With the brand-new release of ALL FIVE (so far) of the Monsterverse movies on Ultra 4K, I thought it would be a good idea to revisit 2017’s Kong: Skull Island. Received well both critically and commercially, this kaiju film is a visual spectacle and the new 4K upgrade - courtesy of Warner Brothers - doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its handling of Kong and all the other monsters on Skull Island.
There are few images more iconic than King Kong climbing the Empire State Building in 1933’s classic film and, thankfully, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) doesn’t try to top that landmark in film history with anything in Kong: Skull Island. Instead, the focus is on telling one hell of a good story which combines a whole lot of kaiju folklore with the events of World War II (where it all began) and a mysterious organization known as Monarch.
The monsters are coming! The monsters are coming! The monsters are coming!!!
Hooray for the longevity of the B-movie! With a tight script, Kong: Skull Island recaptures most of the freewheeling celluloid fun that has been missing from the countless remakes since the original 1933 classic, King Kong. This is a back to the basics bellringer, with a focus on monsters and the mythology surrounding them.
Let that sink in for a bit. Hollywood – by draining the emotion and ratcheting up the monster takedowns – got it right this time. This is matinee material, true, and it is as it should be. Both the film’s tone and its swagger work in conjunction to create a throwback to the monster flicks of yore; when entertainment was as fresh and as tasty as the hot, buttery popcorn.
Centered on Kong’s Skull Island home, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ keeps the monster-driven picture king-sized and fun, fun, fun. Kong: Skull Island is so much better than you might be expecting. It gels with 2014’s Godzilla remake and is the antithesis of Peter Jackson’s spin on the tale of how beauty killed the beast, which is a good thing.
Thankfully, writers Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, and Derek Connolly have all done their homework; the respect on display throughout Kong: Skull Island is to be commended. The film takes place in 1973.
Watergate.
Nixon.
And it can’t help itself from making some pretty jubilant wisecracks about politicians. Don’t worry, though. The screenplay’s only agenda is to entertain, get us to that mysterious island, and, surprisingly, connect us with other monsters in the established lore.
And it all starts with actor John Goodman as a conspiracy-embracing idealist convincing Richard Jenkins playing a DC senator to fund his latest hearsay-backed shenanigan involving something BIG and HAIRY being hidden on a remote island in the South Pacific.
With a cast that includes John C. Reilly as a veteran of World War II who has been stranded on the island since 1944, Samuel L. Jackson as Vietnam military commander with a chip on his shoulder, Tom Hiddleston as a British mercenary and tracker, and Brie Larson as a strong-headed female photographer, Kong: Skull Island gets much of his success from the cast doing their thing. Rounding out the members are Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell.
Much of the film is a monster-sized spectacle for sure – especially when all the roaring fills up the ENTIRE screen but, my god, the cast shines throughout this tale (or is it tail?), actually dialing down their stereotypical parts in order to offer a few surprises in the narrative. Simply put, no one gets in the way of the monsters in this flick.
Approaching the island by helicopter, the audience is quickly treated to the threats of Mother Nature and of a gigantic gorilla. The crew maintains their composure after getting smacked out of the air, but their differing personalities are revealed through reactionary grunts and growls, with Jackson leading the charge to kill, kill, kill before they become peeled like bananas.
Thankfully, that’s not the only course the movie takes. This is a monster movie first and foremost; it is a tale of survival second to that. This means that our gang of survivors must overcome all manner of beasties AND mysteries before reaching the "safe" side of Skull Island.
And, in that way, this spirited b-movie sprouts wings and carries us off on a high-flying adventure that recounts the thrills and spills of Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. It is popcorn escapism through and through; critics and celluloid cynics need not buy a ticket to ride. It is just all-around fun as it anoints the true star of the flick with a Kong-sized crown.
Hail to the King, baby!
Home Video Distributor: Warner Bros.
Available on Blu-ray - June 25, 2024
Screen Formats: 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Cantonese, Croatian, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified), Mandarin (Traditional), Norwegian, Romanian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish
Video: Resolution: 4K (2160p); HDR: HDR10
Audio: English: Dolby Atmos; English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; French (Canada): Dolby Digital 5.1; Mandarin: Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1; Portuguese: Dolby Digital 5.1; Hindi: Dolby Digital 5.1; Hungarian: Dolby Digital 5.1; Tamil: Dolby Digital 5.1; Telugu: Dolby Digital 5.1; Thai: Dolby Digital 5.1; Turkish: Dolby Digital 5.1; English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Discs: 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc; Six-disc set
Region Encoding: Region-free Playback
Godzilla (2014): This spectacular adventure pits Godzilla, the world's most famous monster, against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence. Kong: Skull Island - When a scientific expedition to an uncharted island awakens titanic forces of nature, a mission of discovery becomes an explosive war between monster and man in a thrilling and original adventure that reveals the untold story of how Kong became King. Godzilla: King of the Monsters - When ancient god-sized monsters rise again, the crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah as they all vie for supremacy. Godzilla vs. Kong - Godzilla and Kong clash in a battle for the ages. As Monarch embarks on a mission into uncharted terrain, a human conspiracy threatens to wipe the creatures from the face of the earth. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire - An all‐new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own.
Video
Framed in an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, The Monsterverse 4K blu-rays are every bit as detailed and on point as you might expect from Warner Bros. Gone are the days of the horribly darkened Godzilla transfer. This puppy is blazing with neon, brilliant details, and deeper than black black levels. Each and every frame is loaded with details and they all work together to create a mesmerizing experience as monsters tag team each other and then an ever bigger presence!
Audio
Get ready to RUMBLE! Because the Dolby Atmos track, which automatically converts to Dolby TrueHD 7.1 for you (if you don’t have the tech), provides the smackdown that you’ll still be hearing long after the movie ends. Thought the visuals were stuffed with wild stuff? Wait until you HEAR the battle of the century!
Supplements:
As you might expect, there are hours upon hours of bonus material included here. There’s also an additional disc full of new roundtable discussions concerning the Monsterverse movies.
On top of the lavishly designed book, there are interviews with crew members, an interview with Alex Cox about his love for the series, interviews with the original composer, and lots of looks at unused Toho special effects. Overall, a great haul for this magnificent creature.
Commentary:
-
See Special Features for the breakdowns.
The Films:
Godzilla:
In this gritty, realistic sci-fi action epic, Godzilla returns to its roots as one of the world's most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.
Kong: Skull Island:
When a scientific expedition to an uncharted island awakens titanic forces of nature, a mission of discovery becomes an explosive war between monster and man. Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman and John C. Reilly star in a thrilling and original new adventure that reveals the untold story of how Kong became King.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters:
The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.
Godzilla Vs. Kong:
Legends collide in “Godzilla vs. Kong” as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans—instigated by unseen forces—is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire:
The epic battle continues! The cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all‐new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence— and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.
Special Features:
"Directors of the Monsterverse:
- Join the directors of the Monsterverse in an entertaining discussion on the movies, monsters and mayhem they love as the four filmmakers share their insights into the cinematic worlds they have created. Strap yourself in for a monstrously good time!"
"Enter the Monsterverse:
- Get a tantalizing glimpse of the denizens of the Monsterverse as they roar their way from our nightmares onto movie screens. Find out how these Titans, who have been thrilling audiences for decades, are interconnected in a single shared universe."
"The Beasts Who Would Be King: Godzilla’s Foes:
- For ages, Titans have tried to dethrone Godzilla as King of the Monsters, yet he endures. Take a hair-raising look at the formidable foes he has vanquished through the ages and discover why, as Godzilla knows, there can only be one king."
"Godzilla: Godzilla: Rebirth of an Icon:
- Track Toho's iconic Godzilla from his post-war beginnings in Japan and enduring, worldwide phenomenon, to his triumphant return to the big screen in this modern, epic blockbuster!"
"Godzilla: The Legendary Godzilla: Godzilla: A Force of Nature:
- Discover how director Gareth Edwards has taken one of the world’s most powerful and relevant pop-culture icons and reinvented him as an ultra-realistic, terrifying force of nature."
"Godzilla: The Legendary Godzilla: A Whole New Level of Destruction:
- Shock-til-you-drop devastation is brought to an epic, yet frighteningly real-life scale."
"Godzilla: The Legendary Godzilla: Into the Void: The H.A.L.O. Jump:
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Lt. Ford Brody) reveals what it takes to make the breathtaking High Altitude Low Opening dive a signature moment in the film."
"Godzilla: The Legendary Godzilla: Ancient Enemy: The M.U.T.O.s:
- Get the lowdown on this new breed of creature that is the ultimate enemy of Godzilla."
"Godzilla: MONARCH: Declassified: Operation: Lucky Dragon:
- See for the first time the original 16mm classified military film which discloses what really happened during the series of US nuclear tests conducted at Bikini Atoll in early 1954 when they were actually trying to destroy the monster."
"Godzilla: MONARCH: Declassified: MONARCH: The M.U.T.O. File:
- This highly classified leaked internal report exposes the massive conspiracy and extend the MONARCH organization went to keep the existence of the M.U.T.Os a secret."
"Godzilla: MONARCH: Declassified: The Godzilla Revelation:
- This startling expose blows the lid off the secret organization known as MONARCH and how for years they kept the M.U.T.O.s hidden from the public."
- Godzilla: Deleted Scene
- Godzilla: Theatrical Trailer
- Kong: Skull Island: Kong: Skull Island, Kong Is King
"Kong: Skull Island: Creating a King: Creating a King, Part 1: Realizing an Icon:
- Explore the rebirth, recreation and re-interpretation of one of the most iconic monsters in cinema history."
"Kong: Skull Island: Creating a King: Creating a King, Part 2: A Terrifying Paradise:
- Creating Skull Island-Explore the rebirth, recreation and re-interpretation of one of the most iconic monsters in cinema history."
"Kong: Skull Island: Creating a King: Creating a King, Part 3: Summoning a God:
- Explore the rebirth, recreation and re-interpretation of one of the most iconic monsters in cinema history."
"Kong: Skull Island: On Location in Vietnam:
- Skull Island is the first feature of this size and scope to shoot with the majestic landscape of Vietnam as its backdrop. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts details why it was so important to bring the film to these exotic locations and how this decision helped define the film."
"Kong: Skull Island: Tom Hiddleston: The Intrepid Traveler:
- Tour Skull Island’s thrilling locations with the charismatic actor."
"Kong: Skull Island: Through the Lens: Brie Larson's Photography:
- An intimate filmmaking experience, captured by its leading actress."
"Kong: Skull Island: Monarch Files 2.0: Hidden Mission:
- Film reel that offers a deeper dive into the organization and M.U.T.O. mythology, revealing how deep the Monarch web goes."
"Kong: Skull Island: Monarch Files 2.0: The Iwi:
- Film reel that offers a deeper dive into the organization and M.U.T.O. mythology, revealing how deep the Monarch web goes."
"Kong: Skull Island: Monarch Files 2.0: Florafauna:
- Film reel that offers a deeper dive into the organization and M.U.T.O. mythology, revealing how deep the Monarch web goes."
"Kong: Skull Island: Monarch Files 2.0: M.U.T.O.s:
- Film reel that offers a deeper dive into the organization and M.U.T.O. mythology, revealing how deep the Monarch web goes."
- Kong: Skull Island: Monarch Files 2.0: Kong and the Skullcrawlers
- Kong: Skull Island: Deleted Scenes
- Kong: Skull Island: Theatrical Trailer
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Welcome to the Monsterverse:
- Get a tantalizing glimpse of the denizens of the Monsterverse as they roar their way from our nightmares onto our movie screens. Find out how these monsters, who have been thrilling audiences for decades, are interconnected in a single shared universe."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Monsters 101: Godzilla: Nature's Fearsome Guardian:
- A 355-foot living mountain powered by atomic energy, Godzilla is a towering protector of the natural world, guarding the Earth from invasive species using his devastating atomic breath and thunderous roar."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Monsters 101: Mothra: Queen of the Monsters:
- Mothra is an elegant, bioluminescent winged creature who emits a soothing hum. But don’t let her beauty fool you. Like Godzilla, she strives to protect the natural world, and like a mother protecting her young, she can be a lethal killer."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Monsters 101: Ghidorah: The Living Extinction Machine:
- If any creature of the Monsterverse can challenge Godzilla’s supremacy, it is the flying, three-headed serpent and God of the Air, King Ghidorah. Known to insiders by his codename, “Monster Zero,” this ancient destroyer traverses the skies wrapped in a supercell thunderstorm."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Monsters 101: Rodan: Airborne God of Fire:
- With an 871-foot wingspan and the ability to accelerate to supersonic speeds, Rodan is a crimson red, fire-breathing destroyer."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Evolution of the Titans: Godzilla 2.0:
- Director Michael Dougherty and his creative team reveal their vision for Godzilla 2.0, a titan that when angered, becomes supercharged with atomic energy, the blood in his veins glowing red as it turns to molten lava."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Evolution of the Titans: Making Mothra:
- How do you create a version of Mothra that honors the legacy of the many films that came before, yet explodes on screen with such thrilling ferocity it blows away modern audiences"
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Evolution of the Titans: Creating Ghidorah:
- How do you create a version of Ghidorah that honors the legacy of the many films that came before, yet explodes on screen with such thrilling ferocity it blows away modern audiences?"
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Evolution of the Titans: Reimagining Rodan:
- How do you create a version of Rodan that honors the legacy of the many films that came before, yet explodes on screen with such thrilling ferocity it blows away modern audiences?"
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Momentous Monster Moments: The Yunnan Temple:
- Discover how the birth of Motha– and the ancient Yunnan Temple where it takes place – were created."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Momentous Monster Moments: Castle Bravo:
- Join the filmmaking team as they illuminate the creation of Gozilla’s breathtaking return, and the location where it takes place: Castle Bravo, Monarch’s epic Deep-Sea Command Center."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Momentous Monster Moments: The Antarctic Base:
- Join the filmmakers as they reveal how King Ghidorah was brought to terrifying life inside Monarch’s underground Antarctic Base with its towering ice wall."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Momentous Monster Moments: The Isla de Mara Volcano:
- Discover how the rise of Rodan came to life, combining modern visual effects with traditional on-location filmmaking."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Momentous Monster Moments: The Undersea Lair:
- For the first time ever, audiences get to see Godzilla’s undersea lair, a vast watery cathedral surrounded by radioactive thermal vents from which The King derives his atomic power and watch as he rises to glory again."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Millie Bobby Brown: Force of Nature:
- While considerably smaller than her co-stars, Millie Bobbie Brown is, like the Titans, a force of nature. Join her, Michael Dougherty and the cast on set as they recount the most devilish pranks they played, along with a few embarrassing (and hilarious) moments."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Monster Tech: Monarch Joins the Fight:
- Join the filmmakers and their special effects wizards in this high-energy look at the tech that makes Monarch’s missions possible. Go inside the enormous Argo command ship and the tiny submersible that locates Godzilla’s hidden lair."
"Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Monsters Are Real:
- Why does the fear of monsters resonate in every culture and civilization around the globe? Join this deep dive into the chilling world of our primal fears, a world where the myths and legends of history are not merely fairy tales, but proof of reality."
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Deleted Scenes
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Theatrical Trailers: Life
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Theatrical Trailers: Supremacy
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Theatrical Trailers: Over the Rainbow
- Godzilla, King of the Monsters: Theatrical Trailers: Wonder Rumble
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The God: Godzilla Attacks:
- Godzilla makes his first appearance in old-school Toho fashion, stomping out of the Florida surf and laying waste to men, machines, buildings and everything else in his path."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The God: The Phenomenon of Gōjira, King of the Monsters:
- An international icon, Godzilla has starred in over 35 feature films and countless episodes of television. Discover why this awesome Titan continues to capture the imagination of millions, spawning an enduring culture of fans around the world."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The King: Kong Leaves Home:
- Inspired by his relationship with a hearing-impaired young girl named Jia, Kong leaves his island fortress to undertake an epic journey to save humanity and find his ancestral home."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The King: Kong Discovers Hollow Earth:
- Spurred on by his young friend Jia, Kong leads the way into Hollow Earth – a vast land beyond the imagination, where the mystery of his ancient rivalry with Godzilla is revealed."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The King: Behold Kong's Temple:
- Deep within Hollow Earth, Kong pushes open towering stone doors to discover his ancient home. Here, where generations of Titans once flourished, Kong takes his rightful place on the throne of his ancestors."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The King: The Evolution of Kong, Eighth Wonder of the World:
- Born as a stop-motion animation puppet in 1933, Kong has evolved into an eye-popping, fur-rippling, Titan so realistic you can practically smell his monkey breath. Discover how he evolved through the ages and why audiences still embrace him with such passion."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The Rise of MechaGodzilla:
- Like a gleaming steel monster from our nightmares, MechaGodzilla comes to life in a grinding, crackling whir of biomechanical terror bent on world domination. Discover how this fan favorite from classic Toho films was reinvented for a new age."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The Battles Royale: Round One: Battle at Sea:
- Chained to the deck of a transport ship, Kong must face his ancient rival on Godzilla’s home turf – the open sea. With his young friend Jia looking on in fear, Kong proves he is up to the challenge."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The Battles Royale: Round Two: One Will Fall:
- Amid the glittering towers of Hong Kong, two giants have arisen: Kong and Godzilla, renewing their age-old battle for domination. But there can only be one King."
"Godzilla vs. Kong: The Battles Royale: Titan Tag Team: The God and the King:
- In the rubble of Hong Kong, two behemoths meet on the field of battle: Godzilla and MechaGodzilla. In a fight to the death, Godzilla seems outmatched until his former foe comes to his rescue, creating the greatest Tag Team in Titan history."
- Godzilla vs. Kong: Theatrical Trailer
| Movie |  |
|
| Video |  |
|
| Audio | |
|
| Extras | |
|
|
Composite Blu-ray Grade
|
||
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 118 mins
Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Writer: Dan Gilroy; Max Borenstein
Cast: Tom Hiddleston; Samuel L. Jackson; Brie Larson
Genre: Action | Drama
Tagline: All Hail The King
Memorable Movie Quote: "Hey, what happened with the war? Did we win?"
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Official Site:
Release Date: March 10, 2017
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: June 25, 2024
Synopsis: After the Vietnam war, a team of scientists explores an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong and must fight to escape a primal Eden.
