The Great Alligator 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Severin Films presents "The Great Alligator" in 4K UHD with an HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer in 2.35:1. This package also contains an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 on a separate disc, both sourced from newly scanned original negatives. The comparison to previous releases highlights notable improvements. Colors exhibit less of a blue cast, with more accurate renderings of green foliage, especially in the HDR10-enabled 4K version, which enhances deep blue day-for-night scenes and red-lit vignettes.

Cinematographer Giancarlo Ferrando’s use of 35mm Techniscope has influenced the visual texture, resulting in persistent grain and some minor damage marks. Despite these imperfections, the high bitrate ensures no encoding artifacts. Vivid HDR considerably enhances the imagery, particularly noticeable in sunlit scenes and torches. This HDR implementation bolsters the contrast range, achieving deep blacks without crushing details.

The digitized film stock shines through with well-saturated colors and consistent facial textures. However, some shots reveal overly reddish flesh tones. The opening credits sequence is notably marred by thick grain and yellow horizontal scratches, more visible in the enhanced resolution of the 4K version. While certain may prefer the more forgiving lower resolution of 1080p, the overall definition and detail in this 4K UHD release represent a substantial upgrade over previous HD masters, despite retaining some charming flaws indicative of the film’s vintage exploitation roots.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Great Alligator" delivers DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono tracks in both English and Italian, each with distinct characteristics and trade-offs. The Italian track, although louder, exhibits noticeable distortion particularly in music cues and sound effects, while the English track provides a cleaner integration into the soundstage. Dialogue across both tracks is rendered clearly, though sync issues are evident in both languages. Optional English subtitles for the Italian audio and English SDH subtitles for the English audio are available, facilitating a flexible viewing experience.

Stelvio Cipriani’s enjoyable score stands out, particularly his quasi-easy listening montages featuring the protagonist photographer. However, both tracks suffer from abrupt editing where audio cues and effects can rather clunk into place. Despite its occasional excessive sibilance, the English-language dialogue sounds more natural and benefits from the familiar voices of actors like Mel Ferrer and Richard Johnson. In comparison, the Italian dubbing lacks natural reverb and can seem unnaturally close-miked. While both mixes show their age with a somewhat scratchy and worn auditory experience, these factors culminate in an audio presentation that reflects the period while offering a reasonably good listening experience in either language.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Great Alligator" offers a comprehensive collection of extras that provide deep insights into the film's production. Key highlights include candid interviews with director Sergio Martino and actress Silvia Collatina, who discuss their experiences and the international market for Italian exploitation films. Camera operators Claudio Morabito and Gianlorenzo Battaglia provide technical perspectives on the film's unique challenges, while production designer Antonello Geleng contributes both through interviews and discussions of his concept art. Additionally, a roundtable discussion featuring Giancarlo Ferrando, Antonello Geleng, and Paolo Ricci offers a behind-the-scenes look at the film's creation. Lee Gambin's video essay explores the film’s nuanced subtexts, adding another layer to the appreciation of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer.
• Down by the River: Interview with director Sergio Martino.
• Minou: Interview with actress Silvia Collatina.
• Beware of the Gator: Interview with camera operator Claudio Morabito.
• Later Alligator: Interview with production designer Antonello Geleng.
• Underwater: Interview with underwater camera operator Gianlorenzo Battaglia.
• 3 Friends and an Alligator: Discussion among Giancarlo Ferrando, Antonello Geleng, and Paolo Ricci.
• Paradise House: Video essay by Lee Gambin.
• Alligator Land: Presentation of concept art by Antonello Geleng.

"The Great Alligator," also known as "Il fiume del grande caimano," directed by Sergio Martino, is an intriguing entry in the post-Jaws cycle of animal attack films. Set against the backdrop of a lush tropical resort, the film weaves a narrative that merges elements of eco-horror and cultural exploitation. The story follows Daniel (Claudio Cassinelli), a globe-trotting photographer hired by resort developer Joshua (Mel Ferrer) to capture the allure of the ironically named Paradise House. Joshua's ambitions have encroached upon sacred tribal land, awakening a vengeance-seeking alligator god. Along with expert Alice (Barbara Bach), Daniel strives to uncover the mystery behind the rising tide of chaos.

The film’s screenplay, crafted by a collection of screenwriters including Martino, is rich in thematic undertones. It critiques Western exploitation of natural settings and native cultures. While the movie nods heavily to its influences—drawing parallels to both "Jaws" and "King Kong"—its unique twist lies in reversing the trope, bringing New Yorkers to the monster rather than vice versa. This clash leads to appropriate levels of chaos and destruction, peaking in a climactic sequence where island visitors face retribution from the wronged tribe, and where Barbara Bach's character undergoes sacrifice.

Visually, "The Great Alligator" oscillates between impressive landscapes and laughably dated special effects. While the titular beast can sometimes appear more rubbery bathtub toy than terrifying predator, the film manages to convey tension through its frantic editing and integration of native mythology. Although some tropes feel stereotyped or overly simplistic, the film ultimately succeeds as a passable yet engaging monster-on-the-loose tale, bolstered by its subtle critique of environmental degradation and cultural disrespect. The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray release enhances the viewing experience, offering a clearer rendition of this late-1970s cult classic.

"The Great Alligator" is a 1979 Italian horror film helmed by Sergio Martino, often noted for its engagement with tropes popularized by films like "Jaws" and "King Kong." In this latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Severin, the video quality shows noticeable improvement over previous editions such as the Code Red version. Though some purists may prefer the 1080p version, this new dual 4K/1080 release demonstrates modest enhancements in video clarity and color fidelity. Audio quality, while mostly stable, does encounter occasional inconsistencies, yet these are not substantial enough to detract significantly from the viewing experience.

One of the unique selling points of this release is the comprehensive array of supplements that delve into the film's production and thematic elements. However, it is worth noting that not all extras from past releases have been ported over. Missing are distinct features like Troy Howarth’s commentary from the 2018 Region B Blu-ray and various featurettes from other regional DVDs. Despite these omissions, the provided supplements, including interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, add valuable context and are a delight for fans and new viewers alike.

Lest anyone think Sergio Martino was only interested in ripping off "Jaws," there’s also a clear reference to "King Kong" in terms of nubile young women being offered as a sacrifice to a mutant beast. While it’s probably unavoidable to think of “The Great Alligator” as a quickly shot, low-budget cash grab, as some of the supplements on this disc get into, there actually is some rather interesting and even provocative subtext at play here, even if it tends to get buried in the overall silliness of the plot and absolutely goofy special effects. Video quality is probably improved at least marginally from the Code Red version, but this is another dual 4K / 1080 release where some may actually prefer the 1080 version. Both video and audio encounter occasional hurdles, but nothing overly debilitating. The supplements are enjoyable and interesting for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.