Godzilla Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Godzilla" (2014) offers a compelling video experience that showcases the film's detailed and atmospheric imagery. The 2D AVC-encoded video holds up remarkably well with excellent color reproduction and skin tones retaining vibrancy despite the film's grim, monotonal palette. Detail and resolution are impressive, allowing viewers to discern intricate textures such as dirt and debris, along with the intricately designed monsters' features. The encode handles the film’s darkest scenes effectively, with deep black levels providing significant depth, though some viewers with improperly calibrated displays might perceive these sequences as overly dark. Key sequences in Hawaii and San Francisco can be particularly challenging in bright viewing conditions. The overall quality, however, is exceptional, with minimal digital errors like banding or aliasing observed.

The 3D MVC-MPEG 4 encode also fares well, offering considerable depth and immersion, notwithstanding its post-conversion origins. The aspect ratio of 2.40:1 is maintained, and the encode remains clear even through murkier moments shrouded in digital atmosphere effects. The presentation achieves a realistic window-into-another-world feeling, although it does not feature pop-out 3D effects. Performance in nighttime sequences and generously lit scenes is superb, but the 3D version does reveal slightly compromised black levels compared to its 2D counterpart. The blacks often appear as a dark gray, notably affecting those with 16:9 displays more prominently. Despite this minor drawback, the 3D experience still delivers with a lack of significant anomalies such as ghosting or aliasing, maintaining both resolution and color fidelity similar to the 2D experience.

In summary, both the 2D and 3D video presentations of "Godzilla" on Blu-ray are robust and meticulously crafted. The 2D version stands out with its perfect black levels and high resolution, while the 3D version adds an extra layer of depth and scale, despite some limitations with black levels. Fans of visual spectacle will find much to appreciate in both formats.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack for "Godzilla" on Blu-ray stands as a reference-quality presentation, delivering an impeccably detailed, dynamic, and immersive surround sound experience. The multi-layered sound effects are meticulously placed within the sound field, ensuring a clear and purposeful yet never overstated auditory experience. The mix effectively utilizes the surround channels to paint an encompassing soundstage, seamlessly blending front and rear sound fields during panning sequences. Notably, in chapter 8 at the 1:16:30 mark, the auditory display as the M.U.T.O. rises near the soldiers showcases a brilliant blend of room-traversing effects and low-frequency detail, demonstrating the exceptional craft of the sound mixer.

Warner's DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track reveals itself as a powerful and precise beast, with monstrous roars and explosive sequences that truly shake the floor and rattle the windows. The LFE output is robust, granting immense weight and presence to the featured creatures. The sound mix intelligently emphasizes the dominance of Godzilla and the MUTOs over the military forces, rendering them dwarfed in comparison. Rear speaker activity is meticulously calibrated, providing an immersive experience in both quiet moments and chaotic scenes, with urgent aggression during more intense sequences. Dialogue remains clear and well-prioritized throughout, maintaining intelligibility without being overshadowed by the rest of the auditory landscape.

Though an Atmos mix could have elevated the experience, this DTS-HD Master Audio track still manages to impress thoroughly. From Alexander Desplat's ominous score to the aggressive audial depiction of destructive scenes and thunderous LFE during monster confrontations, this soundtrack champions all fronts. It's crafted to wake up any 7.1 system, urging listeners to push their volume levels to exhilarating heights. "Godzilla" on Blu-ray delivers an uncompromising audiophile experience that doesn't leave much room for improvement in the realm of blockbuster soundtracks.

The extras section of the "Godzilla" Blu-ray is a comprehensive blend of in-depth featurettes and creative mockumentaries, offering both fans and technical enthusiasts a deep dive into the mythos and production of the film. The standout features include detailed behind-the-scenes explorations, such as "Godzilla: Force of Nature," which delves into the challenges faced by director Gareth Edwards and his team in modernizing the iconic franchise. The segment "A Whole New Level of Destruction" highlights the meticulous process behind building and demolishing elaborate sets. Meanwhile, "Into the Void: The H.A.L.O. Jump" focuses on one of the film's most stunning scenes, showing the journey from pre-visualization to final VFX. The "MONARCH: Declassified" segments provide a pseudo-scientific perspective on Godzilla's lore, enhancing the film's universe.

Extras included in this disc:

• Operation: Lucky Dragon: Monarch's earliest encounters with Godzilla.
• MONARCH: The M.U.T.O. File: The history of the MUTO creatures.
• The Godzilla Revelation: A mockumentary produced after the events of the film.
• Godzilla: Force of Nature: Challenges in modernizing Godzilla.
• A Whole New Level Of Destruction: Building and destroying sets spectacularly.
• Into The Void: The H.A.L.O. Jump: From pre-visualization to impactful VFX.
• Ancient Enemy: The M.U.T.O.s: Designing Godzilla's opponents.

Godzilla returns in a modernized, yet faithful rendition under Gareth Edwards' direction, merging the iconic essence of the classic franchise with cutting-edge technological execution. The origins of the creature, rooted in nuclear-age symbolism, remain central, albeit the narrative diverts from Japanese canon to forge a fresh storyline. From the breathtaking visuals to the palpable sense of peril magnified through logically evolving chaos, the film blends progress with traditional elements, providing an authentic and exhilarating kaiju experience. The immersive visuals and intricate cinematography innovate by providing an intimate yet grand depiction of the monster's rampage, especially notable in scenes framed through personal, ground-level perspectives.

Bryan Cranston portrays Joe Brody, whose investigation into seismic disturbances sets the harrowing stage. This emerges into a family-centric drama with Aaron Taylor-Johnson's Ford Brody striving to reconnect with his loved ones amidst escalating disaster. The restrained reveal of Godzilla mirrors cinematic suspense akin to 'Jaws,' culminating in explosive confrontations with MUTOs that command awe. The film's serious tone and deliberate pacing distinguish it from prior iterations like the 1998 American version. Despite moments where the storyline dips into predictable family dynamics, the film's intensity resurrects through meticulously staged large-scale destruction scenes, preserving a strong emotional core.

The narrative's nuanced approach incorporates allegorical commentary on nuclear proliferation while juxtaposing family drama against monster mayhem. The film smartly builds suspense, though some may find early exposition slightly sluggish. Edwards' craftsmanship in showcasing Godzilla through environmental interactions before full appearances heightens the impact, leading to climactic battles stressing both human vulnerability and colossal might. The movie's deliberate plot progression and strategic action sequencing reveal a sophisticated homage to Godzilla's legacy, while simultaneously revitalizing the franchise for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray release of "Godzilla" (2014) offers an immersive audiovisual experience, though the film itself has garnered mixed reactions. While the narrative and character depth leave room for improvement, the technical aspects of this release are where it truly excels. The 2D transfer is nothing short of stunning, presenting some of the deepest black levels available on Blu-ray today. The 3D post-conversion, while competent, does suffer slightly in black levels but nevertheless provides a strong visual experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track is flawless, delivering an utterly robust and immersive soundstage that enhances the film's kaiju battles and disaster sequences significantly.

On the downside, the supplementary materials included in this Blu-ray package are somewhat disappointing, with very little content that adds significant value beyond the main feature. The special features fail to offer deep insights or behind-the-scenes looks that could have enriched viewers' understanding and appreciation of the film. This limited offering in the way of extras may dissuade some from making a purchase without first renting.

In conclusion, despite its divisive reception and some shortcomings in storytelling, "Godzilla" (2014) on Blu-ray is a must-have for fans of the genre or those who appreciate high-quality AV presentations. Its superior 2D visuals and impeccable audio deliver a viewing experience that truly emphasizes the scale and grandeur of Godzilla. For those hesitant due to its narrative faults, considering a rental may be the optimal route.