Thanks goes to Jessica Stan for sending this in for review!
Akira Ifukube's score for Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), widely regarded as one of the finest soundtracks in the Showa Godzilla series and a true standout in his body of work. The score strikes a perfect balance between the more familiar, classic motifs that Ifukube would become known for alongside an updated take to the iconic Godzilla theme. In terms of the Showa-era films, this iteration of Godzilla's theme is arguably the most memorable, fully capturing the power of the creature in ways that had not been achieved before.
Beyond the revitalized Godzilla theme, the soundtrack is filled with a number of standout tracks that highlight Ifukube's exceptional range as a composer. "Godzilla vs. the Tank Corps" is a high-energy, thrilling motif that brilliantly conveys the battle between Godzilla and the military forces, while "Infant Island" evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, perfectly accompanying the film's otherworldly setting. "Sacred Springs," with its more meditative tone, adds a nice soothing element to the score.
One of the major strengths of the Mothra vs. Godzilla score is the diversity of its musical cues. Ifukube avoids the occasional trap of over-repetition that sometimes plagued his work in other films, such as Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster (1964) where certain themes were reused excessively. Here, while still repetitive at times, the composer demonstrates a better sense of variety. This approach not only prevents the score from feeling monotonous but also allows each track to stand out on its own, creating a more engaging and dynamic listening experience.
In terms of the bonus material off this CD, which is rare on these Futureland releases, the disc has a background music track for the "Hamakaze Hotel" along with a trio of karaoke versions of the songs heard during the film. If you are comparing this directly to the Toho Music edition (G-004), it's missing three outtakes, two karaoke songs and music associated with the US version of the film.
Overall, Mothra vs. Godzilla is one of Ifukube's most beloved scores. While this particular CD is not the best way to get the soundtrack, which would be either the Toho Music release or the cheaper Universal Music release in 2024, it still contains the full soundtrack and fans who already have it should be more than satisfied with the disc. |
