Godzilla is now a hero after being feared for so long? Did I miss something? Anyhow, Godzilla – The Series featured 39 episodes created by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin shortly after the big budget remake. The show was run off the air in 2000 after pretty poor results. This is probably because Emmerich and Devlin transformed Godzilla from a huge monster to a practical little pet we would want to own. The animated series is worth a watch for children as there are only 39 episodes, but don’t expe…t anything groundbreaking. The Monster Mayhem DVD contains 3 random episodes listed below
- What Dreams May Come: The HEAT team is challenged when a gigantic humanoid-shaped energy monster (“The Crackler”) attacks parts of New York City by firing electrical blasts as a weapon against Godzilla. The episode itself was somewhat entertaining but I couldn’t really take this episode seriously because Godzilla was made all cutesy and not menacing like he was meant to be.
- Bird of Paradise: A giant flying lizard (“Quetzalcoati”) with its napalm fire breathing abilities emerges from a dormant volcano in Southern Mexico. The HEAT team is called into action to save the day. Just like the first episode, the thought of a group of people calling on Godzilla to save the day seems a bit weird.
- Deadloch: The HEAT teams travels to Scotland’s Pisces Institute, near Loch Ness. Apparently, “Nessie” is alive and attacking. While this was the best episode on the disc, I couldn’t really take it serious.
For a show made for children, I’ll admit that the Godzilla series is not totally awful. The shows are somewhat entertaining, but really can’t be taken serious at all. They kind of remind me a bit of The Mighty Morphing Power Rangers in that the show provides 20 minutes of excitement for children. Maybe if I was a kid I could enjoy the show more.
Each episode Godzilla faces a new monster, never his old nemesis’ like Mothra, King Gidorah or countless others. Why is this show labeled with the name of Godzilla if he doesn’t even fight his own monsters? All Godzilla needs now is a big leash and chew toy because he seems like a cuddly pet.
All in all, the show is not a complete horror, but is strictly only for children as I can’t really imagine anyone else who would possible enjoy this show on a level like children would.
Video
Godzilla – The Series is presented in its’ original 1:33:1 Full Screen aspect ratio. Colors are pretty strong and resemble how an animated show should look. The image is free of any really breaks or blemishes in the image while no edge-enhancement is noticeable in these three episodes. The end result is a solid transfer here that is near perfect except for the little blips here and there around the edges.
Audio
We’re given your standard English Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Audio Track that is well done. The audio serves the show’s purpose fine with dialogue being extremely clear. Don’t expect anything really easy to move the speakers except Godzilla’s shrieks and screams.
Special Features
Nothing presented here.
Closing Thoughts
Godzilla – The Series is clearly made for children as our famed monster is made into a cuddly little hero instead of a destroyer of anything standing. The DVD presents fine video and audio with no features (seems a bit odd). With a mere price of $9.99 in most stores, I can recommend this show for parents who are looking for a simple gift for their kids.
