The iconic Godzilla monster is turning 67 years old next month, and to mark the occasion, the 4K restoration of his 1954 Gojira movie is coming to theaters nationwide. For nearly two-thirds of a century, Godzilla, accurately dubbed the “King of the Monsters,” has influenced pop culture on a global scale, serving as the most recognizable symbol of Japanese pop culture worldwide. To date, Godzilla has appeared in a franchise that spans 36 total films, as well as numerous crossovers into other franchises.

While the tones and themes of the Godzilla films vary per movie, the 1954 Godzilla film is largely remembered for its political commentary on nuclear holocaust from Japan’s perspective. In the movie, Godzilla’s Tokyo rampage serves as a symbol of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The movie also pioneered suitmation, which is a form of special effects in which a stunt performer wears a suit and interacts with miniature sets. Since the film’s release, Gojira has been regarded as an achievement of cinema, often earning the title of the best monster movie ever made, which would also go on to be recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running franchise in film history. Now, 67 years later, the movie is once again making its way to theaters.

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Toho Co., Ltd, the producer behind the original Godzilla movie and 32 others, announces a partnership with Alamo Drafthouse to bring a 4K restoration of the 1954 Gojira movie to theaters on November 3. The newly-restored film has yet to be screened in Japan or the U.S., which means the upcoming release will serve as its worldwide premiere. Tickets can be currently purchased online at Alamo Drafthouse ahead of the November 3 screening. Alamo Drafthouse’s website has a complete list of participating theaters, dates, and timing.

Additionally, select Alamo Drafthouse locations are also keeping the “Godzilla Day” celebrations alive from November 5-11 by screening the 50th anniversary of the 1971 film, Godzilla vs. Hedorah, as well as the 2016 critically-acclaimed Shin Godzilla movie. The celebrations continue when the theater chain screens a double feature spectacular beginning the week of November 12. During that double feature event, audiences can watch two classic Heisei era movies never before screened on American soil, which includes 1984’s The Return of Godzilla and 1989’s Godzilla vs. Biollante. Tickets for all those screenings can also be purchased on Alamo Drafthouse’s website.

Godzilla is a cultural icon that has persisted for 67 years. While Godzilla has gone on to star in an entire host of films since his original appearance, the 1954 Gojira movie will always be regarded as a cinematic achievement. For most audiences, this upcoming screening on November 3 will offer a chance to see the classic Godzilla monster rampage on the big screen as he did for the first time 67 years ago.

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Source: Toho International, Alamo Drafthouse

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John Deloss is a freelance entertainment writer for Screen Rant, having just recently joined the team. A California State University, Fullerton graduate with a B.A. in English, John is an aspiring writer hungry to make a name for himself — emphasis on hungry. When he’s not behind a keyboard, you can find him out on the trail backpacking or at home brewing beer.

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