DVD Pick of the Week: (TIE) Godzilla Raids Again, Mothra Vs. Godzilla

This week's slate is not terribly stacked, but it does offer a good selection of titles for your viewing pleasure. Whether you want new or old, family oriented or controversial, foreign or domestic, there is something for you. CIA thrillers, adaptation of a classic novel, horror remake, classic sports, or martial arts, there is a wide variety to choose from. My choices for this week are classic foreign films, not necessarily good, but they hold a special place in my heart. So, without further ado, read on!

I couldn't pare my choice to one, leaving this week as a tie. The two films that come with my personal stamp of approval are Godzilla Raids Again and Mothra Vs. Godzilla. These titles were long delayed from their original release date last November. The general release was delayed, but they were still available through Classic Media's website. Why they were delayed, I do not know, but I have had these disks in hand since November, and I can attest to them being well worth the wait, particularly for Mothra Vs. Godzilla.

Much like the release of the original Gojira on DVD, these two releases have both the original Japanese and American versions of the film. This is the first time that those orginal versions have been available in the States, and this Godzilla fan is more than happy for it, as I had never gotten to see those versions before. The quality of these two disks is very good, a lot of work went into restoring these disks, and it paid off. In addition to the transfers both disks have interesting commentary tracks and a couple of featurettes.

To see the original versions of these was eye opening, in particular Godzilla Raids Again. That was the second film of the series, and the US and Japanese versions are quite different, in content and translation. The Mothra film wasn't nearly as drastic, but it still is a bit different.

Bottom line is if you are a Godzilla fan, get these disks, they are the best that have been available yet and will make good additions to your collection.

Also available this week:

• Volver. Very nearly this week's pick, until the Godzilla films made their presence known. This was a very good film with a great performance from Penelope Cruz. It is an interesting character piece that left me short on story details. It was my first exposure to Pedro Almodovar's work.
• The Good Shepherd. Never did get around to seeing this. It was directed by Robert DeNiro and chronicles the early years of the CIA.
• Charlotte's Web. Dakota Fanning stars in this faithful adaptation of the classic family novel. It is definitely worth checking out, even if it doesn't completely capture the magic.
• Black Christmas. This remake may lack a center, but it does deliver some fun kills and thrills. I know I enjoyed it.
• The Lost Room. This was the Sci Fi Channel's annual mini-series, and it felt like it could lead to a series. It was a very good mini concerning mystical items that came from a mysterious hotel room, each giving its owner a power.
• Mind of Mencia: Season 2. He may be accused of stealing much of his material, but I still find the show to be absolutely hilarious.
• The Natural: Director's Cut. Not sure what the director's cut has to offer, but this is a classic sports tale.
• The Mario Bava Collection Volume 1: Black Sunday, Black Sabbath, The Girk Who Knew Too Much, Kill Baby Kill, Knives of the Avenger). I cannot recall if I have ever scene a Bava film, certainly none of these, but I would like to start.
• Death of a President. This premiered to a flurry of controversy at, I believe, the Toronto Film Festival last year. It was picked up and hurried through theaters, and now arrives on DVD.
• Shadow Whip. Image continues to release the Celestial remasters of classic Shaw Bros. flicks, including this wuxia film from the early 1970's.

What are you checking out this week?