Super 8
Memories

Sample media from the 70s on which Godzilla could be found

Then there were 8mm films available so Godzilla could stomp into our homes. Ken-Films Inc. distributed Super 8 films from 1968 until 1982: Godzilla vs The Thing (200 ft, black & white, silent), Ghidrah (200 ft, black & white, silent), Ghidrah (50 ft, black & white, silent), Ghidrah #2 (50 ft, black & white, silent), Battle of Monsters (200 ft, black & white, silent) and Battle of Monsters (50 ft, black & white, silent).¹ See a complete list of Godzilla 8mm films at Super8Database.com. There was a recurring ad for Godzilla 8mm films in Famous Monsters of Filmland. At home we had a much smaller 8mm projector and handheld compact camera used to capture our first trip to Walt Disney World in 1979 and Christmas night at my grandparent’s home. But back then I never got my hands on these Godzilla short films.

Monster Movie Super 8 Movie advertisement in Famous Monsters of Filmland #135

Today I have a modest collection of Godzilla 8mm films from both the U.S. and Japan. Most of these 8mm films are black-and-white and have no sound. These films are a piece of my childhood and have a place in Godzilla’s 70-year movie history. I buy them when I find them, not just for collectibles but also to digitize and to preserve them. Toho has been digitally remastering Godzilla movies in 4K for release in theaters and on Blu-ray. The restored movies look amazing. The same can be said about the digitized 8mm Godzilla reels. Their precious content has been captured with their film grain, imperfections and charm in order to relive those magical childhood moments and memories.

Eyesen 8mm & Super 8 Reels Movie Master Pro Setup | Control

Digitizing 8mm has been made simple with fully-automated digitizers. I purchased the Eyesen 8mm & Super 8 Reels Movie Master Pro in 2022. This film scanner converts 3, 5, 7 and 9-inch film reels frame-by-frame into 1080p digital mp4 files that are saved onto a SD card located on the back. Scanned videos can be playbacked on the built-in 2.4″ LCD screen or viewed on a TV/monitor with TV cable. No computer or software are required. Once the 8mm film is mounted, the scanning process is simple and straightforward. Adjust the film type, exposure, and additional settings as needed and the film is ready to scan. The mp4 file can be cleaned up, stabilized, upscaled and further enhanced with available tools and apps. So far I’ve scanned two home videos and four Godzilla 8mm reels: 1) Godzilla All Monsters Assemble! Super 8 Color Movie, 2) Fuji Film Godzilla (1954) 8mm movie, 3) Ken Films Super 8mm Godzilla vs The Thing, and 4) Ghidrah the Three Headed Monster Battles Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan for the World!. More to come.