How will GFW do in Japan?

[Cookson]

How much money do you predict GFW to earn during it's first weekend(Dec 4-Dec 5)?

I predict it will make 20 million on it's first weekend. Overall in Japan I think it will make like 40-45 million.

[Gojira89]

15million, does this movie come out for US too? I just learned of this movie.

[Cookson]

15million, does this movie come out for US too? I just learned of this movie.
Is that how much you think it will make on it's first weekend? There isnt any news of GFW coming out in the U.S.. Although there is a world premiere in California on the 28th this month.

[Gojira89]

Oh thanks for the info. Didnt G2k make 15 million or something? Did you mean in America, or Japan? I was saying for America, I don't know about Japan....

[Gorjirus]

Ultra, you are saying that GFW will do half of its entire gross in one weekend?

[Solar_Behemoth]

I'm hoping it will make at least 15 million on the first weekend in Japan.
If it comes to theaters around America like G2000, a 10 million gross on the first weekend would be a dream come true.

[kpa]

How much money do you predict GFW to earn during it's first weekend(Dec 4-Dec 5)?

I predict it will make 20 million on it's first weekend.

I seriously doubt it; that's about $7 million more than TOKYO SOS made during its entire theatrical run in Japan.

You should remember that films play on far fewer screens in Japan than in the US and therefore generally take in much less money. I, ROBOT was considered a success in Japan... in 6 weeks it has made under $11 million.

The #1 movie in Japan last week was Universal's COLLATERAL; it grossed $1.4 mil. Toho had three movies in the top 10; their combined take was $1 mil. I'm sure FINAL WARS will do better than that, but I can't imagine it will do more than 20 times better.

Overall in Japan I think it will make like 40-45 million.

While far less that TITANIC, NEMO, odr SPIRITED AWAY'S take, $45 million is equal to some of the bigger US hits in Japan. It would be a miracle for FINAL WARS to make that much. If you have more realistc expectations you shouldn't be disappointed by the end results.

[Charles RB]

The #1 movie in Japan last week was Universal's COLLATERAL; it grossed $1.4 mil. Toho had three movies in the top 10; their combined take was $1 mil.

Huh. How does Toho and the rest of Japan's cinema manage to make profits with returns like that? Or is that just the take in one week (and that's still odd, coz you'd think the movies would cost more than that to make).

[Mecha74]

I'm not sure how this works in other countries but here in the States a very simple formula is followed for films.

If a film makes at least twice what it cost to make it is considered successful, if it manages to make three times its cost or more it enters mega blockbuster territory.

Example: Freddy vs Jason, considered by many to be an atrocious unwatchable film on many levels by many people. But here's the kicker, it was technically the most successful and profitable film of 2003! Why, simple. Because of it's budget to profit ratio.

F zs J= budget = 27 mil, final gross= 82 mil.

F vs J pulled it off because other films that were released had these horrendous 100 or more mil budgets to cover and just couldn't pull it off.
That is also what has helped various G-films over the years as well, it's not about how much money you make, it's about how much you make compared to your cost. The Heisei films especially are an excellent example. I think G vs Mothra 1992 still holds the record unless I am mistaken.

G vs Mothra, budget= 9-12 mil, total gross= 39-42.

Toho Kingdom has the numbers if you wish to see for yourself.

Even the mediocre returns of G2000 is a good example of this. I can't remember where I read it but a sony exec. said that the cost of importing G2000 to the States and americanizing it was somewhere around 2 mil. And the film went on to make about 10 in the box office. Ofcourse when you look at the number itself you think "man that's weak", but considering what little sony spent in comparison it wasn't a tragic loss. Now like I said before I have no idea how they do this in Japan but if you wish to apply this formula to GFW just multiply GFW's budget by two, which by the way I would appreciate someone telling me. Iv'e heard everything from 15 mil to 40! What is GFW's actual budget?

[Cookson]

I seriously doubt it; that's about $7 million more than TOKYO SOS made during its entire theatrical run in Japan.

You should remember that films play on far fewer screens in Japan than in the US and therefore generally take in much less money. I, ROBOT was considered a success in Japan... in 6 weeks it has made under $11 million.

The #1 movie in Japan last week was Universal's COLLATERAL; it grossed $1.4 mil. Toho had three movies in the top 10; their combined take was $1 mil. I'm sure FINAL WARS will do better than that, but I can't imagine it will do more than 20 times better.



While far less that TITANIC, NEMO, odr SPIRITED AWAY'S take, $45 million is equal to some of the bigger US hits in Japan. It would be a miracle for FINAL WARS to make that much. If you have more realistc expectations you shouldn't be disappointed by the end results.
WOW I didnt no that. In that case I think it will make 5 mill in it's first weekend.

[Cookson]

In 6 weeks Tokyo SOS made $10,724,345 million. I think Godzilla Final Wars will make $20,000,000 million in 6 weeks.

[Excelsior]

Hey, kpa, what's your prediction? You seem to be in the know.

[Jet Jaguar]

Oh thanks for the info. Didnt G2k make 15 million or something? Did you mean in America, or Japan? I was saying for America, I don't know about Japan....

It made 11 million here in the States in its run

[Gojira89]

Thanks for the correction/info Jet Jaguar.

[Cookson]

The reason why GFW will do alot better than the past Godzilla movies is because there isnt any big movie in the way like Finding Nemo.

[Mothraleo]

The reason why GFW will do alot better than the past Godzilla movies is because there isnt any big movie in the way like Finding Nemo.

Acually, there is. The Increadbles, pixars new movie opens the same day. Same day! As well, the new Studio Chiblie (sp) film (forgot name) comes out around that time. So Final Wars has a lot against it. I would guess 2,000,000 at most for the first weekend.

[kpa]

Hey, kpa, what's your prediction? You seem to be in the know.

I'm guessing FINAL WARS will take in approximately $25 mil during it's Japanese release.

[Saruman]

I'm guessing FINAL WARS will take in approximately $25 mil during it's Japanese release.
I was thinking the same figure there. But to me if GFW only pulls in $25 mil in Japan, then that IMO would be a disappointment. GMK took in right around $25 mil for it's entire run didn't it? So if this film only does what GMK did, and this is the most expensive Toho Kaiju film to date, then I would have to think that Toho would consider this film a big disappointment.

This is one of the big reasons that this film actually scares me based on what I have seen from the promos so far. Toho looks to be taking one final shot (no pun intended) at Godzilla, and if this film isn't a HUGE success in Japan, which to me would be close to doubling what GMK took in. Then Toho could consider Godzilla simply no longer a viable source and just scrap him all together, meaning not just a 10 year break, but a permanent one. I sure as hell don't want to see that happen, but I can see G's future riding completely on this movie.

[Cookson]

Acually, there is. The Increadbles, pixars new movie opens the same day. Same day! As well, the new Studio Chiblie (sp) film (forgot name) comes out around that time. So Final Wars has a lot against it. I would guess 2,000,000 at most for the first weekend.
yeah, but it wont be as big as Finding Nemo(I hope). Godzilla movies have been right up there in box office charts in Japan the last couple of years so it's not like Godzilla sucks and in fact it is the best Japanese movie during the span it's out. Am sure they have been advertising GFW over there more than usual with Godzilla movies so I expect it to definately do better than GxMG and GxMxMG and maybe GMK.

Like Saruman said I think the movie will have alot to say about G's future.

New prediction= 4,000,000 it's first weekend and 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 overall.

[Cookson]

Oh yeah, whats the best american website to post japanese box office charts anyone?

[kpa]

I was thinking the same figure there. But to me if GFW only pulls in $25 mil in Japan, then that IMO would be a disappointment.

That would be double production costs... not bad IMO.

GMK took in right around $25 mil for it's entire run didn't it? So if this film only does what GMK did, and this is the most expensive Toho Kaiju film to date, then I would have to think that Toho would consider this film a big disappointment.

From what I've heard, the high budget reports are just publicity hype. FINAL WARS cost around $12 million... that's in the same ballpark as some of the Heisei films and not all that much more than G2000.

This is one of the big reasons that this film actually scares me based on what I have seen from the promos so far. Toho looks to be taking one final shot (no pun intended) at Godzilla, and if this film isn't a HUGE success in Japan, which to me would be close to doubling what GMK took in. Then Toho could consider Godzilla simply no longer a viable source and just scrap him all together, meaning not just a 10 year break, but a permanent one. I sure as hell don't want to see that happen, but I can see G's future riding completely on this movie.

I'm not worried. Even if this film bombs, I'd bet some executive at Toho will give the character another shot after a few years have passed.

[kritaya]

yeah, but it wont be as big as Finding Nemo(I hope).

I don't know. The Incredibles was way better than Finding Nemo. And if it's true that Hayao Miyazaki's new movie, Howl's Moving Castle, is opening around that time, that could be a one-two punch to GFW's box. A new Miyazaki movie is an event. His Princess Mononoke was, I believe, for a little while the top grossing film in Japanese history. I don't know how his next film, Spirited Away, did moneywise, but I think it did very well. I know it won an Academy award here. GFW has some stiff competition.

[Mothraleo]

I don't know. The Incredibles was way better than Finding Nemo. And if it's true that Hayao Miyazaki's new movie, Howl's Moving Castle, is opening around that time, that could be a one-two punch to GFW's box. A new Miyazaki movie is an event. His Princess Mononoke was, I believe, for a little while the top grossing film in Japanese history. I don't know how his next film, Spirited Away, did moneywise, but I think it did very well. I know it won an Academy award here. GFW has some stiff competition.

Yes, Mononoke was the highest at the time (okay, I think I've read it, not to sure either) and Spirited Away did very well box office wise. I can tell you most Japanese would want to see Miyazaki's new movie and a new pixar film over Goji.

[kpa]

I don't know. The Incredibles was way better than Finding Nemo. And if it's true that Hayao Miyazaki's new movie, Howl's Moving Castle, is opening around that time, that could be a one-two punch to GFW's box. A new Miyazaki movie is an event. His Princess Mononoke was, I believe, for a little while the top grossing film in Japanese history. I don't know how his next film, Spirited Away, did moneywise, but I think it did very well. I know it won an Academy award here. GFW has some stiff competition.

PRINCESS MONONOKE was topped by TITANIC which is now the 2nd highest-grossing film behind SPIRITED AWAY. The Miyazaki films are far and away the biggest hits in Japan, and I expect HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE will be the same thing. Toho handles the theatrical distribution of the Studio Ghibli films so they'll be competing with themselves this Christmas.

THE INCREDIBLES had a massive opening weekend here... it will probably do very well in Japan.

[Mecha74]

Finally, somebody answered my question! Thank you kpa! So only 12 mil for the budget huh? How did they pull that off, considering the number of monster suits, cgi, and worldwide location shoots? It would seem like those things would really jack up the budget for GFW to me.:confused:

Well in any case, that's definetly some good news! If GFW did have an outrageously high budget it would almost make it impossible for it to turn a profit.

[Saruman]

That would be double production costs... not bad IMO.

From what I've heard, the high budget reports are just publicity hype. FINAL WARS cost around $12 million... that's in the same ballpark as some of the Heisei films and not all that much more than G2000.

I'm not worried. Even if this film bombs, I'd bet some executive at Toho will give the character another shot after a few years have passed.
Well that sounds much better, glad to know that the budget reports were just hype. It makes the film much more profitable in that regard which is a good thing. It also makes the $24 - 30 Mil mark seem much more reasonable to make the film a success in Japan.

But having to go up against a Miyazaki Film, man that is just rough.:crazy:

[kritaya]

PRINCESS MONONOKE was topped by TITANIC which is now the 2nd highest-grossing film behind SPIRITED AWAY. The Miyazaki films are far and away the biggest hits in Japan, and I expect HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE will be the same thing. Toho handles the theatrical distribution of the Studio Ghibli films so they'll be competing with themselves this Christmas.

Did I read that right? I knew Titanic topped Princess Mononoke, but Titanic was then in turn topped by Spirited Away? WOW. I wonder if there's any doubt that Howl's Moving Castle will get a US release, whereas GFW's fate is still to be determined.

THE INCREDIBLES had a massive opening weekend here... it will probably do very well in Japan.

It really should. It's a very good film.

[Solar_Behemoth]

Acually, there is. The Increadbles, pixars new movie opens the same day. Same day! As well, the new Studio Chiblie (sp) film (forgot name) comes out around that time. So Final Wars has a lot against it. I would guess 2,000,000 at most for the first weekend.

Oh no.... I forgot about the Incredibles!
Not to sound like a naysayer, but GFW stands no chance at getting the #1 position at the box office with that film competing with it.

Pixstar strikes again....

[Saruman]

Oh no.... I forgot about the Incredibles!
Not to sound like a naysayer, but GFW stands no chance at getting the #1 position at the box office with that film competing with it.

Pixstar strikes again....
I don't see the Incredibles hitting number 1 either, not with a Miyazaki film facing off against it.

[Mothraleo]

I don't see the Incredibles hitting number 1 either, not with a Miyazaki film facing off against it.

I see it stricking number 2 though, which pushes Final Wars back.

[Charles RB]

Acually, there is. The Increadbles, pixars new movie opens the same day. Same day! As well, the new Studio Chiblie (sp) film (forgot name) comes out around that time. So Final Wars has a lot against it.

Oh bugger. That bodes ominous, that's the same sort of competition that gave Tokyo SOS low returns (arguably GFW is worse off, having a new Miyazaki to deal with as well as a new Pixar). Better hope Toho's promotion of GFW is effective.

[Cookson]

Heres a link on Yahoo Japan of what people want to se the most in upcoming movies being released in Japan.

http://216.239.37.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://movies.yahoo.co.jp/

[Cookson]

The poll is on the bottom right side.

[Mothraleo]

Well that doesn't look. What ever that thing above it is its going to kill it lol :laugh:

[ALLOSAURZ]

Well that doesn't look. What ever that thing above it is its going to kill it lol :laugh:
That thing above it would be The Incredibles so seeing as right now GFW could potentially be the number 2 movie in Japan then that is cool.

[Raptor]

EXTRA! EXTRA! 948-seat threater fully reserved by fans for first show (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20041205/wl_asia_afp/afplifestyle_japan_film_041205022602).

[Gojira2000]

If this should go in an already exsiting thread, please move it.

But anyway, mechascropio at MZ just posted today this list of the top-ten box office movies in Japan right. As you can, GFW is #6. Well, it could have been worse, but I guess it's doing fearly well. I mean, US films are ALWAYS the big money makers in Japan, so I kind of exspected something like.

1 - Howl's Moving Castle
2 - The Incredibles
3 - Terminal
4 - Alien Vs. Predator
5 - "Three She of Me"
6 - Godzilla FINAL WARS
7 - My Bodyguard
8 - Now I Die to Meet
9 - Polar Express
10 - Ultraman

So there you have it. Sad, isn't it?:sarcasm:

[Mothraleo]

I'm acually very surprised it has stayed on the top 10.... that would be a good thing wouldn't it?

[EternalMothra]

Remember, it may improve, I don't think that the Japanese schools are on their New Years break yet, I'll have to ask my friend in Japan who lives in Nagoya. I'm sure that GFW will recieve more money once the kids are out of school.

[Cookson]

I wish there was numbers.

[PyrasTerran]

When it comes to Goji films, sadly, you may probably only rank them next to other japanese films, not to american flicks. In that aspect, Final Wars is still doing great.

[Charles RB]

I'm acually very surprised it has stayed on the top 10.... that would be a good thing wouldn't it?

Well, Tokyo SOS was at No.3 when it came out. Last I heard on this forum, GFW was making less than GXMG as well! (That may have changed by now, but if it hasn't... OUCH.)

[RyougaSaotome]

Well, Tokyo SOS was at No.3 when it came out. Last I heard on this forum, GFW was making less than GXMG as well! (That may have changed by now, but if it hasn't... OUCH.)

From eiga.com

Attendance for two days is 105.6% over last year of 159,000 persons (so I think they mean 167,904).

190 million yen ($1,850,409), giving it a projected box office during its screening of 2 billion yen ($19.5 million). That might just be enough to break the 100 million "series total spectator mobilization".

MechaScorpio December 7th.

The kids get out of school this week. Expect a huge jump for both GFW and Ultraman. The fact that GFW is still in the top ten amazes me, nevermind the small drop. And remember, these rankings aren't a reflection of how much money is being made.

[Charles RB]

The kids get out of school this week. Expect a huge jump for both GFW and Ultraman.

But expect much more ticket sales going towards Howl's Moving Castle and The Incredibles. Because they're Miyazaki & Pixar.


The fact that GFW is still in the top ten amazes me, nevermind the small drop.

So was Tokyo SOS and it was in a higher ranking that GFW. That's still regarded as a financial flip of a G-movie. And I'd have expected GFW to do better than SOS being the big 50th Anniversary film and all. (Guess having a big focus on Mothra in all the promotional material is more of a boom than previously expected!)

[Gojira2000]

DId GFW get more advertisment then GvsM (92)?

[Mothraleo]

DId GFW get more advertisment then GvsM (92)?

If Tokyo Monsters was up right now, I'd link you to James region 2 review for that movie. I guess they really did some big time promoting for it. So I'm not sure.

[Raptor]

Japan Box Office
This Week Issue Date: 21 December, 2004
Title / Distributor / Wknd Gross / Tot. Gross / # of Theaters / Last Week / Weeks Released

1 Howl's Moving Castle Toho $2.3M $21.5M 62 1 3
2 The Incredibles BVI $1.3M $4.0M 119 2 1
3 Windstruck Warner Bros. $0.6M $0.6M 34 - --
4 Ima Nini Yukimasu Toho $0.4M $9.5M 34 4 6
5 The Polar Express Warner Bros. $0.3M $1.9M 59 5 2
6 Godzilla Final Wars Toho $0.3M $1.0M 36 3 1
7 Lady Joker Toei $0.2M $0.2M 31 - --
8 Everybody Has Secrets Toshiba $0.2M $1.7M 28 6 2
9 Collateral UIP $0.2M $7.6M 39 7 6
10 Sky Captain/Tomorrow GAGA/HUMAX $0.1M $0.9M 30 8 2
US$1 = 105

[Mothraleo]

^ I have an A in math, but anything in "something "." billion/million" goes right over my head . $1.0M so does that mean its only made 1,000,000 :confused: Or a very much bigger amount? :confused: :laugh:

[The_magical_man]

This might help you guys keep track of how Godzilla: final wars is going in japan.

Box Office Mojo finally started updating their japanese box office again and although its a little behind, i'm sure they'll be all caught up in a week or two, here is the link for their Japanese Section.

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/


Hope it helps

[Mothraleo]

I hope its gone up a little...

[godofPH]

Japan Box Office
This Week Issue Date: 21 December, 2004
Title / Distributor / Wknd Gross / Tot. Gross / # of Theaters / Last Week / Weeks Released

1 Howl's Moving Castle Toho $2.3M $21.5M 62 1 3
2 The Incredibles BVI $1.3M $4.0M 119 2 1
3 Windstruck Warner Bros. $0.6M $0.6M 34 - --
4 Ima Nini Yukimasu Toho $0.4M $9.5M 34 4 6
5 The Polar Express Warner Bros. $0.3M $1.9M 59 5 2
6 Godzilla Final Wars Toho $0.3M $1.0M 36 3 1
7 Lady Joker Toei $0.2M $0.2M 31 - --
8 Everybody Has Secrets Toshiba $0.2M $1.7M 28 6 2
9 Collateral UIP $0.2M $7.6M 39 7 6
10 Sky Captain/Tomorrow GAGA/HUMAX $0.1M $0.9M 30 8 2
US$1 = 105
Toho makes Goji's last film that they want to kick total box office *** and they cannibalize GFW's sales by having their own films out at the same time. Toho, think about that next time you release a goji anniversary film.

[Mothraleo]

Its not just other movies, but I just don't think Goji is that popular. Battle for Earth did well because Godzilla and Mothra were popular. If Toho waits 10 years (Which I regret wishing they would) I'm sure box office would slowly improve. 4 years (with the Mothra series and the gamera trilogy) wouldn't help intrest in Godzilla when G2K came about. Also, they need to make movies that are critically good, as I'm sure poor reivews effect box office.

(this went off topic, didn't it :laugh: )

[Megabyte]

Well uh...
atleast it permired in third place! (tries to be positive) :dontgetit

[godofPH]

Well, maybe Toho could take a page or two out of the big budget american movies that premiere at Number one or two or three.

[Gojira2000]

I don't know if this was covered or not, but besides GFW getting sixith place in the box office, the Japanese themselves seem to like it a lot. I was talking with Tsutomu Kitagawa's daughter and she said that GFW is rated about 8.5 out of 10 (10 being the best). So, why can't they show it by seeing the movie more?!:laugh:

[James Ballard]

Well, maybe Toho could take a page or two out of the big budget american movies that premiere at Number one or two or three.
Make FINAL WARS even more Americanized? Is that even possible?

Toho makes Goji's last film that they want to kick total box office *** and they cannibalize GFW's sales by having their own films out at the same time. Toho, think about that next time you release a goji anniversary film.
You expect the studio to only release/distribute one movie at a time? Even if Toho are loosing money on FINAL WARS, they're making money on the films at are higher in the box office. Think what if FINAL WARS had been a total flop, and Toho didn't have any other films raking in money...

[Raptor]

"Went and saw GFW again for third and probably final time here in Osaka and am happy to report that this time the theater was nearly 2/3 full, compared to the barely 1/4 or so full when I went on opening night (Dec 4).

"Three viewings and I still love it! Even the silly stuff has grown on me (Minilla, Kumonga's web/net, other nuttiness).
"I picked up a nifty "Godzilla: 50th Anniversary/Godzilla Final Wars" medallion badge, made of pewter or the like. Nice!

"Tomorrow, I'll go see the new Ultraman film one more time while it's still in the theaters.

"Not a bad holiday season for Kaiju!"

-- Brian Keaney

[Excelsior]

Also, they need to make movies that are critically good, as I'm sure poor reivews effect box office.

Therein lies the problem. This is something that has been outside Toho's capability for a while now. Let's hope that Godzilla 2015 fixes that.

[kpa]

I was talking with Tsutomu Kitagawa's daughter and she said that GFW is rated about 8.5 out of 10 (10 being the best).

Where did you speak to Kitagawa's daughter?

[RyougaSaotome]

Where did you speak to Kitagawa's daughter?
^Jealous Keith? Heheh..Just kiddin with ya.

[kpa]

^Jealous Keith?

Yes, terribly. ;P


Heheh..Just kiddin with ya.

Don't do that... it hurts my feelings!

[RyougaSaotome]

Sorry Sorry. You know I just can't seem to resist. XD

Hmm new news, curtosey of MechaScorpio.

(this week/last week/title)

1 1 Howl's.. Castle
2 3 Incredibles
3 (new) Kung Fu Hustle
4 2 Terminal
5 5 Alien VS Predator
6 4 Windstruck
7 9 Godzilla FINAL WARS
8 6 Inu-Yasha
9 7 Man on Fire
10 8 Ima Aini Yukimasu (It goes to meet now)

Weekend Gross.

[PyrasTerran]

Godzilla had gone up 2 steps from number 9 with the weekend gross. Many people are surprised the movie has lasted this long in the top 10.

[Gojira2000]

kpa said: Where did you speak to Kitagawa's daughter?
Wait! You mean I have connections that you don't?! Wow!:O *sits back and takes in the moment of groly*:look:

I have hear e-mail (IM) address. I like taking the role of an interviewer and asking her questions about GFW, her dad and stuff like that. I think she's thinking of becoming a member here (I don't know what her user name'll be, but I'll ask). We had kind of a trade off; she becomes a member at KP and I become a member on her forums. :)

[kpa]

Wait! You mean I have connections that you don't?! Wow!:O *sits back and takes in the moment of groly*:look:

Trust me, there are tons of people I don't know. :)

I have hear e-mail (IM) address. I like taking the role of an interviewer and asking her questions about GFW, her dad and stuff like that. I think she's thinking of becoming a member here (I don't know what her user name'll be, but I'll ask). We had kind of a trade off; she becomes a member at KP and I become a member on her forums. :)

The reason I asked about this was that, as far as I know, Tsutomu Kitagawa doesn't have a daughter.

Tom's very much a family man, so during his 2 week stay in America he talked a lot about his mom, his wife, his son, even his cat... but he never mentioned any daughter. That's why I was so surprised by your posts here.

It takes awhile to get messages translated and sent to Tom then get a reply, so for speed's sake I emailed an English-speaking friend of his in Japan who has known him for several years. He confirmed Tom does not have a daughter.

You may want to check with the person you're IMing and see what she's up to, because I'm 99.99% convinced you're being misled.

[Gojira2000]

You may want to check with the person you're IMing and see what she's up to, because I'm 99.99% convinced you're being misled.
That would just figure. She says her name's Ichiro (I thought that was a guys name).... Oh shot! oh shot! oh shot! oh carp!!!!! :laugh:!!!!!!!! LOL!!! Oh my goodness!!! I just got an idea! Kitagawa's son isn't named Ichiro.... is he? Oh, how enbarasing that would be!:laugh:!!! :blush: :blush:

I'll tell what happened:

A fellow G-Fan IMed me and said that "Kitagawa's daughter was online" and that I could IM her with some GFW questions. So I did a few times.

It's a good thing I never refeard to him as a 'girl', or 'she', or 'her' when talking with 'em. So Keith, what are the chances that Ichro is the 'Son of Godzilla'? Or am I in fact being mislead?

Help.....:crazy: :confused: :blush: :(

[kpa]

That would just figure. She says her name's Ichiro (I thought that was a guys name)....

It is.

Oh shot! oh shot! oh shot! oh carp!!!!! :laugh:!!!!!!!! LOL!!! Oh my goodness!!! I just got an idea! Kitagawa's son isn't named Ichiro.... is he? Oh, how enbarasing that would be!:laugh:!!! :blush: :blush:

His son's name is Ryo.

I'll tell what happened:

A fellow G-Fan IMed me and said that "Kitagawa's daughter was online" and that I could IM her with some GFW questions. So I did a few times.

Don't feel bad... when all you have if the words of a complete stranger that you can't even see or hear, it's difficult to know if they're being honest or not.

It's a good thing I never refeard to him as a 'girl', or 'she', or 'her' when talking with 'em. So Keith, what are the chances that Ichro is the 'Son of Godzilla'?

Pretty small.

Or am I in fact being mislead?

That's what I'm thinking.

Help.....:crazy: :confused: :blush: :(

Try some trick questions: Kitagawa has a cat so ask "Ichiro" about the family dog. Or ask how Kitagawa met his wife (they were both stunt performers on Toei's sentai shows). If this person can't give you the truth to these questions tell them to take a hike.

[Saruman]

Unless he read's this and knows the answers now.;)

LOL :laugh:

[Gojira2000]

Try some trick questions: Kitagawa has a cat so ask "Ichiro" about the family dog. Or ask how Kitagawa met his wife (they were both stunt performers on Toei's sentai shows). If this person can't give you the truth to these questions tell them to take a hike.

:laugh:! Great idea! Genius, Keith! Genius! Next time Ichro IMs me, I'll be sure to ask him just that.

Oh dear.... I just thought of something..... I'll PM about it Keith.

Still, though, it just figures. I'll never have any real conections, or know anyone from a G-film, a director, an actor, a composer even. Oh well, it's just as well I suppose.... I plan for months to go to last year's G-Feast, but couldn't. I won tickets to see GFW in Hollywood, but couldn't go. I talk to someone who may be the son of Kitagawa, but likely isn't. *sniff* I'm not feeling sorry for myself or anything; it's just the way things go I guess. *sniff* I guess I'll just have to stick to e-mailing Steven Speliberg. (just kinding!:laugh:)

[RyougaSaotome]

..You know Keith. Nuff' said.

[UltraGojira]

Good news from the MZ Message Boards that GFW now made 9+ million in Japan!

Oh, my! Could it be true?

[Cookson]

^ Thats it's total gross. It's end result will probably be around 13-16 million in Japan.

[Gojira2000]

GFW now made 9+ million in Japan!

good news yes, but it's still a flop, I'd think, seeing as how the film itself costs between 12-35 million to make.

Maybe if toho burned down Hollywood then released a G-film it'll do better at the box office:laugh:

[Raptor]

Brian Keaney reports that GFW is gone from the theaters but Ultraman is still hanging in there...

"After a five-week run on the big screens here in Japan (or at least here in Osaka!), Godzilla: Final Wars had its final showings last week and now awaits release on DVD.

"Ultraman: The Next is still in some theaters, but it premiered two weeks after GFW (December 18 vs December 4).
"I hope both films get overseas distribution (I doubt the excellent Ultraman film will, however), but I'm looking forward to getting both DVDs when they're released!"

[Godzilla1981]

i'll pick up a copy of ultraman off ebay if it doesn't come to america. Final Wars i'll probably get both ;) american and japanese, just in case they cut from it.

[PyrasTerran]

good news yes, but it's still a flop, I'd think, seeing as how the film itself costs between 12-35 million to make.


It's not a flop if an international release is finally considered.

[Saruman]

It's not a flop if an international release is finally considered.

That is still a flop Pyras. If the film doesn't even make back the money it cost in it's own country, then that is the definition of FLOP. Toho is going to have to hope that the film does get releases in other countries just so that they can hope to get back to even on this film. And the chance of it getting a release in other countries is not good. How many companies are going to want to pay for the rights to show a film theatrically that flopped in its own country, very few would even consider it unless they got the film rights for extremely little money. I would be very suprised to see this film get a theatrical release in the US now.

[Cole Deschain]

For a big event like this, the box office return should have nuked the cost of making the film...

Now it looks as though Toho's going to have to scramble to get international money...

And, as a distributor, would you take this turkey if it didn't pan out in its own country? Cheaper to use local films which cost less to show in your theatres, and which will probably resonate better with your audience.

[PyrasTerran]

-to Saruman's post

It can't be put to blame entirely on the film, though. other factors made it a flop in Japan to the point that it should be no surprise that it did poorly; Godzilla was already dull and dreary to the general public, as Tokyo SOS' sales proved, and the absolute lack of advertising. They relied on internet ad campaign(something I've seen hardly works) and the international buzz to try and excite. I'm not trying to save this movie's reputation, as I already know I personally will enjoy it, but it can't simply be pinned in the loins of it being a bad movie. I haven't seen anything in this film that would make it less marketable in the US than G2K was, and G2K is by far a lower quality film. Simply have a strong trailer and slap the subtitles for jap on for the foreign film buffs who believe everything Japanese is holy, and it can get more seats than G2K did. Leave it to select theatres(major cities) if that be the necesity.

If I misinterpreted your post, I apologize.

[Cole Deschain]

A good movie can be a flop (not that I'm too thrilled with what I've heard to date).

That doesn;t change the fact that it's a box-office nightmare.

[PyrasTerran]

I have nothing against that statement.

[Cookson]

This is how I feel about GFW in Japan theaters. Was the movie a FLOP.......yes. But there was so many Hollywood films that did good over hear in the America Box Office. And then you have Howl's Moving Castle.....Japan LOVES Anime and the biggest Anime director was directing the film. This is how I se GFW in Japan......It was the second biggest JAPANESE film for a couple of weeks and thats got to count for something. I still think Columbia/Tristar will give GFW a shot in the theaters since there is films over hear that make around 10-20 million as it's total gross anyway-Not alot but it happens quite often then you would know.

[Zillamon51]

This is a sad, sad turn of events. A Godzilla movie has actually flopped at the Japanese box office. Attendance for the previous Millennium films wasn't spectacular, but they were so low-budget that they did make money. Toho took a gamble by giving GFW a much larger budget and making the premiere an international event, and it didn't pay off. Don't count on seeing another G-film for a very long time. :( This also doesn't bode well for the rumored Gamera revival. After all, if Godzilla's 50th anniversary hoopla didn't put asses in seats, what's a (perceived) second-string kaiju to do?

[Figment]

Let's hope that (assuming) when it comes here, it would make up the budget...