Terror of Mechagodzilla : 5 of 5

Watching this awesome DVD was a bittersweet experience, because not only is it the last Godzilla movie directed by the original filmmaker Ishiro Honda, but it's also the final Godzilla movie that Classic Media has the rights to publish! I just can't imagine watching a cheapo DVD release of the other films after seeing these incredibly polished and insightful versions (though I can at least look forward to a release of Rodan from them in the future!). This 1975 movie features the second appearance of Mechagodzilla, who is rebuilt by aliens and controlled by mad scientist Dr. Mafune and his daughter Katsura, a cyborg who sacrifices herself for mankind and for the hero she loves. Titanosaurus is also in the movie, so the huge battle becomes a three kaiju extravaganza! I really enjoyed seeing all of Mechagodzilla's weapons, and the city destruction scenes in this film are particularly spectacular. The pacing of this movie is also interesting, since Godzilla doesn't appear until 50 minutes into the plot. Of course, the commentary track is incredible, which explains the long additional prologue on the US version of the film, as well as interesting facts about Toho history, actor filmographies (many classic actors from as far back as the original Godzilla appear in this movie), and shooting locations in Japan. There's also explanations of special angles that had to be shot outdoors and new circular dolly moves used in this production. I think I could watch a Godzilla movie every week and enjoy them all, so I guess I'm going to rent the older movies now, even though I know I've been spoiled by these wonderful Classic Media versions, which I highly recommend to any Godzilla or kaiju fan!