The History of Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)

The History of Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)
#godzilla #terrorofmechagodzilla #titanosaurus
@BigActionBill
*This was originally uploaded on 5/13/23.*
Sources
- Brian Solomon's "Godzilla FAQ"
- David Kalat's, "A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series".
- Steve Ryfle's "Japan's Favorite Mon-Star: The Unauthorized Biography of "The Big G".
-Writing Japanese Monsters: From the Files of the Big Book of Japanese Giant Monster Movies by John LeMay
- Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa by Steve Ryfle (Author), Ed Godziszewski (Author)
- wikizilla.org
- www.tohokingdom.com/
- vantagepointinterviews.com/
- sidelongglancesofapigeonkicker.blogspot.com
Picture books used:
- Godzilla: The Official Guide To the King of Monsters (2022) by Graham Skipper
- Godzilla: History of Formative Arts 1954-2016
Articles mentioned in the video:
- www.scified.com/news/terror-of-mechagodzillas-40th-anniversary-the-making-of-titans--tragedies
- www.tohokingdom.com/blog/2075-meister-titanos-counterattack-story-translation/
I do not own nor do I claim to own Godzilla or any property related to it. This video falls under fair use as it is educational regarding the history of the Godzilla film franchise. Any usage of footage from movies or marketing material is transformative for educational purposes.
FAIR-USE COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
You can purchase or rent "Terror of Mechagodzilla" at www.amazon.com.

[@BigActionBill]

*This was originally uploaded on 5/13/23. Had to be re-uploaded due to copyright claim*

[@austingilles6263]

Looking forward to seeing what’s new!

[@matthewsuchomski2593]

ah yes, the only lifeform more terrifying than Godzilla, Toho's lawyers.😐

[@matthewsuchomski2593]

at any rate, I hope you will continue the series into the modern eras of the Godzilla franchise!

[@davidfausel9029]

Caught it the first time but you get another like from me - hell I'll watch it again!

[@marlonclark1896]

if there's any monster that's a bigger terror than Godzilla it's toho

[@pennzilla57]

I can say with confidence that you are the best godzilla historian on this entire platform. This series has been such a joy to watch over and over... and over and over again. Very well done!

[@Mechani-Kong]

Same; it’s like my 4th round

[@Jdsteele96]

@@Mechani-KongOnly on my first listen now, been playing them in the background while at work at the factory. Really makes the day go by smooth.

[@drhacknslashzombietimelord6768]

I most likely have not seen even 1/100th of the Godzilla history channels on KZbin, but I'm going on record and saying you're right 1,000%.

[@TheComicNerd97]

As someone who owns every Godzilla movie and has seen them well over 200 times I love watching these, learning about the production of movies always fascinates me and Godzilla is my 2nd favorite franchise of all time so these are right up my alley

[@mrlag7532]

What’s your first

[@TheComicNerd97]

@@mrlag7532 sonic 😁

[@david-468]

I like watching these and I’ve only ever seen the 98 “Godzilla” lol

[@Giganotoraptor2014]

I know every godzilla movie but I haven't seen them

[@ShinGoji1987Official]

Here again for the algorithm Bill! Terror of Mechagodzilla is one of my most favorite showa entries since it was the first Goji film I saw when I was 4. It's interesting to know that the budget was so tight on the building destruction sequence since it had some of the best in the series. The scene of Mg making part of Tokyo collapse in was incredible! Thank you for all your hard work bro

[@District9Prawn]

I appreciate how in depth you went for this one. I grew up with ToM on repeat from a DVD with a terrible print but that didn't stop me from loving it more and more over the years. Keep up the great work, Bill!

[@bluezilla2547]

It's just past 10pm here, heating up some leftovers for a late meal. Not the happiest person in the world and I have some serious anxiety issues. You have no idea how many times I've rewatched your Godzilla videos, if there is one thing in this world besides my dog that brings any semblance of calm for me, it's Godzilla nostalgia. I often play Ifakube's original Godzilla theme to help my mood because of how much I loved anything Godzilla growing up. Thank you dude, seriously, your work is phenomenal and is probably helping out people more than you know, cheers!

[@BigActionBill]

Sorry to hear about things not going so well, I appreciate your kind words about my videos and it’s humbling to know they help in a small way. I hope to continue to make more and improve. God bless!

[@raptorrex4438]

Sorry that happened bill. Thanks for the re upload, we all love your content and hard work you put in your videos . Lots of love ❤

[@BigActionBill]

No biggy, sometimes it happens, just have to use movie stills instead of footage in some spots lol

[@HeartIIess]

@@BigActionBill You would think being one of the few Godzilla channels on KZbin they would be nicer to you 😂

[@GotengoCaptain]

Hey man, I don’t wanna get too sappy, but just wanted to thank you for making these. This last year has been pretty taxing on me and listening to your videos while I’m at work has really helped me keep my sanity. Can’t wait to see your future content! :)

[@BigActionBill]

Well I hope things get better man, appreciate the kind words. Happy the videos can help in a small way, thank you!!

[@toxiclemon3959]

Sucks to see the video get taken down. It was probably my favorite one you’ve done yet

[@fletchkeilman2205]

One more point. Mifune's European Gothic style house is a direct nod to Serizawa from the first film, who also lived in Gothic European mansion (as well as ...according to the original Godzilla novel and script..having Serizawa wearing a cape and western clothing). This was done because this type of aesthetic was considered a mysterious, and almost insidious, characteristic. One that is at odds with traditional Japanese culture at the time. It also insinuates a sort of eccentricity that these characters tend to embody in order to hide a secret. Serizawa doing so because of his disfigurement (which was greatly toned down in the final film) and his dangerous theories and experiments. Mifune, on the other hand, is hiding not only Titanisaurus, but his cyborg daughter as well.

[@flintlocke1344]

And thus, the loop is fulfilled. I’ve loved your history videos since I stumbled upon them while doing research for a college presentation, and they’ve become some of my go-to background videos. Looking forward to whatever the future holds.

[@Gojirfan2004]

The first time I watched Terror of Mechagodzilla was on Netflix in 2014 and I really liked it.

[@BreadBoi69]

My favorite thing about this movie is that it is kind of campy with the other showa movies, but somehow still manages to be kind of creepy like the original. I think it has to do with Akira Ifukube’s soundtrack and and Ishro Honda’s amazing editing and and camera angles.

[@MyakuVermillion]

Thank you for going through the trouble of re-uploading this after it was copyright struck. Really enjoy learning about the history behind these movies that were a huge part of my childhood

[@halomek_3154]

If it needs to be reuploaded, I'll rewatch it! Absolute favorite Godzilla movie. I loved it when I saw the butchered US edit and I loved it even more when I saw the uncut version many years later. It was a great movie for the Showa series to go out on.

[@benjscar1540]

I love the personality of Godzilla in this film and the previous. He knows how dangerous Mecha is at range, so he's fighting more aggressively than in previous films. He's always advancing on Titanosaurus, who is readjusting his position to always be between Godzilla and Mecha. Godzilla rushes and tackles Titanosaurus at least twice in the film--and he lowers his shoulder and charges through Mecha's all-weapons assault in the climax in order to engage it at close range

[@CaneMajor]

Hey Bill. The Terror of Mechagodzilla is free on KZbin. The credits are in Japanese but it is the original dub including scenes I never saw on the TV and VHS releases, and it was in the original letterbox format. I hadn't watched it in over 15 years and it was great! It turned into one of my favorites! Thanks again for the hard work and sharing it with us my friend!

[@seanpenta7752]

I’ve loved all these videos man, your dedication to them is admirable. Amazing stuff!

[@BigActionBill]

Thank you!!!

[@mikedaikaijufan3976]

Ah man, the original got taken down? Well, I guess that means I'll have to watch it a bunch more times again. Thanks, algorithm! Seriously though, I can't get enough of these. You put so much work into them and it really shows. I've been a die-hard Goji fan all my life and there's things I never knew that I do now thanks to you, Bill. Excellent job. You rock, dude!

[@fletchkeilman2205]

Bill .....this channel is starting to become my favorite Godzilla/Kaiju channel. Kudos to you, good sir

[@PR0J7CT]

Terror of Mechagodzilla is definitely one of my most favorite movie in the Showa era, Everything in this movie is just awesome, What an absolute amazing way to end an amazing era of Godzilla movies

[@Sgt.Dornan117]

Shame this got struck. This is probably my favorite Showa Era film. It establishes the indomitable will and how indestructible Godzilla is. I always get a somber feeling watching Godzilla walk into the sea at the end.

[@brianwilkowski9754]

Thank you for making these! It really helped me get through the covid era which was really rough and in general these are great to listen to after a rough work day. Hope you continue to make content, especially if it's kaiju related. Regardless this is probably my favorite thing I've found on KZbin

[@SausageVT]

You honestly can't even begin to understand the joy I feel when I see one of these get uploaded. I like, clap to myself and do a little dance I get so excited. Thank you so much for doing these. I'm really excited for Reiwa and Legendary when you get around to it.

[@chrisC052]

Bill, are you considering doing other Toho movies in the future? Would love to see, Rodan (one of my favorite movies), Mothra or anything else by Mr. Honda? Also would like to say how much I enjoy all your videos, a lot of time and research goes into to them and it shows. Thank you again and have a safe and healthy weekend sir.

[@christiandolz6272]

This videos are a gift to humanity, THANK YOU so much for your time and research effort, Bill. Much love from Italy.

[@kinglear6150]

I recently started a mission of watching every single Godzilla film with a friend who haven't watched them all as I have. Just recently finished the Showa era, and even though I've watched some of your videos before, I made it part of my personal ritual to see each one one or two days after watching the related Godzilla film. And will continue to do so for the upcoming films in our schedule. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@SmashAtoms]

Thanks so much, Bill! I’ve been waiting for this video, and you knocked it out of the park! This was a great movie to “end” the Godzilla series on.

[@luckydragon8790]

I absolutely love your Godzilla videos man. Super excited to see the history of Godzilla (2014) and Shin Godzilla in the future.

[@danmillar6323]

Love this series and I'm very glad you went back and added some additional information and material to the older videos. They have been a treat to watch and share with friends.

[@datamouth]

just binged all of these vids. excellent work, i might binge it again soon.

[@BigActionBill]

that's awesome, I'm happy you're enjoying =]

[@RPGeek]

I found this one to be much better than the previous movie, VS mechagodzilla. The cinematic shots, the fighting, the story, the suits, the acting, the characters. Everything is an improvement

[@littletimelord2755]

I think it’s interesting (and, based on this video series, often not touched on) how the start of the Showa era saw serious takes on monster films, then the 60s had cheaper kids films, but by the end of the Showa era everyone was desperate to try and bring Godzilla back to his roots. It’s also interesting how they felt that such a transition would be impossible, and wouldn’t attempt it until the 84 film. The fact that Tanaka (who initially pushed for Godzilla aiming for the kids demographic) thought that the goofy 60s Godzilla films were the mistake that did Godzilla in.

[@grapeshot]

I remember watching this one with my aunt one Thanksgiving weekend back in the day.

[@jeffgoji673]

Thank you for another excellent video with some wonderful and detailed history on the film and everything behind the scenes. When I first started watching your videos I used to watch and wonder "Will he mention this or that" based on my own knowledge from reading many of the same books you have read over the years. Now I don't even question it as you always add in a ton of great information from behind the scenes and now I just enjoy the videos and they even elicit a "Hey, I didn't know that" from me while watching from time to time. Absolutely fantastic work, thank you for making it and for putting it on this platform for everyone to enjoy.

[@BensonMTG]

Thanks for the re-upload! Appreciate the dedication.

[@FIREBRAND38]

And to feed the algorithm allow me to also express my appreciation just for the fact that you DO this with the added bonus that you do it extremely well being both informative and entertaining (which don't always go together). Thanks.

[@midnightneverends]

Thank you so much for everything that you do. Anytime I see you uploaded a new video it's always the highlight of my day! Very sad to see the Showa Era come to a close but I'm looking forward to what's next for ya!

[@BigActionBill]

Thank you! Reading stuff like that is a highlight for me.

[@LYCAN-MASTER]

I've been a Godzilla fan basically my whole life and I love your videos with history and details about the making of Godzilla movies. I re-watch\listen to your video to my more favorite Godzilla movies. I hope you will keep on making these videos. Thank you!

[@rachelmaxwell5936]

Terror of Mechagodzilla was probably the first Godzilla movie I ever saw as a kid. I’d also say it’s one of the best Godzilla films from the Showa era, apart from the first. Maybe it just has a special place in my heart, but that’s how I see it. Plus, Godzilla’s entrance is just awesome.

[@elliotgandersen]

I recently got all of the Godzilla movies and have been watching them, the Showa era is a bit slow and difficult for me to get through so I am thankful for these videos which tells everything interesting about the movies. I’ve been watching these videos after the movie and it’s great. Looking forward to seeing the Heisei era for the first time.

[@day8799]

Ever since the first kaiju sized video I've wholeheartedly agree. I can't imagine endeavoring these videos without being overwhelmed as for in depth research, writing, editing, filming. So much respect to to you... Your videos are an instant must watch for me. I thought I knew a lot, but these videos provide so [new] much information. You're the best Bill.

[@steverino474]

I love this series and the showa era, grew up watching. Awesome detail in these videos i often re-watch them.

[@dbutler9319]

Finally coming back across it when it's back up and now I gotta wait for Monday to give this a nice thorough listen!

[@jakecarpenter3124]

It may sound silly to some as all of this happened before my time, but I've found it quite sad going through this retrospective series and listening as all the old guard died off. To hear some of them passed in their 30's too is a shame. A good set of videos thus far by the way, slowly making my way through the lot

[@BigActionBill]

Definitely, I also felt melancholy talking about all these people when most of them have passed. Doing these videos made me respect the movies more.

[@thefracturedfilter]

Hi! First stumbled upon your videos of Space Godzilla and then watched the Destoroyah. Liked the deep dives for those and saw you'd down them for Showa era, and started from Gojira to now. Just want to say thanks for putting in the time, they were all awesome and even from my own dives into things, you really brought a lot of great information that I certainly hadn't discovered or heard any one else passing around. This was a nice top off for sure and than with the end focusing around Ishiro Honda and his passing hit. He and Haruo Nakajima brought to life the movie monster I love most to this day and still can't get enough of even as at times corny or cheaply some the Showa era movies were. But also brilliantly composed and given voice from Akira Ifukube. Such giants in their own rights. To top it off like I said you had such great details, for as far as I've seen of other videos you're the first to get pretty specific on the instrument Ifukube used to make Godzilla's roar. Again just to say great work, Im probably now gonna get through the rest of your Godzilla videos looking forward to Return next definitely among my personal favorites.

[@rx8mauri_]

This was the very first Godzilla movie I ever watched when I was a kid. I still have my VHS tape of this movie to this day. It will forever hold a special place in my heart.

[@jimsaldana2302]

Love these breakdowns on the Showa Godzilla films. Looking forward to seeing the next recaps of the next Godzilla series. Thanks.

[@Exo49r]

Terror of Mechagodzilla was the first Godzilla movie i ever watched and since then ive been watching Godzilla movies every moment i could

[@frankmullins5333]

Thank you for all of your hard work . I Love your series.

[@dragoneye2874]

As a newer Godzilla fan (Got into it through Minus One) these videos have been amazing and educating me on the history of these movies

[@lanceyarema4013]

Good job!!! I absolutely love your videos! You ought to think about videos of the other Togo Kaiju films that don’t feature Godzilla, like Rodman, The Mysterians, Mothra, and Atragon, etc.

[@ericgregory2086]

Great that there is still so much content for you to look forward to. The next MonsterVerse movie, the MonsterVerse tv show, Toho’s movies. And there’s even that Gamera anime if you’re interested in that.

[@jedigrandvelle8844]

This is, like the other videos, are so informative. It's amazing how much "behind the story" is behind the story of the making of these classics. That's deep.

[@fletchkeilman2205]

Hell yeah! This came about at the most crucial time this week. ....well...at least for me. Nothing like a new Godzilla doc on KZbin to turn this frown upside down! Bill.....you are a king among men. Danke.

[@SoleMan117]

It's fascinating to me how the anticipation for this can never be replicated. Future viewers will never realize what it feels like to end a series in the middle.

[@iguachumontiel]

Although this is not one of my favorite G flicks, I do think that it's the best FX work from Teruyoshi Nakano, which amazes me considering the lack of resources that he had for this one. Thanks for uploading this content Bill.👍

[@legionbeast]

Thanks again for the re-upload.

[@tracyndiyob162]

really love the details in these videos(especially love the shots of the creators,figurines,suits,actors words & maquettes.:3) definitely a melancholic way to end the showa era as it ending with a heroic death(and feeling pretty bad for titanosaurus at the end getting killed by the big g by association.) really gave the feeling of it on it's last legs that after seeing it can tell how much of a big deal the heisei era was reviving godzilla to being a world shaking icon again that i'm hyped to see more films of. also would love a film of an ancient godzilla fighting the warriors of feudal japan.

[@dustyr112]

O Bill, thank you so much for your content. You have been a guide on my Godzilla journey. 🕊

[@dfailsthemost]

Your not speaking in a "youtube voice" is a big, big, big part of why I like your channel. I think you sound like an actual pro.

[@ethanreynolds3522]

In Memory of Yukiko Takayama.

[@boarboi2721]

Rewatching for my man Big Action Bill

[@DanielNakasone]

Amazing and comprehensive work. Looking forward to the review of Shin Godzilla

[@BigDumbMedia]

I type this to feed the beast, and keep bill's numbers green. Great vid!

[@FIREBRAND38]

Just finished watching. Thank you!

[@damianstarks3338]

This takes me back to my childhood in the 90s.

[@marlonclark1896]

same here bro

[@watchwaddle]

Oh it’s back up. Awesome.

[@psychochris]

Thanks ❤ addicted to your vids

[@cohollow7174]

Yessssss another one finally, always a highlight on youtube for me! What will we do when we reach the end? I say we do every movie again again with EVEN MORE facts. XD

[@aarongoode9025]

Best godzilla channel on the internet.

[@Apollo3p]

Damn re-upload? Guess I gotta listen again while I do work

[@DreamDaddie]

Whoa! Something to watch tonight! Thank you, Bill.

[@punished_venom_snake]

I really really hope you continue going over kaiju movies, you're my all time favorite KZbinr

[@BigActionBill]

i'll always do some kaiju stuff for sure as I touch on other things

[@christiandenault7606]

​@@BigActionBill looking forward to watching you cover the Monsterverse films, along with Shin Godzilla and the Anime trilogy!

[@punished_venom_snake]

@@BigActionBill Best news I've had all week, I can't wait to see what you do next🤙

[@Swatman170]

Fun Fact: Titanosaurus' Wind Speed generated by his tail is almost triple the highest recorded wind speed on Earth. It would definitely level all known building constructions and would definitely be lethal to any unfortunate people caught in it.

[@ensabahnur7657]

I truly enjoy just about everything about your Channel & you're a TRUE FAN like the rest ofvus & it's great like Tony the Tiger! I understand you're busy with life, etc but have you thought about or can reccomend a Kaiju Channel as in depth as yours? We know if you also covered all Monsters or teamed with someone as dedicated it'd be fantastic like Reed Richards! Just a thought!

[@funnycat4241]

Fond memories of TOMG. Always will be my favorite from the Showa era

[@slendymann2647]

Thank you Yukiko Takayama for creating the final film in the showa series. You will be missed.

[@BensonMTG]

This was deep, from start to finish. Well done.

[@dfailsthemost]

The sub explosion shot is awesome. Actually kind of unnerving.

[@biobuilder332]

Bill you’re the best KZbinr ever please never stop uploadint

[@Rottooth]

This was the second VHS tape I ever bought with my own money when I was a kid. The first VHS tape was Godzilla Vs Megalon.

[@Goji73]

21:17 More manpower and multi-tasking mayhaps? 34:38 Or Red King's roar slowed down, since it's a TsuPro film...

[@yoda908]

It actually makes sense for MechaGodzilla to mimic Katsura. Seeing as they are connected in the movie. Just a very nice touch to acknowledge that fact.

[@maestrotitano]

I don't care how many times Toho takes it down, I'll keep re-watching the re-uploads!

[@nathanwygal5526]

"He started working with new, out-of-control forms of sea life" (Shows Mafune holding a lab rat).

[@arthurconandamage450]

Now that you've completed the Godzilla series...and chance you'll go on and do the non-Godzilla Toho kaiju offerings? You've done an impressive job with these videos and the thought that there may be nore more of them to look forward to kind of saddens me.

[@christiandenault7606]

I always thought Titanosaurus to be a mutated type of Spinosaurid, since he shares a few features with that particular dinosaur group, such as a dorsal sail and a crocodilian-like snout.

[@frankyboi1819]

Oh dang reupload, now I gotta watch this one like 10 times

[@yurrrii326]

4:14 oh titanosaurus a great kisser

[@GreasusGoldtooth]

My head canon for why they were attacking the scientist is that when his idea was criticized, he became irrationally angry, and then a fight broke out between him and the person who criticized his idea. The other scientists intervened to break up the fight and restrain him before it got out of hand.

[@Creecher98]

I actually really loved this one. One of my favorite Showa movies

[@kennbmondo]

Always great fun to watch and learn.

[@Hepler-s2b]

Are u gonna do a video about the Godzilla cartoons before the legendary Godzilla movies?

[@TroochiTCG]

I am still game to see what you upload in the future, but seeing you do Shin Godzilla, and the monsterverse movies would be wonderful too

[@Kinggojira-dp6bv]

Can’t wait for 2014’s Godzilla to be in history

[@kennedymasta3776]

In "Terror of Mechagodzilla," it's interesting to note that Titanosaurus essentially plays the role of the original Godzilla. In this film, Godzilla is no longer the character from before, but rather a friendly hero for children, while Titanosaurus takes on the role of the original Godzilla. This seems to be Ishiro Honda's message.

[@killert_7759]

Will you do history videos for the monsterverse and reiwa godzilla films?

[@PR0J7CT]

Yes, Next video is on Godzilla (2014)

[@grapeshot]

The Kaiju belly flopped on the submarine.

[@luckydragon8790]

I remember Titanosaurus from Pipeworks game “Godzilla Unleashed” on the Nintendo Wii. 15:48