Godzilla Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Ishiro Honda's "Godzilla" is a technical marvel that significantly elevates the film's visual appeal. The 1080p/AVC-MPEG-4 encoded transfer maintains the original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, delivering a remarkably improved experience over previous versions. The transfer was created from a 35mm fine-grain master positive struck from the original camera negative, ensuring superior detail and clarity. Brightness levels have been expertly toned down, while contrast levels and colors have been rebalanced to enhance the viewing experience. Despite careful noise corrections and various stabilizations, the fine grain has been preserved, maintaining the film’s authentic texture. Notably, Criterion’s high-definition transfer offers dramatically better night sequences compared to prior releases.

The use of MTI's DRS system, Pixel Farm's PFClean system, and Image System's DVBR handles source limitations with finesse, although minor scratches and damage marks persist due to inherent source material constraints. The depth and fine details in well-lit scenes, such as daytime exteriors, are particularly impressive. However, some issues remain in dimly lit scenes and during day-for-night shots, where shadow delineation can be poor, occasionally causing textures—in particular, the detail on Godzilla's suit—to become lost. Nevertheless, Criterion’s presentation ensures that whites are generally well-controlled, with only occasional instances of blown-out highlights.

Additionally, this edition includes Terry O. Morse’s "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!", also presented with commendable quality from a mix of 35mm and 16mm sources. It showcases better detail, clarity, and color reproduction with fewer damage marks than its predecessors. Overall, Criterion's effort is meticulously executed, allowing both films to achieve a level of presentation likely to be regarded as definitive for years to come.

The Blu-ray of "Godzilla" offers two distinct audio tracks: Japanese LPCM 1.0 for the original "Godzilla" and English LPCM 1.0 for "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" Criterion has thoughtfully included optional English subtitles for both films, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences. The Japanese LPCM track, remastered at 24-bit from the fine-grain optical track, is a notable upgrade over previous DVD releases, resolving past issues with stability, distortion, and weak dynamics. The opening credits, featuring Godzilla's iconic roar and heavy thumping, sound lusher and more well-rounded than ever before. Particularly impressive is the clarity in musical elements, such as the distinctiveness of clarinets and violins in Chapter 3, paired with dialog that is completely free of background hiss.

The English LPCM 1.0 track for "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" also delivers an equally satisfying auditory experience. This track, remastered from the 35 mm fine-grain master positive's variable-density track and cleaned up using Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated workstation, is clean and stable with easily-followed dialog. However, some issues do arise concerning the balance and integration of various sound elements. While individual components like Godzilla’s roar and Ifukube’s score are crystal clear, their combination can lead to a blaring, less cohesive mix. Notably, during the opening credits, Godzilla's roar tends to overshadow the accompanying score. Additionally, louder elements such as tank cannons lack the expected heft, although softer noises like the crackling of fire remain distinct.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray is commendably detailed and largely effective, notwithstanding some minor issues with sound integration.

The Blu-ray extras for "Godzilla" provide a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the film's history, production, and cultural impact. Critic David Kalat's commentary is both insightful and enthusiastic, though some may find his emotional delivery overwhelming. The extensive interviews with cast and crew, including actors Akira Takarada and Haruo Nakajima, effects technicians Yoshio Irie and Eizo Kaimai, and composer Akira Ifukube, offer invaluable perspectives on their roles and experiences during the film's production. The Photographic Effects featurette introduces viewers to unique visual techniques, while expert Tadao Sato discusses the movie's significance within Japanese culture. "The Unluckiest Dragon" illustrated audio essay by historian Gregory M. Pflugfelder provides poignant context on real-life events inspiring the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for Godzilla.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by critic David Kalat.
• Cast and Crew: Interviews with key cast and crew members.
• Photographic Effects: Featurette on visual tricks.
• Tadao Sato: Interview discussing cultural significance.
• The Unluckiest Dragon: Audio essay on real-life inspiration.
• Godzilla, King of the Monsters!: 1956 feature film.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essay by J. Hoberman.

Japanese director Ishiro Honda's "Gojira" (1954), internationally known as "Godzilla," is a genre-defining film deeply rooted in the cultural and historical aftermath of World War II. Completed merely nine years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, "Godzilla" symbolizes Japan's grappling with nuclear experimentation. The story revolves around a giant monster, Godzilla, emerging from the sea following nuclear testing, leading to a government and military response that's ultimately futile. Dr. Serizawa (Akihiko Hirata) introduces the Oxygen Destroyer as a potential solution, sparking debates that mirror real-world anxieties about nuclear power. The film’s slow, moody pacing underscores its serious themes, making it more than a traditional monster movie.

The American adaptation, "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" (1956), takes considerable liberties with Honda’s original vision. Directed by Terry O. Morse and featuring Raymond Burr as Steve Martin, a reporter stranded in Tokyo, this version reshuffles the narrative to amplify the monster movie elements prevalent in 1950s American cinema. While Morse's editing and staging adapt the story to suit Western audiences, the truncation of significant scenes and thematic elements—like the film’s critical stance on nuclear experimentation—diminishes its original impact. This results in a lighter, less ambitious interpretation aimed primarily at entertainment rather than provoking reflection on atomic power’s horrors.

Renowned cinematographer Masao Tamai's work on the film, combined with Eiji Tsuburaya's special effects, earned it the Best Special Effects Award at the Japanese Academy Awards in 1954. Notably, the Criterion Collection Blu-ray combines both films, providing invaluable insights into the cultural translation and cinematic evolution of this iconic narrative. The disc includes commentaries, interviews with cast and crew, and critical essays that enrich the viewing experience, highlighting the film’s enduring relevance and legacy in cinema history.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Ishiro Honda's iconic "Godzilla" sets a new benchmark in the film's home media history. This edition surpasses previous versions, including Classic Media's recent release, with its superior video and audio quality, elevating the viewing experience significantly. The high-definition remaster ensures that every scene, from the atmospheric destruction to the nuanced character interactions, is rendered with astonishing clarity and detail. Additionally, this release boasts a plethora of newly curated supplemental features, which provide a deep dive into the film’s production and legacy.

Despite minor concerns regarding audio/video consistency, Criterion has approached this release with the same reverence it reserves for landmark films in cinema history. The detailed restoration work underscores Honda’s serious thematic undertones, addressing post-war anxieties and the nuclear age's ominous specter. This isn’t just another monster movie—though fans of kaiju action will still find the model-smashing sequences highly enjoyable. The inclusion of Terry O. Morse's "Godzilla, King of the Monsters!" rounds out the package, offering audiences a broader perspective on Godzilla’s cultural impact.

In conclusion, fans of Japanese director Ishiro Honda's hugely influential Godzilla will be enormously pleased with Criterion's upcoming Blu-ray release. In terms of quality, it is leaps and bounds ahead of all previous commercial releases of the film, including Classic Media's recent Blu-ray release. In addition to a wealth of brand new supplemental features, Criterion have also included Terry O. Morse's Godzilla, King of the Monsters!. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.