Shin Godzilla: Deluxe Collector’s Edition 4K UHD Review
“Shin Godzilla” is one of many reasons that this is the best time to be a Godzilla fan.
Written by Hideaki Anno (who co-directed the film with Shinji Higuchi), 2016’s “Shin Godzilla” is a reboot of the Godzilla franchise. Set in Japan, the story concerns a creature wreaking havoc and destruction in Tokyo. The creature in question is Godzilla who, in this entry, is an evolving and seemingly indestructible Kaiju that takes on multiple forms throughout the film. The Prime Minister, crisis management team, military and other branches have to devise a way to stop the radioactive Godzilla or else dangerous and drastic measures may be taken that could threaten Japan which is physically and financially falling apart because of this ongoing disaster.
“Shin Godzilla” is a Godzilla film with a very different perspective than its predecessors. It’s a more modern and grounded take on the mythology that focuses on humanity, politics/bureaucracy, and disaster preparedness (or a lack thereof). We really get a ground level look at what could happen if Godzilla ever surfaced in a big city. We see the political red tape that gets in the way of big decisions, the measures taken to keep people safe, the urgency and chaos of the situation, the discussions and research to figure out what Godzilla is and how he can be stopped, and the devastating destruction that befalls a city. For some viewers more used to action oriented Kaiju battle films, “Shin Godzilla” might not be up their alley. For those looking for a more artistic Godzilla film, “Shin Godzilla” definitely fits that bill.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is that this really isn’t a character centric story. Yes, there are main characters like Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yaguchi and U.S. President Envoy Kayoco, but for the most part it’s more of an ensemble story that focuses on various branches of the Japanese Government dealing with this crisis. It’s a very dialogue centric piece that is more about the situation and how people are collectively dealing with it.
There’s been a lot of chatter about the look of Godzilla in this film. Yes, the weird googly eyes aren’t the best, but it was fascinating to see Godzilla as a mutating and evolving creature that becomes the behemoth that we all know. The sequence where Godzilla develops atomic breath is nothing short of stunning.
Note: The 4-disc Deluxe Collector’s Edition is a Godzilla store exclusive.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? This new 4K disc offers up a pristine print.The film has never looked better and is well worth the upgrade from Blu-ray.
Audio Tracks: Japanese and English 3.1 DTS-HD MA. How do they sound? The highly unusual 3 channel mix may make some audio enthusiasts raise an eye brow, but the Japanese track sounds superb here. The English dub is what it is.
Extras:
* A Blu-ray copy
* A booklet with credits and content listings
* A Blu-ray copy of “Shin Godzilla: ORTHOchromatic” (AKA the B&W edition). It’s basically a gimmick, but Godzilla enthusiasts will want to scope it out.
* 2 trailers and 2 teasers
* A Promotional Video Collection featuring 27 minutes of Japanese “Shin Godzilla” teasers, commercials, Cinema and IMAX ads, screening footage and trailers.
* 45 minutes of deleted scenes/alternate takes.
* A half-hour “Making Of Shin Godzilla” with extensive on-set footage.
* Nearly 16 minutes of outtakes.
* “News Reels”- A 35 minute collection of news program footage filmed for “Shin Godzilla.”
* “Previs Reel Collection”- 28 minutes of pre-visualization with storyboards and early CGI renders.
* “Previs And Special Effects Outtakes”- 20 minutes of early visual effects and miniature shots.
* “Visual Effects Breakdown” showcases the various stages of the CGI work and motion capture.
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