probably stock footage again). Then we see the rest of the shot of Fujita and the pilot, which was just cut out.

(17.1 sec (davon exklusiv: 10.9 sec))

The Japanese Version instead already shows Tako and and the others, as well as Dr. Shigezawa and the minister driving to scene of events. This is shown later in the US Version (see next cut).
Right during this scene there is another cut, since the Japanese Version shows the first shot of the cars 5 sec earlier (the images below only show this sequence).

(16.2 sec)

US Version 0.9 sec longer.




Additional Footage US Version + Recut + Cut in the US Version
75:49-76:05 / 81:08-81:10

After fading to black, the US Version shows an additional stock footage sequence of the Fujiyama, followed by the car scenes of Tako/the minister.
In the Japanese Version, the following shot of King Kongs is slightly longer towards the beginning (not illustrated below).

US Version 14 sec longer.

Cut in the US Version
76:12 / 81:17-81:18

King Kong shudders slightly longer.

1 sec


Cut in the US Version
76:18 / 81:24-81:25

King Kong is shown slightly longer.

1 sec


Cut in the US Version
76:55 / 82:02-82:03

The beautiful and trashy glissade of King Kong is a little longer – the shot towards the beginning was cut for the US Version.

1 sec


Cut in the US Version
77:21 / 82:29-82:30

King Kong is shown a little longer before he goes behind the rock.

1.2 sec



Cut in the US Version
78:34 / 83:43-83:44

Basically this is just another small cut, however, it's worth mentioning and showing via a screenshot (even though it does not represent the scene in its full glory): The shot is longer and King Kong kicks the rock towards Godzilla.

1.2 sec

Cut in the US Version
79:01 / 84:11

King Kong is shown slightly longer.

0.5 sec


Additional Footage US Version
79:04-79:05 / 84:14

A pretty long framecut in the Japanese Version just before King Kong attacks.

+ 1 sec




Cut in the US Version
79:33 / 84:42-84:44

King Kong beats his chest a little longer.

2 sec

Cut in the US Version
79:42 / 84:53-84:54

In the Japanese Version King Kong lunges out a little longer (just like a professional shot-putter) before his hilarious salto-throw-move.

1.1 sec


Additional Footage US Version
79:49-79:51 / 85:01

Another framecut in the Japanese Version when King Kong regains consciousness after his downfall.

+ 1.6 sec



Cut in the US Version
80:01 / 85:11-85:12

King Kong lies on the floor slightly longer.

1 sec



Cut in the US Version
80:51 / 86:03-86:07

King Kong slumps down. Then you see the sky.

4.2 sec

Recut
80:56-80:58 / 86:12

Moments later, the US Version shows the shot of the sky.

+ 1.5 sec



Cut in the US Version
81:06 / 86:20-86:21

King Kong is shown slightly longer.

0.5 sec


Cut in the US Version
81:24 / 86:39

King Kong is shown slightly earlier...

0.5 sec


Cut in the US Version
81:27 / 86:42-86:43

...and longer.

1 sec



Additional Footage US Version
81:41 / 86:57

Just after the pilot said that a storm front formed, the US Version shows the shot of a lightning again (probably as means of veryfying the pilot's statement); thus, the shot of the helicopter gets interrupted.

+ 0.6 sec

Cut in the US Version
82:03 / 87:19-87:20

Before Kong gets up, he's shown slightly earlier.

1 sec



Cut in the US Version
82:39 / 87:56-88:00

Another shot of the helicopter is missing in the US Version.

4.1 sec

Cut in the US Version
83:04 / 88:24-88:26

After Godzilla was thrown on the ground, there's a short missing shot of King Kong.

1.4 sec

Cut in the US Version
83:05 / 88:27

The next shot of Kong begins slightly earlier.

0.5 sec



Cut in the US Version
83:36 / 88:58-89:11

Dr. Shigezawa and his companions arrive and get out of the car.
The following shot of the helicopter begins roughly 3 seconds earlier.

12.6 sec

Cut in the US Version
84:01 / 89:36-89:37

The long shot begins slightly earlier...

1.2 sec


Cut in the US Version
84:05 / 89:41-89:43

...and is slightly longer.

1.5 sec



Additional Footage US Version
85:10-85:13 / 90:48

In the US Verion there's another shot of the lake.

+ 2.9 sec

Alternate Footage / Additional Footage US Version
85:29-85:54 / 91:04-91:11

Now, things get a little more complicated: For the earthquake sequence, the US Version apparently borrowed scenes from another movie and thus shows it longer.
The Japanese Version in return shows Tako and friends a little longer twoards the beginning of the scene. Then follow several shots of an overturned tree – one of these was used for the US Version (where it is shown from a different angle).

US 17.3 sec longer.

US Version	Japanese Version

Cut in the US Version
86:00 / 91:17-91:19

Another shot of rocks.

1.9 sec

Cut in the US Version
86:14 / 91:33-91:38

The crown of people is shown longer; Tako falls to the ground.

4.8 sec

Cut in the US Version
86:22 / 91:46-91:52

The helicopter is shown longer. Then we hear Shigesawa over the radio.

6 sec

Cut in the US Version
86:32 / 92:02-92:26

The shot on the ground is longer; Obashi talks to his boss, saying that they have to give up their undertaking.
Osamu and Kinzaburo inside the helicopter ask themselves whether or not Godzilla survived the battle.
Back on the ground, Shigesawa says that the only thing that he can tell is that man has to learn to adapt to flora and fauna in a better way.

23.6 sec

Alternativ / Additional Footage US Version
86:32-87:04 / 92:26-92:42

At the end of the movie the producers used a trick to make it a little longer for the US Version.

In the Japanese Version there only is a shot of King Kong swimming away. At the end of this sequence there's a final title card; then the movie fades out.
In the US Version, this shot is shown twice, almost back to back. During the first time, it is only shown on a TV screen in the background while Carter in the foreground talks about Godzilla having disappeared and King Kong being on his way home; it is said that a communication satellite watches him on his way. Subsequently they recycled a shot of a helicopter, followed by the shot of King Kong swimming for the second time. In the middle of this scene, the movie cuts from Carter and the TV to the "normal" scene which fills up the entire screen. Then you see a few credits.

US 16 sec longer.

US Version	Japanese Version