AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on August 25, 2019, 04:22:10 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/0FRHhus.jpg)
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Rating: PG-13
Film: 3.5/5
Plot
The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.
My Thoughts
I loved watching Godzilla films as a kid and really liked what the reboot did with the story in 2014 and was surprised it took five years for a sequel to be made. I generally enjoyed myself with this production, but it isn’t without flaws. First and foremost, it’s too long at 131 minutes. Second, the script is a bit of a mess at times with too much going on with multiple subplots and needless story diversions. Third, is there such a thing a too many monsters? If so, that’s the case here.
All that being said, it’s a fund movie overall and the main story is captivating and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Granted, the kick-ass Dolby Atmos track doesn’t hurt with foundation-shaking bass, immersive panning effects moving throughout the room, and plenty of onscreen mayhem. Like most 4K movies these days—especially ones with a boatload of CGI—this is a 2K upconvert and adds a bit more detail over the Blu-ray and primary colors are more saturated. HDR effects also increase the viewing pleasure, especially the bright highlights which will have you reaching for sunglasses on multiple occasions!
Video 9/10
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Monsters 101
- Evolution of the Titans
- Monarch in Action
- Millie Bobby Brown: Force of Nature
- Monster Tech: Monarch Joins the Fight
- Monsters are Real
- Welcome to the Monsterverse
- Deleted and Extended Scenes
- Theatrical Trailer
- Audio Commentary.
- Blu-ray+ Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFxN2oDKk0E (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFxN2oDKk0E)
Conclusion
The third act gets a bit corny, but that’s to be expected with the genre, but overall it’s a fun way to spend a couple of hours—although it could have easily been 20-30 minutes shorter with some refinement of the screenplay and some judicious editing. Regardless, the presentation on 4K is to die for and if you’re a fan of the franchise, definitely pick this one up for the Atmos track—it’s monstrous!
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman Ultimate & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays (https://store.portrait.com/))
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)
Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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I liked the old black & white Godzilla movies as a kid. Based on your review, and a few friends that saw it in the theater, I'm going to give this one a rent.
At the very least, it sounds like the LFE soundtrack and CGI will make it a good popcorn flick to exercise my home theater.
As always, thanks for the review.
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Greetings,
Light on story but, a rockin' home theater listening experience. BOOM!
Regards,