Project Grizzly

In this corner, weighing up to 990 pounds, standing six-and-a-half feet tall with six-inch claws, the Grizzly. And in this corner, Troy James Hurtubise, self-proclaimed "close quarter bear researcher." This modern-day Ahab has spent seven years and $150,000 designing a Robocop-like protective suit (complete with its own black box!) that will stand up to a Grizzly attack. This whimsical Canadian documentary gives new meaning to the phrase, "grin and bear it." In incredible footage, we see Hurtubise and his suit rammed by a three-ton-pickup, pummeled with bats by bikers and even used as target practice for rifle and arrows. His biggest fear, he states, is "monotony, being bored, being average." That's one thing Hurtubise has nothing to worry about. But is he hero or hoser? The ending--a letdown--leaves this open to debate. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)[DVD Review—Oct. 6, 2005—Microfilms, 72 min., not rated, $19.98—Making its debut on DVD, 1996's Project Grizzly sports a nice widescreen transfer with 5.1 surround sound. DVD extras include two audio commentaries (one with director Peter Lynch; the other with critics and Reel to Real hosts Richard Crouse and Geoff Pevere), six deleted scenes with optional director's commentary (8 min.), and a booklet with director's statement by Lynch. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a wonderfully weird doc.]