Visual Effects

Eiji Tsuburaya

Born July 7, 1901 · 日本,京都府

Died January 25, 1970 · aged 68

Eiji Tsuburaya ranks alongside Willis H. O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen as one of the great visionary SFX masters of twentieth-century fantasy cinema. Best remembered as the amazing special effects genius behind the "Godzilla" series of monster films commencing in 1954, he also contributed effects to a host of other Japanese monster / fantasy / science fiction / drama / propaganda films for over fo…

Known For

Destroy All Monsters

Destroy All Monsters · 1968

Destroy All Monsters

MovieScience FictionAction

At the turn of the century, all of the Earth's monsters have been rounded up and kept safely on Monsterland. Chaos erupts when a race of she-aliens known as the Kilaaks unleash the monsters across the world.

Godzilla

Godzilla · 1954

MovieThrillerHorror

Japan is thrown into a panic after several ships are sunk near Odo Island. An expedition to the island led by Dr. Kyohei Yamane soon discover something far more devastating than imagined in the form of a 50 meter tall monster whom the natives call Gojira. Now the monster begins a rampage that threatens to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well.

King Kong vs. Godzilla

King Kong vs. Godzilla · 1962

King Kong vs. Godzilla

MovieScience FictionFantasy

The advertising director of Pacific Pharmaceuticals, frustrated with the low ratings of their sponsored TV program, seeks a more sensationalist approach. He orders his staff to Faro Island to capture King Kong for exploitation. As Godzilla re-emerges, a media frenzy generates with Pacific looking to capitalize off of the ultimate battle.

Invasion of Astro-Monster

Invasion of Astro-Monster · 1965

Invasion of Astro-Monster

MovieScience FictionAction

Astronauts Glenn and Fuji investigate Planet X and encounter mysterious aliens known as the Xiliens, who ask Earth's people to help save their world from "Monster Zero". In exchange for borrowing Godzilla and Rodan, the Xiliens offer a cure for cancer. As Glenn investigates, he develops a romance with Miss Namikawa and uncovers the Xilien's true intentions.

Throne of Blood

Throne of Blood · 1957

Throne of Blood

MovieDramaHistory

Returning to their lord's castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit's prophecy comes true, Washizu's scheming wife, Asaji, presses him to speed up the rest of the spirit's prophecy by murdering his lord and usurping his place. Director Akira Kurosawa's resetting of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in feudal Japan is one of his most acclaimed films.

The Hidden Fortress

The Hidden Fortress · 1958

The Hidden Fortress

MovieDramaAction

In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep · 1966

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep

MovieScience FictionAction

Searching for his brother, Ryota stows away on a boat belonging to a criminal alongside two other teenagers. The group shipwrecks on Letchi island and discover the Infant Island natives have been enslaved by a terrorist organization controlling a crustacean monster. Finding a sleeping Godzilla, they decide to awaken him to defeat the terrorists and liberate the natives.

Frankenstein Conquers the World

Frankenstein Conquers the World · 1965

Frankenstein Conquers the World

MovieHorrorScience Fiction

During WWII, Germans obtain the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster and transport it to Japan to prevent it being seized by the Allies. Kept in a Hiroshima laboratory, it is seeming lost when the United States destroys the city with the atomic bomb. Years later a wild boy is discovered wandering the streets of the city alone, born of the immortal heart.

Filmography

Sort

Destroy All Monsters

Destroy All Monsters · 1968

Destroy All Monsters

MovieScience FictionAction

At the turn of the century, all of the Earth's monsters have been rounded up and kept safely on Monsterland. Chaos erupts when a race of she-aliens known as the Kilaaks unleash the monsters across the world.

Special Effects Supervisor

Godzilla

Godzilla · 1954

MovieThrillerHorror

Japan is thrown into a panic after several ships are sunk near Odo Island. An expedition to the island led by Dr. Kyohei Yamane soon discover something far more devastating than imagined in the form of a 50 meter tall monster whom the natives call Gojira. Now the monster begins a rampage that threatens to destroy not only Japan, but the rest of the world as well.

Story

King Kong vs. Godzilla

King Kong vs. Godzilla · 1962

King Kong vs. Godzilla

MovieScience FictionFantasy

The advertising director of Pacific Pharmaceuticals, frustrated with the low ratings of their sponsored TV program, seeks a more sensationalist approach. He orders his staff to Faro Island to capture King Kong for exploitation. As Godzilla re-emerges, a media frenzy generates with Pacific looking to capitalize off of the ultimate battle.

Special Effects

Invasion of Astro-Monster

Invasion of Astro-Monster · 1965

Invasion of Astro-Monster

MovieScience FictionAction

Astronauts Glenn and Fuji investigate Planet X and encounter mysterious aliens known as the Xiliens, who ask Earth's people to help save their world from "Monster Zero". In exchange for borrowing Godzilla and Rodan, the Xiliens offer a cure for cancer. As Glenn investigates, he develops a romance with Miss Namikawa and uncovers the Xilien's true intentions.

Special Effects

Throne of Blood

Throne of Blood · 1957

Throne of Blood

MovieDramaHistory

Returning to their lord's castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit's prophecy comes true, Washizu's scheming wife, Asaji, presses him to speed up the rest of the spirit's prophecy by murdering his lord and usurping his place. Director Akira Kurosawa's resetting of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in feudal Japan is one of his most acclaimed films.

Visual Effects

The Hidden Fortress

The Hidden Fortress · 1958

The Hidden Fortress

MovieDramaAction

In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.

Visual Effects

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep · 1966

Ebirah, Horror of the Deep

MovieScience FictionAction

Searching for his brother, Ryota stows away on a boat belonging to a criminal alongside two other teenagers. The group shipwrecks on Letchi island and discover the Infant Island natives have been enslaved by a terrorist organization controlling a crustacean monster. Finding a sleeping Godzilla, they decide to awaken him to defeat the terrorists and liberate the natives.

Special Effects

Frankenstein Conquers the World

Frankenstein Conquers the World · 1965

Frankenstein Conquers the World

MovieHorrorScience Fiction

During WWII, Germans obtain the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster and transport it to Japan to prevent it being seized by the Allies. Kept in a Hiroshima laboratory, it is seeming lost when the United States destroys the city with the atomic bomb. Years later a wild boy is discovered wandering the streets of the city alone, born of the immortal heart.

Special Effects

King Kong vs. Godzilla

King Kong vs. Godzilla · 1963

King Kong vs. Godzilla

MovieActionScience Fiction

When an underhanded pharmaceutical company goes to a remote tropical island to steal King Kong for advertising purposes, they get more than they bargained for when the gigantic ape attacks an unsuspecting village and an enormous octopus.

Special Effects

Rodan

MovieHorrorScience Fiction

Mining engineer Shigeru investigates the disappearance and death of his fellow coworkers when prehistoric nymphs are discovered emerging from the mines. After an attack on the local village, Shigeru heads deeper into the mines only to make a more horrifying discovery in the form a prehistoric flying creature. Soon a second monster appears as the two converge in Fukuoka.

Visual Effects

Shin Ultraman

Shin Ultraman · 2022

MovieActionScience Fiction

The Japanese government sets up a special task force to fight the giant creatures suddenly appearing across the country. Soon, the squad unexpectedly meets a giant silver humanoid who starts appearing every time a space monster attacks!

Original Story

Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

Godzilla, King of the Monsters! · 1956

Godzilla, King of the Monsters!

MovieScience FictionHorror

During an assignment, foreign correspondent Steve Martin spends a layover in Tokyo and is caught amid the rampage of an unstoppable prehistoric monster the Japanese call 'Godzilla'. The only hope for both Japan and the world lies on a secret weapon, which may prove more destructive than the monster itself.

Story

Mothra vs. Godzilla

Mothra vs. Godzilla · 1964

Mothra vs. Godzilla

MovieDramaAction

Journalists Ichiro Sakai and Junko cover the wreckage of a typhoon when an enormous egg is found and claimed by greedy entrepreneurs. Mothra's fairies arrive and are aided by the journalists in a plea for its return. As their requests are denied, Godzilla arises near Nagoya and the people of Infant Island must decide if they are willing to answer Japan's own pleas for help.

Special Effects

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster · 1964

Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

MovieScience FictionAction

After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat.

Special Effects

Godzilla Raids Again

Godzilla Raids Again · 1955

Godzilla Raids Again

MovieScience FictionHorror

Two fishing scout pilots make a horrifying discovery when they encounter a second Godzilla alongside a new monster named Anguirus. Without the weapon that killed the original, authorities attempt to lure Godzilla away from the mainland. But Anguirus soon arrives and the two monsters make their way towards Osaka as Japan braces for tragedy.

Visual Effects Director

Atragon

Atragon · 1963

MovieScience FictionAction

The legendary empire of the lost continent of Mu reappears to threaten the world with domination. While countries unite to resist, an isolated World War II Captain has created the greatest warship ever seen, and possibly the surface world's only defense.

Special Effects Coordinator

King Kong Escapes

King Kong Escapes · 1967

King Kong Escapes

MovieActionFantasy

An adaptation of the Rankin/Bass cartoon, "The King Kong Show". King Kong is brought in by the evil Dr. Who to dig for Element X in a mine when the robot Mechani-Kong is unable to do the task. This leads to the machine and the real Kong engaging in a tremendous battle atop Tokyo Tower.

Visual Effects

The War of the Gargantuas

The War of the Gargantuas · 1966

The War of the Gargantuas

MovieActionHorror

Gaira, a humanoid sea beast spawned from the discarded cells of Frankenstein's monster, attacks the shores of Tokyo. While the Japanese military prepares to take action, Gaira's Gargantua brother, Sanda, descends from the mountains to defend his kin. A battle between good and evil ensues, leaving brothers divided and a city in ruins.

Visual Effects

Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean

Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean · 1957

Godzilla, the Monster of the Pacific Ocean

MovieScience FictionHorror

Obscure French version of the original Godzilla. The film combines elements of the original Toho version and the American King of the Monsters! in a unique assemblage exclusive to the Francophone market. Released by Les Films du Verseau.

Visual Effects

All Monsters Attack

All Monsters Attack · 1969

All Monsters Attack

MovieFantasyScience Fiction

Ichiro Miki is a child living in the industrial district of Kawasaki, where his parents' constant struggle to make ends meet often leaves the schoolboy alone. Constantly teased by a bully nicknamed Gabara, his only friends are toy consultant Shinpei and fellow classmate Sachiko. Ichiro turns to escapist dreams of Monster Island where he befriends the equally bullied Minilla.

Special Effects Supervisor

Matango

Matango · 1963

MovieHorrorScience Fiction

Five vacationers and two crewmen become stranded on a tropical island near the equator. The island has little edible food for them to use as they try to live in a fungus covered hulk while repairing Kessei's yacht. Eventually they struggle over the food rations which were left behind by the former crew. Soon they discover something unfriendly there...

Visual Effects

Son of Godzilla

Son of Godzilla · 1967

Son of Godzilla

MovieAdventureScience Fiction

Reporter Goro Maki stumbles upon scientists conducting weather experiments on Sollgel Island in the South Seas. He discovers the island is inhabited by giant mantis and a woman named Saeko who's been cast away since the death of her father. The pair soon find a helpless infant monster that Godzilla must adopt and learn to raise as one of his own.

Special Effects

Gigantis, the Fire Monster

Gigantis, the Fire Monster · 1959

Gigantis, the Fire Monster

MovieActionHorror

A prehistoric monster called Gigantis emerges alongside another creature named Angurus.

Special Effects

The Sword of Doom

The Sword of Doom · 1966

The Sword of Doom

MovieDramaCrime

Ryunosuke, a gifted swordsman plying his trade during the turbulent final days of Shogunate rule, has no moral code and kills without remorse. It’s a way of life that leads to madness.

Special Effects

Ultraseven

Ultraseven · 1967

SeriesAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy

In the not-too-distant future, the Earth finds itself constantly under attack from extraterrestrial threats. The Terrestrial Defense Force establishes the Ultra Garrison, a team of six elite members who utilize high-tech vehicles and weaponry. Joining their fight is the mysterious Dan Moroboshi, secretly an alien from the Land of Light in Nebula M-78, who transforms into his true form in times of crisis, Ultraseven.

Production Supervisor

Ultraman

Ultraman · 1966

SeriesAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy

Hayata is a member of the Science Patrol, an organization tasked with investigating bizarre anomalies. He is mortally wounded when accidently encountering an alien being from Land of Light, who grants Hayata new life as the two are merged into one. Now, whenever a threat arises that is too great for the Science Patrol to handle, Hayata activates the beta capsule and becomes the hero known as Ultraman.

Production Supervisor

Ultraman R/B

Ultraman R/B · 2018

SeriesAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy

The two main characters, Katsumi and Isami Minato, are brothers who live with their younger sister and father who runs a specialty store. One day, they found the R/B Gyro and R/B Crystals, which transforms Katsumi into Ultraman Rosso and Isami into Ultraman Blu.

Creator

Ultra Q

Ultra Q · 1966

SeriesMysterySci-Fi & Fantasy

As supernatural events and monster attacks rock Japan, the military and government look to be overwhelmed. Three intrepid young investigators—two pilots and a reporter—take it upon themselves to study these unexplained phenomena in order to inform and protect the public.

Production Supervisor

Ultraman Teo

Ultraman Teo · 2026

SeriesAction & AdventureSci-Fi & Fantasy

After his home planet, H12, is destroyed by space kaiju, a lone alien named Teo escapes to Earth and lives as a veterinary student. When the same threat arrives, his will to protect transforms him into a giant hero—Ultraman.

Original Concept

Operation: Mystery

Operation: Mystery · 1968

Operation: Mystery

SeriesMysterySci-Fi & Fantasy

Advancements in science and the unchanging human psyche have given rise to new forms of terrifying crimes as the Science Research Institute (SRI) investigates various strange phenomena in Japan.

Producer

Neo Ultra Q

Neo Ultra Q · 2013

SeriesMysterySci-Fi & Fantasy

Ultra Q has returned, and continues investigations of monstrous appearances and strange ecological phenomenons.

Creator

Mighty Jack

Mighty Jack · 1968

SeriesAction & Adventure

Espionage team Mighty Jack, headquartered on a flying submarine, oppose an organization known as Q.

Creator