Killer Animal Films from Amazon

Killer animal films are on the verge of making a full-fledged comeback. Their biggest moment in the sun came back in the ’70s, when a little film named Jaws helped cement Steven Spielberg as a directorial force to be reckoned with and also started the phenomenon known as the summer blockbuster. The following killer animal films from Amazon are available on DVD, with many also being offered on Blu-ray. Strangely, Jaws has yet to be given a Blu-ray release, which is unbelievable.

Some items are available at up to 33 percent off their regular list price, and you’ll save at least 10 percent on all the others. In addition to the low prices, Amazon offers fast shipping and reliable customer service. We do get a small commission if you order something, but it goes right back into keeping the website afloat.

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Head over to Amazon now (by clicking on the pic or text links), as these prices may change in the near future.

Piranha (1978) – When a pair of teens go missing, an insurance investigator (Heather Menzies) gets on the case and discovers a Vietnam-era project to create a superior breed of killer piranha. There’s plenty of comedy mixed in with the gore, as the film was directed by Joe Danta (Gremlins) and written by John Sayles (Lone Star, Alligator). Other notable cast members include Kevin McCarthy, Keenan Wynn, Dick Miller, and Barbara Steele. Available on Blu-ray.

Alligator (1980) – John Sayles also wrote this tale of an alligator named Ramon who gets flushed down a Chicago toilet and grows to immense proportions. Can a rampage through the city be far behind? Standouts include Robert Forster as a cop with a reputation for killing his partners, a sexy reptile expert (Robin Riker), and a cocky big-game hunter (Henry Silva). The climactic chaos at a high society wedding has to be seen to be believed. Available on DVD.

Rogue – Unrated (2008) – Inspired by a true story, Rogue stars Radha Mitchell and Sam Worthington in this tale of a giant crocodile picking off tourists in Australia’s Northern Territory. Available on Blu-ray.

Jaws (1975) – The king of all killer animal films, Jaws revolves around a great white shark terrorizing the small resort town of Amity Island. Roy Scheider is the police chief who’s scared of the water, and he’s joined in his quest to stop the toothy beast by a local shark hunter named Quint (Robert Shaw) and a young expert on fish (Richard Dreyfuss). Director Steven Spielberg demonstrates a mastery of the cinematic arts, weaving terror, comedy, and male bonding all into one. The score by John Williams remains instantly identifiable, and it doesn’t hurt that Shaw delivers the greatest monologue in film history. Available on DVD.

Grizzly (1976) – A total knock-off of Jaws, but still damned entertaining. When an 18-foot grizzly bear starts feasting on campers in a national park, it’s up to a Forest Ranger (Christopher George), a naturalist (Richard Jaeckel), and a helicopter pilot (Andrew Prine) to stop it. The attacks are brutal and graphic, and the final scene features a prehistoric bear taking on a helicopter and a bazooka. Great over-the-top fun. Available on DVD.

Eaten Alive (1977 – Two-disc Special Edition) – Fresh off of making The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, director Tobe Hooper got behind the camera for this tale of a demented motel owner (Neville Brand) who likes to kill sinners with his scythe and then feed them to his pet crocodile. Mel Ferrer, Marilyn Burns, and Robert Englund also co-star. On an interesting side note, Quentin Tarantino lifted a line from the film (“My name is Buck, and I’m here to fuck.”) for Kill Bill: Vol. 1. Available on DVD.

Cujo (1983) – Based on the novel by Stephen King, Cujo takes the old saying about “man’s best friend” and turns it on its ear. When a gentle St. Bernard named Cujo gets bitten by a bat and contracts rabies, all hell breaks loose in Castle Rock, Maine. Starring Dee Wallace-Stone and Daniel Hugh-Kelly, the film was directed by Lewis Teague (who also helmed Alligator). Available on Blu-ray.

Them! (1954) – This black-and-white science fiction classic stars James Whitmore and James Arness in an all-out battle against giant, irradiated ants. Arness won his role on Gunsmoke due to this film, and Fess Parker’s scene in a mental institution landed him the gig as Davy Crockett. Keep an eye out for Leonard Nimoy in a small part. Available on DVD.

Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus (2009) – You can always count on the people at Asylum to make some of the most audacious pieces of trash entertainment around, and this film about a giant shark and octopus–both from the prehistoric age–is no exception. Lorenzo Lamas plays a government stooge, while former pop star Debbie Gibson (now known as “Deborah”) is the heroic oceanographer out to save the day. One critic said that it made Plan 9 from Outer Space look like a masterpiece, but don’t let that stop you. Besides, did any Ed Wood film ever depict a shark leaping thousands of feet into the air and downing a commerical airliner? I don’t think so. Available on DVD.

The Godzilla Collection – Since he’s supposed to be some manner of prehistoric creature, I figure there’s no harm in including the most legendary daikaiju to ever trample on a major Japanese city. I’m talking, of course, about Godzilla, and this 8-disc DVD set (for a total runtime of 583 minutes) features some of his finest films. You get Godzilla Raids Again; Godzilla, King of the Monsters (2 DVDs); Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Mothra vs. Godzilla; Terror of Mechagodzilla; Invasion of Astro Monster; and All Monsters Attack. And if you’ve never heard the Blue Oyster Cult tune “Godzilla,” do yourself a favor and get it from iTunes immediately.

In addition to the great deals on killer animal films listed above, you’ll also want to check out the following offers from Amazon:

• Ford at Fox – DVD Box Set from Amazon
• Vampire Movies from Amazon
• Essential Art House: 50 Years of Janus Films

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