Godzilla (1984)
Produced and Released by: Toho Co. Ltd.
Director: Koji Hashimoto
By Dr Kain

Introduction

Godzilla’s popularity took a downturn during the 70’s and by the time “Terror of MechaGodzilla” hit Japan in 1974, Godzilla was lost, so Toho took a ten year break. Then in 1984 they reinvented the Godzill movies with an alternate series, known as the Heisei series, with the first movie in it being a sequel to the original film. This was the movie to start another 10 year period of seven new movies, which included new and old monsters.

The Story

It has been thirty years since Godzilla attacked Japan and all was peaceful until now when a ship suddenly goes missing. As the film begins we meet a journalist, Goro Maki (Ken Tanaka), who is sailing on his boat when he finds the wrecked ship. He searches the ship, but only finds one survivor before he is attacked by some radioactive creature. The survivor is a student of Dr. Hayashida (Yosuke Natsuki) named Hiroshi Okumura (Shin Takuma), and he claims Godzilla attacked the ship.

When it is discovered that it is Godzilla, Prime Minster Mitamura (Keiji Kobayashi) calls forth a meeting with the US and Soviet Union, and they both tell him to allow them to use nukes on Godzilla before he attacks Japan and the rest of the world. Soon after Godzilla makes his way to Japan and the rampage begins.

The Japanese Government has a ship ready to take on Godzilla called the Super X. It is designed to withstand Godzilla’s breath and reflect it back at him. Will it? Will Japan be saved from Godzilla’s wrath? Watch the movie to find out. ^_^

Review

This movie has never been one of my top Godzilla movies, but it is very important to the Heisei series, especially since the ending is in “Godzilla vs Biollante.” When it was brought to the U.S., not only was it given an atrocious English dub, but Raymond Burr returned with new footage made for this version, which is known as Godzilla 1985. There were other tweaks made like the Russian captain launches a missile on to Japan rather than trying to stop it as in the original version.

Fortunately Toho has released “Godzilla 1984” on DVD in Japan (Region 2, no subs) with a remixed 5.1 track, and a bunch of extras such as trailers and the making of the movie. The movie is longer and a lot more enjoyable that the dubbed version, which isn’t a big surprise.

The concept of the Super X first appears in this movie, a ship made to fight Godzilla, is a great idea, but it was executed very poorly.

Conclusion

If you are a Godzilla fan, and have never seen this movie, I suggest you at least rent the dubbed version to see if you enjoy it before you consider getting the Region 2 DVD, if you can get it. It is important to the Heisei series as it is the first movie to it. My score for the movie is 3/5 stars.

Dr Kain