Godzilla vs. Biollante is the 17th film in the Godzilla franchise, the second of the Heisei period, and is the latest Godzilla film to be added to the Criterion Collection. The franchise went quiet after the poor box-office performance of Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975) returning nine years later with The Return of Godzilla (1984), the finale of which is covered in opening credits of this film, showing Godzilla being trapped within a volcano.
Buy Godzilla vs. Biollante (Criterion Collection) Blu-rayIn the aftermath, pieces of Godzilla’s skin are found and desired by different countries. Agents from the Saradia Republic smuggle some out of Japan. Dr. Genshiro Shiragami is working with Godzilla’s cells to create an indestructible super plant, intended to transform the country’s landscape and economy. Terrorists attack Genshiro’s lab, killing his daughter, Erika.
Five years later, Genshiro, still distraught, merges Erika’s cells with that of a rose in order to keep her alive in some form. He agrees to work with the Japanese military that wants to use Godzilla’s cells to create anti-nuclear bacteria to combat the creature and merges the rose with Godzilla’s cells, creating Biollante, a plant-monster hybrid, which doesn’t stay secret for long. The Saradians still want to use the cells, as does American company, Bio-Major, who releases Godzilla when they can’t force Japan to give them the material.
Godzilla vs. Biollante is part monster movie, part international thriller, with social commentary regarding genetic engineering, and a bit of mysticism thrown in. Godzilla is not the family-friendly hero of the previous era of films. He’s back to being a force of nature. The monsters battle twice, bookending a sequence where Japanese forces attempt to stop Godzilla with anti-nuclear bacteria. The multiple countries seeking the Godzilla cells complicate the plot and make the story more interesting. The special effects look great from the detailed monster suits, to the miniatures, and various explosions and fire.
The video has been given a 1080/MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer displayed at an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The following text appears in the liner notes: “This new 4K restoration was undertaken by Toho Archive Co., Limited and created from the 35mm original camera negative.” It delivers strong colors and inky blacks. The image is clean, free from dirt or defect. There’s a sharp focus that showcases depth and fine texture details, the latter most notable with the practical effects, such as how they reveal the texture of Godzilla’s skin. The focus softens during some effects shots, such as when people and Godzilla share the frame.
Also from the liner notes, “The 5.0 surround soundtrack was remastered from the 35 mm original soundtrack negative.” The front speakers have the most to offer on this track. Initially, composer Koichi Sugiyama’s score is too loud, covering the action sound effects during a chase at the beginning of the film, but then the levels improve for a more balanced mix. The track has a wide dynamic range, from the cacophony of monster destruction to softer ambient affects. The subwoofer supports the effects, adding a strong bottom end to Godzilla’s roar, and the score.
The Special Features are:
- Audio commentary by film historian Samm Deighan
- The Making of Godzilla vs. Biollante (49 min) – this 1993 program from features director Kazuki Omori and special-effects director Koichi Kawakita and others
- Behind the Design (3 min) – Narrated by Kawakita, this featurettte from 1993 about the design concepts for Biollante and Super X2 vehicle
- Deleted Special Effects (7 min) – a reel of silent footage of effects cut from the film
- Five TV spots, which promote.
Godzilla vs. Biollante is a strong entry in the long-running franchise so it makes sense that Criterion has added it to the collection. The Blu-ray contains a pleasing high-definition experience that helps bring the king lizard to life.
