Synopsis
In the full widescreen segments of the film, a portion of an American satellite lands inAustralia and is swallowed by a crocodile. Competing agencies send their agents to recover thedevice. In the segments where the screen shrinks to something resembling the TV screen (thoughstill wider than 1.33:1), Steve and Terri Irwin chase after animals, and Steve speaks continuallyto the camera. The collision course of the title is not just the intersecting courses of the Irwinsand th… agents, but the spy thriller and the TV nature show. While not a gut-buster, the film isgently amusing, and has a certain agreeably postmodern lunacy in its construction. The kidsshould get a kick out of this.
Audio
For the most part, the sound is superb, with a full environment, great left/right separation, strong music and crystalline clarity. The only flaw is about halfway through, when some of thedialogue slips momentarily into surround, creating an odd overdub effect.
Video
Thank you, MGM, for presenting the film in widescreen, and ONLY in widescreen (2.35:1anamorphic). A fullscreen format would completely destroy the primary visual conceit of thefilm. No doubt the picture is a mess on VHS. Beyond the format, the picture is flawless, withsharp image and contrasts, and strong colours and blacks.
Special Features
No commentary on offer here (which is a bit odd, since most of the movie proper is a runningcommentary from Irwin). There is just about everything else by way of extras, however: yourusual promotional featurette (“A Croc in the Shot: The Making of The Crocodile Hunter”);behind-the-scenes looks at 5 different scenes; “Lights! Camera! Animals!”, which looks at 10animal wrangling sequences; 5 deleted scenes; the Boho Men’s video for “Crocodile Rock”;“Croc Track” — a trivia feature much like Pop-Up Video that functions in lieu of a commentary;“Outback Features” — a collection of games, trivia, biographical notes on the Irwins, andinformation on Australian animals and survival tips; the theatrical trailer and teaser; and a photogallery. The menu has a fully animated and scored main page, intro and transitions. On theSpecial Features page, click on the word “Features” for an Easter Egg — an interview with thecostume designer.
Closing Thoughts
Fans of the TV show should love this. And I’ll confess, I found it had a certain wonkyappeal.
Special Features List
- “A Croc in the Shot” Featurette
- “Lights! Camera! Animals!” Behind-the-Scenes Animal Footage
- Deleted Scenes
- “Crocodile Rock” Video by the Baha Men
- Croc Track
- Games
- Bios
- Trivia
- Animal and Survival Information
- Theatrical Trailer and Teaser
- Photo Gallery