Godzilla vs. Megalon Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.5

Godzilla vs. Megalon Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 21, 2014

As 2014’s “Godzilla” cleans up at the box office around the world, it’s fascinating to step back in time and view the character during his most disposable years. 1973’s “Godzilla vs. Megalon” barely even features the iconic monster, who steps aside to make room for Jet Jaguar, a robot crusader pimped out by the producers as the next big thing in kaiju combat. A silly movie, but endearingly so, “Godzilla vs. Megalon” is all business when it comes to delivering big action and colorful antagonists, working in a few environmental messages on the dangers of nuclear testing along the way, to anchor the nonsense to come.

Jet Jaguar arrives in the Ultraman tradition, blending a more humanoid form with superpowers, adding a different twist to the normal stomp-and-swat interests of the franchise. There’s a threadbare story to support his introduction, highlighting a battle of power between humans and the agitated inhabitants of “Seatopia,” but the major selling point of the feature is the addition of Jet Jaguar, who’s the first to tangle with Megalon, ordered to report his findings to Godzilla on Monster Island. “Godzilla vs. Megalon” isn’t deep, but director Jun Fukuda keeps a steady beat, presenting a ride of zoom-happy cinematography and funky miniature work, while a jazzy/electro score works overtime to keep the movie on the move. It’s competently made, attempting to secure a little intrigue before the inevitable battle royal begins.

Godzilla vs. Megalon Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation does seem to be overly bright, diluting blacks during the viewing experience, while more excitable hues are restrained, but far from washed out. Colors are favorable with period costuming and exterior greenery, while skintones approach accuracy. The largest criticism concerning the presentation is its lack of sharpness, submitting a fuzzy looking picture with limited detail emerging on monster particulars and miniature work. It's difficult to tell if this is intentional, representing the original cinematography. Some debris is detected, but no overt damage is present.

Godzilla vs. Megalon Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix does its part to make sure the listener feels the weight of the onscreen battle. Definition isn't a priority, but the track is a hefty one, with consistent low-end activity that gives a rumble to the monster party, citywide destruction, and seismic changes. There's no dimension here, remaining frontal with blunt force, pushing scoring and performances out at the same time, though dialogue exchanges are discernible. Opening narration is on the shrill side. Sound effects eventually take command, exploring roars, superpowers, and robotic achievements with clarity.

Godzilla vs. Megalon Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There are no supplements on this disc.

Godzilla vs. Megalon Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In the end, it's Godzilla and Jet Jaguar vs. Megalon and Gigan throwing down in rural Japan, and the production provides all the man-in-suit action a franchise fan could want, with the colossal beatdown slipping into wrestling moves on occasion. Perhaps "Godzilla vs. Megalon" isn't the most respectable entry in the series, prone to cartoon antics to survive, but it's certainly amusing, especially with the addition of Jet Jaguar and his willingness to hold down enemies so Godzilla can pound them silly.