Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		2.5

Killer Crocodile Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman August 22, 2021

Note: This version of this film is available on Blu-ray as part of Killer Crocodile.

The internet can often be a wild and woolly place, but it can also occasionally offer a tidbit or two of humor. In doing background research on this release from Severin Films, I discovered that more than one person had actually taken the time to compile lists of "killer crocodile" films, a subgenre I frankly may have been dimly aware of due to having seen Alligator at some point in my misspent youth, but which I never really paid that much attention to. Killer Crocodile and its sequel, the imaginatively titled Killer Crocodile 2, don't waste a lot of time on overly nuanced plot mechanics or character development, but that may actually only add to their weirdly visceral qualities, as both films seem at least somewhat aware of how ridiculous they are. In that regard, there's probably a drinking game to be fashioned around how often people either fall, are pushed, or simply dive into jungle waters that are inhabited by a mutant (and evidently very hungry) crocodile, a recurring motif in both films that may actually provoke a bit of laughter after a while.

Killer Crocodile had a previous release on Blu-ray in a Region B locked disc from 88 Films. Those interested in a plot recap are encouraged to read Svet Atanasov's Killer Crocodile Blu-ray review of that version. Svet's review is also a good resource for screenshot comparisons, as well as some descriptions of the supplements, which seem to perhaps be at least partially the same on that disc as on this one. As is my frequent mantra, "different reviewers means different opinions", and so those interested will note my scores can differ from Svet's.

Killer Crocodile Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Killer Crocodile is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Severin Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. The back cover of this release states that this is "now scanned in 2K from the original negative", which seems to line up with the technical information on the 88 Films Region B release on Blu-ray. Judging solely by screenshots (which is not always a completely safe bet), it looks to me like the 88 Films version offers a just slightly warmer looking palette, with arguably slightly better overall saturation, though that said, once this presentation gets past things like optical credits, things on this version look nicely organic and generally well suffused. There are definitely some hazy moments, especially in some of the outdoor jungle scenes, to the point that things can almost look like they were shot with a diffusion filter, but the bulk of the presentation offers secure detail levels. There are some extended nighttime sequences where things can look fairly rough (see screenshot 13), and even in some more brightly lit moments, grain is slightly yellowish and can clump a bit (see screenshots 11 and 12).

Killer Crocodile Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Killer Crocodile features DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono mixes in either English or Italian. Perhaps surprisingly, given the fact that at least a couple of the marquee stars are obviously native English speakers, the Italian language track sounded just a tad hotter to my ears, something that is probably most noticeable with regard to Riz Ortolani's enjoyable score as well as some of the sound effects. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout, and I noticed no issues whatsoever with regard to dropouts or other damage. Optional English subtitles for both the Italian and English language tracks are available.

Killer Crocodile Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Three of the interview subjects below are also included on interviews on the 88 Films Region B release, though as anyone who takes time to compare the "fine print" will notice, the timings on the interviews are a bit different on each disc, so I'm not entirely sure these are the same interviews, since I don't have the 88 Films release myself to do a side by side comparison. That said, I'm including links to Svet's review since he offers some descriptive information.

• In the Jaws of the Crocodile (HD; 13:47) is an interview with makeup FX artist Gianetto De Rossi (who directed this film's sequel, and who is the subject of a feature length documentary on the disc containing that film). For more information, see Svet's Killer Crocodile Blu-ray review. In Italian with English subtitles.


• The Fearless Crocodile Hunter (HD; 23:23) is an interview with actor Pietro Genuardi. For more information, see Svet's Killer Crocodile Blu-ray review. In Italian with English subtitles.


• Of Crocodiles and Men (HD; 14:34) interview with actor Richard Anthony Crenna. This appears to be a newly produced piece that wasn't included on the 88 Films release, and which offers a genial if kind of meandering Crenna a chance to reminisce.


• It Crawls (HD; 15:08) is an interview with cinematographer Federico Del Zoppo. For more information, see Svet's Killer Crocodile Blu-ray review. In Italian with English subtitles.


• Trailer (HD; 3:08)

Killer Crocodile Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Killer Crocodile manages to weave together pretty hoary plot tropes of eco-horror and mutant beasts, but it never quite manages to deliver exceptional scares, despite some credible creature work on the part of Gianetto de Rossi. Fans of Golden Age Hollywood may wonder what Van Johnson thought of having to take on a role like he has in this film so late in his career. Technical merits are solid if arguably improvable in the video department, and the supplementary interviews are quite interesting, for those who are considering making a purchase.