Shin Godzilla recently released in theaters in 4K in the US, getting its second chance on the big screen. It originally released in 2016 to good reception, directed by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion) and Shinji Higuchi (Shin Ultraman). The film marked a transition in the Godzilla franchise. The transition can be summarized as the franchise getting into darker, deeper themes, though that would devalue previous films. It is clearer to say that Godzilla was getting a “resurgence,” coming back with big, fresh ideas. This is supported by the original official english title of the film, Godzilla: Resurgence, marketed in 2015. It could be argued that the reason the critically acclaimed Godzilla Minus One exists, is because of the reception of Shin Godzilla. It seems to be so by general consensus, but re-release demands a resurgence past even Minus One. 

Luckily for fans, parent company Toho already plans to expand the franchise globally, including a confirmed sequel to Minus One. More relevant, there’s also a rumor of a Shin Godzilla sequel being in the works, speculated since the original release. The new remaster in 4K allows audiences to revel in a modern Godzilla masterpiece as fans await future projects. Shin Godzilla 4K is a celebratory event for all Godzilla fans on the eve of the franchise’s global expansion and increased popularity.

Themes of Godzilla

The original Godzilla (1954) movie was a direct response to the nuclear devastation that wiped out two cities of civilians in Japan. Historically, the United States who carried out the attack did not accept responsibility for the action, instead censoring the event. Due to pent up frustrations of that censorship, the movie was created. This is the main reason for its popularity, contrasted by the common American perception that the franchise was simply about monsters fighting monsters unseriously. Due to the resurgence brought on by Shin Godzilla, this perception may have finally changed.

For those unfamiliar, Shin Godzilla is a modern take on the franchise, taking place in current day Japan. It shows a lot like a political drama, because in part—it is. As a character is introduced in the film, they are accompanied by a line of text reporting their political positions. The film sports heavy dialogue, expressive body language, and brief shots of Godzilla himself. Yet, Godzilla is still a dreadful force, something the characters find out only too late. Godzilla evolves rapidly, changing forms as the story progresses. Each form is larger, more grotesque than the last, until he becomes a malignant form. He is an unstoppable, vengeful beast enacting death upon the city of Tokyo. His vengeance is in a vague way pointed towards the government officials, murdering thousands of innocents in the process. Godzilla is yet again, a disaster quieting a once bustling city in Japan.

The Story of Shin Godzilla

The film carries one of the best aspects in the franchise: a critique of a political subject in real life. In this case, the film criticizes the slow response of the government with its many due processes, worsened by vain, older government officials. In particular, the older men in the movie trouble themselves with their own public perception, ignoring the advice of younger, forward-thinking officials. It is this push-and-pull that creates the tension in the story, coupled with the devastation wrought by Godzilla. One of the key revelations in the film is of negligent nuclear waste.

The waste is discovered to be why Godzilla was transforming. It is this negligence that led to the horrible events. However, the younger politicians take the lead and concoct a plan to defeat the monster. Through practical strategies, they were able to make a last-ditch effort. The tension in this way releases to a catharsis, eclipsing dread with a sense of hope and reconstruction.

Shin Godzilla as the Resurgence

This brings us back to how the film is still in its influences. In between speculation and marketing of newer projects, the re-release seems to be a breather in the franchise. Not only a celebratory event, but a sign of more to come. This presents a chance for the community to reconnect. What is notable about the 4K showing is that it is reminiscent of when Godzilla Minus One was also re-released, but in black-and-white graphics. This is unique in the US since select Toho-produced films had a tendency either not to be shown or have a limited release in general. It is a sign of the growing popularity in the US as well as Godzilla’s more positive reception. The 2014 Monsterverse movie was likely the reason for this trend but was not explosive at the time of its showing. 

It seems as if the US is a region finally being targeted with new releases from overseas productions. Meaning that we can expect a more globally-sensitive franchise as already suggested by the expansion. Another supporting piece of evidence is the Southeast Asian Godzilla acknowledgement. As part of the 70th anniversary Toho Entertainment Asia “honors Southeast Asia, celebrating seven decades of Godzilla’s unstoppable journey through the region’s iconic landmarks.” It feels like a small announcement, a single one out of the many shorts since Shin Godzilla. Yet they chose to emphasize a region that isn’t Japan, making sure Godzilla is recognized everywhere.

Godzilla as an IP

Toho is finally beginning to see Godzilla as an intellectual property (IP), spreading him far and wide. The 4K is clearly a part of this, also re-releasing the home video version with a new collector’s edition. To fill in the gap between now and 2027’s showing of Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, there will inevitably be more announcements. Immersive park rides, new merchandise and video games are all a part of this expansion too. There’s little reason not to keep busy as Toho begins treating Godzilla as an IP, going global. Re-releases will become more common with this trend, including new versions of movies. At this point, it seems customary to include a black-and-white version of Toho-produced films. It is a great time to be a fan.

Since the beginning of the Reiwa era, a multitude of projects have released. This includes most of the Monsterverse, Minus One, Godzilla Singular Point, and the Godzilla Earth Trilogy. That is nearly a dozen projects, all forwarded by Shin’s initial release. The 4K remaster lets fans look back on a great nine years of Godzilla, a contrast to the drought after Godzilla: Final Wars. Instead of fans having to defend the franchise when they share their passion, people are now joining in on the fun. The action is led by the Monsterverse, while the contemplations are made on the Japan front. No longer do fans have to wonder if a new film will come out, they instead wonder when.