Trog Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Trog Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 22, 2021

“Trog” is a film beloved by bad movie aficionados. The 1970 endeavor is notable for its use of an ape mask from “2001: A Space Odyssey” on the eponymous character, and the effort represents the last big screen appearance for actress Joan Crawford, completing a career with a role as a scientist trying to make some type of connection to a troglodyte. Despite its reputation as a classic howler, “Trog” isn’t quite the campy festival of B-movie wonders its reputation suggests. It’s not quality work, but director Freddie Francis certainly tries to keep the picture moving along with some speed, eventually turning a tale of a special discovery into a horror experience.

A troglodyte has been discovered in a cave, preserved by years in ice and solitude. Dr. Brockton (Joan Crawford) has made it her duty to explore the nature of the beast, hoping to connect to the missing link and unlock information concerning the evolution of humankind. In her way is Murdock (Michael Gough), a local who doesn’t want anything to do with Trog, but hates Dr. Brockton’s position of power even more, making it his personal mission to destroy what the scientist is creating.

Such a burning hatred of women is one of a few unusual touches in “Trog,” which briefly moves away from the troglodyte to examine Murdock’s plan to destroy Dr. Brockton simply because she’s a woman in an authority position. There’s a movie in that idea alone, but “Trog” is more of a creature feature, watching Dr. Brockton strive to soften Trog’s primitive ways, embarking on a series of behavioral experiments and training exercises. There’s nothing particularly offensive about these moments, but they aren’t trilling either, with most attention drawn to the monkey mask on Trog, which the production has simply slapped on an actor, leaving the rest of his body decidedly hairless and, at times, a different color. Production shortcomings are a common sight in the picture, but Francis doesn’t stop to linger on the low-budget limitations, doing what he can to bring dramatic conflict into a goofy premise, which involves Gough acting as though his life depended on it.

Trog Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a "New 2K scan of the interpositive." Some softness is encountered, but basic detail emerges with the furry particulars of Trog and the older skin surfaces of the cast. Laboratory and cave interiors offer dimension, and fibrousness is generally appealing on costuming. Colors are pleasingly refreshed, with Crawford's wardrobe made up of bold pinks and blues, while everyone else deals with brown and gray suits. Skintones are natural. Delineation is acceptable. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Trog Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides clear dialogue exchanges, balancing argumentative behavior with softer line-readings from Joan Crawford. Scoring supports comfortably, with satisfactory instrumentation and dramatic emphasis during Trog attacks. Sound effects are blunt but appreciable.

Trog Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian David Del Valle.

• "Primitive Thrills" (19:08, HD) is an interview with film historian Kim Newman, who initially describes "Trog" as "not good, but it's perfect." The interviewee explores the career of producer Herman Cohen, tracks the production development of "Trog," and examines Joan Crawford's influence on the feature. He also analyzes the Trog mask.

• "Trailers From Hell" (2:53, HD) sits down with director Mick Garris, who discussing the "cheese" of "Trog," mentioning behind-the-scenes tidbits and production trivia.

• Radio Spot (:15) provides a commercial for "Trog."

• Photo Gallery (5:57) collects film stills, publicity shots, BTS snaps, poster art, and newspaper ads.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:35, HD) is included.

Trog Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Perhaps "Trog" is a hoot for some viewers. Silliness is present but not excessively so, and Crawford's presence in the feature isn't ridiculous (outside of the obvious reading of cue cards). She's present as much as she can be in this stage of her life, and the effort starts to get some violence going in the final act, offering community panic and sympathy for the creature. "Trog" isn't great cinema, but it's functional, making the picture's reputation as a howler somewhat mystifying.