Nov 20 2008
Double Feature Vol. 4: Toho’s King Kong!
King Kong (1933) is usually accompanied by Son of Kong (1933) and Mighty Joe Young (1949), yet there is a wealth of giant ape movies beyond these RKO classics. In particular, the two Toho (responsible for bringing Godzilla to the screen) King Kong movies, King Kong Vs. Godzilla (1962) and King Kong Escapes (1967), make for a solid double feature.
King Kong Vs. Godzilla begins with a pharmaceutical company in search of a gimmick, and captures the legendary King Kong from his native island (with help from barrels filled the juice of a special fruit that causes drowsiness). Meanwhile, Godzilla breaks free from an iceberg and heads for Japan. The two meet in a short battle, seemingly won by Godzilla; both monsters march in opposite directions.
After a failed military attempt to destroy Godzilla, an electrical blockade is set up around Tokyo as Godzilla approaches. Godzilla is kept out, but Kong appears to gain power from the electricity contained within the blockade. Kong enters Tokyo, but is lulled to sleep (by the military) with a fine mist made from the juice that had put him to sleep before his capture. Kong is airlifted to Mount Fuji to battle Godzilla…..
In King Kong Escapes, a team of United Nations scientists discover Kong on Mondo island. They escape the giant ape’s curiosity when he battles the Gorosaurus and a serpent. When they return to Mondo on a second expedition, they discover that he is gone, and evidence of his capture by an evil scientist, Dr. Who, is found. Dr. Who needs Kong to dig out the rare and radioactive element “X” for profit; this is only after his mechanical double of Kong fails.
Kong is hypnotized and sent to dig for Element X, but is freed from his spell when exposed to the radiation. Kong escapes, and heads for Tokyo. Dr. Who brings his robot to Japan to pursue Kong, and the two giants climb Tokyo Tower for the final battle…..
These two films are the only official Kong films released by Toho. They are often paired on television, but are specifically available in a two-DVD set by Universal. Both films are 2.35:1 widescreen (16×9) and look better than they ever have before on television or video. They make for a perfect evening of giant gorilla/dinosaur action, and should be served up with some trailers from the All Monsters Attack (2002) and Fantastic Dinosaurs of the Movies (1993) trailer collections.
