Jungle Captive Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

Jungle Captive Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 10, 2020

Biochemist Stendhal (Otto Kruger) maintains a respectful position of science during the day, working on an experiment to bring the dead back to life. Showing signs of success, Stendhal’s dark vision aims to collect the deceased Ape Woman (Vicky Lane), using hulking enforcer Moloch (Rondo Hatton) to bring back the body. On the case is Inspector Harrigan (Jerome Cowan), who looks to Stendhal’s assistant, Don (Phil Brown), as a possible suspect. Stendhal is actually interested in Ann (Amelita Brown), another assistant and Don’s girlfriend, hoping to use her blood to help revive the Ape Woman and crack the mystery of the beastly female.

1945’s “Jungle Captive” is technically the third installment of the “Cheela, the Ape Woman” trilogy, but many changes are in place for this chapter, including the loss of star Acquanetta, who decided to turn her back on Universal after experiencing disappointment with her treatment. The whole Cheela angle has been shaved off the production, which aims to restore a bit of the mad scientist aspect of the original endeavor, “Captive Wild Woman.” “Jungle Captive” provides the central mission to collect the Ape Woman, but it offers a more driven lunatic in Stendhal, and provides the unforgettable present of Hatton as his top goon. Hatton can’t act, but he’s always the focus of every scene he’s in, which is no small feat. And helping the cause is Cowan, who seems to be having real fun as the cop on the case, offering the most enjoyable performance in a movie with a capable cast.

Jungle Captive Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as a "New 2K film transfer," "Jungle Captive" provides some wear and tear during the AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Mild judder is detected, along with scratches and speckling, a few jumpy frames, and some chemical blotches. Detail is satisfactory, showing some muscle with Harrigan's oversized wool jackets and, of course Rondo Hatton's facial appearance, which the production likes to keep in close-ups. Sets are passably dimensional, and Ape Woman makeup is textured. Delineation is comfortable, preserving frame information. Grain is heavy but film-like.

Jungle Captive Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix offering a tinnier listening experience, with harsher, fuzzier highs during more active encounters in "Jungle Captive." Dialogue exchanges remain intelligible throughout. Scoring cues also deal with limited instrumentation, but changes in mood are understood. Sound effects are basic. Hiss is present.

Jungle Captive Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Scott Gallinghouse.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:10, HD) is included.

Jungle Captive Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

By now, the Ape Woman idea is fairly worn out, especially after the screen stasis of the previous movie, "Jungle Woman." "Jungle Captive" is a better film than its predecessor, but there's not much to it besides more weird science and investigative efforts. Once the Ape Woman finally shows, the excitement factor isn't there, and while "Jungle Captive" tries to deliver on some expectations, there's only so much it can do with an exhausted premise.