Still, this is a lively entry. The first movie in the series to be set entirely on an island looks great, even if it is just to save money on expensive miniatures. The soundtrack is light hearted (at times completely inappropriate) to match the bright color tones. The action sequences are generally brief, but the fight underwater, even if its obvious that Godzilla and Ebirah are not underwater, is great.
This is a film that you can watch once and find it enjoyable. Next time, you find yourself cringing at the ridiculous tennis-style rock fight between the two monsters and try and forget it all. The series shifted in tone dramatically by this point. This one just continues that switch. This is not a movie to be taken seriously (at all) but you can have a blast if you just use your imagination properly. If you cant, you'll see right through it. (** out of *****)
Out of the recent string of Sony released Godzilla films this one looks the best. It even betters the Japanese DVD. The 2.35:1 print is in remarkable condition with only a few instances of specks and scratches. Color is strong and overall transferis soft which fits the film. Compression is never a problem. There is a little flickering along with some slight aliasing issues. These are brief and minor comparatively. (****)
Available in either original Japanese or dubbed English, the 2.0 mono tracks are about equal. Theres a bit of a straining quality to the English track usually evident during sequences that feature music. That gives the Japanese track a little more life, but just barely. Either way, both tracks are unremarkable, giving just enough to be serviceable. (***)
Sony has seen it fit to toss on the same outdated trailers they included on all the previous discs. How outdated? It lists Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster as coming soon. Thats it in the way of extras. (No stars)
Toho's version of King Kong would return after his titanic struggle with Godzilla in 1967s "King Kong Escapes." There he would fight a giant mechanical version of himself. Its sort of tough call. Giant shrimp or metallic double? Godzilla would end up fighting both. How many monsters have that on their resume?
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Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
Nice, I've been meaning to start picking up these anniversary releases, but they are a bit pricey for not containing extras. But at least they are widescreen and with the original language track! I have been picking up the ones from the latest series. GMK has become one of my favorite Big G films.
2 - Matt Paprocki
What's funny is how the box sets almost coast as much as buying the individual discs together.
The extras situation is bad too. It's a shame too because the Japanese discs always have SOMETHING on them. I don't see why that stuff couldn't be brought over.
GMK is a goofy one. I liked it, but Ghidrah just looked terrible and I really didn't buy the Godzilla suit either. Looked like he had a beer gut. I couldn't get past it. Nice ideas, good to see an attempt to do something else with the series, but it just didn't work overall for me.
3 - Chris Beaumont
Do you know much about the Japanese releases? like if they have English subs, and quality of transfer? For some reason I don't think Toho puts English subs on them, but I would consider importing if they did....
I loved the Godzilla suit in GMK, but I agree Ghidrah looked bad, the necks were too short.
4 - Matt Paprocki
I dropped you an E-mail Chris.
5 - Alex
None of the Jap discs have Eng subs but the transfers are orgasmic for any serious G-Fan. Add to that the new sound mixes and you're talking a great 50th anniversary box set. It's a shame it's not available on region 1 DVD but maybe Sony will release them all on HD-DVD with the new Japanese transfers and audio mixes.
6 - Matt Paprocki
Well, the transfers for most of the Showa series releases seems to be the same used on the Toho discs. I compared them on this disc (not the 50th set, but the regular Toho release) and noticed no difference. And just a note, any Sony disc that reads "Mastered in Hi-Definition" means it's ready to go whenever the new format launches.