Koko: A Talking Gorilla: Criterion Collection

Criterion | 80 minutes | 1978 | Not Rated | Directed by: Barbet Schroeder |
Standard DVD reviewed by: Fusion3600

This is a documentary and a rather basic one in premise, so the usual extended synopsis is a little harder to do than usual. A gorilla named Koko was brought from the San Francisco Zoo to Stanford University, in order to take part in a unique experiment. The experiment was not only unique, it was also quite controversial, as those involved hope to venture into never before experienced situations. In charge of the project was Dr. Penny Patterson, who hoped that through the process of the experiment, Koko could learn to communicate, at least on some level, in ways humans could understand. The gorilla was instructed in the style of American Sign Language, a simple, but effective method of communication. Just the sheer basics were taught and the hope that was that even the most basic of communication could be undertaken with Koko. Perhaps Koko could teach us more about the life of gorillas or beyond that, things we never knew gorillas even understood. The experiment shed light on animal rights like no project had done before, but as time passed and the experiment progressed, would Koko be able to share the thoughts of a gorilla?

I know what some of you might be thinking about right now. A movie about a talking gorilla, in The Criterion Collection, seems a little odd, I know. But this is not some Disney adventure where animals speak crisp English, not even close. This is a powerful documentary about a real gorilla named Koko, who was instructed in the art of communication by humans, using sign language. I'm sure we've all read about or saw pieces on television about primates and the use of sign language, but Koko was the original. As expected, while Koko is a main focus of the piece, the experiment opens doors into other areas as well. The subject of animal rights is one key element, one that remains a hot topic even almost three decades after the production. So there is a lot of social, ethical, and philosophical angles to this experiment, so the documentary has ample ground to cover. At only eighty minutes, the piece isn't as in depth as we might like, but little time is wasted. I would say this one covers a lot of elements at a glance, rather than a few in depth. I'm fascinated by the kind of work shown in the documentary, so I am biased, but I really found this to be a worthwhile release. Of course these days, between The Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, most folks have probably seen this type of project before. But here, a different direction is taken and that makes Koko: A Talking Gorilla stand out. I can't recommend this as a purchase, as repeat viewing isn't likely, but a rental is more than justified.

Koko: A Talking Gorilla is presented in full frame, as intended. I expected a solid, but rough around the edges presentation here. But as usual, Criterion has stepped up and done some digital restoration, so the transfer surpassed my expectations. This by no means could compare to more recent documentaries, but for what it is, this is an impressive effort. The raw footage is pretty clean and while a little soft, that is inherent to the material and not the fault of this new transfer. The print looks quite good, with only minor specks and grain, though you can tell time has taken a toll here. So while some bumps in the road can be seen here, Criterion deserves praise for being able to deliver this solid of a treatment.

The mono soundtrack here is what you'd expect, rather limited, but more than acceptable. This is after all a documentary, so the live sound is what we have. That means clarity and crispness are lessened, but such is the nature of the beast in this case. The interviews sound better than the more raw footage of course, with much more volume and consistency. As far as the other elements, it is what it is. The sound is more than reasonable, given the circumstances involved. There is also a French language version included on this release, as well as optional English subtitles.

This disc includes an interview with director Barbet Schroeder, who shares some of the stories from the unusual production. It would have been interesting to hear from animal experts, but sadly, this interview is the lone supplement provided.