Last night in honor of Halloween (a holiday that I normally have no love for) I did manage to get in one monster film. As is expected for me, it was a Godzilla film.

Terror of Mechagodzilla or Mekagojira no Gyakush? ( ????????) is the last of the Showa or original series of Godzilla films. It's also one of the best.

The film is a direct sequel to Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla and generally picks up where the last movie left off. INTERPOL is searching for the remains of Mechagodzilla, apparently to study its technology. Strangely they can't find any space titanium but they do find a giant aquatic dinosaur which destroys their sub. It turns out this is Titanosaurus, a new monster, under the control of the mad scientist Dr. Mifune who has teamed up with the aliens of the Third Planet of the Black Hole. Teaming with Titanosaurus is a new upgraded version of Mechagodzilla.

The film, despite scoring the lowest ticket sales of any Godzilla film is a return to the greatness of much earlier Toho monster films without being flat out weird like Hedorah. While there are some rather silly elements to it (e. g. Godzilla saving some children from Titanosaurus) and the horrors of the dead and dying on the mass scale are kept relatively minimal, there is a dark and somewhat depressing look at the Mifunes, especially Dr. Mifune's daughter Katsura. Akira Ifukube's score is wonderful and it certainly fits the dark nature of the film.

I definitely say to watch this one but to skip the English dubbed version. There's an annoying intro tacked on with a completely innacurate narration. The Japanese version also has some scenes not included in the dubbed version.

Labels: Classics, Godzilla, Japanese, sci-fi

It's no secret that I am a Godzilla fan so for those who don't want to read another one of my fanboy reviews full of praises for my favorite giant monster series, please read my reviews for Final Wars and Tokyo SOS.

Invasion of the Astro Monster (aka Monster Zero) is my absolute favorite of all the color Showa Godzilla films. While I do love Godzilla vs. the Thing, it's hard to negate the fact that Monster Zero is a very solid, albeit goofy film. It's also the only Godzilla movie I prefer dubbed over the subtitled version.

The reason I prefer the dubbed version is simple and his name is Nick Adams. Known to US audiences mostly as TV's Johnny Yuma or the blond guy who would show up on everything from Wanted: Dead or Alive to 77 Sunset Strip (and most anyone who ever appeared on that show is cool by me.) I however, will always remember him as the drunk Harvard man after Doris Day in Pillow Talk. Sadly, his acting career for some reason never took off to where it should have been. He was a top notch actor and his early death left a void in both Hollywood and Japan that was never filled. He is also, in my view, the best gajin to ever appear in a Godzilla movie. (I don't count Raymond Burr as he was edited into the first Godzilla film)

Anyway, the DVD is top notch. They have the subtitled version complete with Nick Adams being dubbed by a Japanese actor and the slightly edited American release complete with the Henry G. Saperstein titles, although they do not include the Astro Monster title card. The extras are nice although a bit scarce. I actually found myself enjoying the commentary and will have to give it a full listen as I just sampled it for the review.

My advice is to pick this up now. There isn't much left for Godzilla films. Classic Media will be releasing All Monsters Attack and, one of my favorites, Terror of Mechagodzilla later this year. That will only leave Megalon in limbo for an official release. Maybe someday ...

Labels: Classics, Godzilla, sci-fi

Anyone who has known me for a while should know my fondness for the original Japanese Godzilla films. When Godzilla 2000 hit theaters I was first in line to see it. I anxiously bought each and every film I could find. Then I somehow found myself bored. I suppose looking back it's not difficult to realize that there are only so many times you can watch the same 25 or so films. While new films were coming out, after Godzilla X Mechagodzilla, I decided to call it quits.

After watching the otaku orgasm known as Final Wars I was in no hurry to check out SOS. It's too bad as it seems to be the only semi-decent Godzilla film of the Millennium era outside of Godzilla 2000.

Tokyo SOS is a sequel to the incredibly boring Godzilla X Mechagodzilla. In this new timeline Godzilla has appeared in 1954 and was killed and later Japan decides to dig its bones up and use it as the framework for a new version of Mechagodzilla. After losing the first fight, the Japanese try again and this time Mothra's in for the ride. What we end up having is nothing more than a setup to a 45 minute long battle between the three monsters which, while exciting at times does drag on and I kind of wish they had made the characters somewhat more likable.

The real treat of the film is the first appearance of Hiroshi Koizumi since 1984. Here he reprises the roll of Dr. Chujo from the original Mothra film. It's a nice surprise and he plays the part nicely.

The biggest problems that this and the other Millenium films is that it seems to have become old hat. Godzilla, Mothra and Mechagodzilla have all been pretty much used too much. The Mothra trilogy of the 90s breathed some new life into the kaiju genre and it would be nice to see something like that. Unfortunately my guess is if they do start making Godzilla films again, they will be as stale and tired as this one.

I wonder if it's possible to go back in time and ask Toho to write a whole mess of Godzilla scripts using the sort or imagination they had then. If only ...

Labels: Godzilla, Japanese, sci-fi

No, not a sequel or a straight remake for that matter. The inappropriately named Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla 2 is actually a reimagining of Godzilla's foe and his duel with him.

Here Mechagodzilla is not created by aliens but is actually a machine created by a division of the UN to counter Godzilla. So instead of wasting all that money on scandals and child prostitutes like the United Nations usually does, they also created a counter-Godzilla operations department as well as selected several aces to pilot their anti-Godzilla weapons.

Okay, so this film is a real piece of work. On the good side you have some pretty cool monster fights between Godzilla and his mechanical doppelganger. Rodan actually makes an appearance as well and he holds up quite well although giving him a breath weapon in my view wasn't quite the best thing. Mechagodzilla looks quite nice here and his modernized look here I prefer over the version made in 2003, although the retro version is the best.

What's not to like is the fact that the film does drag for long periods. I ate this stuff up as a teenager and yet today it just doesn't seem as fun as the originals. Toho also tried to make this film more "internationally friendly" it seems with more CGI and a more international cast. What I mean by that is that they seem to have hired any white tourist off the street who looked the part. Their lack of acting ability was somewhat masked in the English dub but since that is not available here, their wooden deliveries are here for all to see.

That said, if you are a completionist, the disc only cost $5 from Hong Kong and it does have English subtitles. The video quality isnt reference material but it's not bad either. So go ahead, you don't have much to lose.

Labels: Godzilla, Japanese, sci-fi

Classic Media strikes again with another release from their line of classic Godzilla films but does it measure up to the high standards of the last two?

Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monsters is a milestone for Godzilla movies. This is the first film in which Godzilla is fighting on the side of the Earth. It is also the first Godzilla film to feature Rodan and the last film to feature the Peanuts.

While the film is quite interesting and a lot of fun at times it does drag quite a bit during the middle. I suppose I am a bit harsh on the film as it is, in my opinion, the weakest of the first half dozen Godzilla films.

The DVD itself is great. Classic Media has included both the original Japanese version as well as the classic English dubbed version. While I watched the subtitled version primarily, I did check the dub and it was just as I remember it from my old Vestron Video copy I bought years ago.

Godzilla fans have never had it any better, in my view. Right now the only film of the Showa series without a DVD release is Megalon (although there were versions put out by companies who thought the film was still in the public domain.) Of course King Kong vs. Godzilla and Destroy all Monsters are both dub only but at least they were released. As far as the Heisei series goes, Universe Laser and Video in Hong Kong has picked up the slack on that for the mediocre American releases. Yes, it is a good day for Godzilla fans.

Now where is my bilingual Mothra Trilogy set that I've dreamed of?

Labels: Godzilla, Japanese, Kaiju

Godzilla vs. Mothra: Continuing down the road of the Heisei films is this remake of the classic Mothra vs. Godzilla, which I reviewed earlier this week. Of course this film adds in some elements from the original Mothra movie while also adding in one of the coolest monsters ever, Battra.

While there is a lot to love in the form of the monster scenes, sadly there is a lot to dislike in the human scenes. There is a lot here taken from (or inspired by, take your pick) from Indiana Jones. Also much of the plot is ridiculous with an over-zealous environmentalist wacko theme that is quite unnecessary.

Still, I always liked this film and it's nice to have a subtitled copy. I've seen the film at least a dozen times before so it's hard not to recommend at the end.

Labels: Godzilla, Horror, Japanese, sci-fi

Mothra vs. Godzilla: Everyone has their favorite Godzilla film. Mine tends to alternate but it usually stays between the first one, Godzilla Raids Again and this film.

While on the surface this does look like just another movie with guys in rubber suits fighting one another, the human drama as well as simple themes of greed and, of course, nuclear radiation make this film a step above your average kiddy show fare.

Mothra vs. Godzilla is presented here in the finest form. Widescreen and dubbed or uncut and subtitled. Heck, they even had the original AIP prints with the "Godzilla vs. the Thing" title cards. The extras on Akira Ifukube and poster art are well appreciated. As always, I skipped the commentary track so I can't comment on that.

Highly recommended!

Labels: Godzilla, Horror, Japanese, sci-fi

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah: After buying a few of the Universe Heisei Godzilla region 3 releases, I decided it best to finish out the series. After reviewing the first two and Space Godzilla I went back and will now watch the rest in order. The Universe DVDs combine decent prints with English subtitles at a low price. The only downsides are that the English subtitles are coupled with the Chinese subtitles (ala VCD style) and some of the prints are non-anamorphic, like this one.

Godzilla vs King Ghidorah is a bit of a mixed bag. Parts of the story border on creative and refreshing like the revisiting of Godzilla's origin but at other times the physics expressed in the movie are nothing like that of this world that it leaves many fans scratching their heads.

In this film some people from the future come back in time to get rid of Godzilla. For some reason, instead of dealing with him directly they make a stop in 1991 to get some help. Of course what they really intend to do is to get rid of Godzilla and have their own monster, King Ghidorah, to destroy Japan.

In the end this film holds up as a fun little romp but rather weak in the end. Still, this like the other Heisei films are in many ways "My Godzilla" as I discovered Godzilla not long before these came out to video here in the states. I thus have a fondness for these films even after seeing them each a dozen times or more.

If you're a G-fan, pick this up. Sony won't be rereleasing it subtitled anytime soon.

Labels: Godzilla, Japanese, sci-fi

Godzilla Raids Again: Directly on the heels of Classic Media's fabulous Gojira release is the second in the Showa Godzilla series Gojira no Gyakushu (known here in the states as either Gigantis the Fire Monster or more commonly now as Godzilla Raids Again.)

In this film Godzilla (or another of his species) is sighted and this time he is found fighting another prehistoric creature, Anguirus, in a battle for supremacy. Unlike subsequent Godzilla films the fighting between monsters is not the central part of the movie and, in many ways, the whole Godzilla story is a side story to the lives of those working for a small company of pilots who scout for fish schools.

This is, in my opinion, the biggest strength of the film. The human characters in Godzilla Raids Again are the most likable, in my view, over any other Godzilla film save perhaps the original. Hiroshi Koizumi makes his first appearance in what would become a long line of Toho kaiju films and he plays well but the most appealing character would be that of Kobayashi played by Kurosawa veteran Minoru Chiaki. His portrayal of Kobayashi is one that makes him one of the most interesting characters in any Godzilla movies.

The edited and dubbed version is on here but I would avoid it. The dub is too silly and it takes many liberties with the script. While it is better than the original "Volcano Monsters" idea, it still is bland and boring compared to the original.

Labels: Godzilla, Japanese, Kaiju, sci-fi

Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla: Godzilla moves further from his fearsome roots and adds more cutesy elements along with some mild romance in what is perhaps unfairly dubbed the worst of the Heisei (or second series) Godzilla films. It breaks away from the dark tone the previous films had (save for Godzilla vs. Mothra) and has a decidely different approach and feel in that it tries to tone down the level of violence for more of a family style film in the mold of the 70s Godzilla films.

Space Godzilla himself has to have one of the worst backstories a monster ever had. While other Heisei era monsters at least had the benefit of science that almost made sense, Space Godzilla was created by some of Godzilla's cells going into space via Biollante and going through a black hole and coming out a white hole and somehow getting back to earth before ten million years passed. He does look cool enough, though beig the sort of Godzilla's evil-twin with a more reptilian look and crystals instead of Godzilla's stegosaurus-like spines. He can also fly and use telekinesis, neither of which is ever explained. Still he is pretty nifty nonetheless and is interesting by himself.

I do think this film does get a bad rep, though. I can fondly remember the day I went to Sam Goody in Aviation Mall in Glens Falls NY and seeing this and Godzilla vs Destroyah on the VHS shelf and so wanting these so badly that as a broke 16 year old I asked my dad if he could loan me the money. I remember that he finally gave in and loaned me the money which, by the way, I insisted on paying back even at a few dollars at a time.

Once I bought this film it certainly was watched. I remember when I was back in highschool with an endless amount of free time and a very limited budget and film collection I had the ability to rewatch things to death and yes, Space Godzilla was watched a lot. So much so that watching it now is a little tedious. Still, it's a good movie and no Godzilla fan should miss this one. Also for it's cleap price (HK$35) anyone with a region free player won't have to.

Labels: Godzilla, Horror, sci-fi

As my internet has been down for the last few days, I have really not had been able to get online to update my blog with any real success. This is due to Time Warner "fixing" some lines and, of course, not warning us in advance and only letting us know in response to complaints in the newspaper. Same old shit Adelphia gave us ...

Godzilla Vs Biollante: After reviewing Gojira 1984 it makes sense to go somewhat in order to the next Godzilla film, Godzilla vs. Biollante. Biollante is a direct sequel to 84 and would establish Godzilla's longest reoccurring human character in that of psychic Miki Saegusa (played by G-legend Megumi Odaka.)

Biollante would in many ways be, at least for me, the high water mark of the Heisei series. In keeping with the theme of the last film, the film attempts to be a more realistic portrayal of Godzilla and his foes than that of the space aliens, ancient civilizations and such of the Showa series. Ironically this would be the last time as the next film, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, has time travel and aliens. Biollante has science fiction in that Godzilla's DNA is used to make a hybrid with that of a rose and a human. Of course while the science is not always accurate, it does seem to work and make sense in a universe where an atomic weapon can awaken an eons old creature.

The presentation on the disc is quite nice too. The video quality is excellent as is the sound. The Chinese and English subtitles are, like the release of 84, placed together as they would be on a laser disc or VCD. I do not know the reasoning for this but I assume it might be a Toho demand. Either way, this one is definitely worth buying.

Labels: Godzilla, Horror, sci-fi

The Return of Godzilla: Returning from his slumber for his 30th anniversary, Godzilla attacks Japan once again in the first of the second series of Godzilla starting what would come to be called the Heisei Godzilla films. Godzilla stripped away the more juvenile aspects of his later films like Godzilla vs Megalon and Terror of Mechagodzilla and went back to his roots with a rather dark, moody and, at times, topical film.

The Return of Godzilla was released in America as Godzilla 1985 with some of the Japanese footage edited out and new scenes featuring Raymond Burr, reprising his inserted role from the original, were added. While that version is perhaps best left forgotten, the VHS tape was the only way that the English speaking world could watch the film until now as all US releases are caught up in a rather muddy rights issue. For Godzilla fans, this release is certainly a Godsend.

Somewhat surprisingly, Universe Laser didn't do a terrible job with this release. While it is region coded 3 and fans have to use a region free player to watch it, they kept the price down (I paid less than $5) and the audio and video quality are excellent.

If you are a Godzilla fan and you have a region free player, which you should have, pick this DVD up today.

Labels: Godzilla, Horror, Japanese, sci-fi

Godzilla: Final Wars: After watching the first Godzilla movie the other night, I decided it was time to go ahead and watch Final Wars which is supposed to be the last Godzilla film, at least for now.

Final Wars is a mishmash of previous Godzilla films thrown into a blender and spat out. Everything from Monster Zero to Destroy All Monsters to the American Godzilla is referenced with non Godzilla films like Atragon and Gorath are a part of the film. Also, just about every monster in the series makes an appearance including such long forgotten characters like Kumonga, Hedorah and King Caesar.

The film sounds very good on paper and at times the monster scenes are quite nice. Where it fails, however, is one of the same areas the Heisei films failed and that is in gaining its own identity. Several times I felt as if I was watching X-Men or Independence Day, neither of which are happy thoughts.

I'm not saying that Final Wars was awful as it did have its moments. The problem is that those minutes were few and far between in the over two hours the thing ran. I appreciate that the film was made, but I doubt I'll watch it again.

Labels: Godzilla

Gojira: It has finally come to Region 1 DVD and monster movie fans can rejoice. Gojira is arguably the best of the Japanese monster movies ever made and it's a shame that it has taken so long for it to arrive here. While I will concede that the film alone is worth the purchase, the DVD did not live up to my expectations.

Gojira, or Godzilla as he is better known, made his debut in this film. While it is somewhat of a Japanese retelling of The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, he is instead of just being a prehistoric beast but one who has been mutated thanks to radiation from the H-Bomb tests. He then wreaks havoc on Tokyo and is only brought down by the oxygen destroyer. Of course he would be back for many more sequels but it is this one, and its 1955 sequel Godzilla Raids Again, that stand in my mind as the best and most watchable films.

The DVD is about as good as one can expect, I'm afraid. I was hoping for the moon but sadly the print hasn't aged well and if my memory serves me correctly, the Toho R2 release looked a lot better. On the bright side, this one has subtitles where the R2 does not.

The American version is also included but quite frankly I didn't bother to watch it as I have seen it a few times and while it's good, it is just not as good as the original uncut version.

So, my verdict is that if you are a fan, most likely you've already bought this. If not, you should.

Labels: Godzilla, Horror, Japanese, sci-fi