GODZILLA: The Showa Era Retrospective - A Nation's Fears, A Nation's Hero

[@MattDraper]

What’s your favorite Godzilla film from the Showa Era? Let me know!

[@AlexMartinez-gv7hy]

Godzilla vs Gigan, it has Anguirus as one of the main monsters. Also introduced Gigan the cybernetic dinosaur from beyond.

[@Dhsiwisijeejjkwwoowoepwpwl]

Godzilla vs mechagodzilla was the first film I watched so it’s probably my favorite but all of the films are so crazy it’s hard to decide

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

The original... Followed by Godzilla vs Megalon, that drop kick... Also Jet Jaguar.

[@KamenSentaiMetalHero]

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

[@Nickos_Klb]

Ok although i personally don't have a favourite godzilla movie i do love every single one of them and I do have a closer spot in my heart for the showa era , the millenium era and the american films

[@larrytoons6220]

This just proves that you can be an adult man in a costume fighting another adult man in a costume and no one will judge you as long as you record it.

[@jeaninneoliver14]

like a furry?

[@larrytoons6220]

@@jeaninneoliver14 furries dont shoot fire out of their mouths and destroy cities. When they fight its just some growls and barks and then they walk away.

[@sadgirlhours4088]

Theres a branch of wrestling in florida that has its wrestlers make up kaiju personas and they wrestle eachother. Its completely inspired by the showa era, and it's the only desire I have to go to florida to see

[@nightshade-o7g]

@@sadgirlhours4088 that actually sounds like a good time, especially when buzzed. What's its exact name? I wanna look it up.

[@KingoftheBashful]

I’m sorry but I will not accept any Megalon slander

[@Avocado11]

Amount of other monsters with drills for hands: 0...Moguera was a robot not a monster Amount of other monsters Godzilla had to dropkick: 0

[@jacobjohnston3983]

Ah, a man of good taste. I unironically think an adaptation of “vs Megalon” would be the best move for the Monsterverse, Jet Jaguar and all.

[@Devonlui]

Utterly unacceptable

[@bustedkeaton]

@@jacobjohnston3983 agreed

[@Baro_Fjellheim]

Megalon may of been dropkicked but he took it like a champ.

[@ProfLambeo_VT]

So fun fact, Ebirah: Horror of the Deep was originally going to star Kong, but the studio ran into rights issues, and so instead they inserted Godzilla into the role. You can tell it was supposed to be Kong in the role thanks to a lot of key scenes, especially the part where Godzilla takes a liking to a human girl for some reason.

[@Albino_Basilisk]

@@Psyclonus7 no

[@Tg2Lc]

@@Psyclonus7 No, they didn't even started recording the movie so they just put godzilla in there and made him shoot his atomic breath. Kong would probably like throw a rock at the giant condor

[@deaconfrost8848]

It wasn't a rights issue,RKO who owned the rights of Kong at the time didn't like the concept of the movie,so toho made king Kong escapes with ranking and bass ,but didn't want to lose the money on the sets and costumes made for ebriha

[@mistertwisty1693]

@@Tg2Lc In Godzilla’s first battle with Ebirah, he actually primarily throws rocks at him. Very Kong-like.

[@SalazarKnight]

You can feel the genuine love and care for Godzilla through this well crafted video. Always a pleasure to watch you discuss movies, Matt!

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@michaelchoman1625]

Actually, in Godzilla Raids Again, it was revealed that the Godzilla in that film was a second Godzilla.

[@voxistaken]

“prime minister, a second Godzilla has hit Japan”

[@bulletgrazer2184]

Little sad you didn't mention the man responsible for bringing Godzilla and many of the other monsters to life, Eiji Tsuburaya, but then again the man is a legend worthy of a standalone video. Still an absolutely outstanding video Matt! You deserve way more subs because your videos are always top quality!

[@belzyk3dg122]

Nor did he mention the man himself Haruo Nakajima

[@doom7ish]

Ah yeah. It's gonna can't wait for the Heisei and millennium era to the Rewa era.

[@GibbySoapBox]

I’m hoping the criterion collection will do the same sets as they did for the showa era

[@doom7ish]

@@GibbySoapBox Just hope they don't let Toho doesn't keep saying you can update the quality and no english dubs. Some strange nonesense.

[@rigobertorosenbaum9838]

Heisei era is so awesome. My favorite era tbh

[@Samuel-jn2oc]

@@rigobertorosenbaum9838 yes,having a true continuity beween a the movies is the true selling point

[@ForEveryKindofGeek]

This video has single-handedly re-ignited my love for the Godzilla franchise. Absolutely incredible work, Matt! Just like Godzilla, you're an unstoppable force.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you, my dude! I love hearing that.

[@Antoxide]

Nice Shinsuke Nakamura "The Rising Sun" entrance music there, Matt.

[@thefvguy5648]

I almost freaked out when I heard it

[@efrainvilla3523]

It all came full circle with the wrestling references

[@seantaylor424]

I THOUGHT I heard that towards the end. Had to do a double-take because it caught me by surprise.

[@comixproviderftw_02]

Godzilla is the not only the King of the monsters, he's the OG King of Strong St

[@abbagodz]

I certainly agree with you about 'Destroy All Monsters'. I saw it at a drive-in in 1970 (along with Ghidrah and The Green Slime) when I was 5 years old and it is still my absolute favorite Godzilla movie til this day!! Thanks much for posting this video.

[@Mercermfwildes]

Love that you use Shinsuke Nakamuras Theme for every outro

[@boredandstoned13]

Matt, it always blows me away to see how well produced your content is; I genuinely don't have many other channels on KZbin I'm as happy to see an upload from. Thanks for the vids and keep it up man.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!!

[@canis2020]

My shriveled heart has grown so much since Godzilla has become so popular

[@seandupuis7376]

This was my favorite era of Godzilla films. The rubber suits, the cheesy stories & over the top fights.

[@DUARTE99]

"Godzilla was a heel"' - Best line ever!

[@caronte008]

Those illustrations at the end are glorious.

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

I grew up on the Heisei series, they had the best Godzilla suit design IMO.

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

This is objectively correct.

[@kasjachrum]

Fax

[@KalKratos]

I am incredibly fascinated by the cinematic history of Godzilla and the different eras of his movies. I would be very happy if you were to continue your Godzilla series retrospective.

[@bignutz9857]

Godzilla vs Hedorah is up there for me as one of my favorites, despite how weird it is I think it has some of the stronger societal commentary even outside the blatant anti-pollution message. Surprised to see Godzilla vs Gigan and Ebirah so high on your list, I always enjoyed Ebirah but I think I’ll have to give Gigan a rewatch.

[@greyhawk4898]

I love Godzilla vs Hedorah. Though I think it was called Godzilla vs the smog monster first time I saw it. I hate the re dubbed English. It like ALL the other ones should have been left original. Or at least make them available for old people like me. Awesome movies til the 80s when it really started dying.

[@Al_NERi]

Hedorah remains my favorite Godzilla film after the original Gojira and I think it's bizarre, hallucinatory nature serves the ecological messaging in a uniquely memorable way.

[@AnonymousSilence-nd3zb]

They explain that the Godzilla from _Raids Again_ and onward is another member of the same species as the original, and that it and Anguirus were resurrected by the same atomic tests that awoke the original Godzilla. It isn't "inexplicable", although it is easy to understand how it could be overlooked.

[@kalebsantos72]

This was another fantastic video Matt I can’t wait for the oth... 26:07 You’re dead to me

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

Showa Godzilla will always be my favorite because it had a deep meaning behind. It was more like a force of nature, that if you mess with Mama Earth, she will F🤬 you up.

[@dope8878]

This is an amazing video! And I love that legendary really went for the showa route for the movies as opposed to mainly Heisei interpretation. It’s awesome and it makes my inner child scream

[@Chesterek667]

Mr Draper, it's a pleasure to be your subscriber. Especially when you talk about my favorite monster movie series.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@stopproductions1020]

As a long time Godzilla fan since childhood, this was super enjoyable and informative. Would love to see you cover the other eras as well. I enjoy your videos very much. #TeamGodzilla

[@JoesGeekShow]

That was dope. I love me some Godzilla. As soon as Covid blows over and we're allowed to travel im taking a bullet train to Tokyo to see the statue they got of my boy.

[@MauiMark1]

Great job revisiting the first era of Godzilla. We differ on the top 15. I’m sure others have their favorites for their reasons. Over all great job making this.

[@mr.happybear7058]

Your sheer amount of interests and the way you articulate your opinions is the perfect combination for video essays, from one gigan fan to another, thankyou!!

[@matchanr]

声がハンサムで良いですね！ ゴジラもカッコイイ！😄

[@Deadwolf27]

Matt Draper talking about one of my absolute favorite things? Today is my lucky day!!

[@SAPProd]

Great video! Godzilla Vs Megalon was my first every Godzilla film I saw and I was so happy that it was featured in a classic episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. I hope to see the later eras soon!

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

MATT DRAPER, King of creators

[@jacksellers9829]

I'm really curious to see what your thoughts on Shin Godzilla are. It's personally one of my favorite Godzilla movies ever. Such a great video!

[@nashhartley3675]

Matt, you’ve been rising in the ranks of my favorite KZbinrs and that Gigan comment just put you in the top 3.

[@unclelou4839]

Fun video, man. 70s Godzilla will be forever dumped on, heh, but I believe it's definitely one of those "you had to BE there" sort of things. I'm fortunate enough to have been able to see several in the theater as a kid, and it was a glorious experience. In fact, the 70s crew - MEGALON, JJ, King Seesar, Hedorah, Titanosaurus, etc. - are among my favorites. Gorgeous and creatively designed suits that ooze personality. (Or in Hedoorah's case, 'liquid waste', haw!)

[@mikepointer5067]

20:03 an ingenious summary of the series! Your channel is glorious

[@idofront]

Hearing "The Rising Sun" in the background while watching a Goji vid made my night. Thanks for the great video!

[@CanadianJables]

Incredible set of retrospectives, I've really enjoyed watching them! Great work!

[@chris.shamblin]

Fantastic video!

[@THEB3A5T3294]

Another reason why you are becoming one of my favorite you tubers thanks for doing this video

[@-libertyprimev1-902]

(Around 9:13) "-And The Majestic Mothra" *Hardcut To Mothra BBLBLBLAAAAAGGGG!!!*

[@kenbartosch8191]

My favorite monster. You did a fantastic job with this video summarizing the films.

[@Eleven17Studios]

I have been anxiously watching your letterboxd reviews of this era hoping that we would get a full video about it and it definitely didn't disappoint

[@travisbicklejr]

This is the first video I’ve watched of yours, Matt, and I really enjoyed it! Great job!

[@MisForMission]

Shifting the subject a bit, the artist behind the Godzilla art used in the thumbnail is Yuko Shimizu for a series of collector's edition DVDs. There's a video on her thought process behind the art by Trojan Horse was a Unicorn.

[@DiegoReviews]

Awesome video, Matt! It was really interesting seeing how the Godzilla has reshaped itself throughout different eras.

[@alexanderscott5845]

An absolutely lovely video, CANNOT wait for big G coverage!

[@Entertainer13]

Just found these vids, your channel, and love them. The Shinske Nakamura theme at the end really gets me going haha

[@thequestion8697]

I just bought the Godzilla Criterion Collection blu ray! It looks amazing highly reccomend

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the video Matt. Big godzilla fan. Much ❤ as always

[@sandmanzcommin08]

This was...amazing. King Kong vs. Godzilla was actually the first Godzilla I've ever seen as a kid and will always have a place in my heart. As far as my personal favorite, Destroy All Monsters. I can't wait for you to cover the Heisei series, that's my all-time favorite series!

[@PoliticalGamer2099]

Excellent as always, Matt! After seeing the care and knowledge you imbued this video with, I would love to see you make a video on Mothra! “We stan an unproblematic queen!” 👸🏻🧚🏼‍♀️🧚🏼‍♀️🐛🦋

[@Duhad8]

Oh boy can't wait for the Shin Godzilla one when we reach the end/near the end! I know its been talked about to death, but really, it was such a joy seeing a classic Godzilla coming out of Japan that just... Worked as well as it did and proved Toho still could knock it out of the park!

[@captainmarvel2058]

This is still my favorite era. The first movie is still the best of them all but best of all, these movies were fun .

[@thenerdtasticvoyage1745]

Those posters are dope as hell

[@KaijuRider486]

Excellent video! A really wonderful era of the Showa era, I really liked this a lot :)

[@jonathankozenko]

Really solid video! Definitely looking forward to more Godzilla content as this was quite thorough! I'm also happy that you didn't do what most people do when discussing the Showa era and bash Raids Again -- it's hardly a highlight, but the Japanese version does legitimately have some genuinely great moments within it. On an odd, slightly somber side-note, one interesting facet about the Showa era is that all but 2 entries were directed by one of two people (being either Honda or Fukuda), and both of them, even after the entire era was done, genuinely believed Godzilla should never have had any sequels. Instead, they just made all of their Godzilla films because the Studio wanted them made, and both men were too professional to say "No".

[@DaSmoothieMan]

Awesome video, can’t wait for the follow up!

[@melad3588]

20:00 Ah, I see that Matt is a man of culture as well, with the choice of song.

[@MrTenInHell]

Great video, HBO has a lot of these movies. The illustrations for the movies look amazing a Godzilla anime would be awesome.

[@OrochiFlamez]

Bless you for putting Shinsuke Nakamura's theme in this video ❤️

[@KOAHUNT3R]

Showa and Heisei were the eras I grew up watching in the 90's. I think the VHS tapes I rewatched all the time were: Invasion of the Astro Monster (VHS title: Godzilla vs Monster Zero), Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla (VHS title: Godzilla vs the Cosmic Monster), Godzilla vs Biollante, Godzille vs Mothra (Heisei), and All Monsters Attack (VHS title: Godzilla's Revenge). Out of all of those films I hold a special place in my heart for... except All Monsters Attack...

[@noman6041]

When i was a kid, i gleefully went to every saturday afternoon Godzilla feature there was!! It was always a good time, especially with friends. Even if the same movie was going to be on TV a week later, i still went. But then i grew up and i re-visited the Showa era Godzilla's and well...i still really like 'Godzilla vs. Megalon', and 'Godzilla vs. Hedora [although when i was a kid, it was called 'Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster'] and those are the only two i own. I look at these films now, and sometimes, i think about childhood innocence when a monster movie was just a monster movie and i had a passion for giant creatures-and adulthood when i realize it's an actor in a rubber suit which takes away the magic i felt when i was younger. I like some of the Heisei era, so my rekindling of passion for Godzilla movies comes and goes.

[@georgeelmerdenbrough6906]

Once Godzilla became purely child fodder it was over . Good thing I was a child at that time . I can watch for nostalgia as an adult but only for that reason .

[@DasNordlicht91]

I’m curious what kind of Godzilla people prefer: tragic metaphor for the horrors of nuclear disaster, anti-hero who fights other monsters but still has it out for humanity, or outright hero and friend to all children?

[@KidFlash22898]

I personally prefer the tragic metaphor godzillas and the anti hero ones. Mostly the tragic metaphor though. I hope one day we get a rated R godzilla and make it truly terrifying

[@keithbperrin9633]

Listen, I love Gojira and have always loved Gojira since darn near birth 52 yrs ago....your video was excellent. ...long live the heel Godzilla king of the monsters

[@justanantico6327]

To be honest, I really like the “Champion” era of the Showa films and their namesake. Not the Japanese film festival, but the idea that those films are when Goji began outwardly defending Japan and the Earth from threats. He was one of Japan’s champions, choosing to fight for his home. Yeah the films are cheesy, but to me, they show how much Godzilla had changed and how he truly did have a capacity for good. 😊

[@johnboy6630]

Great video can’t wait for the next era

[@tommyg2660]

The Showa era was my introduction to Godzilla and is my favorite era. The Terror of Mechagodzilla produced the greatest monster intro in the history of monster movies and is my personal favorite. To each his own, I just love all things Godzilla and yes that includes ‘Zilla.

[@theuncannyalex]

this was a great capper to my recent binge of all of these movies, loved the extra insight! i'd rank them fairly similar to you at the top and bottom ends, but we differ in the middle stretch

[@SuperThebillybob]

I love the original Godzilla, as well as the new King of the Monsters. Very excited for the new movie and looking forward to more Godzilla videos!

[@vasglorious]

The Showa Era was the perfect way for me to get hooked on Godzilla back in the early 90's, I guess it was to celebrate the 40th anniversary. Anyway, if a kid likes Godzilla and doesn't know where to start, point them at the Showa Era.

[@dannygrizz4358]

Absolutely love this video since i been on the Godzilla hype train this entire month!

[@LtRee96se]

I find it kinda funny that you use wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura theme music at the end of this. Wonderful!!

[@MattyStoked]

Fantastic video. I am a life long Godzilla fan and I rate a lot of the Showa era films. I am surprised you didn't mention the questionable brownface in Godzilla vs King Kong, or the fact that Godzilla did actually fight a giant Frankenstein!

[@evenhartwick4422]

pretty sure he never fought Frankenstien. Toho did make a movie about a giant Frankenstien but he fought Baragon in the movie not Godzilla

[@Nono-hk3is]

Thank you Matt

[@MourningCoffeeMusic]

In my opinion, growing up with these films I feel they should’ve stopped after Monster Zero, then returned in ‘68 for Destroy All Monsters, then went away again until ‘74’s Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla. I know the box office was way different back then, but the 70s really struggled to compete with kaiju tv shows so I think it would’ve been more impactful to holdoff until the 20th anniversary as a cinema event (and I would’ve replaced King Sheesa with King Kong to make it more epic).

[@maliklofton9148]

Take all the time you need. It's been draining to say the least how things have been.

[@SnapperChannel]

A Godzilla video by Matt Draper convincing me to check out the rest of Godzilla movies? Hell yes

[@thewanderingronin5433]

As a heavy Godzilla fan you have my full undivided attention on this videos

[@vicmartinoofficial331]

Godzilla's Showa Era was the best era for Godzilla ever because it was the original era and in my opinion the most enjoyable.

[@lunaractivities7598]

I grew up watching all of the Godzilla movies ! I’m talking about the late mid/late 90’s back when the t.v station “ T.N.T “ and “SCI-FI” did marathons and A.M.C had the creature features I remember trying to stay up as a kid to watch them in the early mornings at midnight and always falling asleep and being mad the next day because I didn’t have a satellite d.v.r to record them lol I’m about to actually order the Showa era blue ray set because it’s special and sentimental to me, at least! So it’s worth the money.

[@joepouliot1365]

GREAT VIDEO!

[@joeldeeter9798]

looking forward to seeing you do the next set :)

[@christophercarrasco154]

But they *did* explain why Godzilla returned in Raids Again... it was another Godzilla.

[@maingamer6846]

Would love to see u talk about other Tokuatsu besides Godzilla! Keep up the good work

[@thiagobrancatelli]

Can't wait for Shin Godzilla! Actually, I can't wait for ALL the other Eras! Great video, Matt.

[@meimei8718]

Thanks for this video

[@classicmodernfilms7602]

Dude I just recently made a Godzilla video. This is awesome and you have a better outtake on Godzilla.it’s one of my favorite monsters of all time. Can’t wait for the new one to come out.

[@macj3970]

Please do the next eras asap that was great 👌

[@belzyk3dg122]

I would like to state that Haruo Nakajima truly is a legend. Rip the legend behind the suit.

[@JambleBramble]

No matter how much I learn about "movie magic", a grown adult standing at eye level with Godzilla will still confuse the fuck out of me for a split-second

[@crascet]

My favorite Video Essayer and Godzilla? Name a more perfect pair than this!

[@Vangance]

And the music By Akira Ifukube is just Fenomenal! It still holds up to this day!

[@jerwwilliams]

20:30 took me a second to realize that was Nakamura's entrance theme 🤣

[@tommyhatcher3399]

I do like most Godzilla movies that came after but Showa is where my heart is.

[@shannonharris2816]

Well written, man.

I have to say that the Showa era is the one era I have most mixed feelings about, followed by the millenium era. However for all the "missteps" it gave Godzilla many of the things he would be known for AND help make him a pop culture icon. Personally my favorites are Gojira; Mothra vs Godzilla and the Three Headed Monster You know it Matt! #TeamGodzilla!

[@koioniaku351]

Godzilla 1954 and shin Godzilla are the only Godzilla movies I’d call genuine films. Maybe Godzilla 1984 as well. The rest are are just dumb fun, and I love them.