Gamera vs. Viras

Gamera vs. Viras
Directed by	Noriaki Yuasa
Written by	Nisan Takahashi
Produced by	Hidemasa Nagata Masaichi Nagata
Starring	Kojiro Hongo Toru Takatsuka Carl Craig Jr.
Cinematography	Akira Kitazaki
Edited by	Shoji Sekiguchi
Music by	Kenjiro Hirose
Distributed by	Daiei
Release dates	March 20, 1968
Running time	90 min.
Language	Japanese

Gamera vs. Viras (ガメラ対宇宙怪獣バイラス, Gamera tai Uchu Kaijū Bairasu, Gamera Versus Space Monster Viras) is the fourth entry in the original Gamera film series. It is also known by the title Destroy All Planets.

Plot

A deadly alien force approaches earth. Gamera intervenes and destroys the alien vessel; but before the ship is destroyed, the aliens broadcast a warning to their world stating Gamera as their enemy.

Later on Earth a boy scout troop is visiting an aquarium to visit the scientists working on a small two-man submarine. Masao and Jim, two of the scouts manage to talk their way aboard the sub. While in the water they spot Gamera who engages in a little race with the boys. However, their hijinks come to an end when the second alien vessel envelops the both of them in a super-catch ray. Releasing the boys, Gamera remains trapped in the force field while the aliens scan his memory-waves. They learn of Gamera's one weakness, his love for children. Soon after, the field weakens and Gamera is free. The aliens capture Jim and Masao, threatening to kill the boys. Powerless, Gamera lands. Attaching a brain-wave control device to Gamera's head, the aliens force Gamera to do their bidding.

While aboard the spaceship, the boys continually try to escape. Gamera, however (under the influence of the aliens) is destroying dams and cities by the handful. Tim and Masao discover a squid-like creature, thinking it is another captive of the aliens. In fact it is the leader of the aliens. The boys help Gamera break from the brain-wave device, and he begins to attack the spaceship. Grounded by Gamera, the aliens reveal that their human forms were just disguises. The aliens form together making the giant monster Viras! Gamera and Viras duke it out in a big beachside battle. Gamera manages to pull Viras into the atmosphere, freezing it to death.

Production notes

The memory-scan of Gamera yields nineteen minutes of stock footage for this film, making it second only to Gamera: Super Monster in its use of stock footage. The film was title Destroy All Planets in US distribution as an attempt to capitalize on the success of Toho's Godzilla film Destroy All Monsters.

DVD releases

Alpha Video

• Released: July 22, 2003
• Aspect Ratio: Full screen (1.33:1)
• Sound: English mono
• Region: 1
• Note: Features the American version of the film, Destroy All Planets.

Vintage Home Entertainment

• Released: May 17, 2005
• Aspect Ratio: Full screen (1.33:1)
• Sound: English mono
• Region: 1
• Note: Gamera: The Ultimate Collection three-film DVD set. Features the American version of the film, Destroy All Planets. Also includes Gamera and Gamera vs. Barugon.

St. Clair Entertainment

• Released: February 19, 2008
• Aspect Ratio: Full screen (1.33:1)
• Sound: English mono
• Region: All
• Note: Monsters Unleashed nine-film DVD set. Features the American version of the film, Destroy All Planets. Also includes Gamera, Gamera vs. Barugon, Gamera vs. Gyaos, Gamera vs. Jiger, Yonggary, Daikyojū Gappa, Warning from Space, and The Giant Gila Monster.

References

• Gamera web archive (Japanese)
• Variety Weekly. May 22, 1968.
• "ガメラ対宇宙怪獣バイラス (Gamera tai Uchu Kaijū Bairasu)" (in Japanese). Japanese Movie Database. Retrieved 2007-07-18.

External links

• Gamera Versus Space Monster Viras at IMDb
• Destroy All Planets is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive
• Gamera Versus Space Monster Viras at AllMovie