The original Gamera movie was in black and white and presented its title monster as a serious threat, although this would almost immediately change. The Gamera movies became much more geared towards children with the creature as a clear defender of human beings and the planet Earth.

But this first movie is moody and doomy and clearly a rival film studio's attempt to cash in on the Godzilla phenomenon.

This goes for Yamanouchi's music as well, which deploys strings, percussion, organ and the occasional odd instrument (musical saw perhaps?) for eerie effect.

He comes up with cues that rival Ifukube's for beauty, strangeness and fascination and of course there's a march.

Gamera's roar is also similar to Godzilla's roar and why not?

This is another superb Cinema-kan release and includes a horribly cheery vocal single.