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With more than 70 years of films, the Godzilla franchise has seen its fair share of ups and downs with a wide range of titles, genres, and even releases from the United States featuring the King of Monsters. Although the Showa-Era films (1954–1975) and the current American “Monsterverse” action flicks from Legendary Pictures (2014–present) are arguably the most popular, the Heisei Era of films (1984–1995) are a strong fan-favorite for their strong characters, creature design, and continuity from movie-to-movie.
The second film during the Heisei Era, Godzilla vs. Biollante, has recently received the Criterion Collection treatment with a glorious 4K Ultra HD restoration with a wide selection of bonus features, an insightful essay by horror expert Jim Cirronella, and impressive artwork with foldout poster by comic book artist Eric Powell.
Written and directed by Kazuki Ōmori and released in 1989, Godzilla vs. Biollante — which is a direct sequel to The Return of Godzilla from 1984 — starts with a James Bond-esque opening sequence that follows the super cool, yet manic, SSS9, an agent of the fictional Middle Eastern country Republic of Saradia executing a plan to steal Godzilla’s cells from the Japanese military in an elaborate shootout. The Saradians want the nuclear-fused cells to merge with genetically modified plants to create a “super planet” to transform their desert country into a lush and fertile land.
However, after accidentally fusing Godzilla’s DNA with a bed of roses and a mad scientist’s daughter’s soul (you read that correctly), the Kaiju Biollante is born. The Japanese government and military must awaken Godzilla from his slumber inside of Mount Mihara to battle Biollante from rampaging cities. But, the Japanese military needs to weaponize “Anti-Nuclear Energy Bacteria” to control Godzilla once awakened.
Godzilla vs. Biollante is one of the better Godzilla movies with nearly 40 in the franchise. It’s certainly one of the most important in the King of Monster’s lore, as the first direct sequel in the film series. And while The Return of Godzilla serves as a reboot, it’s a shame that the Criterion Collection has opted not to give the first film in the Heisei Era a 4K Ultra HD treatment (for those curious, most of the Heisei Era films are ready to stream on the Criterion Channel).
The film can be enjoyed as a standalone, however, with a lot to admire about it, like its creature design of both Godzilla and Biollante, and spy espionage genre action. It’s so awesome! Godzilla vs. Biollante is like a Godzilla movie mashed together with James Bond.
As for the release itself, the Criterion Collection edition of Godzilla vs. Biollante comes with a number of trailers and TV spots, as well as documentaries about the creature and vehicle designs, and making-of the film itself and its overall special effects. The best feature included with the release is the commentary track with film historian and podcast host Samm Deighan. She is so insightful about nearly every aspect of Godzilla vs. Biollante from its text to subtext. Her understanding of Godzilla Cinema is highly impressive, as she really deepens your appreciation of the film.
Overall, Godzilla vs. Biollante is a must-have for any Godzilla fan or fan of Japanese Cinema, as a whole. However, if you can take or leave Godzilla, it’s understandable. The film franchise isn’t for everyone. But, if you are one of those people who can find something meaningful in Godzilla and his lore, then pick up Godzilla vs. Biollante. Hopefully, the Criterion Collection will release more films in the Heisei Era. Maybe release a box set, like the Showa-Era films.
The post Home Video Hovel: Godzilla vs. Biollante, by Rudie Obias first appeared on Battleship Pretension.
The post Home Video Hovel: Godzilla vs. Biollante, by Rudie Obias appeared first on Battleship Pretension.
