Wish I Spoke Japanese
I wish I would have reviewed Godzilla Returns way back when I recieved that one. Now I have a chance to talk about both, sort of.<br />  This is a direct to Japan version of this movie, with no English track or titles. Fortunately there is an option for English subtitles. And for me, that's really enough. This is a well done movie and now that I look at it, one of the best from the Heisei Godzilla series. It has great elements of classic sci-fi as well as a very sincere feel, similar to the origional 1954 Gojira. The scientist father character is compelling with his duel wreckless and wise natures. He's a character who learns from his mistakes, and actually lives long enough to pass this wisdom to others. His is a great, tragic character arc. This is the first movie to use Godzilla's standard Heisei look, and I think it's pulled off quite well here. He's a slow, lumbering character, but the point is, it doesn't matter how slow he is or if you can spot him. Because you can't stop him! Te close ups of his face are fantastic. I really like the detail on the fleshy tongue. And Biolante is one of the great classic, tragic monsters. She's dangerious, deadly, devious, but has the trapped soul of a lovely girl.<br />  As for the DVD itelf, it's pretty basic. There are vew special fetures or options, but as this is the only official DVD release for this film, that automatically makes it the best. The video quality is somewhat lacking too, but nothing you're not used to if you grew up watching these movies on TV as a kid. But I can see this being somewhat of a dissapointment for many, as there is no English dub. Again, that's fine by me, but it is a little harder trying to watch this with friends who refuse to watch a movie with subtitles. But to be honest, the 80s/90s series had some pretty weak English voice talent, and hearing the origional actors is kind of nice. Also there's a bonus special feature at the end, after credits. It's about a 40 minute behind the scenes spot, that shows quite a bit of detail on making the film. This is a rare thing for 80s films in general, so it's kind of nice. Again, it's a little tough going with no English to stand on, but the behind the scenes visuals themselves are nice! I still with whatever studio holds the American distribution rights would hurry up and for this thing over already! Or better yt, give it to Classic Media so they can do what they did with the Godzilla movies they release!
Rating: 4 stars