Tag Archives: Godzilla

Godzilla (1954) on The Criterion Collection


Godzilla, the Early Era

From the Criterion collection, Godzilla (also known as Gojira) is available on the Criterion Collection in 4K UHD. As one who is a fan of the franchise, I always felt this first installment thrived on authenticity to make monsters feel real. With the limited technologies surrounding the making of Godzilla, the restored 4K cut brightens it up for it to feel more horrific and authentically captivating. Not only because of the fact that it’s a giant monster, but the hidden layers that the making of the film was tied in with politics in an era many decades ago. The vision of director Ishiro Honda created a cult, and the Criterion 4K UHD loops in many facts and important, yet brilliant information. Much of this is intended to help audiences grasp the true realistic moments from the works of the 4K edition.

Criterion Features

Consumers who adore Godzilla will feel like Godzilla rises right from their hands. As the movie box is opened, a carving of the head of the monster unfolds from the box. Inside the case, there are two discs and an essay. Consumers receive both editions of the film. One is on 4K and the other is Blu-ray. There is also audio commentary by film historian David Kalat. However, the most comprehensive aspect of this feature is the featurette with the interview of the score composer Akira Ifukube. That is because what is discussed in that segment is the photographic effects to heighten the fascination of Godzilla. Finally, the essay by film critic J. Hoberman. It is lengthy and detailed talking about how Godzilla was a development going many ages back, and how it was written and rewritten. The roar of Godzilla enraptured many before it was able to rise to the biggest cult following it has today. Godzilla on Criterion 4K UHD is a keepsake that truly feels like an appreciation that is an art form of cinema to always remember.

Purchase or Pass?

For those who love and adore Godzilla, this is a purchase that is worth it. However, what should be considered is all the materials in the box itself. It is one to be treated like a bible. That is because what is written in the essay contains information that is enticing and that many audiences do not think about much today when they watch anything related to the franchise. Godzilla on Criterion 4K UHD is one of the most prized possessions of importance. The thriving aspects of cinematography, writing, and the process of making Godzilla rise all thrive immensely.

Review is also available on MovieArcher at the link below!

https://www.moviearcher.com/movie-archer/classic-targets-in-4k/godzilla-1954

Godzilla Minus One Review


This is by far one of the most surreal movie experiences I have had in ages. Godzilla Minus One is an achievement in its own making. This film’s storyline has a structure, and Godzilla’s presence has a purpose. In fact, he is the center of the film’s war zone. The storyline dives deep into the meaning of the beast itself, and the chaos is calculated in the right way. War time means people screaming, “GODZILLA!” This film is a rollercoaster ride that the world has longed for.

Godzilla Minus One is faithful to its filmmakers and its setting. Despite not being under a U.S. studio, the realism of this project is inspiring. The experience of Godzilla Minus One will make true Godzilla fans feel nostalgic. The new film relates back to the beginning in Godzilla (1954). The technological factors and the (fictional) political factors are strongly written in Godzilla Minus One like they were in the 1954 version. There is an urgency related to safety and concerns that the monster does not only impact the people in the locations it is invading, but also how it corrupts the resources trying to take it down. The beast is unbeatable in Godzilla Minus One.

The film is set in the 1940s in a Post War era. The setting is Japan during a tormented time. While there is hope that there will be rest from the chaos, the mayhem begins again when Godzilla arises from the deep and is sporadically destroying cities and regions around Japan. It is up to one fighter pilot to bring the beast down and protect his country. That individual is Koichi Shikishima.

The approach to the fascination of Godzilla Minus One is annealing and the extent of the effort to take down Godzilla is drenching. In fact, the more damage Godzilla does, the harder the attacks. The foundation is created for war. The film’s writing maintains significant value before Godzilla enters the as the center of conflict. Old military weaponry used against the beast makes for one unforgettable Godzilla experience! Godzilla Minus one soars with adrenaline.

Through its main character, Koichi, the film follows the pattern of a memoir instead of simply mass destruction and chaos. The mayhem comes at night at unexpected moments. The flames and wrath of Godzilla light up…like Christmas lights! There are also game plans in this era in which Godzilla is the threat to society. There are moments where mathematics, physics, science and logistics are taken into consideration to study the weaknesses of Godzilla. Whatever the beast may not be able to handle, the better chance of halting his havoc. The strategic use of resources serves a chance of achieving redemption in Godzilla Minus One. 

Koichi is the hero who will do what it takes to defeat Godzilla. A failed moment in his life fuels his fire. Also, many people on Koichi’s side are helping him. The allies, the era, and the risks all come together for one dazzling movie and the most unforgettable Godzilla experience I have had in my lifetime. Four out of four stars for Godzilla Minus One.