Godzilla Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Godzilla" in 1080i, encoded with the AVC codec and framed within a 1.47:1 aspect ratio, offers a mixed bag of visual quality that is likely to polarize fan expectations. The transition to a higher resolution does highlight some benefits, including enhanced contrast and a touch more detail in facial features and other nuanced aspects. However, persistent issues such as print damage, incessant specks and scratches, and fluctuating black levels detract significantly from the viewing experience. The quality of night scenes varies drastically, often veering into murky territory that muddles detail rather than enhancing it.

Despite supposed improvements in contrast, the overall softness of the image remains a concern, as does the omnipresent print damage that seems unaffected by restoration efforts. This includes everything from bright white scratches to more subtle emulsion damage and unignorable dust and debris. While natural grain is preserved and DNR has not been over-applied, the film exhibits consistent issues that undermine the benefits of the Blu-ray format.

Ultimately, this version of "Godzilla" on Blu-ray may offer some incremental improvements over standard definition releases, but it maintains many of the same flaws that have plagued previous DVD editions. Fans devoted to the minutiae of this classic might appreciate these enhancements, but for most viewers, the visual inconsistencies may render the upgrade unnecessary. The film's preservation needs a comprehensive frame-by-frame restoration to truly shine on a high-definition platform.

The audio presentation of "Godzilla" on Blu-ray predominantly features a Japanese Linear PCM 2.0 track. This particular track offers a clear and adequately balanced rendering of Akira Ifukube's iconic score, albeit not as prominently as one might hope for in moments of intense action. Dialogue comes through with commendable clarity and stability, which is essential for following the narrative seamlessly.

However, the track isn't without its flaws. Despite the nostalgic and clean presentation of Godzilla's infamous roar, which is piercing and distinctive, there remains a notable incongruence in the sound design, particularly concerning ambient noises and Godzilla's footsteps. The lack of depth and power in these "thunderous" elements reveals a stark thinness, stripping away some of the film's gravitas. This issue is emphasized by an occasional background hiss and sporadic pops that persist throughout the entirety of the soundtrack. While these anomalies are relatively consistent with other home releases, they do detract from the overall auditory experience.

Given the limitations of a 2.0 track and the historical context in which the original sound design was created, it should be noted that efforts to repurpose the sound into Dolby Digital 2.0 do little to alleviate the boxy and compressed nature of the audio. Despite achieving a certain level of clarity and avoiding major dropouts, the absence of modern digital depth is palpable. Listeners will likely find that while the audio is a slight step up from previous editions, it still falls short of delivering the full auditory impact that such an epic motion picture deserves.

The Blu-ray extras for "Godzilla" present an enriching experience, notably highlighted by an exemplary audio commentary track featuring Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski. Their comprehensive insights cover everything from production nuances to cultural impacts, offering a thorough examination of the film's legacy. Complementing the commentary are two featurettes in SD that delve into the story development of "Gojira" and the complex creation process of the iconic Godzilla suit. Despite the poor picture quality and standard 4:3 framing of these segments, they are well-narrated by Godziszewski and engagingly informative. This disc also includes the original, untranslated Japanese trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary: Insightful discussion by Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski.
• Godzilla: Story Development: Examines the plot evolution with voiceover and images.
• Making of the Godzilla Suit: Explores the costume's creation process and its impact on special effects.
• Original Trailer: Period-appropriate Japanese trailer without English subtitles.

The 1954 Japanese film, "Gojira," presented on Blu-ray, stands as an unexpectedly profound experience for audiences, particularly those familiar with its later, more campy iterations. The film delves into the aftereffects of atomic devastation rather than focusing solely on the monstrous rampage. This philosophical narrative focuses on characters like Dr. Yamane, who is torn between the desire to study Godzilla and the creature's destructive nature, and Emiko, caught in a delicate love triangle. The film’s portrayal of Godzilla as an allegory for the atomic bombings results in a contemplative narrative that starkly contrasts with the ludicrous portrayals in subsequent Americanized sequels.

Visually and aurally, this Blu-ray release is underwhelming, failing to improve upon previous editions. Despite its historical significance, the film suffers from subpar audio-visual restoration that might disappoint collectors seeking pristine quality. Nonetheless, Ishiro Honda’s direction ensures the film's philosophical and emotional depth remains intact. The slow pacing may appear overly deliberate to modern eyes, but it crucially builds up to Godzilla’s climactic unveiling and underscores the deeply personal stories set against a backdrop of collective trauma. Notable visual sequences, such as Godzilla's atomic breath melting electric towers, are poignant reminders of the era's primitive yet effective special effects.

Overall, "Gojira" is more an anti-war screed akin to Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun" than a traditional monster movie. Its relevance endures due to its haunting depiction of Japan's post-war psyche. Although this Blu-ray iteration offers no significant upgrades in content or quality from its DVD predecessor—retaining the Japanese version and two featurettes—the film’s intellectual gravitas and historical context make it an essential watch for purists and film historians alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Godzilla" takes viewers back to the roots of an iconic franchise, but it fails to fully capitalize on what should have been an essential upgrade for fans and collectors. Technically, the Blu-ray only marginally improves upon previous standard-definition DVD releases. While the film remains a landmark piece, reflecting Japan's grappling with atomic devastation and evoking thought-provoking societal introspection rather than typical monstrous carnage, the potential to elevate this release through substantial restoration feels largely missed. The absence of the US edit also detracts from its overall appeal.

Visually, the Blu-ray transfer exhibits some minor enhancements in picture quality, though these are not substantial enough to justify the leap from SD-DVD. The grain structure and definition show minor improvements, but viewers who are particular about their high-definition experiences may find the enhancements lackluster. Audio quality maintains the original authenticity but doesn't receive any significant upgrade that would make it stand out in a contemporary home theater setup.

The extras included do add value but ultimately do not compensate for the missed opportunity of a thorough restoration. While enthusiasts who can discern subtle differences between various DVD editions might find marginally more to appreciate, the average viewer will likely perceive this as an underwhelming upgrade that doesn't warrant additional expenditure.

In conclusion, while "Gojira" itself is a timeless cinematic piece reflecting profound themes, this Blu-ray release may fall short of satisfying expectations for a premium high-definition experience. The extras imply budget-conscious consideration, yet they can't entirely mask the sense that this release could have been more thoroughly refined. For precise viewers and collectors, it's a reminder of how expectations can define value, underlining that this disc stands as a potentially flawed addition to their collection.