Death Waltz / Mondo (2023)
Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and its sequel are definitely the high point in the Millennium Godzilla series for me. With Godzilla's return in this 2002 movie, we've got a Godzilla design that I like (eyes that have pupils!), a compelling human story and a new version of my all-time favorite Godzilla Opponent, Mechagodzilla, or as it is known in this film, Kiryu.
I love the design of this Mechagodzilla. It takes the sharp edges and menacing vibe of the 1974 design (still my favorite robot of all time) and modernizes it. But they don't go as far with the rounded aerodynamics of the 1993 design. This 2002 model sides in the middle, pulling in the right choices of both approaches for an excellent looking robot who has some great fight scenes with Godzilla.
For the soundtrack, we've thankfully moved away from the dreary synth of the GMK score and have a triumphant orchestral soundtrack courtesy of Michiru Oshima. It's exactly what I want and might be the best non-Ifukube score in the Godzilla canon. Soaring highs, menacing lows and an energetic pace that matches up with the action on the screen.
Death Walt and Mondo do their typically nice work on this soundtrack. I like the art, the colored vinyl is the right choice and the fourth side screen printing looks good. As usual, I wish there was more uniformity from record to record in this series, but as a standalone, this one definitely looks the business.
Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla:
https://youtu.be/gk-aZCm-PKI?si=iYw_9_C6MNehvKlI
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