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Video 2,5/5
Now
first of all, I haven't got the BFI or Classic Media releases, but from what I've read, I can safely say that the video, as
expected, isn't quite up to their recent work, but the print looks preferably good for its age. It does have scratches, dirt
and grain, but not enough to distract the viewing experience. Some scenes have more damage than the rest (the depth bomb scene,
for example). The sharpness isn't quite so good, as the image looks slightly soft and has some edge enhancement occasionally.
The contrast isn't strong either. Thankfully there's little to no artifacting. Shimmering (rainbowing effect), for example,
is non-existant. Last, but not least, the movie is presented in its original Academy ratio, aka 1.33:1 fullscreen.
Audio
3,5/5
The audio is the strongest aspect of this DVD. The movie is presented in its original Japanese track, in 2.0 mono.
It sounds quite good, even better than in some other copies of the movie I have. I didn't notice any crackles or pops. Of
course the audio gets a bit scratchy during louder occasions. But still, the audio gets the work done.
The audio can
be accompanied by removable Danish, Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish subtitles. Because Finnish is my native language, I've watched
the movie only with Finnish subs. They are a huge improvement over the 1998 Finnish VHS release, no doubt. They aren't perfect,
though, as the timing is a little messed up occasionally, as the subs fade out before the characters finish talking, or fade
in a bit after the characters start talking. Anyway, this isn't a huge problem, and doesn't ruin the viewing experience so
much.
Extras 2/5
Unfortunately the DVD doesn't have many extras. The stand-out is probably the Bambi Meets Godzilla
short film. The inclusion of the feature is questionable, especially if you watch it right after the feature film. Next there
are talent files for the main actors (Takarada, Kochi, Hirata and Shimura). All in all, they're fine, but they have some errors
(mostly in the movies' release years). Finally we have the original Japanese theatrical trailer with non-removable English
subtitles.
The menus are certainly better than the ones in the other discs of the box set. Only the main menu is slightly
animated.
Overall 2,5/5
This DVD is mediocre at best. The video and audio are completely preferable. More extras
would've given this disc a bit more value, especially since it's got a "Special Edition" title put on the cover. Still it's
the only way to experience the original masterpiece in Finland. So I'd suggest this DVD only to the Finnish fans.
On
a last note, this DVD can be purchased only in a box set containing also The Return of Godzilla, Godzilla vs. Biollante, Godzilla
vs. King Ghidorah, Godzilla vs. Mothra and Godzilla vs. Destroyer.
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