Tintorera: Killer Shark Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Tintorera: Killer Shark" features a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with an AVC encoded image. The transfer delivers a visual experience slightly above standard DVD quality, reflecting the limitations of the source material. Full sun beach sequences and tourist areas display an adequately illuminated frame, enhancing body surfaces and swimwear with a warmer palette that highlights tans and natural skintones. However, color fidelity remains aged, with blues and reds appearing dull.

The film grain exhibits a clumpy, blocky texture, particularly evident in darker shadows and night scenes where the presentation can appear choppy. Image clarity is decent with fine details present, though the grain often gives a rougher look to fine textures. Underwater scenes are generally pleasing but are marred by lighting inconsistencies and depth issues. The source material displays noticeable wear, including scratches and speckling, particularly in sequences spliced with stock footage. Despite these imperfections, fully illuminated sequences achieve a passably dimensional appearance with acceptable delineation.

The Blu-Ray audio presentation of "Tintorera: Killer Shark" utilizes a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix, offering a clear and sufficient auditory experience. Although the mix lacks significant nuance, dialogue—whether in English or Spanish—is generally clean and comprehensible. The score integrates well with the scenes, from synth stings during shark encounters to tropical tunes in party sequences, albeit with a mild consistent hiss throughout the listening experience.

However, the mix does exhibit some limitations and inconsistencies, particularly in dubbed voice acting. Dialogues occasionally carry a flat and detached quality, causing voices to linger outside the intended soundscape. Party sequences and non-synchronous sound effects sometimes contribute to an inorganic feel. Despite these issues, the audio track remains solid overall, free from serious hiss or dropouts, except for a notable brief dropout at 46:45. The mix succeeds in creating an unsettling atmosphere with the shark's "breathing" hunting sounds effectively pushing the frontend of the soundscape.

Optional English SDH subtitles are available, enhancing accessibility. While not exceptionally dynamic or impactful, this audio presentation serves its purpose and is a reliable means to enjoy the film's aural dimensions.

The Blu-ray Extras for "Tintorera: Killer Shark" are concise yet insightful, catering to both casual viewers and cinephiles. The highlight is the audio commentary by film historians Troy Howarth and Rod Barnett, which provides an in-depth analysis of the film's production, source material, underwater cinematography, themes of unconventional love, and Mexican filmmaking. Although the commentary occasionally lapses into silence, it remains an engaging and informative feature. The inclusion of a theatrical trailer and a TV spot rounds out the package. Overall, the extras are slim but valuable, providing contextual depth to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

Commentary: Film Historians Troy Howarth and Rod Barnett provide an insightful track.

T.V. Spot: Commercial for Tintorera: Tiger Shark.

Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.

"Tintorera: Killer Shark" is an amalgamation of several genres, presenting an unusual blend of polyamorous romance and shark attack narrative. Essentially a Mexican production riding the wave of the post-Jaws animal attack trend, the film directed by Rene Cardona Jr. attempts to serve as both a titillating relationship drama and a B-movie thriller. Set in the picturesque waters of Cancun, the plot follows Steven (Hugo Stiglitz) and his interactions with local playboy Miguel (Andres Garcia) as they engage in swinging bachelor escapades, only to find their exploits interrupted by a marauding tiger shark. Fiona Lewis, Susan George, and Priscilla Barnes add to the cast in roles that punctuate the romantic entanglements of the leads.

The film's structure is perplexing, often deviating from its shark attack premise to delve into convoluted relationship sagas. The character arcs are turbulent, with Steven's multiple affairs swiftly transitioning from lust to emotional entanglements, diluting any potential for real terror. The shark itself functions more as a background threat rather than a central menace, underscored by laughably unconvincing practical effects, including the infamous scene where a dead shark is visibly towed via steel cable to mimic attack sequences. This absurdity is coupled with synthetic music that attempts but fails to emulate John Williams' iconic scores from Jaws.

Technically, "Tintorera" falters in its editing and narrative coherence, making it feel more like a disjointed collection of beach-side exploits than a cohesive thriller. The film indulges in frequent underwater shots and authentic yet controversial documentation of shark hunting, which some viewers may find distressing. Despite its erratic pacing and tonal inconsistency, the film provides entertainment value for enthusiasts of campy cinema and niche animal attack films. Ultimately, "Tintorera" stands out for its peculiarity rather than its precision in delivering thrills or emotional depth.

"Tintorera: Killer Shark" affirms its place as a unique yet flawed entry in the shark attack subgenre. Clearly inspired by the success of "Jaws," the film diverges significantly, choosing to focus more on the sexual escapades of its characters than on thrilling maritime peril. Director René Cardona Jr. presents a narrative marked by chaotic cinematography, which detracts from the suspense typically associated with man vs. shark epics. The final act attempts a revenge plot but is marred by an unsatisfactory execution, leaving viewers with a sense of unfulfilled promise. The movie caters primarily to enthusiasts of campy, absurd cinema rather than fans looking for tense aquatic terror.

This particular Blu-ray edition, released by Kino Lorber and Scorpion Releasing, includes the 87-minute English-dubbed cut, offering a reasonable audiovisual experience though one that would benefit from further restoration efforts. While this version captures some of the film’s bizarre appeal, it simultaneously retains its flaws, such as inconsistent story focus and overly emphasized exploitative elements. The lack of comparative material such as the Mexican version is somewhat disappointing, as it could have provided a richer context for viewers and enthusiasts alike.

The bonus features are minimal but the inclusion of an engaging audio commentary adds value. For shark movie aficionados, "Tintorera: Killer Shark" stands as a curious artifact worth exploring despite its shortcomings. Its peculiar blend of human drama and intermittent shark action creates a spectacle that is certainly not for everyone but holds a strange charm for those intrigued by its odd narrative and nostalgic cinematic quirks. While not a masterpiece by any measure, it’s recommended for those who appreciate eccentric films from the late ’70s era.