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Release: May 03, 2021 - Author: Muck47 - Translator: Mike Lowrey
- external link: IMDB
Comparison between the cut US version and the original uncut version (both included on the UK Blu-ray by Arrow Video).
War of the Monsters actually has nothing to do with Toho's famous giant lizard, but represents the second part of the Gamera series from Japanese rival studio Daiei Film. The aficionado label Arrow Video released all films of the series on Blu-ray in the UK in 2020/21, including the differing US versions in a couple of cases, in addition to extensive bonus material. In this case, this means a version with 11 minutes of pure cuts. As expected, the plot around the monster scenes was reduced a bit. Especially sprawling considerations of professors and scientists were probably a thorn in the side of the US distributor American International Pictures (AIP). The romance between Keizuke and Karen was similarly reduced, but in detail it was different. As background it is still interesting that Daiei initially had an English dubbing for the original version made by Axis International itself, but AIP then commissioned a new adaptation and arranged the cuts. It wasn't until the 1980s that the original, all-English Axis dub saw the light of day through Sandy Frank Film Syndication. It should also be mentioned that the US version was reconstructed from the Uncut HD master by Arrow Video, except for the opening credits and end plate. Runtimes are ordered as follows: US version on Arrow Blu-ray / original version on Arrow Blu-ray After a different company logo, the credits appear in English vs Japanese. Only the original version has the background moving.
No time difference.
28:55 / 28:54-28:58 Keizuke is seen a moment longer and turns away to the side. The follow up shot of Karen is also a little earlier. 3.5 sec
28:59 / 29:02-29:13 Keizuke turns to the door, Karen walks away from it. Keizuke hesitates for a moment, then the US resumes in the middle of the shot. 11.4 sec
29:07 / 29:21-29:50 Before Karen comes in with Doctor Matsushita, Keizuke wanders around inside again a bit restlessly. He looks outside at Karen, waiting impatiently. 28.5 sec
29:12 / 29:55-30:05 Again, Keizuke and Karen exchange a few more glances first. 10.1 sec
29:45 / 30:38-30:48 Before Karen energetically addresses the doctor, everyone pauses for a moment and only the drumming from outside is heard. 10.5 sec
49:06 / 50:09-50:48 After the plane disintegrates into its parts, you see a conversation in the command center. They discuss the need to attack from a greater distance because of Barugon's cold radiators. A missile base is identified as a safe launch site. 38.4 sec
51:30 / 53:12-53:25 A man, probably drunk, complains to his wife that, yes, she really wanted to go to Osaka and thus got them into this mess. She sneers back. 12.8 sec
62:09 / 64:03-64:11 Karen sucks blood from Keizuke's wound a little longer. 8 sec
62:11 / 64:13-64:18 She looks at him a little longer and also the cut to Keizuke a little earlier. 4.4 sec
Partial cutover. 62:42 resp. 63:08-63:58 / 64:49-67:31 Karen makes another comment about how to defeat Barugon. She tells that they would have hidden his egg in the cave. If he ever broke out, the inhabitants would have sworn to drown him in the swamp. Since he would live on the land, it would generally be necessary to lure him into the water. She presents the diamond that would attract Barugon and tells something about the origin of the diamond. It is unclear, however, whether Gamera could also be attracted with it. Keizuke also urges the military men to try. In addition, Onodera is freed by his helper and informed about the current situation. He is furious that the opal he found was less precious, and shows up ready to fight. This part is inserted again in the US about half a minute later, during the shots of Keizuke and Karen in the helicopter - thus not illustrated. Uncut 112.1 sec (= 1:52 min) longer
65:26 / 69:26-73:26 Another meeting in the command center. The older men are skeptical because the diamond has had no effect so far. Keizuke defends Karen and is rebuked for it, since he caused the mess with his expedition in the first place. Karen sobs a bit and Keizuke comforts her. An officer now also strikes more conciliatory tones and says to Karen that they are grateful for her help. Dr. Sato then joins them and makes a new statement. He suspects that Barugon had already been exposed to red light in his egg. Also Onodera would have been treated as a patient with such an irradiation. Possibly he would have irradiated the egg with it and thus he would have grown faster. Karen is now getting a little more alert and says that this is the reason for his extraordinary growth. Dr. Sato now suggests directing the radiation to the diamond and then presenting it to Barugon again. Karen then mentions rain as a weak point for Gamera. 240 sec (= 4:00 min)
66:11 / 74:11-74:45 Again, some discussion in the command center. The professor introduces the "Ruby Death Ray Projector" and finally gets the green light that he can do his experiments practically from now on. 33.9 sec
71:22 / 79:56-80:24 A commentator summarizes for the radio audience the facts about the diamond and wishes good luck with the plan. 28.8 sec
73:47 / 82:49-83:00 Again the commentator: he draws a sober conclusion. 10.7 sec
75:35 / 84:48-86:31 Another shot of the mirrors and Keizuke asks the professor if there isn't a parallel to be drawn with dealing with Barugon. The professor enthusiastically agrees and Keizuke introduces in more detail the plan to use the mirror against Gamera. 102.4 sec (= 1:42 min)
The US version has only an end fade-in over the last shot. In the original version, a longer opening credits. Not included in cut duration/amount. Original version 39 sec longer.
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