Piranha

I was glad that this has stood the test of time, as my other half hadn't seen it and tends to make it pretty clear if a film is cheesy or tacky. While Roger Corman's genetically enhanced piranha thriller IS slightly cheesy (it's a cash in on the 'fear the water' trend after Jaws) and has lots of horror staples that have since become cliches (the loyal dog that is at risk but wont leave his owner, the determined idealistic female scientist, the grizzled ex-drunk hero, the scientist questioning the morals of what he did etc etc)it's acted and filmed with such infectious enthusiasm, and directed with such talent that it barely matters. It's an exciting ride following the main characters as they race to prevent the next wave of attacks from the lethal shoal as it approaches a new resort. Some aspects are truly 70's horror - how many films these days would allow a large group of young kiddies to get savaged by a shoal of killer fish? (Although this is tactfully filmed with much less grue than the adult attacks). Moments like this really help the tension as you can't make the safe modern horror assumptions that 'they just won't go there'.The ending does reign in the gore a bit for budget reasons, with plenty of blood in the water but not much in the way of gruesome injuries, and the environmental aspects of the film are a little clumsy. But the sum total is a dramatic, exciting and fairly tense classic horror that remains very very enjoyable. And that classic tension scene of the raft slowly coming apart under the onslaught of a vicious shoal of piranha, yards from shore, is still chilling after more than 30 years...

Let's face it this is a terrible movie now as much as it was a terrible movie in 1975 but the 4K version is as good as it is going to get. The acting, the script, the locations are comically bad. The choice of sound effects, the way they appeared to have spent more on the speedboats and a skilled water skier than the actual Piranha themselves (or at least I hope so!) all add to the fun ! The 4k treatment ensures this is a good watch with lots of detail so you can enjoy all those 70's clothes, boats and cars etc. as long as you come in here expecting a laugh I have to recommend it even though it is a bit pricey importing into the UK.

I have the remake of this which I thought was brilliant. I like to see the originals of remakes and I like old school horror films to. The remake followed this awesome film almost to the Letter.For it's age, the golden age of special effects before CG started to worm it's way in to movies and looking more fake than physical effects. The SFX in this film are primitive but very effective and the well presented HD picture doesn't spoil them buy showing them up.I like the story line too. It's not too cheesy which is of course a lot of what good old horror films are about, great late night cheesy viewing but for those of you who don't like the old school horror films to be really cheesy. I'd say this is for you and remember it is a 1970s film.Great fun

One of the cult favs, an early Joe Dante film and a complete Jaws ripoff. I'm afraid it's not even good enough for its intended purpose as a monster flick fun viewing. Terribly wooden acting being my main objection, it is frankly distracting. The effects are decent, possibly because we don't get many clear shots of the monster fish. Good only as a historical curiosity and John Sayles' involvement.

This is called a parody on Jaws but I think that this term undervalues it. This film is great in it's own right. Yes, there are similar themes and yes it has it's humour. However, it is still a well made thriller with gripping main act. (Killing off kids [in movies] is fine by me) It looks more like a superior TV movie than a theatrical release but he has big budget values and some impressive effects.It has a number of great characters and some fine gory set pieces.The extras which gives away a few secrets (fish on sticks) make this release a must-buyA favourite. Avoid the TV remake (unless you want to compare notes) If I remember it was almost scene for scene but without the gore. Piranha 3D good to watch too but 3DD just isn't.....

Let's review the Blu-RayFirst off Audio is LPCM 2.0.Extra feautures are Audio commentary with Director and Producer, Behind The Scenes, Making of, Outtakes, Stills Gallery , Radio and Tv Spots.Blu Ray is presented in 1.85:1 ratio at 1080/24 pq is a mixed bag as it does have print damage visible during the movie and the picture while good is not reference blu-ray quality which is to be expected as it is an old 70's b-movie and also the disc transfer does have heavy grain most noticable at the start of the movie.My verdict would be if you are a fan of this movie it is worth buying.Update Blu-Ray.com have announced this disc is region B locked so it wont play outside of europe.

Can’t beat the oldies’, good affects for the 70’s.Wouldn’t take a bath late at night after watching :0