Empire Magazine – August 1998 – Godzilla Monster Issue – Harrison Ford – Psycho – Cannes Film Festival

Original Vintage British Film Magazine | August 1998 | Godzilla Cover | 1990s Hollywood Cinema Collectable

An original August 1998 edition of Empire Magazine, featuring an impressive full-cover image of Godzilla, promoting the 1998 Hollywood monster film.

This special "Monster Issue!" features the prominent headline "GODZILLA! Hype And Glory, Making The Lizard King", highlighting the enormous publicity surrounding the release of the big-budget creature feature.

The cover also advertises features concerning Harrison Ford, Psycho, the 51st Cannes Film Festival, Lost in Space, Small Soldiers, Antz, Toy Story 2, Harry Knowles, Nick Broomfield and Geri Halliwell.

An appealing original publication from the late 1990s, particularly for collectors of Godzilla memorabilia, monster movies, science-fiction cinema, Hollywood film history and vintage Empire Magazine covers.

Main Cover Feature – Godzilla (1998)

The principal attraction is the dramatic photographic image of Godzilla, the giant reptilian monster featured in the 1998 American science-fiction disaster film.

Front Cover Artwork

Godzilla dominates almost the entire front cover, with the creature's enormous head, upper body, claws and heavily textured skin extending across the magazine.

The image is presented against a predominantly white background, making the dark creature stand out particularly strongly.

Godzilla's Appearance

The monster is depicted with:

• A large reptilian head positioned towards the upper-right portion of the cover.

• A long, powerful jaw filled with numerous pointed teeth.

• An open mouth suggesting a threatening roar or aggressive movement.

• Small, deep-set eyes beneath pronounced bony ridges.

• Dark, rough-textured scales across the head and neck.

• Large, jagged dorsal spines projecting upwards along the creature's back.

• Prominent muscular shoulders and upper limbs.

• Long, curved claws extending from the forelimbs.

• Thick, heavily scaled legs and feet.

• A large reptilian tail extending towards the lower-left section.

• Dark grey, charcoal and bluish-black colouring.

• Lighter highlights across the raised scales and facial features.

The creature's body overlaps parts of the magazine's red Empire masthead, creating a three-dimensional effect in which Godzilla appears to emerge from the cover.

This striking composition is particularly effective because the monster occupies so much of the available space.

Main Cover Headlines

MONSTER ISSUE!

GODZILLA!

Hype And Glory, Making The Lizard King

The wording promotes the magazine's examination of the production, publicity and cultural significance of the 1998 film.

The title reflects the considerable anticipation surrounding Hollywood's attempt to reinvent one of cinema's most recognisable monsters.

Godzilla – The 1998 Hollywood Film

Godzilla was released in 1998 and directed by Roland Emmerich, known for his work on large-scale science-fiction and disaster films.

The film features:

• Matthew Broderick as Dr Niko Tatopoulos.

• Jean Reno as Philippe Roaché.

• Maria Pitillo as Audrey Timmonds.

• Hank Azaria as Victor Palotti.

• Kevin Dunn as Colonel Hicks.

• Michael Lerner as Mayor Ebert.

The story follows the appearance of an enormous mutated reptilian creature that travels to New York City, causing widespread destruction.

The film combines monster-movie action, military operations, scientific investigation and large-scale visual effects.

A New Interpretation of Godzilla

The 1998 production presented a substantially redesigned version of the famous Japanese monster.

Unlike many earlier appearances, this Godzilla was depicted with a more streamlined, animal-like body and a faster, more agile style of movement.

Its appearance drew upon reptilian anatomy, with a long snout, muscular hind legs and prominent dorsal spines.

The design was created to support the film's emphasis on movement through urban environments.

The creature's distinctive appearance is clearly represented in the magazine's front-cover image.

Godzilla's Cinematic Heritage

Godzilla originally appeared in the 1954 Japanese film Gojira, produced by Toho.

Over the following decades, the character became an internationally recognised icon of science-fiction and monster cinema.

The 1998 Hollywood adaptation represented an important moment in the franchise's international history.

Although the film received mixed critical responses, it remains a distinctive part of late-1990s blockbuster cinema.

This contemporary August 1998 issue is therefore particularly interesting for collectors researching the film's original release and publicity.

Cannes Film Festival – 51st Edition

A black banner runs across the top of the cover with the headline:

STARS! FILMS! BOOZE! WHY CANNES STILL ROCKS AT 51

This refers to the 51st Cannes Film Festival, held in 1998.

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world's most prestigious international cinema events, bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, critics and journalists.

Cannes 1998

The 1998 festival took place during a significant period for international filmmaking.

The magazine's headline suggests a lively feature exploring the atmosphere, celebrity culture, films and social activities associated with the event.

The phrase "Why Cannes Still Rocks at 51" reflects Empire's informal and entertaining editorial style.

This feature may be of particular interest to collectors of film-festival memorabilia and contemporary cinema journalism.

Lost in Space – Science-Fiction Feature

The right-hand side of the cover includes:

ALIEN FAMILY VALUES

Hi-Fi Sci-fi With Lost In Space

This promotes coverage of the 1998 science-fiction adventure film Lost in Space.

Directed by Stephen Hopkins, the film is based on the classic 1960s television series.

Its cast includes:

• William Hurt.

• Mimi Rogers.

• Heather Graham.

• Matt LeBlanc.

• Gary Oldman.

• Lacey Chabert.

• Jack Johnson.

The film follows the Robinson family as they undertake a dangerous journey through space.

The story combines futuristic technology, space exploration, family relationships and encounters with unfamiliar environments.

The cover's reference to "Hi-Fi Sci-fi" highlights the film's modern visual effects and updated approach to the original television concept.

This makes the issue relevant to collectors of 1990s science-fiction films and television adaptations.

Psycho – A Game of Two Halves

Another prominent cover headline reads:

A GAME OF TWO HALVES

The Joys Of Psycho

This promotes a feature relating to Psycho.

The title is particularly interesting in the context of 1998, when Gus Van Sant's remake of Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller was released.

The original Psycho (1960) remains one of the most influential psychological horror films in cinema history.

Its 1998 remake starred:

• Vince Vaughn.

• Anne Heche.

• Julianne Moore.

• Viggo Mortensen.

• William H. Macy.

The cover does not establish the precise focus of the article, but the headline suggests a discussion of Psycho and its place in cinema.

An interesting feature for collectors of Alfred Hitchcock, psychological thrillers and horror-film history.

Harrison Ford – Desert Island Risks

The front cover advertises:

DESERT ISLAND RISKS

Harrison Ford Gets Lost In Paradise

This promotes a feature involving Hollywood actor Harrison Ford.

Ford was one of the most established leading actors of the 1990s, particularly well known for:

• Star Wars.

• Raiders of the Lost Ark.

• The Fugitive.

• Clear and Present Danger.

• Air Force One.

The headline is consistent with coverage of Ford's 1998 adventure-comedy film Six Days, Seven Nights, in which he stars alongside Anne Heche.

The film concerns a pilot and a magazine editor who become stranded on a remote tropical island.

The cover's reference to being lost in paradise reflects the film's setting and adventure themes.

This feature adds further collector appeal for Harrison Ford enthusiasts.

Small Soldiers, Antz and Toy Story 2

A bright yellow banner runs across the entire bottom of the front cover.

It announces:

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES! SMALL SOLDIERS, ANTZ, TOY STORY 2

These films represent an important period in the development of computer-generated animation and visual-effects filmmaking.

Small Soldiers (1998)

Small Soldiers, directed by Joe Dante, combines live-action filmmaking with computer-generated effects and animatronics.

The film follows technologically advanced toy soldiers whose programming causes them to behave as real combatants.

Its combination of comedy, action and science-fiction elements made it a distinctive late-1990s production.

Antz (1998)

Antz is a computer-animated comedy produced by DreamWorks Animation.

The film features voice performances from:

• Woody Allen.

• Sharon Stone.

• Gene Hackman.

• Sylvester Stallone.

• Christopher Walken.

It follows an individualistic worker ant attempting to find his place within a highly organised colony.

The film was one of the notable early computer-animated feature productions of the period.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Toy Story 2 was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released in 1999.

It continues the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the other toys introduced in the original 1995 film.

The cover's promotion of exclusive pictures is particularly interesting because this August 1998 issue predates the film's theatrical release.

This makes the magazine potentially appealing to collectors interested in early publicity for Pixar films.

The cover advertises exclusive pictures of these three films; the exact number and format of those pictures cannot be verified without viewing the relevant interior pages.

Additional Film and Entertainment Features

The right-hand side of the cover contains several further promotional headlines.

A Bad Case of the Clooneys?

A BAD CASE OF THE CLOONEYS?

An Alternative Dictionary Of Film Terms

This appears to promote a humorous or satirical feature examining cinema terminology.

The reference to "Clooneys" is likely a playful allusion to Hollywood actor George Clooney.

The exact contents of the feature cannot be confirmed from the cover alone.

Harry Knowles

HOW HARRY KNOWLES MESSED WITH THE STUDIO HEADS

Harry Knowles became well known during the 1990s as the founder of the film-news website Ain't It Cool News.

The site gained attention for reporting rumours, advance screenings and information about forthcoming Hollywood productions.

The cover suggests a feature examining his influence on film publicity and the established Hollywood studio system.

This is a particularly interesting period reference to the growing influence of internet-based film journalism.

Nick Broomfield

The cover also lists Nick Broomfield, the British documentary filmmaker.

Broomfield is known for investigative documentary filmmaking and his distinctive interview-led approach.

His inclusion adds interest for collectors of documentary cinema and British film journalism.

Geri Halliwell

Another cover headline reads:

GERI HALLIWELL MILKED

Geri Halliwell was internationally famous during this period as a member of the Spice Girls.

The wording suggests an entertainment-related feature or humorous item, although the exact subject cannot be established from the cover.

This is a notable reference to late-1990s British popular culture.

Competition

The cover also advertises:

WIN! A FRIDGE FULL OF BEER

This is an original promotional competition headline from the magazine.

The competition is historical and should not be considered active.

Original Cover Design and Collector Appeal

The August 1998 cover has a distinctive late-1990s visual style.

Notable Design Features

• Large red EMPIRE masthead across the upper section.

• Black masthead shadowing.

• Full-cover Godzilla creature image.

• Prominent dorsal spines overlapping the masthead.

• Detailed reptilian skin and facial textures.

• Large red GODZILLA! headline.

• Yellow-and-black MONSTER ISSUE! banner.

• Yellow Hype And Glory, Making The Lizard King subheading.

• Black Cannes Film Festival banner across the top.

• White background contrasting with the dark monster.

• Orange-and-yellow circular film-review graphic.

• Original barcode positioned towards the left-hand side.

• Multiple film-related headlines arranged along the right-hand edge.

• Bright yellow promotional strip advertising Small Soldiers, Antz and Toy Story 2.

• Original August 1998 publication information above the masthead.

The Godzilla artwork is especially prominent, making this an attractive magazine for display alongside film memorabilia, posters, DVDs, Blu-rays or other Godzilla collectables.

Publication Details

Magazine: Empire

Issue Date: August 1998

Original UK Cover Price: £2.70

Publication Type: Film and Cinema Magazine

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Main Cover Subject: Godzilla (1998)

Main Feature: Godzilla – Hype And Glory, Making The Lizard King

Additional Cover Subjects: Harrison Ford, Psycho, Lost in Space, Cannes Film Festival, Small Soldiers, Antz, Toy Story 2, Harry Knowles, Nick Broomfield and Geri Halliwell

Format: Original Printed Magazine

SKU: 1589

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned vintage magazine with visible signs of age, storage and previous handling.

The supplied photograph shows the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The original Godzilla cover remains present and visually striking.

The main illustration, red Empire masthead, Godzilla headline and surrounding promotional text are clearly visible.

The cover displays age-related imperfections consistent with a magazine published in 1998.

Visible Wear and Imperfections

• Light surface rubbing and handling marks across the front cover.

• Fine scuffs and surface scratches, particularly noticeable across darker areas of the Godzilla image.

• Some light rubbing around the upper edge.

• Minor wear around the upper-left corner.

• Small areas of edge wear along the left-hand side.

• Slight handling wear around the spine.

• Light rubbing and minor imperfections around the upper-right corner.

• Minor surface marks around the right-hand text area.

• Small handling marks and slight wear along the lower edge.

• Minor wear around the lower-left corner.

• Light rubbing around the lower-right corner.

• Some age-related toning or discolouration visible in lighter areas of the cover.

• General signs of previous handling and storage.

Godzilla Cover Image

The main Godzilla artwork remains clear and detailed.

The creature's head, teeth, scales, dorsal spines, claws and body are readily visible.

The darker parts of the image show some light surface wear and marks.

These imperfections do not significantly obscure the main illustration.

Masthead and Upper Edge

The red Empire masthead remains bright and legible.

The black top banner promoting Cannes is readable.

There is minor wear along the upper edge and corners, consistent with previous handling.

Lower Cover

The yellow promotional strip advertising Small Soldiers, Antz and Toy Story 2 remains clearly readable.

The lower corners show minor handling wear.

There are small surface imperfections around the lower edge, but the principal design remains intact.

Spine and Binding

The left-hand spine area shows some visible rubbing and minor edge wear.

The full condition of the binding cannot be established from the front-cover photograph alone.

Interior Pages

Only the front cover has been provided for inspection.

The internal pages have not been individually examined, so their full condition and completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Any internal creases, annotations, missing pages or other imperfections cannot be ruled out.

Overall Condition Assessment

Good used vintage appearance based on the visible cover, with light to moderate surface and edge wear.

The magazine presents well as a collectible Godzilla cover, although it is not being described as mint or immaculate.

Please examine the supplied photograph carefully before purchasing.

Important – Original Free Gifts and Additional Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

Any original free gifts, promotional items, cover-mounted extras, loose supplements or additional items that may originally have accompanied this issue are no longer included.

Only the original printed magazine shown in the photographs is being sold.

No separate promotional accessories, tapes, discs or other additional items are included.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during shipping.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during overseas delivery.

Collector Appeal

This original August 1998 edition may appeal to collec