THE RETURN OF GODZILLA On BD/DVD September 13

Image Copyright Section23 Films & Kraken Releasing

Kraken Releasing, a label of Section23 Films, will release THE RETURN OF GODZILLA to Blu-ray and DVD on September 13. This will mark the first release of any version of this film in North America in nineteen years, since Anchor Bay released GODZILLA 1985 on VHS. GODZILLA 1985 was my first Godzilla film and remains one of my favorites to this day, in either of its forms. Sadly, this release will not include that cut, which featured additional scenes with Raymond Burr, not-so-subtle Dr. Pepper plugs, and other edits. While its exclusion is unfortunate, it's great this film is finally seeing any sort of release in the USA. Now, every Godzilla film is available on DVD here.

Like many others, I ordered from a particular retailer, and obtained my copy early. I'm pretty happy with the final product. The video is about on par with the Japanese Blu-ray release, and while far from perfect, is pretty serviceable. Kraken interestingly chose to go with 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio for both Japanese and English languages, no other option is provided. The English dub is a new mix, combining the international dub dialogue track (previously released only outside the US) inserted into the newer 5.1 sound effect and music remix. Both sound pretty good. Perhaps this is what should have been done when GODZILLA VS. BIOLLANTE was released a few years ago.

The subtitles have proven to be the source of a bit of controversy. The subs are "locked", in that you can't remove them via remote nor menu. You have two choices on the menu, Japanese language audio with full subtitles (dialogue and onscreen text), or English audio with only onscreen text (title, locations, etc.) subtitles. Either way, while the film plays, you can't disable them via the remote or toggle the subs or audio. This has become increasingly common on recent anime releases, from both Section23 and others, and I believe it's to discourage reverse importing back to Japan. I don't see this as much of a problem, personally. As far as the quality of the subs they seem pretty good, and Kraken does what Section23 (and ADV Films before it) does well, providing very full and detailed onscreen subtitling, with a variety of fonts and colors. Not many companies go to that kind of trouble.

Image Copyright Toho Co. Ltd.

The extras are few, but having anything at all is welcome. The original full theatrical trailer (not the teaser), fully subtitled. Trailer for Kraken's other three G-films are provided as well: EBIRAH - HORROR OF THE DEEP, GODZILLA VS. GIGAN, and GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH.

The package art matches their previous releases, using the original photo-style theatrical poster on the front. Personally I'm not a big fan of the sensationalistic taglines they've used for their Godzilla releases, but I guess, whatever helps sell more of these things.

Overall, I find this to be a pretty pleasing release. Yes, is could have more extras, and the American cut is glaringly absent. But it's not like they didn't try. This was made by fans for fans, and I recommend adding it to your collection today.

To get it NOW, head over the The Right Stuf:

Blu-ray
DVD

STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOW Available on BD/DVD from Sentai Filmworks

For my first post, I'd like to recommend one of my favorite anime, STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOW, which has rad a recent resurgence in the USA with two great DVD and Blu-ray releases by Sentai Filmworks (a label of Section23).

The TV series was released back in the 2000s by Geneon, as three DVDs, with optional artbox, and each came with a shitajiki (pencil board). It was given a very nice English dub as well. Since Geneon went under, the series has been out of print. The two followup OVA series went unlicensed in the USA. Earlier this year, Sentai Filmworks announced they had licensed the TV series, and later the two OVA series, for DVD and BD release.

The TV series was released on 05/10, while the OVAs will be out on 07/12, this Tuesday.This review generally covers just the Blu-ray edition, though the DVD should be identical, except for the subtitle details.

Video and Audio: Video quality is very good, not perfect HD, but appears to be upscaled enough to be superior to previous releases. I suspect if they hadn't released the recent BD in Japan it wouldn't have been released on that format in the US. No complaints with the audio, which is presented in both Japanese and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 for the TV series, and Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 for the OVAs. The opening and ending text are the original Japanese, likely to retain the HD source; The Geneon DVDs had English credits.

Subtitles: Like some modern anime BD releases, the subtitles are locked on the Japanese language versions, meaning they can't be disabled (except for the the music videos, which may have something to do with them being Standard Def and apparently DVD-sourced). Otherwise, as usual, a nice effort with the subs on Sentai's part.

Extras:  All of the extras on the TV series appear to be retained from the Geneon releases, most importantly the Episode "0" (English dub included), Episode 1 & 2 Digest, Music Videos, Promo Video, TV Spots, Clean Opening and Closing Animations, and of course, trailers for other Sentai releases. The OVAs include Clean Opening and Closing Animations and Sentai trailers. If I recall, the OVAs Japanese releases had Audio Commentaries; those are absent here.

Packaging: The TV series cover uses stock character images, while the OVA uses adorable art by series creator Barasui. Miu and Nobue are used on the cover spines, respectively, and look good on the shelf.

The original English dub is included for the TV series. Unfortunately, no dub was created for the OVAs, but personally I'd rather there be no dub rather than risk re-casting everyone.

I greatly enjoyed re-watching the original series in HD, and finally seeing the OVAs after all these years of holding out. Miu Matsuoka remains my favorite character. While all the girls are cute, she stands out for me, I love her mischievousness. That's not to say Chika, Ana, Matsuri, and Nobue aren't enjoyable as well, although Chika can often seem to be a stick-in-the-mud. The first three OVAs shift character design a little bit, while the final two ENCORE episodes go for a different look. One that looks really good, but is somewhat of a departure from the previous ones, and seems a bit out of place.

I'm glad STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOW has finally been released in it's completion in America, and by my current favorite anime licensor, no less. If only the manga could be finished as well; only the first five volumes were released in English by Tokyopop. If you enjoy the cute, the moe, I highly recommend this series.

You can purchase it at two of my most preferred retailers, The Right Stuf and BlowItOutaHere.

TV series Blu-ray at The Right Stuf
TV series Blu-ray at BlowItOutaHere

OVA Blu-ray at The Right Stuf
OVA Blu-ray at BlowItOutaHere

BONUS! Episode Listings (with air/release dates):

TV series
01. Birthday (7/14/2005)
02. Ana (7/21/2005)
03. House Call (7/28/2005)
04. Part-time Job (8/18/2005)
05. Sleeping Together (8/25/2005)
06. Midsummer Day (9/1/2005)
07. Sea Bathing (9/1/2005)
08. Festival (9/15/2005)
09. Growing (9/22/2005)
10. Flower (9/29/2005)
11. First Snow (10/6/2005)
12. Present (10/13/2005)

OVA series
01. Scenery (02/23/2007)
02. Always (03/28/2007)
03. Everyday (04/25/2007)

Encore
01. Good Afternoon (01/23/2009)
02. See You Tomorrow (03/25/2009)