Dinoshark Blu-ray Review

Anchor Bay delivers "Dinoshark" on Blu-ray with a fairly inconsistent 1080p AVC MPEG-4 transfer. The visuals present a mixed experience, as some scenes exhibit exceptional sharpness and depth with vibrant colors, while others suffer from significant noise, dullness, and lackluster detail. Despite a few intrusive edge halos and an occasionally artificially sharpened look, the overall quality is comparable to or slightly better than what viewers experienced on SyFy HD. Skin tones frequently shift towards a reddish hue, which can be attributed to the sunbaked shooting locales.

Unfortunately, the transfer falls victim to constant variability. The image alternates from striking clarity to frustrating softness, and the graininess is sporadically overwhelming. This erratic presentation disrupts the viewing experience, as the picture's aesthetic shifts unpredictably, often pulling the audience out of the narrative. Despite these shortcomings, when the transfer hits its highs, the sharpness and depth are commendable. However, the numerous instances of random low-grade footage compromise the overall visual integrity of this Blu-ray release. Anchor Bay's effort feels accurate to the source material's wishy-washy nature but ultimately lacks consistency in delivering a cohesive high-definition experience.

The audio presentation of "Dinoshark" on Blu-ray is anchored by a Dolby True HD 5.1 lossless soundtrack that aims to reflect the movie's energetic and fun essence. Although the opening title music offers decent energy, clarity, and volume, it doesn't particularly impress. The underwater scenes stand out by delivering immersive energy and a palpable sense of pressurized depth, achieved through diligent use of LFE and surround elements. Notably, the subwoofer and back speakers contribute minimally outside of musical support. The front half of the soundstage handles most atmospherics like rolling water and screeching seagulls adequately, while gunshots lack the impactful resonance but are easily forgivable given their digital nature. Overall, dialogue remains steady and accurately centered, making for a clear listening experience.

Despite these strengths, the track reveals some inconsistencies that affect the overall dynamic range. Bass presence is prominent during the opening credits but sporadically vanishes as the film progresses. The rear channels see consistent activity, providing ambience but occasionally shutting off without reason. While dialogue clarity is commendable, maintaining uniform volume and placement through the front channels results in a somewhat monotonous auditory experience. Disappointingly, elements such as gunfire and other sound effects lack force, described as being quite underwhelming and at times even overshadowed by minor ambient noises. The absence of volume spikes or heightened auditory moments contributes to an audio track that feels strangely sedate, diminishing the excitement one might expect from a high-energy movie like "Dinoshark."

The Blu-ray release of "Dinoshark" offers a commendable selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience, highlighted by an engaging commentary track. The commentary features industry veteran Roger Corman, his co-producer and wife Julie Corman, and director Kevin O'Neil, moderated by Perry Martin. Although the tone can lean towards self-congratulation, the insights into the film's production, special effects, and the dynamics of working with SyFy are invaluable. Roger Corman, as always, provides a wealth of knowledge on film versus television production and shares historical anecdotes. Julie Corman delivers interesting details about the movie's aesthetics and shooting locations, while Kevin O'Neil offers general yet positive film-related discussions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from Roger and Julie Corman, and Kevin O'Neill, moderated by Perry Martin.
• Trailer: High-definition trailer for "Dinoshark".

"Dinoshark" lives up to its title as a quintessential low-budget SyFy Channel creature feature, blending cheesy special effects, paper-thin plotlines, and subpar acting into a cocktail of mindless entertainment. The movie's premise is as straightforward as it is absurd: a glacier melting due to global warming releases prehistoric baby Dinosharks, setting off a spree of aquatic terror that reaches the shores of Mexico. Eric Balfour, playing the lead character Trace McGraw, teams up with an environmental specialist named Carol and a Dinoshark expert to combat the rampaging creature. Balfour’s performance is one of the film’s saving graces, though it can't entirely compensate for the overall lackluster acting elsewhere.

Technically, the film bears all the hallmarks of Roger Corman’s signature style—an ability to stretch minimal resources into passable entertainment. The visual effects are unmistakably budget-conscious, with overly simplistic CGI that fails to impress but fits the genre’s tone. The film follows a predictable arc, lacking in innovation but heavy on preposterous scenarios that include a Dinoshark appearing in inexplicably shallow waters and inconsistent scaling of the creature itself. There are passing attempts at graphic post-attack scenes, but even these fail to truly stand out, leaving viewers with nothing more than predictable blood plumes and dime-store gore.

"Dinoshark" is self-aware enough not to hide its shortcomings; it invites viewers to view it with a hefty serving of salt. This is not a film designed to challenge or engage on a deep level, but rather to offer 90 minutes of escapist fun. It's a testament to Corman's enduring—if niche—appeal, delivering exactly what the title promises: cheesy thrills and absurd plot twists. While the movie offers scant originality and suffers from poorly executed kill scenes and illogical character actions, it remains a somewhat enjoyable way to pass an afternoon for those who revel in B-movie charm.

Review of "Dinoshark" Blu-Ray

"Dinoshark" offers nothing new or surprising for fans of the genre. It adheres strictly to the formulaic approach typical of B-movie creature features, evident in its so-so narrative that lacks distinctive elements except for its catchy title. For those considering the Blu-ray release by Anchor Bay, the 1080p transfer and lossless soundtrack are acceptable but unremarkable, especially when considering the made-for-television origins of the film. Technically, while it doesn't set any new standards, it achieves a baseline level of quality appropriate for its content.

From a content perspective, "Dinoshark" falls flat, failing to provide engaging characters, memorable kills, or anything that could be construed as clever or humorous. The presentation qualities of the Blu-ray are average at best, leading to a rather frustrating viewing experience for discerning audiences. The disc does include a commentary track by Roger Corman—an element that delivers typical Corman goodness and might interest die-hard fans. The only other extra is a trailer, which offers minimal additional value.

In conclusion, "Dinoshark" will likely satisfy only the most ardent enthusiasts of B-movie creature features. While Anchor Bay’s release ensures an adequate technical presentation, it doesn’t elevate the film beyond its predictable and uninspired content. Those who enjoy this niche of films can proceed with a purchase, but casual viewers or those new to the genre may prefer renting before committing.