Varan Lobby card

Lobby cards sure are cool, even if the movie isn't that great.  I love Varan, but I am not blind to its various faults.  But I had the 8mm version when I was a small agent, and we watched it a lot, though there were odd things about the digest that made no sense.  I think for 8-10 minutes, there should have been a lot more monster action.  This may be the subject of a podcast- the movie and the monster, that is.  Be that as it may, the movie itself is now an old friend, good or not,  I think we all have movies like this in our history, right?  Unless you don't like movies, and if not, why are you reading this blog?

Destroy All Monsters

Normally I do this one ON Hallowe'en, but since I'm watching the movie right now on an amazing looking blu ray DVD (it's the rare one commentary, yes, it's just a little bit superior) so of course I'm watching the AIP dub. I sure wish I had seen this as a kid in the theater, but this much awesome would have probably destroyed my mind at that time.

Unbelievable 8mm Varan

This is how I was introduced to Varan. Heck, this may actually be the film I transferred to VHS many years ago, before VARAN was sort of available on home video. I wish this version could be released properly, as I've heard there is a nice 35mm print out there in someone's collection.

Varan, the Undiscovered

I think I've posted about this movie before, and that I prefer the US cut over the Japanese one.  neither is anything wonderful, but Toho's version just goes on and on and on...

it also doesn't hurt that I saw this a few times on TV while I was growing up, and that I owned the 8mm version of it, which contains most of the essential scenes.  Ken Films always did a pretty good job of getting the best parts into their 200' comps, and even Varan was no exception.  I had the 8mm version long before I saw the whole movie on TV.  which wasn't a bad thing.

VARAN THE UNBELIEVABLE 1962 TRAILER

I know this isn't a great movie- either version- but it holds a sentimental place in my heart. I had the 8mm version, which some people might say is the best one, as it's the shortest version. it's now like watching old friends. I will admit as well to not watching either version very often. when I do, it is the US version. maybe once every five or ten years.

Varan flies!

one of Toho's lesser efforts is Varan the Unbelievable. I've seen the US version many times, starting as a kid with the 8mm compilation. it's not a great movie. some fans seem to think that Toho's version is somehow superior, and yet's even more boring. but to each his own, right?