NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION - Scorpion - November 2018: First off, the image quality on this Scorpion release of "Grizzly" is superior but very different than the previous Blu-ray from 88 Films. This is a new HD master from the original inter-positive. This killer-bear classic comes to us on a dual-layered Blu-ray. The 2.35:1 image maintains a supportive bitrate throughout the presentation. Colors lean blue/teal but expand from the washed-out brown tint of previous release. Skies are noticeably bluer, leaves greener, blood richer and deeper red, plus skin tones warm and look more authentic. The framing is also different in most scenes, with more information on all sides in the new transfer. Detail certainly advances. Contrast levels also hold strong.

We are now given the option of either a 5.1 or 2.0 stereo track (both 24-bit DTS-HD Master Audio) as well as a 1.0 mono Effects and Music only track. The 24-bit DTS 2.0 track sounds similar to 88 Film's 16-bit 2.0 linear PCM track. This new 5.1 surround mix is a lot of fun, with decent separation. Effects are given an almost 3d effect, which only adds to the campy fun of the film. The 1.0 Isolated Music and Effects track is pretty cool, and shows the amount of work put into this creature feature. There are optional English subtitles on this Region Free Blu-ray.

This Blu-ray from Scorpion features not one, but two audio commentaries. The first track is thanks to creature feature expert and multihyphenate (Film Historian, author, etc), Lee Gambin. This track is filled to the brim with fascinating factoids. Gambin is not only the go-to guy for animal horror films, but he clearly loves Grizzly (as we all should) and appreciates it as more than just a Jaws rip-off. Before listening to this track, I had no idea that Grizzly was the most successful independent film until someone by the name of Carpenter showed up with "Halloween". We are also treated to a second commentary with Producer David Sheldon and Sheldon's wife and star of Grizzly, Joan McCall. This track is moderated by Henry Crinkle and is somewhat more laid-back with the two reminiscing about the making of this film. There are some interesting tidbits about the technical side of things. It should be noted that the married couple also co-wrote the script for "Grizzly II: The Concert". Next up is a 12-minute Q&A with Andrew Prine and producer David Sheldon, recorded at the New Beverly Theatre in Los Angeles. If only every city could have a theatre as cool as the New Beverly (support your local rep theatre!) Next up is the 37-minute vintage featurette, "Jaws with Claws", which definitely wins in the naming-of-making-of-segment awards. There is also a separate vintage 7-minute featurette on the making of the film. Another new edition here is "Katarina's Fun Facts", a fun 8-minute take on Grizzly. There are also 5-minutes of Trailers and Radio Spots, a stills gallery and a cool reversible cover with alternate artwork. A beautiful selection of extras from Scorpion.

Scorpion noticeably advances upon the previous release. The 5.1 track is a lot of fun, as are the commentaries and extras. Highly recommend picking up this Blu-ray for any creature-feature fans.

Colin Zavitz

***

ON THE 88 FILMS (MAY 2018): Films bring us the 1976 drive-in classic, Grizzly, on a single-layered Blu-ray disc. The film was shot in the Todd-AO format and is presented here in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. There are random small flecks of dirt and debris visible on the print, but this is by no means overwhelming, in fact it only adds a drive-in quality to the experience. Colors seem a little muted - very earthy, but this is most likely due to the original print and is not a mistake in the transfer.

Grizzly is brought to us with an uncompressed linear PCM 2.0 stereo track (16-bit). Various nature noises and bear roars sound as good as they would've in the 70's. Voices sound clear enough and the score by Robert O. Ragland (10 to Midnight, The Thing With Two Heads) sounds clear. Ragland apparently wanted to score the film using very low registering instruments, to give the film a 'grizzly' sound. The score is not your average creature-feature fare, and some may recognize his "What Makes a Man a Man?". There are optional English subtitles on this region 'B' Blu-ray disc.

The first extra is "What a Guy!" where David Del Valle, a journalist well-versed on genre film, is interviewed for 23-minutes. Del Valle mostly talks about the work of Christopher George, most hilariously talking (and showing) George's playgirl centerfold (funny enough, fellow Grizzly actor Andrew Prine also did a full-frontal spread that is shown here as well). This is an interesting feature delving into George's life and career and I would highly recommend this feature. The film's theatrical trailer is also available. A 4-page booklet featuring the piece "When Beasts Attack" by Dr. Calum Waddell is also included, as well as a reversible sleeve with alternative artwork.

Grizzly is a somewhat cheesy drive-in staple from the past. As David Del Valle says in his interview, Grizzly is best experienced in an audience, so I would recommend having a few friends over for this one. 88 Films have given us a solid Blu-ray package here with a fairly good transfer of audio and video, with little restorative tinkering, thus preserving the intended drive-in experience of the film.

Colin Zavitz