Released in 2023, the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise Godzilla Minus One emerged as a sleeper hit, grossing over $100 million worldwide on an estimated budget of $15 million. The film also garnered significant critical acclaim, including an Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards.
However, despite its remarkable success, the Japanese movie has been unable to reach a broader audience due to its elusive accessibility. This challenge is believed to have stemmed from the intricate arrangement between Toho and Legendary Entertainment, which remains undisclosed.
The Reason Behind Godzilla Minus One’s Inaccessibility
The Oscar-winning film Godzilla Minus One has left the audience scratching their heads over its inaccessibility despite its acclaimed success. Not only streaming or PVOD releases, a clear HD version of the film is not even available on any of the piracy websites.
And reports suggest that the confidential agreement between Legendary Pictures and Toho, the original creators and rights holders of Godzilla, could be the root cause of the film’s elusive nature. The agreement reportedly allows Toho to make its own Godzilla films but with one condition that they cannot release their movies in the same year as Legendary Pictures.
It is also believed to be the reason the film was released in November 2023 in Japan and December 2023 in the United States. However, it faced an abrupt end to its theatrical run, with Toho reportedly mandating its removal from theaters by February 1, allegedly due to the upcoming release of Legendary Pictures’ Godzilla X Kong.
Despite its success at the box office, the movie did not follow up with a PVOD release after it concluded its theatrical run. While a release date for the film’s physical media version was recently announced, there are still no updates about a potential PVOD release.
And the delay is believed to be linked to the upcoming film Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, which is set to hit theaters this March. It’s speculated that the streaming or PVOD release of Takashi Yamazaki’s film has been on hold to prevent diverting audiences from watching the new film in theaters.
Godzilla Minus One to Get a Blu-ray Release in Japan
While its streaming or PVOD release remains uncertain, Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One is set to get a Blu-ray release in Japan. The physical media for the film will be available only in Japan starting from May 1.
Toho has revealed a distinctive folding box set for both Blu-ray and DVD formats, featuring the movie, along with a black and white version titled Godzilla Minus One / Minus Color. It also includes a special features disc and a commemorative booklet honoring the film.
However, Toho did not state anything about a potential international Blu-ray or DVD release for the film. While no future release dates have been confirmed yet, the film’s digital release could potentially coincide with Godzilla’s 70th anniversary celebration later in 2024.
Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire is set to release on March 29, 2024.
