5.6 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A giant crocodile is killing and frightening people living nearby rivers. Two men, whose wives and daughter have been killed by the crocodile, decide to chase and eliminate it.
Director: Won-se LeeForeign | 100% |
Horror | 81% |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 1.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
We all know the story. In 1975, “Jaws” was released, becoming a box office sensation, thrilling summer audiences with spills and chills, rich characterization, and a premise virtually guaranteeing a thrill ride at the theater. The movie helped to change the way Hollywood did business, and it introduced the world to the directorial mastery of Steven Spielberg. The classic’s legacy carries on to this day, with rereleases common and merchandise plentiful, giving generational lift to the endeavor, which has been a popular, in-demand feature for nearly 50 years. Global film industries took notice, and they quickly began work on knockoffs, desperate to sweep up the coins Universal Pictures left behind when dealing with the unexpected explosion of “Jaws”-mania. 1979’s “Crocodile” (a.k.a. “Crocodile Fangs”) is a Korean-Thai production hoping to bring monster-from-the- deep energy to the screen once again, this time using a giant reptile juiced up on atomic radiation to bring horror to fishing communities. “Crocodile” has more in common with “Godzilla,” but finding a specific moviemaking approach to this absolute mess of a picture is the real viewing challenge here, with the effort sloppily stitching together vague story ideas and not-really-special effects with hopes that something resembling a coherent product will materialize in the end. It doesn’t.
The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation brings as much clarity as possible to the viewing experience, with the production stitched together from different shoots and displays of technology. When there's cinematographic stability, there's a good sense of skin surfaces and costuming. Crocodile textures are present, capturing roughness of appearance, along with the artificiality of the monstrous creations. Interiors preserve room dimension. Exteriors are also reasonably deep, reaching into tourist areas and village tours. Colors are alert, with deep reds and vivid greenery throughout the viewing experience. Clothing choices bring out powerful primaries, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film- like. Source is in decent condition.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix struggles with stability, as "Crocodile" often battles with age and production capability when it comes to capturing and adding sound. The listening event is on the tinny side, but intelligibility isn't threatened. Music is also slightly muddier, but a general sense of suspense is present. Sound effects are amplified, looking to sell the chaos of crocodile attacks, turbulent weather, community terror, and medical support.
"Crocodile" doesn't slip into "Jaws" mode in the final act (if there is such a thing), following Tony, John, and Tanaka into a boat for croc hunting, joined by Peter, a cheapskate photographer meant to add some comic relief to the feature. He doesn't. The men search for the creature, they search some more, and they search again, with the sequence really representing the inertia of the production, offering little for viewers to enjoy. Not helping the cause is a non-ending, which doesn't clarify character fates or even deal with the crocodile in a satisfying manner. The film just ends. "Crocodile" isn't a proper Bad Movie Night title, lacking a basic fun factor with its idiocy. It's more of a drag, creating a punishing viewing experience for those just looking for some dumb, direct "Jaws" rip-off entertainment.
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