Godzilla 3

This is the third box set for the Godzilla Perfect Collection line, which also means the third LP reproduction. The subject in this case is the record Godzilla 3, a logical follow up as the previous two box sets had the first two volumes. Like the previous two, this disc is a compilation containing various themes from the Godzilla Showa series. Unlike the other two, though, this one has some notably new bonus tracks which do add a little bit of worth to this CD. Where as the first two volumes focused largely on Akira Ifukubes work in the series, this third one branches off to focus more on Masaru Sato and Riichiro Manabes contributions to the franchise. Of the films focused on, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974) gets the most coverage here. Also, interestingly enough, the version of the main title used for Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974) is actually an outtake. As an aside, even though one of the tracks for this film is called "Mechagodzilla and King Caesar", this particular theme is actually just sound effects of Godzilla and Mechagodzilla. Its mixed together in an attempt to create a sound drama fight between the two characters, but whoever compiled them missed their mark as the noises do little to mesh together a fight in someones head. Other tracks, such as "Megalon vs. Godzilla" and "All Monsters Attack", also contain sound effects but not to the same degree where they are the entire track. The CD also contains the audio for the Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965) trailer, which is kind of a tease as it would have been a far more interesting bonus disc had they just included the audio for all of the Godzilla trailers. At any rate, its a bit unfortunate as the trailer fades out early. After the trailer track come the vocal cues, starting with one from the original Godzilla (1954) and going all the way up to Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974). Some of these are from the movies, while others are record cues created for promotional use. The disc rounds out its runtime with a selection of bonus tracks. The first three have been released several times before, such as on the Godzilla Song Book (VPCD-81381). As for the last four tracks, they are songs created in the 1980s around the Godzilla character. These are pretty rare and make for a great inclusion. They arent particularly amazing songs, but due to obscurity they are interesting to hear. Two of these are done by the Victory Youth Folk Association, and like their name suggests they bring a Japanese folk presentation while announcing Godzilla. The second two, "Godzilla" and "The Little Star Song", are a bit of a mystery. The disc makes no mention of the artist... at all. The first of these is pretty interesting too, but given that it has a generic track title like "Godzilla" its almost impossible to research who the singer might be. All in all, this is the best of the first three bonus discs for the added content at the end. Its still flawed, though, for the concept behind it. Essentially, its still a compilation disc, and 12 of the tracks included here are also found in this box already. As a stand alone release it would have had more appeal, although I prefer tracks without sound effects added in personally, but as part of a pricey box set series that is aimed for hardcore collectors it feels, like the others, as a missed opportunity for something more.