Synopsis
A prehistoric crocodile is genetically resurrected (using the Jurassic Park treatment, one assumes, though one is never told), supposedly because its growth hormone will solve world hunger (more or less the scenario that led to giant grasshoppers in Beginning of the End, and that was 1957). Anyway, the titular dinocroc gets loose from the sinister corporation’s lab, and starts gobbling up the nearby population. It’s up to Aussic crocodile hunter Costas Mandylor (Your Guide To Quality …ilm) along with the local animal control officer and her welder/artist boyfriend to stop the beast.
It’s all pretty silly, and it’s all pretty familiar. Correction: extremely familiar. There’s nary a shot you haven’t seen many times before. The monster, though, looks better than in many los-budget creature features, and he does chow down righteously on an annoying cute kid, so things could be much worse.
Audio
While you’re marking time between dinocroc attacks, there’s plenty to enjoy in the audio track. It’s very atmospheric, with a fully realized and immersive environment. Birds twitter and insects call from all sides, and when the characters are in a moving vehicle, be it truck or boat, we are in it too, surrounded by engine noise. The music sounds just fine, and there is no distortion on the dialogue. Pretty nice, then, even if it is only 2.0.
Video
I like the colours – very vibrant, with excellent contrasts. The flesh tones and blacks are just fine, too, and the image is very pleasingly sharp. There is no visible edge enhancement, and the aspect ratio is a nice 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. There are a couple of flaws, however: the print has the occasional bit of speckling going on, and grain is an issue. It isn’t severe, but is still surprisingly noticeable for a recent film, however low-budget it may be.
Special Features
None. The menu’s main screen and set-up page are scored.
Closing Thoughts
Been there. Done that. Many times before. On the other hand, it’s dinocroc!
