Mothra Blu-ray Review

Mill Creek's Blu-ray release of "Mothra" offers a respectable, if somewhat inconsistent, visual experience. Using an older master likely originating from Sony, the transfer exhibits a rich, filmic appearance with fine film grain providing a nice texture. The 2.35:1 1080p transfer maintains moderate bitrate averages around 30Mbps, ensuring enough detail and textures, particularly in close-ups. Both the US and Japanese cuts are included on the disc, with no discernible differences in image quality between them. Despite the notable presence of grain and occasional soft focus inherent to optical effects shots, the clarity is generally pleasing. The environmental details are smartly rendered, from revealing close-ups of clothing and faces to accurately textured miniatures.

However, the transfer does have its share of imperfections. The source material shows signs of aging with visible speckling, scratches, and some analog artifacting. Certain elements like opticals and rear projections inherently suffer from reduced sharpness. Color grades are generally well-executed, offering robust primaries and healthy flesh tones. Contrasts hold up well with commendable black levels, particularly in jungle scenes and varied natural greens and flora on Infant Island. Yet, the image sometimes appears flat during post-production-modified twilight sequences on the island, especially compared to more vivid daylight scenes or larva swimming sequences.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray presents "Mothra" with a mix of high points and visible limitations. While it offers a significant upgrade over previous DVD releases with enhanced color vibrancy and satisfactory detail, the transfer could still benefit from a modern scan for true high-definition clarity. It's an acceptable presentation that is bound to please fans despite its shortcomings.

The Blu-ray release of “Mothra” presents viewers with two notable DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks, one in English and another in Japanese, both with distinct characteristics. The English version's audio is minimalistic and somewhat imprecise. Early scenes with crashing waves and gusting wind are rendered shrilly, lacking spread and density. Gunfire, thunderstorms, and various action sequences suffer from a crunchy and jumbled sound, with music playing a more subdued role. Despite its proficiency, the English dub's audio elements are often described as lacking in both intensity and clarity.

Conversely, the Japanese track fares better, offering a fuller, more spacious sound profile. The soundtrack avoids the tinny quality inherent in the English mix, providing solid low tones and adding resonance to creature sounds, particularly those of Larva Mothra and proper Mothra. The unique score by Yûji Koseki is delivered with marginal strain in fidelity during high treble stretches but retains better overall balance. Dialog occasionally sinks under the score's louder moments, especially noticeable in the film's finale. While both tracks have their respective merits, the Japanese version is the preferred choice for its superior audio integrity and immersive quality.

This release proves that while both mixes are satisfactory, the Japanese DTS-HD MA 2.0 track stands out due to its fuller soundscape and improved auditory experience during critical scenes. Despite minor issues with subtitle placement and dialog audibility during intense musical sequences, the Japanese track delivers a rock-solid performance deserving of high praise.

The Blu-ray release of "Mothra" comes with a modest but valuable selection of extras that will appeal to both casual viewers and dedicated Kaiju enthusiasts. Notable is the informative audio commentary by Japanese Sci-fi historians Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski, which offers in-depth insights into the film’s production, its cultural significance, and its place in cinema history. While the commentary is highly praised for its depth, it is unfortunate that the package is otherwise sparse, featuring only a basic photo gallery and a couple of trailers. The assortment may lack quantity but delivers quality, particularly with the expertly crafted commentary track.

Extras included in this disc:

English Version Audio Commentary: Insightful commentary by historians Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski.

Teaser: Short preview clip.

Trailer: Official theatrical trailer.

Image Gallery: Collection of approximately 50 promotional images and posters.

Mill Creek’s Blu-ray release of Ishiro Honda’s 1961 classic, "Mothra," is both a nostalgic revisit and an enlightening experience for Kaiju enthusiasts. The film exhibits Honda's deft direction, accentuated by a story that transcends typical monster movie tropes. Mothra's narrative crafts a unique blend of spectacle and thematic depth, drawing heavily from post-WWII sentiments and critiques of western capitalism. Central to the plot is the abduction of two diminutive fairies by the corrupt Clark Nelson, whose actions provoke Mothra, a protective deity of Infant Island, to unleash destruction across Tokyo. The movie offers more than just giant monster rampages; it encapsulates a rich cultural dialogue about greed and exploitation, underscored by compelling performances from Emi and Yumi Ito as the ethereal fairies.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation significantly enhances the visual splendor of "Mothra." Eiji Tsuburaya's miniature effects work, representing some of Toho's finest, shines in high definition. While the wire and model work are more apparent, especially on Blu-ray, these elements contribute to rather than detract from the film’s charm. The film’s vibrant color palette and exquisitely detailed city miniatures are brought to life with remarkable clarity, making each scene more immersive. The Blu-ray upgrade allows for a deeper appreciation of the practical effects and set designs that define the movie’s aesthetic.

Mothra herself is depicted as an empathetic force of nature, driven to destruction solely out of necessity to rescue her captives. The transformation from larva to the titular giant moth is iconic, blending meticulous craftsmanship with narrative significance. Notably, the themes of western vs. eastern traditions culminate in a climactic resolution that merges both spiritual and cultural elements. Through Fukuda's persistent journalism and divine intervention, Mothra's tale becomes a parable of redemption, steering clear of one-dimensional destruction narratives seen in other kaiju movies. The Blu-ray transfer not only amplifies these qualities but also ensures that Honda’s critical message remains potent and accessible to modern audiences.

The 1961 Kaiju classic "Mothra," directed by Ishiro Honda, represents a significant departure from the more familiar Godzilla films with its unique fantasy elements and nuanced, feminine tone. The film encapsulates a biting critique of Western capitalism's incursion into Japan, all while delivering some of Toho’s most extraordinary visual spectacles. This new Blu-ray release from Mill Creek Entertainment makes the iconic movie accessible to North American audiences with commendable quality. Both the Japanese and American versions are featured, and the image transfer is notably clean, complemented by robust audio mixes. The video clarity brings out the intricate details and lush colors, making it a visual delight.

Despite a standard narrative about a gigantic creature reacting against human exploitation of nature, this installment is anything but mundane. Mothra emerges as a captivating character within her own trilogy and remains a frequent ally and adversary in the Godzilla universe. Mill Creek has gone beyond expectations with this release, providing a solid package that includes thoughtful SteelBook packaging and high-quality disc content. While the additional bonus features could have been more comprehensive, the impressive transfer makes this edition the best to date.

In conclusion, "Mothra" is a film that can be scrutinized for its thematic depth or enjoyed simply for its high-energy action and enthralling adventure. Mill Creek’s Blu-ray release stands out for its superior quality compared to previous editions, cementing its status as an essential addition to any Kaiju enthusiast's collection. Highly recommended for newcomers and long-time fans alike.