‘Godzilla vs Biollante’ Is the Weirdest Movie in the Franchise & Has a New Release

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As a longtime fan of Kaiju and all things Godzilla, I must say that “Godzilla vs. Biollante” is one of my favorite entries in the series. Having grown up in Japan during the height of the Heisei era, this film holds a special place in my heart.

The story of Dr. Shiragami and his tragic quest to save his daughter’s life resonated deeply with me, as it touches upon themes of love, sacrifice, and the destructive power of technology run amok – all too relatable in our modern world. The emotional depth of the human characters, coupled with the epic battles between Godzilla and Biollante, make for a captivating viewing experience that I find myself revisiting time and again.

One aspect that always stands out to me is the incredible design work on both Godzilla and Biollante. The suit for Godzilla in this film is one of my favorites from the Heisei era, while Biollante is a sight to behold with her plant-like form mutating into an alligator head with rows of sharp teeth and alarming vines and tendrils. It’s no wonder that fans have grown fond of this peculiar Kaiju over the years.

Now, let me tell you a little joke – ever heard of Biollante’s favorite dish? Plant-based sushi rolls! I know, I know…I’ll see myself out. But seriously, if you haven’t seen “Godzilla vs. Biollante” yet or it’s been a while since you last watched it, I highly recommend giving it another look – especially in 4K with the new restoration by The Criterion Collection!

The immense Godzilla, a titan among monsters, has been commanding screens since 1954. One of the most iconic reptilian characters in pop culture, audiences eagerly anticipate the sight of this kaiju (a Japanese term for giant monster) dwarfing cityscapes and engaging in fierce battles with other wild creatures. In 1989, an oddity emerged among Godzilla films, namely Godzilla vs. Biollante, which has since become a beloved addition to the franchise for many fans.

Director Kazuki Ōmori drew heavily from his creative mind for the movie “Godzilla vs. Biollante”. This film showcases some of the coolest special effects in the series, a bizarre adversary, and insightful social commentary. Finding a decent physical copy to watch has been difficult for many, with streaming versions often featuring poorly translated subtitles. However, starting next spring, fans can enjoy a 4K restoration of the film, complete with improved subtitles and a high-quality 5.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. This way, they can decide for themselves just how uniquely quirky this movie truly is.

First: The Birth of a Layered Lizard-Like Legend

As a devoted fan, diving headfirst into the fascinating world of Biollante, it’s crucial to grasp the symbolic roots that underpin the Godzilla saga. Toho Studios, based in Japan, were the pioneers behind this iconic franchise, with Ishirō Honda at the helm for the 1954 debut of Godzilla. Over the years, Godzilla has served as a potent vessel for sociopolitical commentary, and perhaps none more profound than the original 1954 release, known as Gojira in its native land.

Godzilla symbolically represents the devastation caused by nuclear explosions, a reference born from the post-World War II atomic bombings in Hiroshima. In an era where direct discussion about such horrific events was challenging, creative expressions using potent metaphors helped people comprehend and cope with their reality, striking a chord with Japanese audiences.

Godzilla is a multidimensional character who, originally portrayed as a destructive force in earlier films, has transformed into a complex protector of the earth. He’s not always working for humanity’s benefit, but rather serving as a guardian of nature. Driven by maintaining balance and ecosystem harmony, Godzilla can be seen as an embodiment of the planet itself. The movie “Godzilla vs Biollante” falls under the second phase of the genre, produced during the Heisei era, and serves as a sequel to 1984’s “Return of Godzilla.” In “Godzilla vs. Biollante,” Godzilla engages in intense battles, all while weaving intricate themes surrounding genetic engineering.

Biollante Came from a Scientist’s Tragic Ambition

In the aftermath of a Godzilla attack in Tokyo, the city is undergoing reconstruction following the events depicted in “The Return of Godzilla“. Amidst the cleanup efforts within a volcanic region, workers stumble upon fragments of Godzilla’s tissue. This peculiar discovery catches the attention of an oil company based in Sardinia, who recruit geneticist Dr. Shiragami with a vision to utilize Godzilla’s DNA for transforming barren lands into fertile farmlands. However, calamity strikes once more as terrorists breach and demolish Shiragami’s lab, resulting in the death of his cherished daughter, Erika.

Over the course of five years, I, a devoted fan, find myself honoring the memory of my beloved daughter, Erika, by imbuing a rose bush with her DNA, longing to preserve a piece of her essence as a unique life form. In this experiment, I also incorporate cells from Godzilla, a creature that has become inextricably linked with our family’s story.

Meanwhile, the government, anticipating a possible reawakening of the beast, have been developing a weapon to combat it. They reach out to me, appealing for my assistance. However, still deeply mourning the loss of Erika, I choose to decline their offer.

As the volcano begins to rumble ominously, Godzilla emerges once more. The sight is both terrifying and heartbreaking, a stark reminder of the world that has continued on without my precious girl.

In Sardinia, an agent from there stops a gang of terrorists intent on stealing Shiragami’s scientific work and experiments. During the turmoil, a powerful creature called Biollante emerges from a rosebush, genetically-modified to be massive. With Godzilla summoned, a fierce fight between these two colossal monsters breaks out, reshaping the city’s destiny yet again.

What Makes ‘Godzilla vs. Biollante’ Brilliantly Bizarre?

The movie “Godzilla vs. Biollante” was produced following the success of the 1986 film “Little Shop of Horrors,” which featured a mutated plant. As Big Action Bill reports, this particular Godzilla installment was set to stand out from the start. Due to creative blockages, producer Tomoyuki Tanaka placed an ad in a newspaper seeking story submissions. Out of over 5,000 entries, the winning story for “Godzilla vs. Biollante” came from dentist Shinichiro Kobayashi, and was later polished by young creative Kazuki Ōmori.

In addition to the well-crafted Godzilla costume for the movie, often praised as one of the finest from the Heisei period, Biollante is a striking and imposing figure. With a distinct plant-like appearance, she undergoes a transformation into a hybrid creature with an alligator head adorned with razor-sharp teeth and a body teeming with ominous vines and tendrils. The special effects team, led by Kōichi Kawakita, managed to give Biollante mobility by manipulating the tendrils with strings like puppet strings. The film also carries an eerie blend of science fiction and horror elements, notably in a scene where a group of psychic children depict their dreams. Interestingly, they all share the same vision: Godzilla. Remarkably, the recent series Dune: Prophecy appears to have borrowed that exact scene.

Introducing Miki Saegusa to ‘Godzilla’

The storyline of “Godzilla vs. Biollante” can be intricate at moments, but it serves a crucial purpose in delivering an environmental message alongside heartfelt human narratives. This film introduces us to Miki Saegusa, a young psychic girl who becomes a vital asset for the Japanese military due to her ability to foresee Godzilla’s actions. Throughout the Heisei era, Miki’s character served as a relatable human presence. Director Kazuki Ōmori would go on to contribute significantly to the franchise, writing and directing “Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah” and later penning the scripts for both “Godzilla vs. Mothra” and “Godzilla vs. Destoroyah”.

Over time, some fans have developed a liking for the kaiju Biollante because of her striking presence and unusual background, and it won’t be much longer before spectators can witness this creature in stunning 4K detail. As with their typical releases, The Criterion Collection has packed this one with additional features as well:

As a devoted fan of cinema and someone who has spent countless hours delving into the world of film history, I am thrilled to share my excitement about an upcoming release that promises to be a treasure trove for fellow enthusiasts like myself. This collection, available for pre-order now, features an audio commentary by Samm Deighan, a renowned film historian and host of the esteemed podcast “Eros + Massacre.” Her insights into the world of cinema, particularly her work as coeditor of the book “Revolution in 35mm,” have always been enlightening, and I eagerly anticipate hearing her thoughts on this new project.

In addition to Deighan’s commentary, there is also a making-of program from 1993 featuring Kazuki Ōmori, the visionary director of the film, and Koichi Kawakita, the mastermind behind its special effects. This behind-the-scenes glimpse offers a rare opportunity to understand the creative process that went into crafting this cinematic gem.

The collection also includes deleted special effects, TV spots, and a short documentary from 1993 about the Biollante and Super X2 vehicle concepts. For me, these bonus features are like gold nuggets, offering a glimpse into the creative decisions that were made during production and the evolution of these iconic elements.

In conclusion, as someone who has spent years immersed in the world of cinema, I can confidently say that this collection is a must-have for any film enthusiast. The insights from Samm Deighan, the behind-the-scenes footage, and the bonus features provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the making of this timeless classic. If you’re anything like me and have a passion for cinema, I strongly encourage you to pre-order this collection now through the link below.

The Criterion Collection

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2025-01-01 03:02