Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster

Ghidorah: The Three Headed Monster is one of the crown jewels of the Showa Godzilla series. Aside from introducing Godzilla's titular arch rival, this movie marks the turning point in the franchise, where Godzilla transitions from antagonist to anti-hero. In my opinion it's a huge step up from Mothra vs. Godzilla, which was released prior during the same year.

The monsters are very well-rounded as characters in this film, and are arguably better-developed than the humans. There's even a scene where the monsters *talk* to eachother, and it's as hilarious as it sounds. The action sequences are nicely done, a nice blend of slapstick and straight-foreward monster fighting. Ghidorah is at his best in the film, in stark contrast to the rest of the series where be becomes increasingly pathetic (until eventually wearing out his welcome entirely in GMK.) The puny humans are as dull as ever, but the monsters effectively carry the film.

I got this one as part of the Classic Media box set, and while I found the audio commentary tracks on the rest of the movies rather dry and dull, the audio commentary on this movie is actually rather engaging. The presenter's enthusiasm is infectiuous; this guy should have done the commentary for the rest of them. Still doesn't compare to the Godzilla 2000 commentary though. I prefer actual insight from the filmmakers to trivia from a movie critic.

Ghidorah: The Three-Headed Monster is one of my favourite Godzilla movies, and easily one of my top five, along with Godzilla 2000, Godzilla: Final Wars, Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster and Godzilla vs. Megaguirus. I give it a 5 out of 5.

What a delightful film experience this one turned out to be! Overall one of the best quality Godzilla films, in terms of writing, acting, directing, FX, settings, etc. The real surprise is a genuinely interesting human spy/intrigue storyline involving a princess from Mars who is trying to warn Japan about the horrors soon to befall them, and some who are trying to silence her. Moments of the monster battle scenes are cheesy, but as this film is so much fun it's easily forgiven. This was the first Godzilla film in which he actually fights to protect Earth instead of just destroying it (and is assisted by Rodan and a baby Mothra.) Special features include a biography on Eiji Tsuburaya--the man behind Godzilla, audio commentary by David Kalat, the original trailer, image gallery and slideshow of monsters, and also featured here is the original Japanese version of the film.

Highly recommended for Godzilla movie fans!

Ghidorah-the Three headed Monsters(released Dec/64)is the 5th in the Godzilla franchise and Sony Classic media releases again both the US and the longer original Japanese version.The Japanese version is always,I find at least,the much better of the two.
This story involves the anticipated arrival of a princess from a foreign country called Selgina.There is an unscrupulous bunch of characters who have planted a bomb aboard the princesses' plane.Just before it blow ups in mid air she is possessed by some spirit who urges her to jump out of the plane.Unbeknownst to the outside world,she is rescued by a fisherman and she later reappears amongst the populace as some kind of prophetess telling all that there is a great danger.At first her warnings are met with scoffing as what she says is given in very general terms.As time passes her predictions become more direct as the police try to protect her and the gang who thought they had destroyed the princess realize they must keep trying until the job is really done this time.
During this time Godzilla of course and his nemesis Rodan the flying lizard appear to do battle and wreak havoc amongst the countryside.During their shenanigans the possessed princess(of an ancient Venusian spirit we now know!)tells everyone the creature that destroyed Venus is coming;Ghidorah-the three headed monster.The two little Infant Island beauties are summoned for their assistance and they in turn enjoin the last remaining offspring of Mothra to come to Japan to ask for Godzilla and Rodans collective help against Ghidorah.Well negotiations between the caterpillar and Rodan and Godzilla don't go well at the start.In fact the caterpillar takes it upon himself to take the three headed monster on by himself with no help from either.When he gets his butt kicked Godzilla can't seem to abide this and he and Rodan finally relent and join in the battle.Between the three of them they indeed send Ghidorah running with his tail between his legs.The caterpillar and the ladies return to Infant Island,Godzilla and Rodan part company and the princess gets her memories back and returns to her native land.
As you can see the story is quite the complicated one and that is with leaving out much.What brings this film down(in rating)are the fight scenes which have many(too many)almost laugh out loud moments.For instance,Rodan will peck away at Godzilla until he reacts in disgust,then Godzilla will kick stones at Rodan until both end up throwing the same rock back and forth like a ping pong ball.And Ghidorah looks like Godzilla(tail and all)except he has three hydra-like heads instead of one big one.The story compels one to suspend disbelief quite successfully ,but the fight scenes tend,more often than not,to chip away at that foundation much more than it should,unfortunately.
Like Mothra VS Godzilla(the previous entry)this one is also in colour in its original w/s a/r.The transfer is wonderful and clear and crisp.Like all the entries there are film flaws,but they are extant in the masters used.Extras include:commentary,image gallery,slide show of posters and a featurette on special effects man Eiji Tsuburaya.
I would give the release itself a solid 4 1/2 stars just for what it brings to the table(both US and Japanese versions,the transfers,extras,etc)but for movie quality(plot,etc)it only comes in at a passable three stars.Unfortunately what was scarier in the early 60s,just does not(in this case)hold up as well today.A definite must have though for film buffs.