Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Great Alligator Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 13, 2017

In the aftermath of “Jaws” and its startling success at the box office, there was a horde of rip-offs lining up to feast on audience interest in aquatic horror. 1979’s “The Great Alligator” isn’t a decent lift, but the Italian production has the right idea when it comes to staging underwater mayhem, especially with a limited budget. Director Sergio Martino has a plan to frighten audiences with direct shots of alligator aggression, but he’s much better off with the feature’s loose sense of native mysticism, which doesn’t require the services of a rubber monster.

Traveling to Africa for a publicity shoot, photographer Daniel (Claudio Cassinelli) arrives at a luxury resort run by Joshua (Mel Ferrer), who doesn’t have much patience for the surrounding environment and native cultures. Distracting from the job at hand is Alice (Barbara Bach), a woman Daniel can’t keep his eyes off of, but their flirtatious relationship is put to the test when a giant alligator is unleashed on the population, out to devour anyone who enters the water, fueled by godly might Daniel and Alice struggle to decode before the resort is destroyed.

“The Great Alligator” doesn’t hold back for very long, delivering titular violence with the arrival of the enormous creature, though special effects are mostly regulated to slow moving jaws and quick shots of underwater travel, requiring the cast to add some hustle to sell their demise. It’s a B-movie without A-list ambition, but Martino delivers plenty of local flavor, playing up the cultural divide as the clumsy aristocrats stomp around African soil, with the alligator divine retribution in a way, gnawing on the invaders. “The Great Alligator” doesn’t reach for the sky story-wise, but it does create hostility and general unease, making stalking sequences effective.

The Great Alligator Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as a "Brand New HD Scan with Extensive Color Correction Done Here in America." Specific. And the work has paid off, with "The Great Alligator" making a good impression on Blu-ray, delivering a clear viewing experience that brings out location and character detail, and textures are agreeable, best with costuming and river adventures, including the rubbery appearance of the deadly gator. The aforementioned color refreshing delivers vivid greenery, making jungle trips pleasurable to watch, and skintones are natural. Costuming also provide tribal and disco hues. Delineation is acceptable, with some slips into solidification. Grain is filmic. Source is in passable shape, but scratches are detected throughout.

The Great Alligator Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix deals with a tinnier track that's dubbed, keeping dialogue exchanges loud but never natural. Scoring presents a more percussive native beat, and instrumentation is adequate, meeting suspense needs. Sound effects are exaggerated and aggressive, but they deliver intended mayhem, detailing underwater wrestling and human panic.

The Great Alligator Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "3 Friends and an Alligator" (15:55, SD) sits down with Paolo Ricci (special effects), Giancarlo Ferrando (cinematographer), and Antonello Geleng (set dresser) to discuss the making of "The Great Alligator" -- a project they don't seem very proud of, but share fond memories of certain production achievements and crew camaraderie.

• "Alligator Rock" (20:16, SD) chats with camera operator Claudio Morabito, who also seems a little deflated when talking about the final version of "The Great Alligator," openly dismissing the creature effects. Morabito also offers memories of cast and crew relationships, which were solidified by pranks on set, which kept the unit entertained.

• "Shooting Underwater" (7:18, HD) takes a more technical position with Gianlorenzo Battaglia, who recalls his work on "The Great Alligator," offering an overview of heavy camera equipment and time in a studio pool, where a proper filtration system was rarely budgeted for, resulting in mass sickness on "Phenomena," one of his many career highlights. Battaglia also mentions a few other projects, including time on "The Concorde…Airport '79."

• "In the Crocodile's Nest" (34:55, SD) is an interesting title for an interview with "The Great Alligator" director Sergio Martino, who shares the true inspiration for the creation of the picture: to get that sweet, sweet "Jaws" knock-off money. Martino also tracks his career direction, sharing frustration with the Italian film industry and his contemporaries. Cast memories are equally vivid, discussing time with Barbara Bach. Also included is another interview with Geleng.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:51, SD) is included.

The Great Alligator Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Great Alligator" isn't a sharp film, but it has a few evocative moments, offering gorgeous locations and a handsome cast. Those in the mood for a little "Jaws" reverb are rewarded with plenty of familiar sights and sounds, offered yet another nightmare in deep waters.