Known to most Americans as a Saturday afternoon TV staple, “King Kong Vs. Godzilla” was the first and only time the two giant icons fought on film. Directed by Ishiro Honda (the man behind the lens of the original “Godzilla”), this Toho production from 1962 is treasured by fans who discovered it as kids - and reviled by many hardcore fans. KKVG’s origins were very different than the end result, especially the short version presented here in the states. It was originally the brainchild of stop-motion animator Willis O’Brien, the man who helped bring the original “Kong” to life in 1933. For several years the special effects wizard attempted to get another “King Kong” film off the ground. According to the great liner notes provided by author David Hirsch, O’Brien developed storylines and conceptual paintings for several potential Kong match up movies.

The disparate list of foes included the Prometheus - and a giant Frankenstein. The studios felt that his stop-motion technique was too costly and most of O’Brien’s ideas never made it to fruition. It wasn’t until producer John Beck bought onto one of the ideas (a match up with the Ginko) that “Kong” was pulled out of retirement. Beck cut O’Brien out of the picture and took over the project with some help from writer George Worthing Yates who penned the classic “Them.” The film eventually found its way to Toho studios where the Ginko was replaced by the popular Gojira, better known stateside as Godzilla. Released in America in1962 and missing half of its original score (along with most of the character development), KKVG was a hit even in its truncated version. The majestic score by Akira Ifukube was largely replaced by Universal stock music; much of it from "The Creature from the Black Lagoon." Fortunately for “Godzilla” fans and admirers of the late, great composer, the entire soundtrack has been restored in this terrific new release from La La Land Records. Painstakingly researched and complied, this is one of the most comprehensive vintage soundtrack releases in a long time.

Whatever your memories of that 1962 film, this CD confirms the genius of Mr. Ifukube. Composer of the original “Godzilla” score, Ifukube was responsible for dozens of memorable science fiction and action films from Japan. Not only does this CD release restore all of the truncated themes and music cues, but contains a detailed breakdown of each piece and compares how it was used in both the Japanese and American versions. It’s quite an education on how these films were handled in the ‘60’s - and the often bizarre thinking behind the editing and sound decisions. Of the many memorable pieces that Ifukube created, the appropriately titled “King Kong Vs. Godzilla” is an ominous piece that indirectly recalls the original “Godzilla” theme. It’s hard to believe that this thrilling theme wasn’t used for the American version. Yet after listening to the entire CD, it’s difficult to imagine any other music being used for the score. Ifukube is truly the id of Godzilla.

It is impossible to separate his pounding musical scores from the Japanese monster icon. Blaring wind instruments are used throughout the score, eerily anticipating/announcing the prehistoric menace and his grand battles onscreen. Ifukube’s music effortlessly captures a powerful sense of dread and urgency; something wholly missing from the comical stateside version of KKVGA. A building vocal chant joins the orchestra in certain themes including the haunting “The Plan to Rescue Fumiko.” The distinctive melody and arrangement of the piece prove difficult to shake. “King Kong’s Resurrection,” with its pounding horns, is also similar to Ifukube’s “Godzilla” theme, but manages to create an entirely different feeling of trepidation. Also included are a couple of bonus tracks and some fun incidental music and songs from the original Japanese release. It’s a shame that it’s taken over 40 years for fans to finally hear the entire score for this much-debated entry. It’s wonderful nightmare music that is as big and scary as anything happening in the news today.

This one hour, nine minute and 40 second soundtrack release is definitely worth a purchase for fans of the film - and for those who appreciate classic horror scores.

Get it here!