A Little Godzilla History In Memory Lane

The above photo taken at the Rainforest Cafe in the Chicago area after G-FEST XII (2005) shows a group of us including (from left) yours truly, Stan Hyde, Yoshikazu Ishii, Ruth Lees, J. D. Lees, Yoshimitsu Banno and Robert Scott Field. 

The photo popped up in the Memories gizmo of Facebook yesterday. It prompted a comment by Field on the significance of it.

He wrote:

Great picture. In 2000 Banno asked me to help him connect to Hollywood for a 4D version of Hedorah. No one was interested in Hedorah but in 2005 we talked again for a couple of hours about getting the rights to Godzilla and before and after this picture of the dinner at the Rain Forest in Chicago was taken. I'm guessing that no one knew (including us lol) that this is where the turning point of the Legendary G-franchise actually began… And now history!!! It’s a beautiful thing!!!

Above, director Yoshimitsu Banno addresses the 2004 G-TOUR group in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The very first time we met Yoshimitsu Banno was at the T.G.I. Fridays dinner (above photo) in Roppongi, Tokyo of the first G-TOUR in 2004. He spoke to the group and dropped strong hints about his plans for a Hedorah movie in 3D.

He was later invited to G-FEST XII in 2005. Sadly, he passed away at age 86 in 2017.

How Banno's Scrapped Godzilla Film Led To Legendary's Monsterverse

Above, Yoshimitsu Banno disclosing his plans for a Godzilla movie
 in 3D and IMAX to G-TOUR in Roppongi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is hard to believe that this year marks 20 years since the first G-TOUR to Japan by Daikaiju Enterprises, Ltd. (of G-FAN magazine fame) took place in 2004. I was a part of the 60-person tour group.

While the tour was in Tokyo, a dinner was held in the Roppongi section of the city at T.G.I. Friday's. One of the guests at the dinner was Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno.

Banno gave a talk and divulged that he was planning on making a Godzilla movie in IMAX and 3D. A working title was Godzilla 3D To The Max. This was the first news that Godzilla fandom received of this project. Some got very excited of the prospect of a 3D and IMAX movie while others dismissed it (largely for fandom political reasons).

The movie never got off the ground, but it did lead eventually to Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Monsterverse series of movies with Banno as one of the executive producers. 

Slash Film has posted an article one how the scrapped IMAX Godzilla short led to the Monsterverse.

It begins with:

Much like any other long-running franchise, "Godzilla" is filled with a great many would-be projects that never managed to see the light of day. Perhaps no scrapped project featuring the King of the Monsters is more consequential than what is most commonly known as "Godzilla 3-D." The film, which was in development in the early 2000s, was going to be a short filmed for IMAX made with American audiences in mind. It never came to be, but development of the project indirectly led to the creation of the MonsterVerse franchise, which kicked off with 2014's "Godzilla" and is still going strong today.

So, how do we go from theatrically-released short film to blockbuster-sized, American-produced theatrical feature? It's an odd, messy journey, and one that is a little heartbreaking in some ways for both fans and one of the franchise's most unique directors. Namely, Yoshimitsu Banno, who helmed 1971's "Godzilla vs. Hedorah," which remains one of the franchise's most bizarre entries to date, yet also one of its most celebrated. The story of this big-budget short film begins with Banno and his desire to once again step behind the camera to tell a tale about Godzilla and the Smog Monster.

To read the full article, go here.

Hedorah Slimes Into Shibuya For 50th Anniversary

Above, a Hedorah Bandai figure I bought in Japan in 2006. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) (a.k.a. Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster (1972 in the U.S.)) is being celebrated this month. 

What's the celebration? 

It is the 50th Anniversary of the movie's release by Toho Co., Ltd.

According to Stars & Stripes Japan:

Parco Shibuya Gallery X in cooperation with Toho Co., Ltd. salutes the 50th anniversary of Hedorah aka the Smog Monster from Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) during an art installation in Shibuya, Tokyo until November 23. Gallery X and multiple artisans have come together to champion the repulsive, often loathed, but extremely popular kaiju from the Godzilla film series.

Tune into fascinating, satirical, dark, anti-pollution themes at this psychedelic tribute happening in fashionable Shibuya. Take a trip to the basement floor and see pieces by chandelier artist, Kim Songhe, videographer, Akiko Nakayama, designers, Keiji Ito and Coin Parking Delivery and their collaborations with Marusan Toys. Also, on display are one hundred set photos, and screen-used props and diorama from the brief Hedorah sequence from Godzilla: Final Wars (2004), directed by Ryuhei Kitamura.

The 50-year old Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, directed by Yoshimitsu Banno (1931-2017) was released to U.S. matinee houses in 1972, polarizing fans for decades, but has slithered back with a degree of fresh wind, as new Godzilla generations discover the avant-garde entry.  Banno, despite his multimedia, over the top approach was chastised by producer, Tomoyuki Tanaka upon the Japanese release.  

Banno, however continually stoking creative fires, became a film format visionary, and ultimately rose to producer on Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla films before his passing.

Above, Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno (second from right) at the Rainforest Cafe in 2005. 

Too bad we can't go to Japan to see the exhibit since there's a tourism freeze there due to the pandemic.

At least the article has some photos to look at.

To read more, go here. 

Godzilla Turns "Hippie" In Ecological Showa Entry

Above, a Bandai 6" Hedorah figure I bought in Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month marked the 50th anniversary of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (released in the U.S. in 1972 as Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster). Yes, this is the movie in which Godzilla uses his atomic breath to fly like a rocket to chase Hedorah.

I first saw the movie on television. It was certainly different, to say the least, but it was entertaining. Well, all of the Showa series of Godzilla films were entertaining, even the worst ones. Ecological awareness was in vogue during the early 1970s and Godzilla vs. Hedorah reflected that.

Above, J. D. Lees and Yoshimitsu Banno have a discussion over dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From IMDb:

Coming to Earth on a fallen meteorite, The microscopic alien life-form Hedorah feeds on Earth's pollution and grows into a Gigantic, ever Evolving, poisonous Gas and acid-secreting monster. Godzilla, Earth's Defender senses the Threat and Meets ''the Smog Monster'' in a Literal, Battle for Earth's Survival.

Fifty years is certainly a long time, but it sometimes boggles the mind at how fast it goes. I was in high school at the time it was released. 

Above, suit actors Kenpachiro Satsuma and Haruo Nakajima take a break
during filming of Godzilla vs.Hedorah. Photo autographed by both actors. 

I met Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno at the 2005 G-FEST in Chicago.

During my 2006 trip to Japan, I picked up a 6" Bandai Hedorah figure (shown at top).

"Godzilla vs. Kong" Review

My viewing of Godzilla vs. Kong was definitely worth the wait.

Since New Mexico's governor shut down all of the state's theaters and I don't have satellite or cable, I had to go to an adjoining state, who still has open theaters, to see it. In this case, I went to Durango, Colorado, a three-hour drive. Besides, movies are meant to be seen on the big screen, especially ones with giant monsters.

There was plenty of action with the battles between Kong and Godzilla. Some criticized the movie's human part of the story, but it worked good enough and didn't get in the way. A couple of things I am puzzled about: Why have Kyle Chandler's character, Mark Russell, in it? He had so little screen time. I guess it was worth the paycheck to Chandler. Also, where was Alan Jonah [played by Charles Dance]? He was the main villain in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, but was nowhere to be found in Godzilla vs. Kong. One would think he would have been in it since the Ghidorah head he obtained played a big part in the story.

Kong came off as a very likable character. He was definitely an alpha male, but still quite likable. And, he knows sign language!

I enjoyed this movie more than Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

My grade: A.

Oh, by the way. I DON'T like Warner Bros. Pictures' new logo. Yoshimitsu Banno is credited as an executive producer of Godzilla vs. Kong, but he's been dead for nearly four years.

Nakajima Tribute Photo

As I mentioned yesterday, at the tail end of the end credits to Godzilla: King of the Monsters, there was a memorial tribute to Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno and Godzilla suit actor Haruo Nakajima.

During this, my eyes were more focused on the tribute to Nakajima due to a very familiar photo of him taken during the filming of Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster. I can't recall any photo used for Banno.

But this is the photo used for Nakajima (as I said before, a classy touch):

As so many have stated, including me, be sure to stay for all of the end credits!

"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" In 3D

Above, yours truly with the "souvenir" 3D glasses.

Just a little while ago, I got back home from the Red Rock 10 Theaters after seeing Godzilla: King of the Monsters. I watched the 3D version.

Since not everyone has seen the movie yet, I will be a nice guy and not post any spoilers. How's that for public service?

Anyway, ahem, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. If there is an adjective to describe it, I would say spectacular! The monster battles were well done and I don't think there's been this many in a Godzilla movie, Japanese or American, since Godzilla Final Wars.

A few good things that stood out for me:

1. The 3D was better than I would have expected. I recommend seeing this version.
2.  Memorial Tributes for Yoshimitsu Banno and Haruo Nakajima at the tail end of the end credits was a classy touch!
3. The monster designs were top-notch. The tweaking of Godzilla's spines to resemble those of the 1954 Godzilla was a great touch. Rodan looked like the Rodan we all know and love as was King Ghidorah. This Mothra was the best ever. 
4. Familiar music cues from the Toho series were sprinkled throughout. Another nice touch!
5. Fully reclining seats! If one is not careful, they can easily nod off to sleep as they are so comfortable!
6. Clues or "easter eggs" for the next movie. Skull Island references dominated them. Stay for all of the end credits!

Bad things:

1. Obese mothers with kids have to get up in the middle of the movie with their charges to go to the restroom or the snack bar. Annoying!

Some "critics" complained about the lack of a plot for the human characters. I didn't notice any lack of plot. It was fine to me. One doesn't go to giant monster movies for "a plot", they want gratuitous monster mayhem! That said, fanatical "environmentalist wackos" got a good jab in the plot.

My grade: A.

Banno Article In The Hollywood Reporter

Above, J. D. Lees and Yoshimitsu Banno at G-FEST in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Hollywood Reporter posted an obituary article on the passing of Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno.

It begins with:

Japanese director Yoshimitsu Banno, who made his debut with Godzilla vs. Hedorah in 1971, died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage at his home in Kawasaki on Sunday. He was 86. 

Released in the U.S. in 1972 as Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, the film was the 11th in the Godzilla series and featured an anti-pollution message, following the anti-nuclear messages of the earlier films.

The article also noted that Banno was a four-time assistant director to Akira Kurosawa.

To read the article, go here.

Details On Yoshimitsu Banno's Passing

Above, J. D. Lees and Yoshimitsu Banno chat during a post-G-FEST lunch gathering in 2005. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jiji Press, a Japanese news wire service, provided some details on the passing of Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno.

They wrote:

Tokyo, May 10 (Jiji Press)--Yoshimitsu Banno, a Japanese director best known for his film "Godzilla vs Hedorah," died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage at his home in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Sunday. He was 86.

Above, Yoshimitsu Banno, second from right, at the Rainforest Cafe following G-FEST XII. Photo by Richard Pusateri.

To read more, go here. 

Yoshimitsu Banno, R.I.P.

Above, Yoshimitsu Banno addresses the 2004 G-TOUR members at the
Roppongi T.G.I. Friday's restaurant in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been reported by several people that Godzilla vs. Hedorah (a.k.a. Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster) director Yoshimitsu Banno has passed away.

I did a Google search, but it turned up no such news.

However, Matt Frank posted this on Mr. Banno's Facebook page:

Yoshimitsu Banno, director of GODZILLA VS. THE SMOG MONSTER, and one of the men responsible for bringing Godzilla to Legendary Pictures for the 2014 revival, has just passed away. He lead an eclectic and unique life, with a strange eye for cinema and a documentarian style that made Smog Monster one of the more unique kaiju films ever made. Rest in Peace, Yoshimitsu Banno.

I first met Mr. Banno in August 2001 at the Roppongi, Tokyo T.G.I. Friday's restaurant during G-TOUR. He gave a lengthy talk about his plans to produce a new Godzilla movie in 3D. He appeared as a special guest of G-FEST the following year.

R.I.P., Mr. Banno.

40 Years of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah"

Seven years ago, the 50th anniversary of Godzilla (1954) was celebrated.

Part of that celebration included the DVD release by Columbia-TriStar Home Entertainment of Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971), along with several other Godzilla movies.

Suddenly, next month marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Godzilla vs. Hedorah in Japan on July 24, 1971. It was released the following year in the United States as Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster.

This is the famous (or infamous, depending upon one's point-of-view) movie in which Godzilla curls up his tail and uses his atomic breath as a rocket engine to fly (!) after Hedorah. Director Yoshimitsu Bannai added the flying scenes to "lighten up" an otherwise dark movie. This was Banno's message movie on pollution.

Right, Yoshimitsu Banno at a dinner party in Roppongi, Tokyo in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The movie is quirky in other ways besides the flying sequences. It also contains animated sequences whose intent was to drive home the dangers of pollution along with strange music motifs and bizarre editing.

Tomoyuki Tanaka, the producer of the Godzilla series, was in the hospital at the time Hedorah was made. When he finally saw the finished movie, he reportedly said that Banno ruined the Godzilla series and was determined to never allow Banno to direct another Godzilla movie. This may or may not be a true story. Banno refuted this at G-FEST a few years ago.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah has risen in G-fandom's esteem over the years. The U.S. version (Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster) was featured in the 1978 book The Fifty Worst Films of All Time.

To this day, Godzilla vs. Hedorah remains an odd entry in the entire series of Godzilla movies. At least one can't say it's dull.

Happy 40th anniversary!

Yoshimitsu Banno Is Seeking Investors

Above, Yoshimitsu Banno when he announced his Godzilla 3-D project in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno is seeking investors for a proposed Gamera 3-D movie that is scheduled to be produced next year with the cooperation of Kadokawa Pictures.

Banno is seeking individual investors who would invest 15 million yen to the project.

To clarify, here's what 15 million yen is in today's dollar/yen exchange rate:

15,000,000.00 JPY = 184,430.41 USD

Source: Universal Currency Converter.

This means that an American investor would have to come up with $184,430.41 (simple, eh?).

Currently, Banno is executive producer of Godzilla 3-D that is being produced by Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers. It is slated to be released in 2012.

For further details, go here.

Odds & Sods

Above, Yuu Asakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Completed some necessary "housekeeping" on The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan this morning.

This includes filling more orders and, also, sending in the required materials to the U.S. Copyright Office. The last was something I should've done earlier, but hadn't gotten around to it.

On the upcoming (in 2012) Legendary Pictures Godzilla movie project, there's rumors swirling that a director has been named (he/she might've, but I've seen no official word) and that a title of the movie has been chosen (again, this might be true but nothing official has been announced). Two of the purported titles include Godzilla 2012 and Godzilla 3D. The latter seems to be floating as Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno is one of the producers behind this project.

We'll just have to wait until Legendary Pictures makes their own announcements concerning title and director.

Monsterpalooza is on this weekend starting today in Burbank. I haven't decided which day I will go as yet, but I am leaning towards Sunday. I was considering getting a table for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, but the new job I have has me working weekends, so I can't devote myself to a table fulltime. I am looking into next month's L.A. Comic Book and Sci-Fi Show at the Shrine Auditorium. That's only a one-day event.

Godzilla's Coming Back And Legendary Pictures Got Him!

Above, Godzilla in 1954 from the landmark movie. Photo copyright Toho Co., Ltd.

See? I told you so! I knew that something was up when I spoke to Toho-L.A. General Manager Yukio Kotaki! You may recall that when I questioned Mr. Kotaki about the rumor of the Legendary Pictures project, he couldn't say but gave a noticable giggle. Legendary Pictures announced today that they will be co-producing and co-financing with Warner Brothers a new Godzilla movie that will be re-imagining the Japanese monster. It will not be connected to the Sony/TriStar feature with Matthew Broderick. Thank God!

Variety is reporting:

"Godzilla" is coming back -- this time, with Legendary Pictures taking the lead, co-producing and co-financing with Warner Bros. for release in 2012.

Legendary announced Monday it had obtained rights to the iconic monster character from Japan's Toho Co., which has overseen more than 25 "Godzilla" films. Toho will release the pic in Japan.

Legendary said it's planning to announce a director shortly.

In addition to Legendary, producers on the new film will be Dan Lin, Roy Lee and Brian Rogers. Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira and Doug Davison will exec produce.

Speculation about a new "Godzilla" has been active since last summer. The Bloody Disgusting web site reported in August that the project was in development.

This is great news, provided the movie turns out to be faithful to the spirit of Japan's Godzilla rather than the abomination that TriStar's 1998 Godzilla turned out to be. That movie is commonly known as GINO (Godzilla In Name Only).

Memory Lane: New Hollywood Godzilla? Wait and See

What Did Tomoyuki Tanaka Say And How Did He Say It?

Above, director Yoshimitsu Banno at dinner following G-FEST in 2005.

Shades of Senator Howard Baker! The Howard Baker who said, during the senate Watergate hearings in 1973, "What did the president know and when did he know it?"

How does this fit in with Godzilla vs. Hedorah? Read on.

In this case, Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno seems to have changed his story on what Godzilla executive producer Tomoyuki Tanaka said and his demeanor after he saw the finished Hedorah movie's scenes of a flying Godzilla.

A noted kaiju historian says he has a 1990 tape of Banno saying that Tanaka irately exclaimed, "You've ruined the image of Godzilla!" Whereas, in 2005 at G-FEST, Banno stated that Tanaka was not too upset over the scene and said something akin to "it's too late to change it now." (I was there and remember this.)

Naturally, people's memories fade and have a tendency to change over time. But it does make one wonder what is the real story. Banno never again directed a movie for Tanaka. That should tell you something!

Generally, when I (as an adjuster) take a recorded statement from a claimant or witness in relation to an accident claim, every effort is made to talk to them immediately as possible before the story changes and while facts are still fresh in their minds.

So, "What did Tanaka say and how did he say it?"

New Hollywood Godzilla? Wait And See

Predictably, when Bloody Disgusting.com posted that Legendary Pictures is in the planning stages of producing a new American Godzilla movie, all G-fandom became ecstatic. This is understandable.

The last movie was Godzilla Final Wars of five years ago. This movie left fans split on whether they like it or not. Some do, some don't. I find it entertaining. It was a fun flick.

At the time of Final Wars production, Toho Executive Producer Shogo Tomiyama announced that Godzilla will be on a (at least) ten-year hiatus due to slumping box office returns.

The Sony/TriStar Godzilla in 1998 was a major disappointment. It didn't look like Godzilla and it didn't act like Godzilla. G-fan Richard Pusateri coined the term GINO for the critter (GINO = Godzilla In Name Only). Each time word leaks that there may be another Godzilla from Hollywood, fans harken back to the Sony/TriStar debacle.

Wheeling and dealing in Hollywood backrooms is a constant exercise. No doubt there have been many proposals for another American Godzilla movie. The Yoshimitsu Banno Godzilla In 3D To The Max has been languishing for years. Because of this, fans have (rightly so) become jaded.

To confirm whether or not the report over Legendary's Godzilla is true, I contacted Toho Co., Ltd., Godzilla's parent company and trademark owners. I asked if the reports circulating over the Internet are true and their comment was..."No comment!" They said they are "exploring several possibilities" and are "unable to comment at this time." The funny thing is, the "no comment" comment was given with a chuckle. They did not outright say "no," "maybe," "could be," or the like. They did not say "yes" either.

Do I think there will be a Legendary Pictures Godzilla movie? While the safe answer would be, "I don't know," my impressions and/or gut feeling is leaning to "yes." I have no proof. One thing I am sure of, something is up.

If a deal is reached/has been reached between Toho and Legendary, we realistically wouldn't expect see a completed film for at least a year or two.

In the meantime, until something is announced, all we (as fans) can do is to speculate. While it is okay to become excited over this, don't become so excited that if nothing comes of this that you become deeply disappointed. Wait and see.

G-TOUR: Koriyama and Dinner In Roppongi

Above, G-TOUR members at the Koriyama Museum.

Today, five years ago, we got an early start to be bused to Koriyama, the hometown of spfx icon Eiji Tsuburaya, to the museum to see the "Since Godzilla" exhibit.

The bus trip was not an official part of G-TOUR, but an option that was added.

En route, we stopped at a roadside "welcome center" for breakfast.

The "Since Godzilla" exhibit was great (although I think most were more impressed with the gift shop filled with all kinds of Godzilla goodies including toys, books, posters, DVDs, video tapes, etc.) I picked up a book chock-full of photos (J.D. also picked one up and you can spot some of the photos from it in G-FAN on occasion) and a DVD of "Godzilla" (1954), which is the cleanest copy of the movie I have. Unfortunately, we were told by the museum staff that no photography of the exhibits would be allowed. However, I did manage to sneak some video footage of the exhibit.

That night, our dinner at T.G.I. Friday's was set. I was as "nervous as a cat on a hot plate" on the way back to Tokyo (since I was the one in charge of the dinner) and worried that we would be late. It was scheduled for 7:00 PM and we got there at 7:05, which wasn't that bad considering Koriyama is about 150 miles from Tokyo.

Of course, the highlight of the dinner was Yoshimitsu Banno's talk on his Godzilla in 3D project. We had a quick visit by former L.A. General Manager Masaharu Ina. Also attending were suitmaker Shinichi Wakasa, screenwriters Wataru Mimura and Hiroshi Kashiwabara, artists Hikari and Naoko Takeda (Modstoon) and director (and "Mr. G-FEST") Yoshikazu Ishii.

Following the dinner, tour members went back to the Shiba Park Hotel, but some returned to Roppongi for some "nightclubbing." It was a memorable day (and night) in many ways.

The next day was a "free" day in Tokyo. More on that tomorrow!

G-TOUR: 5 Years Ago

Above, a view of Tokyo from Tokyo Tower.

Five years ago, G-TOUR spent its first full day in Japan touring around Tokyo.

After breakfast, we got into our buses at the Shiba Park Hotel and headed off. Our first stop was Tokyo Tower. There, we went up to the observation deck and enjoyed the vistas of Tokyo.

After Tokyo Tower, we headed off to the Imperial Palace. En route, we passed by the National Diet Building. At the Imperial Palace, we stopped for photographs of the palace and Nijubashi Bridge.

After the Imperial Palace, we headed to Hibiya where we stopped to photograph the Godzilla statue and surrounding area, including Ginza and the Yurkucho Mullion building.

Following this, we headed into Odaiba for lunch and shopping at Aqua City. Then we headed to Asakusa where we visited the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Ave. for more shopping.

After this, we headed back to the Shiba Park Hotel and we were free to do whatever we wanted.

The next day, we went to Koriyama to see the "Since Godzilla" exhibit and then we had our dinner get-together at T.G.I. Friday's in Roppongi. At this dinner, Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno revealed his Godzilla 3D Imax project.

Is Godzilla 3D Back On Track?

Above, director Yoshimitsu Banno announces his Godzilla in 3D/Imax project to G-TOUR.

Back in August 2004, J. D. Lees led 60 Godzilla fans to Japan to celebrate Godzilla's 50th anniversary with G-TOUR. While G-TOUR was in Tokyo, a dinner party was held at the Roppongi, Tokyo TGI Friday's restaurant. One of the guests at the dinner was Godzilla vs. Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno.

Banno gave a talk to the assembled fans and disclosed that he was given the green light to produce a 3D/Imax feature featuring Godzilla by Toho Co., Ltd. The feature was entitled Godzilla: 3D to the Max. This was to be an independent production financed by Banno's group. That year, Toho announced that they were putting Godzilla on a ten-year vacation due to slumping ticket sales.

Ever since, rumors have been floating around on who would be involved, whether or not financing for the project was obtained and what monsters will be in the movie.

Reports of the comings and goings of different entities have been reported on the Internet in the ensuing years.

A few weeks ago, Ken Hulsey at Monster Island News* reported on some news of the project. This was, understandably, met with skepticism.

This week, Hulsey found this little tidbit:

This 2004 movie was directed by Keith Melton who also made a four-minute motion simulator ride film about James Bond, "Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man" and is working on "Godzilla 3D."

That little nugget was found here.

The questions Godzilla fans are wondering about are: Is the Godzilla: 3D to the Max project really back on track? Is it in pre-production or is it actually, really now being produced?

It appears that the evidence is starting to show that the on-again, off-again Godzilla: 3D to the Max project may be on-again. We'll see.

All one can say at present is stay tuned!

*I am a contributor to Monster Island News.

UPDATE: Ken Hulsey pulled his post that was posted this week on the project containing the link to the article on Keith Melton's alleged involvement. Meanwhile, Brett Homenick sent a query to Kenji Okuhira, the film's producer, on May 19 on whether or not the project is on and he specifically asked if Melton was involved, to which he replied the same day, "Thanks for your inquiry. It is not true, I am afraid. I hope this helps." I sent Keith Melton a query this morning on the article that Hulsey found. If I receive a reply worth noting, I'll advise. Looks like this is another dead-end.

UPDATE (6/2/09): Cleve Hall posted at the Classic Horror Film Board saying that the Godzilla 3D project is "sorta back on track" but without Yoshimitsu Banno or his company. It is to be filmed in the U.S. and the principals are "acquiring financing" now. I don't know how accurate this is, just reporting it.