Region 2 DVD Review: Gamera vs. Gaos - Page 2

For kids, this is an easy way to introduce them to the genre. While oddly violent (Gamera chews off Gaos's toes and there's gaudy colored monster blood poured out at a few points), it's a solid effort. This would be the final high point for the giant turtle before Daei was hit financial issues and the films would barely rise above the level of Saturday morning TV matinees. The constant action of Gamera vs. Gaos is a fine way to send the series off to the depths of low budget hell.

While not as sharp as the transfer used in Gamera vs. Barugon, Gaos still looks amazing. The contrast is set higher here and sharpness is lacking, washing out finer details. Still, with a distinct lack of noticeable compression artifacts and gorgeous color, the film comes alive like it never has on any other film format. The print used is immaculate. It's necessary to appreciate (or enjoy on any level) this film, which this widescreen presentation does wonderfully.

While these Daei DVD's fail to go out like rival Toho Studios and provide 5.1 remixes, Dolby 2.0 mono is serviceable. Memorable roars and sound effects come through cleanly. Distortion is a rare occurrence.

Director Noriaki Yuasa provides a short video interview that is sadly left without subtitles. Thankfully, the film itself has an accurate translation via clear captions.

The franchise would push on, given yearly releases until 1971. A lapse period following that ended in 1980 with Gamera Super Monster, which could quite possibly be the worst giant monster film in existence. Made entirely from stock footage, the movie follows a group of Japanese female aliens that call on all the monsters Gamera previously fought. Sloppily edited fight footage then follows for 90-minutes. It's as bad as it sounds.

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Article Author: Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki is a 12-year movie and game critic. He currently freelances for Blu-ray review site DoBlu.com and video game site MultiPlayerGames.com.

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