Rogue (2007/Dimension Extreme DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C-     Extras: C+     Feature: C-

 

 

Australian cinema has long been ignored in the world market, leaving worthy and noble films to flounder in their own limited local releases and films like Rogue are certainly not helping the matter.  Rogue is precisely what you think it is when you look at the front cover of the DVD.  It's a monster movie where a giant crocodile picks off a boatload of tourists one by one.  It would be tempting to lump this film in with the long tradition of 'nature's revenge' films, except Rogue can't even muster the subplot to give the crocodile a thematic motive.

 

The picture quality is surprisingly good with nice, well-balanced color, quality CG, and a 1.85:1 aspect ratio.  Less can be said for the sound.  Despite being presented in a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, it is fairly easy to tell the sound that was recorded on site and the sound that was added in post-production, which is audibly clearer and cleaner sounding.

 

The extras consist of a commentary track, featurettes about the special effects, the music, the 'northern territory' where the film takes place, and “The Real Rogue” which is just about crocodiles in general.  There is also the theatrical trailer and a making-of documentary which oddly enough was made by the writer/director of the film and almost makes you think that the movie is better than it is, even though you have just watched it.

 

And honestly, that's about all there is to say about Rogue.  This is a movie that is best watched with a few friends, a few drinks, and a good sense of humor.

 

 

-   Matthew Carrick