By MICHAEL GINGOLD
Just in time for the 48th anniversary of JAWS’ release, a cult favorite “inspired” by it is arising on hi-def disc.
Synapse Films and DiabolikDVD have teamed up to unleash a Blu-ray of the Taiwanese/Korean CROCODILE, which was originally filmed in 1978 as CROCODILE FANGS (AGOWA GONGPO) by director Won-se Lee, who sadly passed away just yesterday. It was picked up for international distribution by veteran exploitationeer Dick Randall (PIECES), who had the film’s special effects director Sompote Sands re-edit and do reshoots for the movie, which began U.S. release as CROCODILE (with Sands credited as director) in 1981. The synopsis: “There is a giant crocodile on the loose! Mutating and getting larger, possibly because of an atomic explosion, the crocodile’s thirst for blood also grows as it rampages through a small quiet beach town devouring anything in its path. Dr. Akom and Dr. Stromm are on a perfect family vacation, but it takes a tragic turn when three of their loved ones suddenly disappear. When the bodies are found, the two doctors conduct a thorough examination of the remains and discover a killer crocodile is the culprit. Teaming up with Tanaka, a tough and rugged fisherman, Akom and Stromm head out to dangerous open waters to find and destroy the beast once and for all!”
The Blu-ray world premiere of CROCODILE is now available from both Synapse and DiabolikDVD, who are exclusively offering a limited-edition slipcover (only 1,500 available). The disc features a 1080p 2.35:1 transfer of a 2K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative of the English-language U.S. release version. Special features are:
- Audio commentary by writer and film historian Lee Gambin
- Video interview with original CROCODILE FANGS director Won-se Lee
- Deleted and alternate scenes
- Original theatrical trailer
- Reversible cover art
Retail price is $29.95.
