Update: Godzilla 3D to the Max
Robert Saint John & Aaron Smith, December 17, 2005
Source: Yomiuri Shimbun
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| Godzilla 3D to the Max |
The new IMAX film starring Godzilla is nearing production.
Athough finiancial backing is not yet complete, a news article appearing this weekend the film, spearheaded by Godzilla vs Hedorah director Yoshimitsu Banno is just about ready to go past the pre-production phase into actual production soon. As you can see by the poster image the story has been changed somewhat...originally Godzilla was to be in New York but now the final battle will be Las Vegas.*
Robert provides the highlights from the article:
- Financing is soon to be finalized, both Japanese and outside
- Expected budget of 3 billion yen ($25 million US... way up from $9 million)
- Banno and Co-Producer Kenji Okudaira signed contract with Toho this past October finalizing copyright details
- Production to begin in March 2006, running through January 2007, and planned to open in Japan and the U.S. in summer 2007
- Toho will handle distribution in Japan, no mention of U.S. distributor
- Storyline seems to have changed somewhat. No mention of the 9/11 angle any longer, nor New York. Story still opens in Iguassu (Iguacu) Falls in Brazil, where Godzilla faces off against the "pollution monster that destroys nature". The battle continues in Mexico, California and concludes in a final decisive battle in Las Vegas.
- Banno is touting the project as being of great interest because of the poor performance of traditional Hollywood movies this past year, and the rise of the home theater.
- Of note: http://godzilla3d.com/en/specification.html has been updated, and confirms much of the information above regarding dates and the location of the shoots. Also, I believe this is new clarification on the credits of those involved:
Director : Yoshimitsu Banno
SFX Director : Eiichi Asada ("Godzilla Final Wars")
Co-Director : Keith Melton ("Journey of Man : Cirque du Soleil")
Director of Photography / Supervisor of Visual Effects : Peter Anderson
("CaptainEO" "Shrek2 / 4D" "T2 / 3D")
We\'ll post update information and any corrections as they come in.
* Some conjecture on Robert\'s part here: I think the switch to Las Vegas is probably an indication that they have the interest and/or investment of people in the industry there. Las Vegas has long been a leader in these kind of productions with IMAX & IMAX 3D, productions such as "Borg Invasion 4D" and "Star Trek The Experience", "Wild Safari 3D", the premiere of NASCAR 3D, the attractions and facilities at places like the Hilton and the Luxor and so on.