In this gritty, realistic sci-fi action epic, Godzilla returns to its roots as one of the world's most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
Director Gareth Edwards and his team have crafted a fine modern update for The King of Monsters Godzilla. Anchored with a strong cast the film focuses on the human element just as much as the destruction and monster mayhem. Bryan Cranston puts in another stellar if brief performance. Aaron Taylor Johnson who looks nothing like his popular Kick-Ass persona is a thoughtful and brave Army Lieutenant who is thrown into the line of danger to protect his family and the world. Ken Watanabe plays a scientist who believes Godzilla will destroy the fearsome M.U.T.O.'s and bring balance back.
The visual effects are impressive and Godzilla looks like he's been working out. The M.U.T.O. creature designs look like nothing else in recent memory. When they start to attack major cities such as Honlulu, Tokyo, Las Vegas and San Francisco buildings are knocked down to rubble, tsunami waves crash and destroy everything in their path, fires and explosions surround civilians and soldiers alike. When Godzilla begins to hunt and battle the M.U.T.O.'s the intensity ramps up but if I have one gripe with the film is when you just start getting into the first couple battles they suddenly stop and you see some footage on tv screens or a laptop. The final showdown though is all out mayhem and Godzilla delivers every blow like a heavyweight prize fighter. The ending hints there is potential for a sequel and I look forward to seeing what creatures and locations will be dreamt up for the next one. 9/10
Godzilla arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 2.40:1 - Colors vary from the ashy grays of a radioactive Tokyo to the sun drenched Nevada desert. In a scene that takes place at a vacation resort, the Hawaiin shirts worn by tourists are beautifully saturated. Skintones appear natural. Black levels deep and displayed excellent shadow delineation thought there were two moments where I noticed some crushing. Contrast was good but this is overall a dark looking film. Fine details such as newspapers clippings and stitching on clothing are easily distinguishable. The monster deigns are shown in all their glory and to pause and look at all the little details in Godzilla's hardened lava like skin is a treat. No signs of DNR or banding noticed. 9/10
Audio is provided by a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track. - In a word, Monstrous. For the 123 minute running time this is an aural assault of a track and I had to check several shelves to make sure nothing fell off. LFE performance is downright brutal and punishing while remaining tight and precise. Any scene that features an explosion, monsters battling, or an attack by the M.U.T.O.'s features bass that goes deep below the floorboards and makes it feel as though the world will open up beneath your feet while managing to punch you in the chest at the same time. Dialogue is crisp and intelligible. Surrounds pack quite a punch as well and they feature smooth panning effects with helicopters sweeping from the back corner over your head and to the front. Buildings tumble down all around you with striking clarity and precision. Alexandre Desplat's great score fills the room and is heard easily through all the mayhem. Without a doubt one of the most dynamic and thrilling tracks of the year. 10/10
* MONARCH: Declassified - A collection of three brief films that discuss the possible "conspiracy" around the creature known as Gojira after a 1954 discovery by the military. The first two are shown in a faux classified vintage reel look that is interesting and gives some technical details on Godzilla and the M.U.T.O. THe third has a voicover covering the events some time after the destruction by the monsters and questions are asked. No play all function.
- Operation: Lucky Dragon (HD, 2min44sec)
- MONARCH: The M.U.T.O. File (HD, 4min29sec)
- The Godzilla Revelation (HD, 7min25sec)
* The Legendary Godzilla - No play all feature.
- Godzilla: Force of Nature (HD, 19min18sec) - Cast and crew discuss the legacy of Godzilla. They feel that the original 1954 Godzilla is a metaphor for Hiroshima. Clips of the film are mixed with footage of how this latest vision of The King of Monsters was achieved.
- A Whole New Level Of Destruction (HD, 8min24sec)
- Into The Void: The H.A.L.O. Jump (HD, 5min) - Nice little featurette that looks at one of the more impressive scenes in the film and how it was done with Special Forces. Some previsual video is shown as well.
- Ancient Enemy: The M.U.T.O.s (HD, 6min49sec)
