Grizzly Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Grizzly Blu-ray Movie Review

“Grizzly” is often described as a rip-off of “Jaws,” and it turns out, the accusation is correct. The 1976 animal attack movie isn’t shy about its influences, reworking elements from Peter Benchley’s novel and Steven Spielberg’s cinematic adaptation to fit its own design of forest-bound horror. However, this pilfering isn’t exactly a crime, as “Grizzly” finds its own footing after introductions are made, doing a fine job transitioning the shark role to an enormous bear, while star Christopher George does his best to keep panic in the air as director William Girdler figures out ways to keep the titular star an enticing menace.

Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Scorpion Releasing issued a Blu-ray of "Grizzly" three years ago. Using the best elements available to them at the time, the company did well with the disc, but there was room for improvement. The movie returns to Blu boasting a "New anamorphic master in HD from the original interpositive," with hopes that a second round with "Grizzly" might yield stronger results. The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation does offer an upgrade for fans of the feature, finding corrected framing and stronger detail, securing facial surfaces and animal fur, while the great outdoors is a bit sharper, making distances more dimensional. Colors are bolder, creating richer greenery and costuming. Bloodshed is a deeper red. It's a dark feature, and delineation does a bit better in the new release, but solidification is threatened at times. Source is in decent shape, but some speckling and mild scratches are detected, and cigarette burns are common during a few rougher reel changes. Slight flickering is intermittently displayed.

Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix delivers a new fullness to the "Grizzly" listening experience. While surrounds are sparingly used, the frontal force of the track is appealing, boosting already impressive scoring achievements, which retain crisp instrumentation and weight. Dialogue exchanges remain clear, keeping argumentative behavior alert and hushed encounters accessible. Attack sequences are intentionally chaotic, delivering loud bear growls that aren't precise, but keep their inherent fear factor.

Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Music and Effects Track is included.

• Commentary #1 features producer David Sheldon and actress Joan McCall.

• Commentary #2 features film historian Lee Gambin.

• "Katarina's Fun Facts and Trivia" (8:16, HD) offers time with Katarina Leigh Waters, who wrestles with a stuffed bear and runs through filmographies.

• "Jaws with Claws" (36:39, SD) is the official making of for "Grizzly," with the 2006 documentary exploring how the feature came to be. Select cast and crew share anecdotes and reflections on the final product, and time is set aside to discuss director William Girdler, who died a few years after the picture's release.

• "Q&A at the New Beverly" (12:08, SD) catches up with star Andrew Prine and co-writer David Sheldon inside the famous Los Angeles theater, who field questions from members of the audience.

• Vintage Featurette (6:57, SD) returns to the film shoot, with Girdler narrating a brief look at the creation of "Grizzly." Georgia locations are visited, watching the cast and crew in motion, and there's time devoted to the starring bear, capturing how wranglers were able to extract movement from the beast. A ranger station attack sequence is also detailed.

• Still Gallery (6:23) collects publicity stills, lobby cards, poster art, foreign press kits, novelization covers, toys, and newspaper ads.

• Radio Spots (:53) are offered.

• And a Theatrical Trailer #1 (2:19, SD) and Theatrical Trailer #2 (1:10, SD) are included.

Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Scorpion Releasing's second pass at "Grizzly" results in an attractive package for the film's admirers. There's the new scan of the film, which provides a more compelling viewing experience, besting the previous release. And there are new extras to enjoy, including commentaries and a vintage featurette that offers a look at how the bear was actually manipulated to portray a hulking killer. Upgrading is recommended, especially for the informational aspects of the release, and A/V is solid all around, giving "Grizzly" fresh life in HD.