I’ve been hearing for years that the Japanese version of this film (King Kong vs. Godzilla) is immensely SUPERIOR to the dubbed, American version we are familiar with here in the states.

Now, I grew up (since I was about 11) watching this film on VHS.

I bought the Universal, widescreen DVD in 2005 when they re-release it (with KING KONG ESCAPES to cash in on the hype of Peter Jackson’s movie).

I find it fun.

And better than I’d expect.

But I realize my opinion is in the minority.

At any rate, can anyone articulate for me the DIFFERENCES between the two versions?

I mean, obviously, there are no Americans and no one is speaking English.

But is there more monster fighting (in the US version the monster meet and fight briefly about an hour into the film and then fight for the last 11-12 minutes of the film)?

Is the ending different (does Godzilla win)?

Please let me know.

I’ll check out the original Japanese version (and shell out the $15) if anything is significantly different (such as the 1954 GOJIRA and 1984’s GODZILLA RETURNS… much better in their original form that Burr-ized).

Godzilla doesn’t win in either version. I heard a rumor though that you can hear Godzilla roar at the end of the Japanese one… I doubt it’s true. I prefer Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla (1974) or Godzilla 1984/1985.

As you said there are no Americans in the Japanese version and there are some scenes that were cut in the American version. And there is no clear winner in the fight as they both swim away in the end. It’s a shame that the American version is the only one available here in the west since Sony have been releasing Toho classics with both versions featured on the disc. But I’m guessing it’s a legal thing since King Kong is a Universal property.