6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Greedy sailors capture a giant lizard off the coast of Ireland and sell it to a London circus. Then its mother shows up.
Starring: Bill Travers, William Sylvester, Vincent Winter, Bruce Seton, Joseph O'ConorHorror | 100% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
1961’s “Gorgo” is largely remembered as the giant monster movie with a heart. There’s plenty of destruction in the feature, and even human death, but the production attempts to soften kaiju motivation, making the film more about an angry mother than a more traditional raging beast. Directed by Eugene Lourie, “Gorgo” has a unique personality and interesting locations, taking the action to an Irish island before unleashing mayhem in London, and, as giant monster entertainment goes, there’s some inviting man-in-suit work and miniature construction, acting to balance out some of the cruder special effects of the day. The endeavor certainly loses any sense of timing in the final act, but Lourie has command over the tone of the effort, creating genuinely compelling chaos in a subgenre that’s often loaded with more generic pandemonium.
Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.
"Gorgo" was originally released on Blu-ray by VCI in 2013, and Vinegar Syndrome returns to the title a decade later, offering a 4K presentation of the
beloved giant monster movie, sourced from its 35mm original negative. Some wear and tear is present during the viewing experience, with light
scratches common and some color fluctuation here and there. Detail is inviting, and while there's inherent softness due to technical achievements, the
rest of the feature retains interesting textures on human characters and their aged faces, and monster particulars are appealingly rough and rubbery.
Exteriors secure excellent dimension, and miniature work is open for inspection. Colors are alert, especially during the final act, which explore circus
grounds and city streets, offering rich reds. Skin tones are natural on man and monster, with Gorgo's dark green appearance preserved. Highlights are
tasteful. Blacks are deep, doing well with evening activity. Grain is nicely resolved.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a clear understanding of dialogue exchange, with voices and accents sounding fresh. Scoring supports with compelling instrumentation, retaining an orchestral sound while supporting scenes of discovery and destruction. Monster mayhem eventually breaks out in the feature, and sound effects are reasonably defined, never slipping into distortive extremes.
Momma monster events claim a huge portion of "Gorgo," which drags out every inch of her arrival. She battles through waves of military defenses on land, sea, and air, and she powers through London, taking down landmarks with ear-wiggling fury. The craftsmanship of it all is fascinating, with some striking imagery blended into clumsy monster movement, and there's an unexpected body count to butch up the picture, watching as Londoners are burned alive and crushed by crumbling buildings. Gorgo's mom isn't playing around. However, as fun as it is to study such carnage and the ruination of London, this aspect of "Gorgo" goes on for what feels like an eternity, with stock footage helping to pad the endeavor. Even at 77 minutes, the feature is too long, going excessive in the end to make sure the target demographic is satisfied. They will be, and those who can handle some editorial indifference should have a decent time too.
2009
2010
2002
Slipcover in Original Pressing
1961
1957
2010
Behemoth the Sea Monster / Warner Archive Collection
1959
1955
1953
1957
2019
2014
1956
Roger Corman's Cult Classics
1978
Special Edition
1959
Includes "Drácula"
1931
1961
Monster Shark / Shark: Rosso nell'oceano
1984
1936
1982