Reptilian Movie
In the mid-1960s, inspired by the success of the Heisei era Godzilla and Gamera films in Japan, and Roland Emmerich's Godzilla remake, director Shim Hyung-rae envisioned his own monster film. The reptilian movie was titled Yonggari in South Korea, internationally Yonggary, and in the US Reptilian. A remake in name only of Yonggary (1967), Shim's film uses conventional computer-generated imagery effects, and an American cast to appeal to international markets.
Yongary is a popular reptilian movie. While Yongary, Monster from the Deep only popped up sporadically on local sci-fi TV matinees throughout the '70s, the Koreans have always had a soft spot for their homegrown creature. Yonggary was totally computer animated. The plot of his movie would feature invading aliens in a giant mothership and all of the characters would be played by Anglos.
Yonggary opened in Seoul in the summer of 1999 to rave reviews in the local press and record-breaking ticket sales. In the movie the reptilian Yonggary proving himself a hero after all, joins in the defense of Earth. The aliens add further evidence to the illogic of their plan by sending their own monster Cykor in to fight Yonggary. Though the special effects are inferior to those in most Hollywood productions, they are still fun to watch, and are even darned impressive in some shots.
The DVD presents a trouble-free transfer, and comes with a few minor extras, the most valuable of which is the “production notes” section, which is upfront about the film's origins without putting it in a bad light. The only thing the package lacks is the original Korean trailer, which would have been nice to have - and perhaps even the original credits, that had a catchy Yonggary pop song over them.
The film was re-released in 2001, with improved special effects and additional scenes. The re-release did not do well in the box office, possibly due to poor promotion. This version of the film was first shown at a Japanese film Festival in 2000, being re-titled ARMAGGEDON BEAST: YONGARI, before its 2001 showing at the film's native country South Korea. Overall, when it was widespread released on Jan. 20 2001, it only reached at highest, number 10 at the box office. Unlike the first version of the film, this 2001 Upgrade edition had barely any publicity. Among the scenes that were added to the “2001 Upgrade”, the beginning scene with a team of archeologists entering the cave was an addition.
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