Customer Reviews

Godzilla (The Criterion Collection)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

For any movie to merit a sequel, or 22 sequels for that matter, it has to be special. "Gojira" stands on the lofty summit with "Dracula"; "Frankenstein"; "Forbidden planet"; "War of the Worlds" and "2001: A Space Odyssey" as one of the great science fiction films of all time. What we have here is a synergy of a monster tale, a moral dilemma, and a powerful anti-war message. Together the film becomes a visionary tale of man trying to survive the fury of the Atom bomb made flesh. It examines the consequences of our sins, and asks directly if we have learned from our mistakes and what we are willing to do to prevent making those same mistakes again. "Gojira" is about the green big one, yes, but it also examines like no other film in the series the consequences of the monster's rampages. "Gojira" was made to be a drama first, a science fiction fantasy second. The film portrays real human suffering because of Godzilla's depredations. This draws the viewer wholeheartedly into the struggle of the Japanese people as they try to survive this catastrophe. As a drama, "Gojira" invests the time to develop characters who we can in turn invest in. Dr. Serizawa's dilemma at using his invention to save Japan at the possible cost of the world is brilliantly acted. As is Emiko Yamane's torment at having to betray her fiancée to a man she really loves in order to save Japan from Godzilla. The film doesn't shy away from messy solutions either. Like most science fiction films, the scientist uses an invention to destroy the monster at the end of the film. Unlike most science fiction films, the scientist chooses to die with his invention rather than let it be used for evil ends. It is this kind of daring and innovative filmmaking that lifted "Gojira" above the multitude of other 50's radioactive monster films onto a level all its own. The final testament to the power of "Gojira" is that it is the only old Godzilla film that is not diminished when adapted for an English speaking audience. Rather, the addition extra scenes with Raymond Burr as reporter Steve Martin, add a clever and worthwhile perspective to the action unfolding in the film. If you only watch one Godzilla film - make it this one.

The only reason i didnt rate this as a 5 because of Raymond Burr
splice part.First off the reason they put him in there because
they wanto up the sale on godzilla in the U.S. and show more interest.This Movie tells it all that all I have to Say.Costume,
music,suspence and etc all good.Must have G fan Movie.

P.S.:Suggest you find the original japanese verison which is
longer and no Raymon Burr

amazon.ca is grossly over-pricing their Criterion editions. I live in Toronto and bought my edition of Godzilla off the shelf for 26.95. You are better advised to order from the Criterion website, or best yet, DVD Planet ($20 for criterion Godzilla!) in order to guarantee best price and a proper exchange rate. even with the shipping you're saving far more than the HST.

The first Godzilla movie on Blu-Ray is very interesting because I think this classic is excellent to have. It is wonderful to see the black and white Godzilla movie in high defintion on Blu-Ray. Maybe they should have an english dubbed version just as if the other Godzilla movies have them.

I had not seen the Japanese version of this film since I was a kid. Needless to say between the subtitles and the medophors it was beyond me. I had seen the Americanized version a couple of times but was never overly impressed. I have always liked the Godzilla series of films but I kind of like them because they are so over the top and...well...bad. So when I saw Criterion was putting a version out I was really surprised. But everything I read was about how good the Japanese version is. Figured worse case I would be that much closer to collecting all the films. Man was I surprised how great a film this is. Where the Americanized version is really just another monster movie the version from Japan is much more. It deals with the fear of the atom bomb (this film was made less then a decade after the dropping of the A bombs) and since the world was probably still pretty ticked off about World War 2 I don't think a Japanese anti nuke film would go down well but do it all with Medophors and you can get away with it. This film is dark. The ending is much darker then anything being done in Hollywood at the time. If get a chance and you like great films you should give this one a shot. I was really surprised at how great this film really is. Oh and to put you mind to rest the peice of crap american Mathew Brodrick version is not a remake of this film. They came up with that crap all on their own!
One more point. This is not just a great Godzilla film it's a great film period! You don't have to like monster movies to enjoy it. Much in the same way people enjoy the original Frankenstein.

Classic Media's BLU-RAY contains the original and uncut Japanese-language version of Ishiro Honda's Gojira (1954), as well as Godzilla, King of the Monsters (1956), the "Americanized" version starring Raymond Burr as a reporter covering Godzilla's rampage. You get BOTH.

please why there is a difference of nearly +$15.00 between the Amazon US price and the Amazon CAN price when there's not that much difference in the exchange rate? (rated one star just so I can ask the question)

Fun movie, provided that you're not expecting the visceral experience that comes with more true-to-life special effects (as available today). Not sure if points where the sound is tiny and the contrast is so dark that it is difficult to make things out are as per the original, yet they detract from the experience to a certain degree.

it is very good. but lacks bonus features, i should know because i own three dvds of this movie. i have not seen the original japanese one. but it is something i would like because i am a sci-fi mega fan. Although this movie is worth seeing.

There's nothing like seeing one of the most classic monster movies right from the start. I still can't get over Raymond Burr's portrayel of Steve Martin. The scene where he persuades a doctor's daughter to help destroy Godzilla is simply impressive. I wouldn't mind the captions for the Japanese being in English considering I can't read Japanese characters. But then nobody's perfect.

I recommend this movie to any Godzilla fans or to anybody who just collects monster movies like "The Blob", "War of the Gargantuas", and "Reptilicus".