FRANKENSTEIN VS. BARAGON: I finally saw the original version!

[Chris K.]

If you have seen the American International Pictures/Henry G. Saperstein release of FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD, then I suggest you see the original Japanese version FRANKENSTEIN VS. BARAGON. Way superior than the U.S. cut, it has more character development and additional effects sequences not seen the the American version (and even scenes that were shot differently as well).

Plus, the original ending is the added extra feature as it featured the Frankenstein monster fighting the devil-fish (i.e. a giant octopus) after defeating Baragon. Personally, I felt this was a better ending and should have been incorporated in the original cut (sadly, it was removed because of it's American co-production with Saperstein who felt that bringing another monster in the film would be too distresing). It sure is better than the ending of both Baragon and Frankenstein being sucked up into an earthquake.

So, has anybody ever seen the original version. If so, what did you think of it?

[Andrew]

I have both, the Japanese version is even on LD from Japan.  I definitely like the Japanese version more, not least of which is for the octopus out of nowhere!  It just happened to find its way ashore in search of a giant man to eat and, well, there was a giant man to eat!

[Squishy]

Unlike, say, the undubbed version of "Rodan," this one DOESN'T benefit from a dialogue-free finale; everyone stands agape as this giant octopus just climbs up, grabs out li'l giant mutant, and drags him off to what must be a very horrible demise (slurp slurp rip); the human characters' expressions just add to the whole "WTF?" atmosphere of the last ten minutes--and while it's definitely weirder, it was considered too weird for American release. At least in the US version, he goes down holding his skinny arms aloft in triumph; some wee comfort.

Side note: "War of the Gargantuas" is supposedly a sequel to "Frankenstein vs. Baragon." The original title is "Frankenstein Monsters: Sanda vs. Gaira"--but  I couldn't tell you if that's brought up in the movie itself or not; been way too long since I've seen the original. Perhaps the little hair pile that grows up to be Brown Gargantua/Sanda sprang from land-bound remains of the prior Frank, and Green G/Gaira grew from what the octopus left behind--making his fight with one at the opening of "War" a form of payback?

[Flangepart]

Ewwww....Green Gargantua, spawn of Octopus poop! What an image!
So, what, Brown G. same from a groundhog (If Japan has groundhogs), that eats Frank's remains, and mutates? Talk about yer mystery science....
Agreed. The "Frank Triumphant" end is better, but the original ending, with the slack jaws of the humans doing an  "I disbelieve" is priceless!
Yes, get this one in the original version., all ye Kaiju freaks. Get 'em all that way, if you can.....

[Haze]

I liked both of these flicks, Frankestein Conquers the World left the weirdest feeling in my gut after I watched it and have always been a fan of War of the Gargantuas, these movies were B even for Kaiju flicks.

I tear at the memories.

[Musukogoji]

Sanda grew from the severed hand that was left behind in "Frankenstein vs. Baragon". At one point, Sanda tore his knee open and that flesh made its way to the sea and grew into Sanda.

[Musukogoji]

Musukogoji wrote:
> Sanda tore his knee
> open and that flesh made its way to the sea and grew into
> Sanda.

I'm sorry, that should read "Sanda tore his knee and that flesh made its way to the sea and grew into Gailah"... stupid brain.

[StatCat]

I have both the Japanese versions for these two. Definitely some of the wackiest kaiju out there. Both are really enjoyable.