Godzilla and its mechatwin get ready to rumble

Above : “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” will screen at 7 tonight. (Photo/Fathom Events)

I don’t know what rock I’ve been sleeping under, but I never knew there was a special Godzilla Day .

And that it occurs on Nov. 3. Which is today.

The significance, of course, is that this is the day that, in 1954, the original “Godzilla” was released in Japan.

(It wouldn’t open in the United States until April 4th, 1956, and wouldn’t see a wide release until April 27th when it opened in 283 theaters on a double bill with “Prehistoric Women.” )

Anyway, in celebration of Godzilla Day, a special screening of the 2002 film “Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” will screen tonight at 7 at two area theaters: AMC River Park Square and Regal’s NorthTown Mall.

The film, which was directed by Masaaki Tezuka (and includes clips from the 1974 film “Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla”), is being shown in the U.S. for the first time.

The plot: When a new Godzilla threatens Japan, scientists construct a mechanical version of the monster out of the original’s skeleton. While a member of Japan’s Self-Defense Force tries to make up for failing in her initial mission, the two monsters engage in a series of battles – with the fate of the whole country resting on the outcome.

Jerry Renshaw of Reel.com wrote, “Everyone loves a good rasslin’ match between giant monsters, and that’s something that this updated, modernized, new and improved ‘Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla’ certainly delivers.”

Sounds good. But you know what would make it even better? Being paired with “Prehistoric Women,” of course.