godzilla

THE FLICKS: It’s enough to restore your faith in your fellow man. It’s proof there is a higher power. Or at the very least it’s proof that years of internet whining can make a difference. What’ s the big announcement? After 50 years of waiting, the big green lizard himself, Godzilla, is finally speaking Japanese. Well, he’s not actually talking, but all the poor saps he’s stepping on are. And for once fans get to hear the original audio tracks with English “dubtitles” (translations of the English dubs) in place of the unintentionally hilarious voice work. The first two releases to get the treatment on DVD are “Godzilla vs. Megaguirus” and “Godzilla, Mothra, Ghidorah – All Out Monster Attack,” both part of the new wave of G-films that arrived in the post-Roland Emmerich re-make era. Like “Godzilla 2000,” which saw a brief theatrical window in the States, these films feature better effects and bigger explosions, although still relying mostly on “man in a suit” technology. “Megaguirus” is pretty standard stuff, running with the same format as most of Godzilla’s previous adventures. An oversized insect escapes from a wormhole created by scientist trying to find a way to maroon Godzilla in a man-made black hole. The two behemoths face off after a few cursory battles and mass destruction ensues. All “G” films are only as good as their fight scenes, and, even though the set-up is a bit on the long side, “Megaguirus” delivers when it has to. “All Out Monster Attack,” directed by the Shuseke Kaneko, the man who single-handedly ressurected Gamera in the 90’s, is likely the best Godzilla film made in the last 20 years. Decidedly retro in it’s look (the monsters seem more cartoonish than recent “molded” designs) Kaneko ditches the legacy of all the films that came before, starting fresh with an evil Godzilla who rises from the sea to punish Japan for crimes against humanity (hey, at least they’re off the anti-pollution kick!). Good thing for Japan they have a few guardian monsters (Mothra, Baragon, & King Ghidora) to fight on their side. Both more adult and more accessible to newbies, “All Out Monster Attack” wows you with battles like you’ve never seen before. Shuseke’s camera prowls low to the ground then swoops back for a panaromic view of devestation on a grand scale. As with the “Gamera” trilogy, he’s putting the audience in a position to accept that this could actually happen. And when you’re dealing with 500 foot tall monster that breath atomic fire, that’s quite an accomplishment. THE FEATURES: No extras, but let’s hear is again for Columbia/Tri-Star who stepped up to the plate and delivered 16 X 9 enhanced transfer with original Japanese audio. Everyone should send a thank you note. FINAL SCORE: If you’re short on cash, “All Out Monster Attack” is the disc to buy. But when it comes to Godzilla, who can stop at just one?