In 1966, physical therapist Dian Fossey (Sigourney Weaver) quit her job, had her appendix removed (just in case), and left her fiancé behind to join Dr. Louis Leakey’s (Iain Cuthbertson) gorilla research effort in Africa, which was being funded by National Geographic. For the next 6 months, Fossey would be performing a census of the dwindling mountain gorilla population, but she doesn’t speak the language, has no knowledge of the jungle, and has never worked with animals. When Fossey arrives in Africa, Dr. Leakey immediately hires her a tracker, Sembagare (John Omirah Miluwi), and some porters, and then flies away, leaving her on her own. Fossey now finds herself in the middle of a foreign country with just the crude cabin and research notes left behind by her predecessor, George Schaller. It takes a while, but once Fossey finally does manage to locate the gorillas, and starts to study their behavior, she discovers that they are deeply compassionate and intelligent creatures. However, the biggest barrier to Fossey’s research proves to be other humans. A civil war is breaking out in the Congo. The soldiers see her as a foreign spy, and want her out. Also, the natives—the Batwa—have been setting traps and poaching the animals to sell to zoos, or brutally massacre them for their heads and paws to sell to collectors.

Fossey’s 6 month stint keeps getting extended, and as the years go by, she develops a deeper connection with the gorillas—they become like family to her. She is able to communicate with them, and understands their behavior and feelings, just through grunts and other simple gestures. She also becomes romantically involved with National Geographic photographer Bob Campbell (Bryan Brown). Fossey continually extends her research work visa, becoming a militant protector of these animals. She even makes the Batwa believe she is some sort of red-headed witch, so they will fear her wrath if they come for her gorillas. However, Fossey’s love for these creatures also becomes her obsession, and some wonder if she is starting to lose her mind and rational judgement.

Gorillas in the Mist is one of those classic films you always hear about, but somehow I had never seen it. Sigourney Weaver gives a strong performance as this eccentric woman who discovers and follows her passion, turning the study and protection of these animals into her life’s mission. While among the animals she can be quite docile and loving, but if any threats arise, she becomes like a wild gorilla on the attack. She is a strong supporter of animal rights, and as these gorillas have become her family, she will stop at nothing to take down any threats, even if her methods are questionable and borderline illegal. She probably feels more at home with the animals than with other humans. However, the film also explores the relationship that forms between Fossey and married cameraman Bob. While they both have significant others back home, that doesn’t stop them from exploring their passion for one another. In fact, we don’t really hear much about Fossey’s fiancé, or whatever happened with the engagement.

The film utilizes a mix of nature footage as well as costumed performers, but it is all blended so seamlessly that it everything feels so real. It is as though Fossey is right there among these gorillas, interacting with them and becoming a part of their family. The bond she forms with the animals feels very natural and authentic. So when someone comes into the jungle and tries to harm her family, she reacts (and sometimes overreacts) in an extremely protective manner. The film also doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutality of the poachers, or Fossey’s extreme mood swings.

Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey had previously been released on Blu-ray by Universal a few years ago. While that release included a 9-minute archival featurette and trailer, Mill Creek’s re-release is barebones like many of the other Retro VHS movies released this month. This disc just offers a basic menu with Play and Subtitle On/Off selections, with no supplemental material. The picture quality is a mixed bag. I don’t have a copy of the Universal release to compare, but it is likely the same transfer. I found that the brighter scenes—like those with white cloudy or bright blue skies—often looked heavily grainy, while some of the darker scenes at Fossey’s camp fared far better. The movie was still very watchable, but the picture was a bit disappointing at times. Unlike many of the other Retro VHS titles released this month, Gorillas actually includes a 5.1 audio track. For the most part the film primarily uses the front channels, providing clear dialogue. The surround channel is used sparingly to add a little ambiance to the jungle scenes. The Blu-ray disc comes packed in a standard Blu-ray keepcase, with a Retro VHS slipcover that makes the release look like a classic VHS rental tape. The details on these slipcovers are really fun, and the design even extends to the spine as well, allowing these discs to displayed like a collection of VHS tapes on your shelf.

What’s Included:

Film: (2:09:12)

• 1080p / Widescreen 1.85:1
• Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
• Subtitles: English SDH

Extras:

This release contains no bonus material.

Final Thoughts:

Gorillas in the Mist is an interesting look into the later life of Dian Fossey as she heads into the jungles of Africa for the first time and quickly discovers what would become her life’s work and passion. Sigourney Weaver gives a strong performance, and it really feels like she is living among these mountain gorillas—whether they are actors in costumes or the real thing, everything looks so realistic. The Blu-ray presentation leaves a bit to be desired, and lacks the minimal bonus material found on previous home video releases, but still comes recommended based on the quality of the film itself.