Godzilla (2014 UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner
Release Date: March 23, 2021
Rating: PG
Film: 3.5/5
 
Plot
In this gritty, realistic sci-fi action epic, Godzilla returns to its roots as one of the world’s most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
 
My Thoughts
I wouldn’t consider myself a big Godzilla fan, but I did grow up watching the cheesy Japanese films with the big guy, Mothra, as well as his battles versus King Kong. In 1998 Roland Emmerich released his vision—and a crappy one it was—of the iconic figure and of course, Hollywood has to take another shot at it in what I call “The Reboot Century.”
 
There’s a lot to like about this installment. First, the writers do their best to root the story in science and give a plausible explanation as to where Godzilla came from and why he’s still here. From that aspect, the film works extremely well. Frankly, after the first 30 minutes I was totally hooked, and my expectations went through the roof.
 
Unfortunately, things fall apart because the only character that has any development is eventually killed off leaving a cast of characters who you don’t really have any feeling for. Also, a lot of people have complained that Godzilla isn’t on the screen enough, which I didn’t feel that was the case. The director chooses to let the viewer fill in the blanks versus showing every tiny minute detail of each battle and kill the pacing of the movie.  
 
Video 9/10
 
Audio 10/10 (Dolby Atmos)
 
Special Features:
 

• MONARCH: Declassified
  
  • Operation: Lucky Dragon
  • MONARCH: The M.U.T.O. File
  • The Godzilla Revelation
• The Legendary Godzilla
  
  • Godzilla: Force of Nature
  • A Whole New Level of Destruction
  • Into the Void: The H.A.L.O. Jump
  • Ancient Enemy: The M.U.T.O.s
• UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code

 

 
 
Conclusion
While I wouldn’t consider this a great movie, it is very entertaining and the upgrade to 4K is pretty good. The audio track kicks-ass and if you haven’t seen it before, it’s definitely worth watching for this reason alone. Here’s hoping that Godzilla vs. Kong is at least this good, if not better.
 
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed ChannelsATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-980M&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

[Ralph P.]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave! Yeah, we are on the same page... 


Regards,

[David Vaughn]

Greetings,

Nice review Dave! Yeah, we are on the same page...


Regards,

Thanks for chiming in Ralph. Great minds think alike

[bmoney]

Big upgrade going to  atmos. Love the breakout scene. The wires snapping above is great demo material! And the electro pulses. Woah