Godzilla vs the Thing (1964)/Voyage to the End of the Universe (1963) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Godzilla vs the Thing" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest. "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) was the co-feature.

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Godzilla vs the Thing (1964)
“Godzilla vs. The Thing,” also known in Japan as “Mothra vs. Godzilla,” is a classic 1964 kaiju film that pits two of cinema’s most iconic monsters against each other. Directed by Ishirō Honda, the film is a thrilling entry in the Godzilla franchise and showcases the special effects wizardry of Eiji Tsuburaya.

The film opens with the discovery of a gigantic egg on the shores of Japan, following a destructive typhoon. The egg becomes the center of attention, drawing the curiosity of the public and the greed of an unscrupulous businessman who sees it as a lucrative tourist attraction. However, the egg is more than it seems—it belongs to Mothra, the giant moth deity, and is guarded by tiny twin girls from Infant Island who implore for its return.

As the human drama unfolds, Godzilla emerges from the mud, awakened by the typhoon’s aftermath, and begins a rampage through Japan. The situation becomes dire, and the people of Japan find themselves caught between Godzilla's destructive force and Mothra's protective might. In a series of spectacular battles, the two titans clash, with Mothra fighting valiantly to protect her offspring and the people of Japan from Godzilla’s atomic wrath.

“Godzilla vs. The Thing” is renowned for its dramatic showdowns and the moral questions it raises about human exploitation of natural wonders. The film’s portrayal of Godzilla as a force of nature and Mothra as a symbol of protection resonates with audiences, making it a memorable and influential piece of monster movie history

Director: Ishirô Honda
Writer: Shin'ichi Sekizawa
Stars: Akira Takarada, Yuriko Hoshi, Hiroshi Koizumi
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Voyage to the End of the Universe (1963)
“Voyage to the End of the Universe,” originally titled “Ikarie XB-1,” is a visionary 1963 Czechoslovak science fiction film directed by Jindřich Polák. The film is a cinematic adaptation loosely based on Stanisław Lem’s novel “The Magellanic Cloud.”

Set in the year 2163, the narrative follows the crew of the starship Ikarie XB-1 as they embark on an ambitious journey to the “White Planet” orbiting the star Alpha Centauri. The mission is a leap into the unknown, with the crew facing the vastness of space for a duration that, due to the effects of relativity, will see them age only 28 months while 15 years pass on Earth.

The film delves into interstellar travel's psychological and physical challenges, exploring the dynamics among the 40-strong multinational crew. As they adjust to life in space, they encounter a series of mysterious and potentially dangerous situations, including a derelict 20th-century spaceship and a risky “dark star.” The crew’s resilience is tested as they navigate through these hazards, all while dealing with the complexities of isolation and the strain it puts on their mental well-being.

“Voyage to the End of the Universe” is noted for its ahead-of-its-time production design and thought-provoking themes, which later influenced other landmark films in the genre. It stands as a testament to the era’s imaginative storytelling and the enduring allure of space exploration.

Director: Jindrich Polák
Writers: Pavel Jurácek, Stanislaw Lem, Jindrich Polák
Stars: Zdenek Stepánek, Frantisek Smolík, Dana Medrická
Buy "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

September 2, 1964 ad (Seattle)