Godzilla 2000: Millennium Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Godzilla 2000: Millennium" on Blu-ray is a mixed bag, adhering to the average tier of the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode standards. The original Japanese version employs a 2.35:1 aspect ratio with a slightly brighter palette favoring reds, while the American cut features a 2.40:1 frame leaning towards a teal-orange gradient. Despite these differences, the overall image remains soft and occasionally blurry, accompanied by sequences that lack resolution and distract from the stronger visual moments. Details fare better on close-ups of monster suits and facial complexions, offering adequate texture detail, although contrast remains mediocre and black levels vacillate between murky and accurate.

Colors in the Blu-ray are serviceable but not spectacular. The film's palette tends to be drab and faded, albeit interspersed with bold primaries in some scenes. Unfortunately, digital composites and CGI elements hinder overall picture quality. The presentation retains minor issues such as black crush, light wobble, small nicks on the print, and assorted compression artifacts, although fans will appreciate the cleanliness with minimal pops and nicks. Creature hide details and eye textures maintain a minimally engaging visual appeal. While this release might satisfy die-hard fans of the franchise, it doesn't leverage the high-definition potential to elevate the viewing experience substantially.

In summary, "Godzilla 2000: Millennium" on Blu-ray offers an acceptable yet unremarkable picture quality for enthusiasts, staying shy of more modern, crisper high-definition releases. Baseline high definition elements coupled with stable contrast and passable color delineation provide enough visual fidelity to please dedicated followers, although the absence of advancements akin to 4K or HDR leaves much to be desired for those seeking an elevated audiovisual experience.

The audio presentation of "Godzilla 2000: Millennium" on Blu-ray significantly enhances the film's overall experience, thanks to its robust and dynamic use of sound. Sony's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks (available in both Japanese and English) present big, spacious sound elements that vividly bring the chaotic destruction to life. Action scenes showcase a solid heft with substantial rumble, extensively utilizing surround speakers to construct immersive action sequences and reinforce environmental sounds at the human level. Godzilla's iconic roars are piercing and impactful, while dialogue remains firm and clear in both language versions. This attention to detail ensures an engaging and enjoyable audio experience regardless of the audio track selected.

The American edit, presented in a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack, particularly excels with its wide and welcoming imaging, excellent channel separation, and a distinct, detailed mid-range. The English dubbing, although corny and melodramatic at times, maintains precise and well-prioritized vocal clarity. The robust, if slightly exaggerated, low-end adds substantial weight to the action scenes, while rear channel activity offers plenty of discrete effects with good panning and directionality. The musical score impresses by creating a satisfying soundfield through effective bleeds.

Conversely, the original Japanese cut, available in DTS-HD MA stereo, provides mixed results. While dialogue is clean and intelligible, and the soundstage consistently active with strong background activity and convincing off-screen effects, it suffers from a flat dynamic range and noticeable distortions. The low bass is practically non-existent during key action scenes, significantly detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, the presence of noise and distortion during conversations and intense moments can be quite distracting, rendering this version less aurally satisfying compared to its American counterpart.

The Blu-ray release of "Godzilla 2000: Millennium" offers a rich array of extras that provide valuable insights into the film's production and its adaptation for Western audiences. The standout feature is the comprehensive audio commentary by Writer/Producer Michael Schlesinger, Editor Mike Mahoney, and Supervising Sound Editor Darren Paskal, focusing on the technical nuances of the English-dubbed version. Unfortunately, there is no commentary for the original Japanese version. The behind-the-scenes featurette offers a concise but engaging glimpse into the on-set dynamics and preparation, although it's presented in standard definition in a window-box format. Additionally, the original Japanese trailer is available in high definition with optional English subtitles. A UV digital copy code is also included for portability.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Technical discussion on the English version with key production team members.
• Behind the Scenes: Fly-on-the-wall look at the set during production.
• Original Trailer: Japanese trailer with optional English subtitles.

"Godzilla 2000: Millennium" serves as a powerful reboot to the iconic kaiju franchise, seamlessly blending traditional elements with modern upgrades. Directed by Takao Okawara, the movie brings Godzilla back to the fore after Emmerich's 1998 installment. Leaning heavily on its formulaic roots, it offers an engaging spectacle of monstrous destruction. The plot kicks off with the Godzilla Prediction Unit's near-fatal encounter with the beast, only to escalate as scientists unearth a millennia-old UFO. Special effects range from miniatures to moderately effective CGI, all contributing to a core experience that remains fundamentally thrilling. The UFO's evolution from a sleek egg-shaped craft into the menacing Orga, replete with Godzilla DNA-infused abilities, provides a formidable foe reminiscent of Emmerich's iguana-like monster.

Human characters play their predictable roles, primarily as narrative drivers providing necessary exposition without overshadowing the titular creature’s rampage. With Yuki, Yuji, and his daughter Io serving as the film’s nominal heart, the dynamic is rooted more in advancing plot points than in substantial development. Yet this is easily overlooked thanks to the sheer spectacle of Godzilla’s return and subsequent battles. The militarized Crisis Control Intelligence's attempts at containing Godzilla add a layer of tension, spotlighting the ideological clash over whether the creature should be studied or annihilated.

Including both Japanese and American versions on this Blu-ray enhances its appeal, particularly through nuanced differences like tone and pacing. The original cut leans toward a more serious presentation, while the American version's alterations introduce a brisker, more comedic flair. This duality offers fans a comprehensive experience, be it savoring the traditional thematic gravitas or opting for a lighter, action-oriented approach. Ultimately, "Godzilla 2000: Millennium" capably bridges eras, preserving its legacy while commencing a new age of kaiju glory.

"Godzilla 2000: Millennium" captures the essence of the Godzilla franchise with a commendable blend of thrilling action and familiar narrative elements. Scientists and civilians once again find themselves amidst battles of colossal proportions, as Godzilla faces off against a UFO-turned-monster in a classic showdown for supremacy over Japan. The film offers a satisfying experience for fans, neither significantly better nor worse than other entries in the series. The Blu-ray release provides two versions of the film: the original Japanese cut and the shorter English dub cut, effectively offering an enhanced viewing experience.

The video presentation on this Blu-ray is decent, though not exceptional; fans will appreciate the adequate transfer that preserves the film's visual appeal without major flaws. The audio quality, particularly in the English dub, is notably aggressive and stands out as a highlight of this release. Despite the sparse supplements included, the addition of both film versions compensates somewhat, making this release valuable for devoted fans and kaiju enthusiasts.

In conclusion, "Godzilla 2000: Millennium" on Blu-ray is a worthy addition to any Godzilla collection. It offers a well-rounded package with its dual versions and solid audio-visual performance. Although the extras are minimal, the overall experience remains engaging and true to the spirit of the enduring franchise. Recommended for fans and collectors alike.