GODZILLA TOKYO S.O.S.

Directed by Masaki Tezuka
Written by Mashiro Yokotani
Cinematography by Yoshinori Sekignchi
Music by Masaaki Tezuka
Cast: Noboru Kaneko, Miho Yoshioka & Mitsuki Koga

2004/91 mins/Color/Dolby Digital 5.1
2.35:1 Anamorphic/Japanese/Japan/NTSC Region 1

Review from Columbia Tristar DVD

After the last battle Mechagodzilla, the super armored robot version of Godzilla, has suffered damage and is under going repairs. Two fairies appear and warn against the completion of the repairs, for they incorporated the bones of the first Godzilla, within Mechagodzilla. Thus disrespecting the dead and not letting it rest in peace. But they will need it ready for Godzilla; as he has been spotted. The fairies tell them that they need not worry. Mothra will protect them, but if they unleash the robot, then Mothra will attack Tokyo. And, well the last time Mothra was in Tokyo, it did cause a lot of destruction (the original MOTHRA). Now, the battle is set with Tokyo’s future hanging in the balance.

This entry in the Godzilla series is not one of the best, but it is definitely not without merit. The problem here is the fact that the film focuses a bit too much on the humans. While, their acting is certainly not bad; one cannot wait for the actual monster throwdown to occur. Perhaps, a little less focus on them would have helped. Also, the film rehashes ideas from other films in the series like GODZILLA VS. THE THING. Finally, I don’t think the film uses some of the great ideas that it presents to its fullest ability. Hence, there is definitely some missed opportunity with the handling of the plot.

But when all is said and done the movie is fun and enjoyable. There is some excellent FX work. The suits and miniatures all look great, and the battle scenes are rousing and exciting. There is lots of destruction of property and rampant mayhem to pleases, Kaiju fans young and old.

The film comes to DVD courtesy of Columbia Tristar picture, who present the film in its original 2.35:1, anamorphic widescreen. The movie can be heard in its original Japanese language with English subtitles or with the crappy English dub. The picture looks great, with some nice rich and vibrant colors. This is especially captivating to the eye during the wild, extended final battle, which takes place at night. The sound in Dolby Digital Surround is really awesome, with some great and ass-kicking sound effects during the action scenes.

Sadly, the only extra is a behind the scenes featurette that showcases some of the amazing Toho did for the film. The great miniature and suit work is shown, and ultimately holds lots of interest for any Godzilla fan.

The disc comes in a keep case, with an inlet card that serves as advertisement for other GODZILLA titles and collectibles. There is no listing of the twenty-eight chapters, of which the film is broken up into. The menu screen is static. It also comes with the Japanese teaser trailer for the film, itself, as well as trailers for: GODZILLA: THE SERIES MONSTER WARS, GODZILLA: COMPLIATION TRAILER (actually just clips from this film that just mentions other titles on top of the images), KAENA: THE PROPHECY, and ANACONDAS: THE HUNT FOR THE BLOOD STONE.

Image:

Audio:

Extras:

Packaging:

This Film Features:

Review by Giovanni Deldio. All Right Reserved. 2006. ©