Plot: What’s it about?
A genetic research lab known as Sector 13 has been working on some cutting edge projects, with their focus being on animal growth studies. The work done in Sector 13 has yielded impressive results, as experiments with a crocodile and an alligator have exceeded all expectations. These animals have been grown well beyond their natural limits, not to mention their enhanced built in defense systems. As proud as Sector 13 is of their creations, when the beasts escape the lab and begin a brutal rampage, they realize they’ve created almost indestructible death dealers. As the duo of massive reptiles unleashes a blood soaked path of chaos, a group of specialists is assembled to take them down. As skilled as the trio of experts might be, stopping these behemoths is not going to be a simple task. When the creatures happen to cross paths however, it looks as if they might kill off each other in battle, but leave behind an island in ruins. Can anyone stop these two raging beasts before they turn Hawaii into a blood soaked slaughterhouse, or will this merely be the first stop on their global tour of destruction?
This movie shouldn’t have been able to entertain me, but it did. I am a veteran of these “super whatever vs. mega whatever” movies and while they’re almost always awful, I have a soft spot for the little tykes. This movie is one of the weaker installments in the genre, but I couldn’t help but love it. David Carradine is present in one of his final roles, but it seriously seems like they ambushed him poolside and asked him to read some lines. I have heard of phoning it in, but Carradine takes it to a new level here, refusing to even rise from his chair. As if that wasn’t enough, we have some awe inspiring, poorly crafted but insanely fun CGI work that is used more times than you can imagine. I mean, if the special effects are done, why not use them five or six times, right? While no washed up 80s personas are here, the cast is still hilarious and never fails to entertain. If you hate these kind of movies, this one won’t win you over, but genre fans will find some good stuff here. I can’t say this is a good movie or high art, but Dinocroc vs. Supergator is a fun watch and worth a look for genre devotees.
Video: How does it look?
Dinocroc vs. Supergator is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen. I am pleased to report that this epic clash of titans looks simply excellent in high definition. The visuals really sparkle here, with remarkable detail and some rich, vibrant colors. As this takes place in Hawaii, you can imagine how lush the greens look in this treatment. I found contrast to be spot on as well, with stark and accurate black levels that never waver. As I said, detail is superb and even the smallest of touches is clearly visible here. This is one damn impressive visual presentation.
Audio: How does it sound?
This DTS HD 5.1 soundtrack exceeds expectations as well, with an active presentation that puts your home theater’s speakers to good use. The mix has plenty of power when the scenes dictate that, which means the dinocroc has never sounded better. The screams of innocent folks as they’re devoured, the insane roars of the monsters, and David Carradine’s half asleep dialogue all sound terrific in this treatment. This disc also includes English and Spanish subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Roger Corman and director Jim Wynorski (who directed the film as Jay Andrews) provide their audio comments. Corman is always a pleasure to listen to on these tracks, as he shares candid production information and relates the experience of shooting low budget productions. Wynorski is no stranger to these kind of movies himself, so he also has ample anecdotes to share this track, making is well worth a listen. This disc also includes the film’s trailer.
