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Crocodile Dundee
Paramount // PG-13 // September 18, 2001
List Price: $24.99 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
There's a definite point in the 80's where "Crocodile Dundee" was a funny idea. The first film still does carry a certain charm and humor, but occasionally seems rather dated (which was parodied on "the Simpsons", when an episode focused on our 80's fascination with Australia.). The film stars Paul Hogan as Crocodile Dundee, a character which the actor became inescapably linked to, as both of the first two films ranked in enormous amounts of money. Hogan attempted some other minor roles, but none of them were nearly as successful as "Dundee".
The film begins with reporter Sue (Linda Kozlowski, who later went on to marry Hogan) finding out about a story of an Aussie legend named Crocodile Dundee. She's heard that he's survived a gator attack and is curious to find out what makes the guy tick. After spending a few days in his native environment, she begins to fall for him and invites him back to New York City with her. Of course, Dundee has never set foot in the big city and although one might guess that he could have seen things about places like New York City on a TV at the local bar, he doesn't have any idea how to handle himself. Fascinated by how things work, the film does the fish-out-of-water scenario quite well. There's only a certain amount that one can take out of this set-up though and it became evident throughout the second and third pictures that the first one still had and has the best bits (the first and second pictures were co-written by Hogan, as was the third, although Hogan apparently had to fight for credit on the third, since he was also a producer).
The film's score by Peter Best is a perfect fit for the picture, as is Russell Boyd's widescreen cinematography. The picture moves at a nice clip and the two actors are also perfect for one another. Although their chemistry was suprisingly not as evident in the second and third pictures, Hogan and Kozlowski make a perfect couple here. Although some of the bits are a little dated, there's still a lot to like about this first edition in the series and quite a few laughs.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Crocodile Dundee" is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen by Paramount. Although not without a few minor blemishes, the picture looks largely very good. Sharpness and detail were generally strong throughout the movie - some of the darker scenes did look a little undefined, but this was a minor complaint. As per usual for Russell Boyd ("Tin Cup", "Liar, Liar")'s cinematography, he gives the film a glossy, bright look. This edition's 2.35:1 widescreen framing also captures some fine compositions in comparison to the third film's 1.85:1 presentation.
There's a few worries during the film's presentation, but none of them really caused a great deal of concern. Print flaws in the way of some minor marks and speckles were infrequently visible (seemingly moreso in the film's second half), but there weren't any signs of greater wear. I didn't see any pixelation, but I did spot a few instances of visible, but relatively minor edge enhancement.
Colors looked wonderful, especially during the early sequences in Australia before Dundee heads off to America. Colors overall appeared bright, well-saturated and clean. Flesh tones also looked natural and accurate, as well. Not without a few minor flaws, but very nice overall.
SOUND: Although the first picture is only presented in Dolby 2.0 (the second picture has been remastered in 5.1 and the third one has a 5.1 presentation), the sound experience is better than expected. The entertaining and fun score sounds suprisingly rich and full, while dialogue sounds clear and crisp. There's even some respectable bass. The soundtrack has no issues regarding particular elements sounding thin or edgy.
MENUS:: Basic, non-animated menus that essentially use film-themed images and cover art.
EXTRAS:: Unfortunately, the only extra is a trailer.
Final Thoughts: "Crocodile Dundee" still remains an amusing picture years later and although it would be nice if a few more extras were included, at least the film's presentation is solid. Recommended.
There's a definite point in the 80's where "Crocodile Dundee" was a funny idea. The first film still does carry a certain charm and humor, but occasionally seems rather dated (which was parodied on "the Simpsons", when an episode focused on our 80's fascination with Australia.). The film stars Paul Hogan as Crocodile Dundee, a character which the actor became inescapably linked to, as both of the first two films ranked in enormous amounts of money. Hogan attempted some other minor roles, but none of them were nearly as successful as "Dundee".
The film begins with reporter Sue (Linda Kozlowski, who later went on to marry Hogan) finding out about a story of an Aussie legend named Crocodile Dundee. She's heard that he's survived a gator attack and is curious to find out what makes the guy tick. After spending a few days in his native environment, she begins to fall for him and invites him back to New York City with her. Of course, Dundee has never set foot in the big city and although one might guess that he could have seen things about places like New York City on a TV at the local bar, he doesn't have any idea how to handle himself. Fascinated by how things work, the film does the fish-out-of-water scenario quite well. There's only a certain amount that one can take out of this set-up though and it became evident throughout the second and third pictures that the first one still had and has the best bits (the first and second pictures were co-written by Hogan, as was the third, although Hogan apparently had to fight for credit on the third, since he was also a producer).
The film's score by Peter Best is a perfect fit for the picture, as is Russell Boyd's widescreen cinematography. The picture moves at a nice clip and the two actors are also perfect for one another. Although their chemistry was suprisingly not as evident in the second and third pictures, Hogan and Kozlowski make a perfect couple here. Although some of the bits are a little dated, there's still a lot to like about this first edition in the series and quite a few laughs.
The DVD
VIDEO: "Crocodile Dundee" is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen by Paramount. Although not without a few minor blemishes, the picture looks largely very good. Sharpness and detail were generally strong throughout the movie - some of the darker scenes did look a little undefined, but this was a minor complaint. As per usual for Russell Boyd ("Tin Cup", "Liar, Liar")'s cinematography, he gives the film a glossy, bright look. This edition's 2.35:1 widescreen framing also captures some fine compositions in comparison to the third film's 1.85:1 presentation.
There's a few worries during the film's presentation, but none of them really caused a great deal of concern. Print flaws in the way of some minor marks and speckles were infrequently visible (seemingly moreso in the film's second half), but there weren't any signs of greater wear. I didn't see any pixelation, but I did spot a few instances of visible, but relatively minor edge enhancement.
Colors looked wonderful, especially during the early sequences in Australia before Dundee heads off to America. Colors overall appeared bright, well-saturated and clean. Flesh tones also looked natural and accurate, as well. Not without a few minor flaws, but very nice overall.
SOUND: Although the first picture is only presented in Dolby 2.0 (the second picture has been remastered in 5.1 and the third one has a 5.1 presentation), the sound experience is better than expected. The entertaining and fun score sounds suprisingly rich and full, while dialogue sounds clear and crisp. There's even some respectable bass. The soundtrack has no issues regarding particular elements sounding thin or edgy.
MENUS:: Basic, non-animated menus that essentially use film-themed images and cover art.
EXTRAS:: Unfortunately, the only extra is a trailer.
Final Thoughts: "Crocodile Dundee" still remains an amusing picture years later and although it would be nice if a few more extras were included, at least the film's presentation is solid. Recommended.
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