Rating summary
| Movie |  | 3.0 |
| Video |  | 3.5 |
| Audio |  | 4.0 |
| Extras | | 3.0 |
| Overall | | 3.5 |
Grizzly Blu-ray Movie Review
Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 4, 2015
“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.
Girdler isn’t Spielberg, and “Grizzly” is more of a blunt instrument of horror, leading with aggressive kill sequences that primarily target women and children (good taste isn’t a production priority). Gore is surprisingly available, but most of the feature’s energy is spent on disguising its star, which is a mix of a real bear and a man-in-costume, with Girdler limiting full body shots to preserve the illusion of a killer instinct. There are hunters and skeptics, and George plays a park ranger desperate to protect visitors from harm. The screenplay is routine in that sense, noticeably perking up when it comes time for the bear to chew on innocent victims.
Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
Scorpion Releasing is doing their best with "Grizzly," slapping source materials into shape with a filtered AVC encoded image (2.40:1 aspect ratio) presentation, also offering an unfiltered version on the Blu-ray for purists. Smoothness is tastefully approached, never completely wiping away details from forest locations, bear attacks, and intense close-ups, but crisply defined textures aren't on view. Colors are adequate, leading with a stable read of greenery, while costuming tends to catch the eye as well, offering steady primaries. Delineation isn't always strong, inching toward solidification during evening attack sequences. Source encounters some vertical scratches and speckling.
Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix immediately announces its presence through scoring achievements, which sound wonderfully fresh and big, offered with inviting instrumentation. Music carries the listening experience with confidence, blended acceptably with quieter dialogue exchanges, which retain their performance subtleties and keep within a comfortable range. Atmospherics are enveloping, providing a feel of the forest and its many inhabitants, and sound effects are agreeably aggressive, giving some heft to bear attack sequences.
Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
- "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.
- And a Theatrical Trailer (1:10, SD) is included.
Grizzly Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
"Grizzly" has its limitations, but it's an amusing picture when it takes breaks from mean-spiritedness. Management of bear footage in compelling enough, and locations trigger a vibe of isolation, adding to suspense. Perhaps it's not wise to watch "Grizzly" directly after "Jaws," but for those who can't get enough of nature pummeling man, the effort supplies a satisfying massacre.
