Original Japanese Release (1958)
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Daikaiju Baran (Giant Monster Varan) follows a group of scientists as they venture into the Tibet of Japan to find a rare species of butterfly, exclusive to the region. After two investigators are killed, the authorities discover a giant monster living under the lake known as a Varanopod (an ancient reptile species) which goes on the rampage through the forest. The Self Defence Forces managed to drive off the kaiju from the survivors, forcing Varan to glide into the air with thin skin membranes between its limbs. After a number of encounters out at sea, Varan makes landfall at Haneda airport and runs rampante again. The film concludes with the humans using explosives attached to flare-mounted parachutes to trick Varan into eating them. After returning to sea, a big explosion erupts, plausibly killing the monster.
American re-edit (1962) - American military officials conduct a test to purify salt water in a stagnant river on an offshore island near the Japanese territory. Ignoring the protests and warnings of the superstitious natives, the monster Varan (renamed "Obaki" throughout the film) rises up and retaliates against its human aggressors. Having snuck away via the river into the open sea, the American general (through a Japanese-American soldier) alerts the mainland of the threat. As is the Japanese cut, Varan attacks Haneda and then retreats (no explosives dropped by plain this time). A counterattack from the navy is effected and depth charges are dropped on Varan. The closing narration from the general (whom we follow throughout the film) sounds clear that Varan (Obaki) has been defeated, but might return soon. Either way, he's sure that the military will be prepared.
In the context of the original Japanese release, Varan was originally intended to be a co-production between Toho and an American film company. At some point in the film's production, the U.S. company pulled out from the project, leaving Toho to make the film themselves. The result is a movie which had some potential to be on the same level as Godzilla (1954), but it does have its flaws.
The quality of acting and direction does vary from the human characters to the monster scenes, which the best sequences of the movie. The creature design, paired with the miniature destructions in accompaniment of Akira Ifukube's orchestral score are unique in the Japanese release. As for the western edit (curtesy of Jewel International Pictures in 1962), the entire movie has been so far removed from the original version. All of the characters have been changed from scientists and the like to a U.S. general, his wife and a small battalion of troops stationed to keep the locals at bay. In addition, Ifukube's score has been completely replaced with music from other science fiction and horror movies, even Varan's roar was removed.
This presentation also cuts together stock footage (most notably) from Godzilla (1954) and Godzilla Raids Again (1955). The Japanese release also did this but only used two shots from Godzilla (the building crumbling apart and Godzilla's foot crashing through a roof).
In conclusion, the Japanese version may come off a little cheesy at points but it delivers on the monster and miniature destruction scenes.
As for the American release, it's been changed to the point any trace of the original cut seems nonexistent. The storyline is also far removed, and Varan is not called "Varan" (even though it's in the U.S. title).
If you can find a copy, the. I'd recommend the Original Japanese release.
American re-edit (1962) - American military officials conduct a test to purify salt water in a stagnant river on an offshore island near the Japanese territory. Ignoring the protests and warnings of the superstitious natives, the monster Varan (renamed "Obaki" throughout the film) rises up and retaliates against its human aggressors. Having snuck away via the river into the open sea, the American general (through a Japanese-American soldier) alerts the mainland of the threat. As is the Japanese cut, Varan attacks Haneda and then retreats (no explosives dropped by plain this time). A counterattack from the navy is effected and depth charges are dropped on Varan. The closing narration from the general (whom we follow throughout the film) sounds clear that Varan (Obaki) has been defeated, but might return soon. Either way, he's sure that the military will be prepared.
In the context of the original Japanese release, Varan was originally intended to be a co-production between Toho and an American film company. At some point in the film's production, the U.S. company pulled out from the project, leaving Toho to make the film themselves. The result is a movie which had some potential to be on the same level as Godzilla (1954), but it does have its flaws.
The quality of acting and direction does vary from the human characters to the monster scenes, which the best sequences of the movie. The creature design, paired with the miniature destructions in accompaniment of Akira Ifukube's orchestral score are unique in the Japanese release. As for the western edit (curtesy of Jewel International Pictures in 1962), the entire movie has been so far removed from the original version. All of the characters have been changed from scientists and the like to a U.S. general, his wife and a small battalion of troops stationed to keep the locals at bay. In addition, Ifukube's score has been completely replaced with music from other science fiction and horror movies, even Varan's roar was removed.
This presentation also cuts together stock footage (most notably) from Godzilla (1954) and Godzilla Raids Again (1955). The Japanese release also did this but only used two shots from Godzilla (the building crumbling apart and Godzilla's foot crashing through a roof).
In conclusion, the Japanese version may come off a little cheesy at points but it delivers on the monster and miniature destruction scenes.
As for the American release, it's been changed to the point any trace of the original cut seems nonexistent. The storyline is also far removed, and Varan is not called "Varan" (even though it's in the U.S. title).
If you can find a copy, the. I'd recommend the Original Japanese release.