In the end, it's hard not to be grasped by this entry. For whatever reason, the relationship between the two monsters is almost touching (!), especially when the final shot rolls around. The sight of the two kaiju holding each other close as the snow begins to reach blizzard status is classic stuff even if the rest of the movie isn't. Even some of Minilla's antics will bring a smirk to your face. The island photography (shot on Guam) adds the final positive to one of those entries that splits fans right down the middle. (*** out of *****)
Though the print has taken some heavy damage at a few points, the movie looks remarkable on DVD. Colors are just incredible and the above-mentioned photography is firmly preserved forever. The overall transfer is soft, but it's very clean with no grain, an achievement to say the least. It's so clear, that for the first time, you can easily spot the strings maneuvering the monsters, something that the lower resolution of previous formats prevented. That's either a positive or a negative depending on your view. (****)
This is about the only mix in this "50th Anniversary" line that has major problems. The soundtrack on the Japanese language track completely overpowers the dialogue. Even some of the louder scenes in which the monsters struggle have the same problem. The English track has no trouble but the dubbing is pitiful, screwing up names along with the usual over-acting. It's a no-win situation here. When things are quiet there are no issues, though that doesn't excuse the obvious problems with this 2.0 mono mix. (**)
Not surprisingly, there are no extras. You can view a few trailers and that's it. (No stars)
Obviously someone thought Minilla was entertaining. He would be brought back in the next entry, the one that was supposed to finish off the series, "Destroy All Monsters." Then, he would take part in what is widely considered the worst movie in the series, "Godzilla's Revenge." Finally, fans will get to see him once again in "Godzilla: Final Wars" whenever that movie finds a full audience here in the US.
Article comments
1 - Dennis G. Jerz
Just as George Lucas gets hits for creating Star Wars: The Phantom Menace with the kiddies in mind, I can understand how this movie might rankle those who think of Godzilla as a horror film star (as he was in his initial appearance). The sound effects for the giant grasshopper are very creepy, and overall I think the filmmakers did a good job.
My kids love this movie. Yes, Minyon is a bit annoying, like Teletubbies and Barney, but quite frankly ANY kids can be just as annoying too. (Fortunately for the survival of our species, nature provides us with the incentive to love our own kids, no matter how annoying they may appear to others.)
And, as your review notes, the human interaction is complex enough to be engaging. The parachuting reporter's comic hunger strike, the relationship that develops between him and the mysterious island woman, and the tension that builds up among the scientists suggests that all involved were trying their best in a film where everyone knew they would be upstaged by puppets and guys in rubber suits.