BLOOD WORK: THE SAGA OF THE KING OF THE MONSTERS ~ PART 5: GHIDORAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER (1964)

1964 was a major point of change for the Godzilla series in many ways. In fact, Godzilla becoming a series and solid franchise was a direct result of the films made in 1964. Before then the kaiju had only appeared in three movies in ten years, the revolutionary original, a sequel that, despite its merits, went nowhere, and a special project in 1962 celebrating Toho Studios' 30th anniversary. It just so happens that 1962's King Kong Vs Godzilla was an extreme financial success. Toho's tokusatsu films at the time were a cut above much of the science fiction special effects movies being made anywhere else in the world.

The Toho executives realized they had a dynamite team making these films. Naturally the demand for these films increased and several more projects were put into production, GHIDORAH, THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER being the most ambitious. With Godzilla's fifth film appearance the franchise was solidified. The film saw the inclusion of another previously independent monster, Rodan, and thus the kaiju cinematic universe was expanded further. The film also displayed the first movements of Godzilla's character to a more heroic figure. And lastly the film introduced the concept of extraterrestrial threats to the franchise, simultaneously creating a grand nemesis in Ghidorah.

No other film in the series, save the original, can claim to have contributed as many influential elements as this film.

THE PLOT

Princess Salno, sovereign of the country Selgina, while on a trip to Japan is believed to have been killed in an assassination attempt. Salno resurfaces claiming to be a Martian (Venusian in the original Japanese version). Under the purported alien influence she portends a series of apocalyptic prophecies, a rise of the monsters and the coming of the great destroyer: Ghidorah. Each prophecy comes true. First Rodan emerges from Mount Aso's volcanic crater. Then Godzilla rises from the sea. And lastly the space monster Ghidorah bursts forth from a meteorite. The Earth's only hope lies with Mothra and whether or not she can rally Godzilla and Rodan to fight alongside each other against the three-headed monster.

THE GOOD

Ghidorah. Easily one of the greatest and most enduring kaiju ever created, Ghidorah is a tremendous special effects achievement and a marvel to behold. In no other movie has Ghidorah looked and acted so lifelike and realistic. According to the research of film historian David Kalat, director of special effects Eiji Tsuburaya was disappointed with the results, which is astounding given the finished product. It's a testament of just how much work was put into bringing Ghidorah to convincing life. The design of Ghidorah is both alien and familiar all at once, recalling the dragons of Japanese mythology and the demonic multi-headed Orochi. Simply put, there's a reason why Ghidorah is Godzilla's most popular foe, and one look is all you need.

Monsters Saving Humans. Until this film most monster movies followed a somewhat similar path, that of mankind working to stop the monster from destroying them all. The previous film in the series, Mothra Vs Godzilla, humanity had to pull together to persuade Mothra to fight on their behalf against Godzilla. Here humanity has little to do other than survive. They make another appeal to Mothra, but regardless of the appeal the Earth is doomed unless the monsters unite. Humanity plays a minimalist role if any in their own salvation. Our fate is in the hands of the monsters. The point is subtly reinforced throughout the film. Princess Salno's life is saved twice by the serendipitous intervention of monsters, once by Rodan dropping Godzilla on the power-lines and later by Ghidorah blasting off a chunk of the mountainside, the falling rocks killing the assassin. In the latter case its less salvation by monster though and more evil begets evil or karmic law.

The Brilliance of Mothra. With the original Mothra film from 1961 writer Shinichi Sekizawa changed the monster movie paradigm. In that film Mothra saved us from ourselves. She was portrayed as a being wiser than ourselves and a higher authority. In Mothra Vs Godzilla the benevolent kaiju purposefully chooses to save humanity from Godzilla. Sekizawa once more uses Mothra to open up the story possibilities in organic ways. She is the character that brings Godzilla and Rodan together. Only through a character like Mothra could you further develop the kaiju and retain a semblance of severity and believability. This film further reinforces the creative genius of Sekizawa and Mothra.

THE BAD

For Ghidorah having his name on the title he's not in the movie very much. That might be due to the extreme difficulty of getting the Ghidorah suit and puppetry to perform convincingly. There are a few continuity errors in the Japanese version of the film too (which incidentally are corrected in the recut American version). There is also no real explanation for the disappearance of one of the twin Mothra larva. For that matter the continuity between this film and the previous film is fairly loose given how closely connected they should be. Sadly film to film continuity throughout the Showa era is always a little spotty. Beyond these little nitpicks there isn't much I don't like about this film.

THE VERDICT

One of the crowning achievements in the Godzilla franchise, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster is a landmark film in the franchise in terms of story, special effects, and monster mayhem. The execution of Ghidorah is simply spectacular. It may not be as technically perfected as its predecessor, Mothra Vs Godzilla, but no other Godzilla film in the series has had as profound an impact on the franchise. This is Toho's Avengers. This film also represents the last movie in which Godzilla was shown as a villain in the Showa era. Godzilla may act to save humanity at the end of this film, but he still wouldn't mind destroying us himself. In all the films afterwards Godzilla is identified as the hero. It would take 20 years for Godzilla to return to his villainous roots.

Overall Ranking: 9 out of 10

Nigh Perfect! Makes it into my Top Ten. A Rarity.

Category: Transcendence

(a film enjoyed by both the adolescent and adult Godzilla fan)

VHS/DVD/BLU-RAY

If you are looking for the perfect release of this film none get any better than the Toho Master Collection DVD version from Genius Entertainment and Classic Media. What makes this the perfect edition for any English speaking fan? For starters this DVD contains both the original Japanese language version as well as the original English language version complete with the AIP English dub (the version most of us grew up with on television and VHS). Along with that there is an audio commentary by Godzilla scholar David Kalat, image gallery, original Japanese trailer, and biography of Eiji Tsuburaya. With three different ways to view the film plus special features (albeit modest ones), simply put, this edition is one of the finest releases of any Godzilla film.

As of 2016 there is no American Blu Ray release.

If only every single Showa era Godzilla film as well as Godzilla 1985 were given similar treatment. These editions from Genius Entertainment and Classic Media are without a doubt the best Godzilla releases for fans.

Missed a chapter in the saga? Get caught up as we continue the countdown to number one!

Part 6: Invasion of Astro Monster (1965)

Part 7: Godzilla Vs The Sea Monster (1966)

Part 8: Son Of Godzilla (1967)

Part 9: Destroy All Monsters (1968)

Part 10: Godzilla's Revenge (1969)

Part 11: Godzilla Vs The Smog Monster (1971)

Part 12: Godzilla Vs Gigan (1972)

Part 13: Godzilla Vs Megalon (1973)

Part 14: Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla (1974)

Part 15: Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975)

Part 16: The Return of Godzilla (1984)