Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Gator Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov January 31, 2025

Burt Reynolds's "Gator" (1976) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films. The supplemental features on the release include archival program with Burt Reynolds; new audio commentary by author and critic Patrick Bromley; Adrian Buitenhuis' documentary "I Am Burt Reynolds"; vintage promotional materials; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

Gator McKlusky is a character Burt Reynolds played twice. However, the original version of it from Joseph Sargent’s White Lightning is not related to the second version of it from Reynolds’ directorial debut, Gator. In White Lightning, McKlusky is a moonshine runner who is released from prison after cutting a deal with the FBI to take down a very corrupt and very powerful sheriff responsible for the death of his younger brother. In Gator, McKlusky is a retired moonshine runner and a whole bunch of other things forced by the authorities to help them get rid of a ruthless criminal. Both films are set in the South and feature a lot of good old-fashioned action. However, their styles and personalities are quite different.

In Gator, McKlusky’s target is his old friend Bama McCall (Jerry Reed), who is the undisputed king of Dunston County, Georgia. McCall runs the moonshine business, the drug business, and the prostitution business there. He is the area’s biggest racketeer. When necessary, his goons take out targets, too. But when McKlusky agrees to hand McCall to the FBI, he is unaware that his old friend has grown so big and ruthless. Initially, McKlusky assumes all he would have to do is get hard evidence that McCall is a seasoned tax cheater to Yankee federal agent Irving Greenfield (Jack Weston), who would then set up his downfall. However, after joining McCall’s crew and visiting his favorite brothel where all working girls are minors, McKlusky directly confronts him, instantly compromising their relationship and initiating a series of dramatic events. Now fully convinced that there is no need to wait for the FBI to interfere, McKlusky proceeds to take out McCall alone.

Amidst all the ugly developments and fireworks, McKlusky also falls in love with Aggie Maybank (Lauren Hutton), a feisty local reporter dreaming of being a star in New York City. Their quickly evolving relationship is the biggest reason Gator, while working with very similar material, is unlike White Lightning. Indeed, McKlusky and Maybank act like high-school sweethearts who have reunited after years of living in different parts of the country, assuming that their love is a thing of the past, and everything that materializes between them infuses Gator with warmth and charm that are simply nowhere to be found in White Lightning.

Reed does not just leave a lasting impression. At times, he easily overshadows Reynolds. As the two begin working together, Reed becomes a true Southern monster, treating everyone around him, including those who are loyal to him, like his right-hand man, a giant named Bones (William Engeeser), as disposable objects. He cracks witty jokes, but it does not take long to realize that they are part of a protective facade, and that underneath it is a vicious, repulsive killer.

Reynolds did not intend for Gator to be his director debut. His initial take on William Norton’s screenplay for it was not at all positive. But when top brass inquired whether he may be interested in directing Gator, Reynolds instantly changed his mind and took advantage of the unexpected opportunity.

Gator is an outstanding directorial debut, reflecting everything that made American genre films from the 1970s special. It introduces terrific characters with unique personalities who never create the impression that what they say and do is scripted. It has a fearless sense of humor that produces many special moments. Also, it is packed with first-class realistic action that can no longer be staged and shot in contemporary films. (Gator has a legendary sequence in which Hal Needham nearly dies while doubling for Reynolds. A small portion of this sequence, with the most dangerous moment fully preserved, can be seen in the vintage theatrical trailer that was cut for Gator several decades ago).

Reynolds was able to secure the services of the great cinematographer William Fraker, who had already earned international acclaim for his contribution to Peter Yates’ cult action film Bullitt.

***

Also included with Gator is Adrian Buitenhuis' recent documentary I Am Burt Reynolds, which takes a closer look at the iconic actor's career. Included in it are clips from interviews with his former wife Loni Anderson, fellow actors Jon Voight and Bruce Dern, and directors Peter Bogdanovich and Paul Thomas Anderson, amongst others. Archival footage with Reynolds is included as well.

Gator Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.33:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Gator arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films.

I have one other release of Gator in my library, which is Kino Lorber produced in more than a decade ago. Kino Lorber's release and this recent release are sourced from the same master, which is supplied by MGM.

Even though the film could look better, currently it has a good and quite attractive organic appearance. For example, delineation, clarity, and depth are typically very good. Density levels are good and consistent, too. Color reproduction and balance are convincing. In some areas, it is easy to see that saturation can be a bit more convincing, and select primaries, like blue and green, can be strengthened and rebalanced, but there are no serious anomalies to report. Also, in a few spots, highlights can be improved, but shadow nuances are very good already. There are no stability issues. Also, there are no traces of problematic digital corrections. However, if in the future a proper 2K or 4K master is prepared, grain exposure will be improved and all visuals will benefit. I noticed a few small blemishes, but there are no large cuts, debris, warped or torn frames to report. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Gator Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For Gator, there is only one audio option: English LPCM 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it.

The lossless audio is free of any distracting age-related anomalies. All exchanges are very clear, sharp, and easy to follow. However, in select areas, the audio has a tendency to become somewhat 'thin'. I suspect that this is an inherited limitation, but if any small yet meaningful improvements are to be made in the future, they should address this 'thinning'. During the action material, dynamic intensity is good, but it is of the type that is right for a 1970s film.

Gator Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

BLU-RAY DISC ONE - GATOR

• Burt Reynolds and Jim Whaley - in this archival program, Burt Reynolds comments on the excellent box office performance of his directorial debut, why he felt proud that the film did very well in his home state of Georgia, his enthusiasm for Jerry Reed's improvisational work, how badly Hollywood has mischaracterized the South in mainstream films, etc. Also, Reynolds has a few quick, and very true, observations about Pauline Kael and the ridiculous caricature Rod Steiger plays in In the Heat of the Night. Reynolds is interviewed by critic Jim Whaley for Cinema Showcase. In English, not subtitle. (26 min).

• Burt: A Decade Behind the Camera - in this new program, author Wayne Byrne and critic/YouTube personality Gator McKlusky discuss the two characters Burt Reynolds plays in White Lightning and Gator, the evolution of his career as an actor and director, his workhing methods and personality. Also, there are some quite interesting comments about Sharky's Machine and its unique qualities. In English, not subtitle. (23 min).

• Commentary - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by author and critic Patrick Bromley. There is a lot of interesting information here about the production of Gator and White Lightning, the styles of the two films, the casting choices that were made and Burt Reynolds' Gator McKlusky, the action choreography, the era in which Reynolds' made his directorial debut, etc.

• Theatrical Trailer - presented here is a remastered U.S. trailer for Gator. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

• TV Spots - presented here are a couple of vintage U.S. TV spots for Gator. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

BLU-RAY DISC TWO - I AM BURT REYNOLDS

• I Am the Documentarian - in this recent program, filmmaker Adrian Buitenhuis discusses Burt Reynods' life and career, his efforts to transform the mainstream image of the South, and some of the more memorable films he made. In English, not subtitle. (31 min).

• Trailer - an original trailer for I Am Burt Reynolds. In English, not subtitle. (3 min).

Gator Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Both versions of Gator McKlusky are pretty darn good. However, in Gator, Jerry Reed is sensational, and it is awfully easy to tell that it is all because of Burt Reynolds' ability to free and encourage him to improvise before the camera. I think that Gator is an outstanding directorial debut, in some ways even better than Sharky's Machine, which many consider to be Reynolds' most mature work. This two-disc set also presents the wonderful recent documentary I Am Burt Reynolds. It is included in Australian label Imprint Films' Film Focus: Burt Reynolds, a four-disc Region-Free box set. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.