ADDITION: Vinegar Syndrome 4K UHD (July 2024): Vinegar Syndrome are releasing Sidney W. Pink's "Reptilicus" to 4K UHD. It has been "Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative". It is a 3-disc set with one 4K UHD disc, presented in High-Dynamic-Range, of the U.S. cut version, and two Region 'A' Blu-rays - one with the U.S. version in 1080P (and extras) and the second Blu-ray with the alternate 95-minute Danish version directed by Poul Bang. We compared a Japanese DVD to a Shout! Factory Blu-ray of the US cut HERE in 2015. Both the new Vinegar Syndrome 4K UHD and Blu-ray are a pleasing bump in image quality.  Notably reds and blues embolden - as does contrast and texture. The creature effect scenes still show marks and speckles but they are far less prominent on the longer, 137:1, Danish cut 1080 presentation. The HDR seems applied with care and the new 2160P will be very welcome by fans of the film. 

It is likely that the monitor you are seeing this review is not an HDR-compatible display (High Dynamic Range) or Dolby Vision, where each pixel can be assigned with a wider and notably granular range of color and light. Our capture software if simulating the HDR (in a uniform manner) for standard monitors. This should make it easier for us to review more 4K UHD titles in the future and give you a decent idea of its attributes on your system. So our captures may not support the exact same colors (coolness of skin tones, brighter or darker hues etc.) as the 4K system at your home. But the framing, detail, grain texture support etc. are, generally, not effected by this simulation representation.

NOTE: 48 more more full resolution (3840 X 2160) 4K UHD captures, in lossless PNG format, for Patrons are available HERE

We have reviewed the following 4K UHD packages recently: Risky Business (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Conversation (software uniformly simulated HDR), Perfect Days, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) (software uniformly simulated HDR), Le samouraï  (software uniformly simulated HDR), Castle of Blood (software uniformly simulated HDR), Pat Garret and Billy the Kid (HDR), Fist of Legend (HDR), American Gigolo (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Long Wait (no HDR,) Bound (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Valiant Ones (software uniformly simulated HDR), Mute Witness (software uniformly simulated HDR), Narc (software uniformly simulated HDR), Peeping Tom (software uniformly simulated HDR), Dr. Terrors House of Horrors (software uniformly simulated HDR), High Noon (software uniformly simulated HDR), Picnic at Hanging Rock (Criterion) (software uniformly simulated HDR), I Am Cuba (no HDR), The Demoniacs (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Nude Vampire (software uniformly simulated HDR), Nostalghia (no HDR), Werckmeister Harmonies (no HDR), Goin' South (software uniformly simulated HDR), La Haine (software uniformly simulated HDR,) All Ladies Do It (software uniformly simulated HDR), Old Henry  (software uniformly simulated HDR), To Die For (software uniformly simulated HDR), Snapshot (software uniformly simulated HDR), Phase IV (software uniformly simulated HDR), Burial Ground (software uniformly simulated HDR), Dark Water (software uniformly simulated HDR), Fear and Desire (software uniformly simulated HDR), Dr. Jekyll and the Werewolf (no HDR), Paths of Glory (software uniformly simulated HDR), Southern Comfort (software uniformly simulated HDR).

On their 4K UHD, and first Blu-ray, Vinegar Syndrome use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. The Danish version has only a Danish-language mono soundtrack. "Reptilicus" is filled with various types of, rather weak, aggressive effects - mostly smashing of buildings by Reptilicus - who is fairly passive in terms of grunts and growls. Bass isn't tested much and the post DUB is fairly awkward. The US cut score is credited to Les Baxter (The Dunwich Horror, How to Stuff a Wild Bikini, Switchblade Sisters, The Man With the X-Ray Eyes, The Comedy of Terrors, Dagmar's Hot Pants Inc., Panic in the Year Zero, The Beast Within, the US version of Baron Blood, etc.) and also has Tivoli Night performed by Birthe Wilke. The Danish version has a score by journeyman (191 credits) Sven Gyldmark, whose two brothers were also composers. That version also has Tillicus performed by Dirch Passer and children and Champagne Galop. Vinegar Syndrome offer optional English (SDH) subtitles (and English on the Danish version) - and the 4K UHD, is region FREE, playable worldwide while the two Blu-rays are both Region 'A'-locked:

The Danish version Blu-ray has only the longer Danish cut of the film. This package has reversible sleeve artwork.

Vinegar Syndrome's 4K UHD release of Sidney W. Pink's "Reptilicus" is immediately reminiscent of Gorgo - also released in 4K UHD by Vinegar Syndrome - see our review HERE. Reptilicus is known as Denmark's only giant monster film and was really geared towards kids. So there is a definitely a huge nostalgia component. The creature effects are weak... but plentiful. Reptilicus is a gargantuan prehistoric beast wreaking monstrous havoc on civilization - targeted to be 'put down' by an aggressive military man with blinders on. There was a novelization by Dean Owen, HERE, as well as comic books. Vinegar Syndrome's 4K UHD is such a large bump in image quality it actually improved my viewing experience from the 'take it or leave it' zone to being a keeper on my 50's and 60's sci-fi shelf. It has a good commentary and I value the Danish version with a cleaner image. It's a different film - made simultaneously, Danish director Poul Bang shooting on alternate days with an almost identical cast. So, if you want Reptilicus in the best home theater quality - this is absolutely it. Vinegar Syndrome do it right again.

Gary Tooze