Godzilla Minus One set for black-and-white theatrical re-release as homage to 1954 original

In a nod to the golden era of Toho movies, Godzilla Minus One is making a grand return to the silver screen, swapping its vibrant palette for a timeless black-and-white ensemble, a impeccable choice that pays homage to the 1954 classic.

What

The announcement was made on the social media platform X, accompanied by a teaser trailer showcasing Godzilla Minus One in its monochromatic glory. Toho revealed that this reimagined release, titled Godzilla-1.0/C (Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color), will premiere in Japanese theatres on January 12, 2024. 

#山崎貴 監督からの
コメントも到着しました。

◆山崎貴監督コメント
長い間作業してもらっていた『ゴジラ-1.0／C』を発表できることとなりました。
ただモノクロにするのではなくそれこそカット単位で、
新たな映画を創り上げるくらいの勢いでさまざまなマットを駆使しながら調整してもらいました。… pic.twitter.com/z0OtH5hRKm

— 『ゴジラ-1.0』【大ヒット上映中】 (@godzilla231103) December 19, 2023

Moviegoers attending the Japanese screenings will receive a limited edition "70th Anniversary Original Art Board" featuring both Japanese and North American visuals, adding a collectible element to the experience, with only 300,000 available.

ALSO READ: The life and legacy of Godzilla suit actor, Kenpachiro Satsuma

Yamazaki's vision

Director Takashi Yamazaki, the auteur orchestrating this cinematic séance, assures audiences that this isn't just a grayscale gimmick. No, it's a labour of love, meticulously crafted to unveil Godzilla in a whole new light.

He emphasises painstaking adjustments and the use of various mattes to recreate the film cut by cut. 

This alternate version of Godzilla Minus One has been in development for a significant period, indicating Yamazaki's dedication to delivering a distinctive cinematic experience. The film is set to be released in 340 theatres across Japan on its premiere date.

ALSO READ: Oppenheimer prepares for Japan release while Godzilla Minus One takes over US theatres

Minus One rules the world

While Godzilla Minus One flexed its box office muscles in the Land of the Rising Sun, breaking records and scaling the ranks to become the sixth highest-grossing Japanese film in the United States and the highest grossing live-action Japanese film in American history, this monochromatic reimagining aims to be more than just a shadow of its former self. 

「ゴジラー１.0オルソ」
「ヤツが、来る。―」 pic.twitter.com/Bkl6c4FYPa

— Akira Nakazawa (@Nakaz52648Akira) December 20, 2023

ALSO READ: One Piece’s Eiichiro Oda took time out of his hectic schedule to go watch Godzilla Minus One 

Godzilla Minus One has not only achieved commercial success but has also garnered critical acclaim, being a finalist for Best Visual Effects at the 2024 Academy Awards. Director Takashi Yamazaki has already received recognition, winning Best Director at the Hochi Film Awards, where the film received three additional nominations.

ALSO READ: Could Godzilla Minus One actually be the first Godzilla film to ever win an Oscar?

As the monochrome curtain rises in Japan on January 12, 2024, and audiences squirm in their seats, one can't help but wonder – is this a mere homage in the form of an encore or the prelude to a new Minus One cinematic universe? 

Yamazaki, having achieved a Godzilla-sized dream, tantalisingly hints at the possibility, "I playfully but earnestly hope I can make about one more." In fitting tribute to the King of the Monsters, the saga continues, both in colour and without.