When Godzilla, or as it is known in Japan, Gojira, was originally released in Japan it spoke as an allegory against the use of nuclear weapons and the dangers that could arise from them. It also became the keystone for ushering in the cinematic marvel that is giant monsters, or kaiju, wreaking havoc on the country. The film was later edited and incorporated additional scenes featuring American actor Raymond Burr for the U.S. release.

Now, ahead of the 2014 Godzilla film, which will bring the king of monsters to American soil to lay waste to San Francisco, a restored original cut of the 1954 film from the original camera negative is making its way back to the big screen. Rialto Pictures, a distribution company largely responsible for bringing reissues of older films back to the theaters, is helming this return on the 60th anniversary of Godzilla‘s released.

This print of the film will back its debut at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin TX on March 11th. Following this screening, the print will tour the United States for limited screenings. At the moment confirmed dates and cities, via the Rialto Pictures website, are:

April 12: LOS ANGELES, CA “¢ TCM Classic Film Festival

April 18 – 24: NEW YORK, NY “¢ Film Forum

April 25 – May 1: SANTA FE, NM “¢ Jean Cocteau Cinema

May 2 – 5: PORTLAND, OR “¢ Hollywood Theatre

May 2 – 8: SEATTLE, WA “¢ SIFF Cinema Uptown

May 13 – 14: ALAMEDA, CA “¢ Alameda Theater & Cineplex

May 23 – 26 HOUSTON, TX “¢ The Museum of Fine Arts

May 28: LEXINGTON, KY “¢ Kentucky Theatre

July 17: COLUMBUS, OH “¢ Wexner Center for the Arts

Additional dates may be added at a later date. For now, check out the promotional trailer and poster created in anticipation of this cinematic classic’s return to the big screen.

Trailer

Poster

[Source: Rialto Pictures]