Last year’s Godzilla Minus One received many accolades and acclaim worldwide for its treatment of the kaiju genre. It became the first Godzilla film to win an Oscar after the Takashi Yamazaki film received the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The film was also commercially successful, earning over $115 million against a $15 million budget.
While the film has been one of the most popular releases of 2023, it took almost six months for it to debut on streaming. Amazon Prime Video announced that Godzilla Minus One would be streaming on the platform from May 3. However, there is a catch. The movie would reportedly only stream in Japan, which might lead to many fans watching it illegally.
Godzilla Minus One Will Stream On Prime Video From May 3
Takashi Yamazaki’s masterpiece Godzilla Minus One received acclaim from fans around the world due to its VFX and storytelling. Legendary filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, John Landis, and more, appreciated the film for its grand vision and fresh perspective on the kaiju genre. The film was also lauded for what it was able to achieve with its miniscule budget (via Collider and IGN).
Development of Godzilla Minus One reportedly began after the success of Shin Godzilla, after which Toho Co., the studio behind the franchise, began developing more films. The studio also had to wait a few years as their deal with Legendary Pictures forbade them from releasing any Godzilla-related films in the same year as them (via Bloody Disgusting).
Takashi Yamazaki was hired to work on the film after he completed the historical drama The Great War of Archimedes. The filmmaker had reportedly worked with the monster on the film Always Sunset On Third Street 2 and the Godzilla attraction at Seibu-en Amusement Park. After the film’s success in Japan and in the USA, it is all set to debut on streaming on Prime Video.
The streaming giant announced that Godzilla Minus One would be available on the platform from May 3. The film was set in post-war Japan and followed the story of a kamikaze pilot who encounters Godzilla. The film was lauded for its VFX and depiction of Godzilla. It was also appreciated for its human storyline which was always considered the weakest part of the films.
Godzilla Minus One’s Streaming Plans Might Lead To Illegal Watching
Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One was not only a blockbuster in Japan but also received various accolades and acclaim across the seas. The film was a huge hit in the North American markets and became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. It reportedly had an opening of $11 million and went on to earn $50 million at the box office (via Crunchy Roll).
Despite heavy interest in the film worldwide, Prime Video announced that the film would be available for streaming only in Japan from May 3. This led to many fans demanding an overseas release. Home copies of the film were also reported to be released on May 1 but only in Japan.
You can't just say this and not say which territories!
— Nick Gold 🇮🇱☮️🇵🇸🛸🇺🇦 (@DeclassifyUAP) April 16, 2024
Japan only release… looks like we'll have to sail the seas ⚓
— soapmacvj (@soapmacvj) April 16, 2024
ahoy!! pic.twitter.com/tu54TH1BVm
— Scylla (HectorLight) (@HectorHHhH2989) April 16, 2024
VPN set to Japan I guess.
— SuperMadGenius (@SuperMadGenius) April 16, 2024
With the interest in the film which also won the Oscar for its visual effects increasing, and with renewed interest for Godzilla films after the recent Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire earning $437 million, Godzilla Minus One’s Japan-only streaming might hamper its performance in other territories. The recent decisions are bound to lead to an increase in illegal streaming and piracy.
