I like Godzilla 1985 is a 1985 Japanese-American science-fiction kaiju film co-directed by R.J. Kizer and Koji Hashimoto. The film is a heavily re-edited American adaptation of the Japanese film The Return of Godzilla produced by Toho in 1984. In addition to the film being re-cut, re-titled, and dubbed in English, Godzilla 1985 featured additional footage produced by New World Pictures.Both the New World Pictures and Toho versions of the film serve as direct sequels to the original Godzilla film. However, while Toho's version serves as a sequel to the original 1954 Godzilla film, Godzilla 1985 serves as a sequel to Godzilla, King of the Monsters!, the 1956 Americanization of the original film which also starred Raymond Burr. Godzilla 1985 uses the same techniques used in Godzilla, King of The Monsters where the original Japanese footage is dubbed and edited together with the American footage. In addition to keeping Reijiro Koroku's original score, the film uses cues from Christopher Young's Def-Con 4 film score.The film was met with mainly unfavorable reviews upon its release in the United States. Just like Godzilla, King of The Monsters, a majority of the nuclear themes and political overtones featured in the Japanese original were removed from the North American version. Godzilla 1985 was the last Godzilla film to be distributed theatrically in the United States until the release of Godzilla 2000.Godzilla 1985 also hasn't been released in DVD or Blu-ray by Kraken Releasing, which it only included its original Japanese Version known as The Return of Godzilla and its international dub of The Return of Godzilla. Also all of the other American releases of the other Godzilla films were released in DVD, making Godzilla 1985 the only American Version of the film that has been released in VHS, but hasn't been released on DVD yet.

This attempt to update(and revive) the franchise was originally called "The Return Of Godzilla", but was dubbed and re-edited for its North American release, which serves as a sequel only to "Godzilla, King Of The Monsters"(and loose remake of original first sequel "Godzilla Raids Again"), with Raymond Burr reprising his role as journalist Steve Martin, more of an onlooker than participant this time, as he is given little to do. Our favorite big green reptile(a second one) stomps Tokyo again, though this version does have an international feel, even if some of the dubbed dialogue is dreadful. Not as bad as its reputation(contemporary reviews were harsh) though not quite inspired enough to succeed, even if it does have some impact.Like the Japanese version, this is still strangely unavailable on Region 1 DVD, though can be found on VHS. Started a second series of sequels with "Godzilla Vs. Biollante".

Unfortunately, I have yet to locate a copy of the original Japanese version, so I only have the bastardized dubbed version to review. Anyway,I'll get on with the review. I had mixed feelings about this film. There are elements of this film which I like, and others that I don't.I'll start with the things I do like. For one thing, the soundtrack is brilliant, perhaps on a par with Ifukube's music. It is dark and foreboding, giving the movie a real ominous feeling. Next is the effects work. I'm a longtime fan of suitmation, which I feel is an unappreciated special effects style. Not to mention the intricate Tokyo set. I love miniatures, and the mini Tokyo in this film is a doozy. I really love the opening, and also the first time we see Godzilla, emerging from the mist, growling threateningly, and subsequently destroying the power plant. It's a truly brilliant moment, especially with that tense and creepy music playing.Now for the things I don't enjoy. For one, when Godzilla finally does show up in Tokyo, it's a bit of an anticlimax. Big G doesn't really destroy much, he just walks around a bit. Don't get me wrong, the rampage isn't the only reason for watching the movie, but it is an integral part of many Godzilla movies (I say "many" because in some of the films there is very little city destruction, as they focus more on the combat of the monsters, which is fine for films with two or more monsters, because you don't need the city destruction as much when monsters are fighting), and the fact that Tokyo is left largely intact is disappointing to me. This one only applies to the bastardized version only, and of course, that is, the added scenes of American actors. Pointless, dull, bad acting and annoying. So that's my two scents on Godzilla 1985, or The Return of Godzilla, or just Godzilla. Whatever you want to call it.

In the 1980's, producer Tomoyuki Tanaka had plans to make another Godzilla movie. Instead of making a sequel to 1975s Terror of MechaGodzilla, he decided to reboot the series. This film takes place directly after the 1954 Gojira taking place 30 years later, ultimately ignoring the sequels from the 50s to the 70s. In Japan, the movie was called Godzilla, in the US it's known as Godzilla 1985, but I like to call it by its international title, The Return of Godzilla.The story may be simple, but it works. It's essentially the plot of the first movie with some differences. For one thing, this is the second Godzilla creature to attack Japan. Another thing is the addition of the new flying weapon, the Super X used to stop Godzilla and ultimately failed. The major difference is the setting, the first movie was in 1954, this one is in 1984, a whole 30 years since he original attack.The acting is really well done, and the effects look spectacular. My only minor nitpick has to be the animatronic close ups of Godzillas face. It's a unique idea, but it suffers from the fact that the head doesn't resemble the suits head.Speaking of the suit, I love what they did with is suit, it resemble the 1954 Godzilla minus the ears and tiny pupils that made him look more like an animal.I can safely say it's one of the best Godzilla films I've seen in a while. It really is worth watching. Only problem, like most American fans, it's very hard to see this film mostly because it never got a US DVD release, it was released theatrically in the US and was released on VHS in the US, but never got a DVD release. Thankfully I own a bootleg of the movie which also comes with the US release, Godzilla 1985.Now my quick thoughts on the US release, it's the same as the original release in Japan, but with a lot of differences. One major difference is the inclusion of Raymond Burr, returning as Steve Martin from the US release of Gojira (Known as Godzilla King of the Monsters). There were also minor scenes cut from the film I.E. Goro calling his editor from an island, and Hayashada and Naoko making a wave generator. The most controversial change was the scene where the Russian submarine officer Colonel Kashirin valiantly attempts to stop the launch of a nuclear weapon. New World edited the scene (and added a brief shot of Kashirin pressing the launch button) so that Kashirin actually launches the nuclear weapon.It's an OK release, but the Japanese version is much better.My Rating - The Return of Godzilla (Japanese Release) - 10/10. Godzilla 1985 (US Release) - 6/10