Godzilla vs. Biollante, Spine #1254, will be available in the Criterion Collection on March 18th, 2025.
The King of the Monsters makes an appearances in the Criterion Collection about as often as he does in the Tokyo Bay. The boutique physical media label has already released the 1954 original classic as well as the beautifully packaged Godzilla: The Showa-Era Films, 1954 – 1975, but for those kaiju-loving fans looking to devour more monstrous entertainment we can now watch (and cheer) as the massive anti-hero takes on one of its strangest foes to date… Biollante.
Godzilla vs. Biollante plot
When a new monster, Biollante, emerges, made in a lab from the DNA of Godzilla and genetically modified plants, the citizens of Tokyo are stunned by the strange creature. But when Godzilla also returns from the depths, the people aren’t sure which to fear more. Soon, a battle of beasts erupts, pitting the radioactive giant against a powerful plant creature.
The review
Coming fresh off my viewings of the Showa-Era films, I was surprised by the tone of this outing. It’s far more serious than we’d seen in the previous decade and there’s a significant improvement in the quality of the filmmaking itself. In a lot of ways it feels closer to the modern era of films like Godzilla Minus One than it does to the entries that came before it.
The titular kaiju sports a menacing makeover (a vast improvement from the rubbery suit of the Showa-Era), carrying himself with a far more intimidating look. His brow is arched, giving off the appearance of aggression and a readiness for combat, while the scales of his flesh are jagged and pronounced. The decades-old character is treated with respect, portrayed in a manner that elicits genuine fear and concern.
This is an era of Godzilla that harkens back the character’s roots, using the monster as a stand-in for the dangers of human invention. One line delivered near the end of the film states, “The real monsters are the humans that created them” when referring to Biollante and Godzilla. It’s a little on the nose, but it acts as a reminder of how the character originated as a metaphor for Hiroshima.
Godzilla vs. Biollante is the type of story that juggles ridiculous ideas with skillful execution and, above all, is incredibly entertaining throughout. Of course, there is the typical nameless human threat, a “bad guy” with a gun and a mission that feels irrelevant. But the core of the story is centered squarely on its two titular monsters and their impressive showdown. The climactic battle is among the most intense I’ve seen from the franchise and the cinematography from Yūdai Katō turns the destruction into a beautiful display of overwhelming power.
The special features
Film historian Samm Deighan provides a brand new audio commentary. Also included is a “making-of” feature with insights from director Kazuki Omori, special-effects director Koichi Kawakita and others. Another feature from 1993, a short documentary on the designs of Biollante and Super X2 vehicle (the heavily armored and weaponized flying submersible used to battle Godzilla) concepts.
Deleted special effects, TV spots, trailers and an essay from science-fiction and horror film expert Jim Cirronella are also included in this beautiful new 4K restoration.
Would I recommend this purchase? Absolutely. This is one of the most entertaining films in the franchise.
Is it worth a blind buy? If you’re a fan of the King of Monsters then any film in the series is worth a blind buy, but this one is especially so.
Purchase your copy of Godzilla vs. Biollante from the Criterion Collection here.
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