1989's GODZILLA VS BIOLLANTE marks a dividing line between eras. It was the last Godzilla movie to have a decent dub track (which is sad, because it was done by the same crew responsible for the lame international dubs in earlier decades -solid gold compared to those that followed, however). It was also the last entry in a very long time to have a strong script and almost uniformly good performances. Really, every time I revisit the picture I find it even better than I remembered. The film picks up in the aftermath of GODZILLA 1985, as spies from various countries are sorting through the rubble to find cell samples. Some years later, when Godzilla shows signs of stirring within his volcano prison, a genetic scientist is asked to work with the cells in finding a counter-weapon should Godzilla fully awake. He's initially opposed to the project, but figures he can use the Godzilla cells to help him with another little project which results in the plant monster Biollante. Meanwhile, terrorists are hot to get their hands on the new bio-weapon made from Godzilla's cells and hold Japan hostage by threatening to release Godzilla from his volcano... The second Godzilla film of the 80's hits a lot of good marks, and was prepared for US theatrical release. At the last minute, though -possibly due to recent terrorist activity, the film was instead released to home video and occasional airings on the HBO channel. Unexpectedly, the video, released in the early 90's, was letterboxed! GODZILLA VS BIOLLANTE was thus one of the earliest films to be seen scope in electronic home viewing. The tapes still float around and are quite desirable. The film recently got a DVD release, but the print there lacks the translated titles found on the VHS version. Back in Japan, the film triggered a whole new series of films. Though that cycle has it's moments, none of them came within shouting distance of GODZILLA VS BIOLLANTE.
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