In celebration of the film’s 67th birthday, Toho International will be rolling out an exclusive premiere of the long-awaited 4k restoration of Godzilla. Beginning on November 3, the same day the monster made his 1954 debut in Toho’s Gojira, the remastered version will be shown at Alamo Drafthouse cinema locations across the country.
The restored film hasn’t been released in the U.S. or Japan yet, so the screenings will offer fans new and old a fresh look at the influential classic. In addition to showings of the remastered Godzilla, select Alamo Drafthouse locations with show other films featuring the character, including Godzilla vs. Hedorah and Shin Godzilla. come November 5.
The following week, a double feature will introduce two films in the Godzilla franchise to the U.S. for the first time. November 12 will mark the U.S. release of the original Japanese version of 1984’s The Return of Godzilla. A sequel to Gojira, the movie was heavily re-edited and released as Godzilla 1985 in the U.S.
Meanwhile, 1989’s Godzilla vs. Biollante, which had a direct-to-video release, will finally have a chance to grace American theaters.
“Godzilla continues its reign as King of the Monsters, transcending mere entertainment icons and embodying emotions and social issues reflective of the times,” said Keiji Ota, Chief Godzilla Officer. “It is timely that we introduce the world to this first 4K version of the original Godzilla film to honor the legacy of this globally recognized symbol to the strongest fanbase in the world.
Over two dozen locations across the U.S. — including flagship theaters in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco — will be hosting screenings. And in another first for the film series, fans at screenings will have the option to take part in a new augmented reality experience created for the 1954 Godzilla character.
Tickets for the events are available now on the Alamo Drafthouse website, as well as a full list of participating locations.
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