Japan's Favorite Mon-star (The Unauthorized Biography of Godzilla)

Rating:
Summary: Chock full of details!!!
Review: Very informative and thoughtful summary of the 1950's through 90's Godzilla/Toho era, including fine details and opinions on special effects, music, film distributors, American vs. Japanese versions, various Toho production staff, etc. One big disappointment was the lack of behind-the-scenes photos of various goings-on at the Toho studio lot during actual productions of the 1950's through 1960's. For example, shots of the actor in the Godzilla suit during breaks, or scenes and different perspectives of the miniatures between takes. My guess is that permission to use these Toho photos was not obtained. Afterall, this was an unathorized biography... but overall, very well researched and written!

Rating:
Summary: Pretty much required reading for Godzilla fans.
Review: Whether you agree with Steve Ryfle's criticism of the the later and contemporary Godzilla movies or not (and I do not not, with the exception of the American version, I rate no Godzilla movie lower than three stars), his book remains a fairly exhaustive look at the legendary monster and its decades long film franchise. Just about any question you may have about the still running series will probably be answered in these pages. Sadly legal hassles (i.e. it being unauthorized) prevented more photos of the star attraction appearing in the book, but that it is a pretty nitpicking quibble for such a book as this. If you want cool pictures of The Big "G", then buy the Cerasini/Leeds Companion. If you want an affectionate, yet candidly unvarnished, look that people who created and/or appeared in so many wonderfully entertaining movies, then get this. You will not be disappointed. I can only give it my highest recommendation.