Little Monsters Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Little Monsters" is slightly underwhelming but acceptable for fans of the film. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at a 1080p resolution and presented in an aspect ratio that varies slightly between reviews (1.78:1 and 1.80:1), it is evident that substantial restoration might not have been undertaken for this release. The transfer appears somewhat soft and dated, yet it possesses better detail levels and color saturation than older DVD versions. Notably, dark scenes, which are predominant due to the film's monster-world setting, exhibit prominent grain, black crush, and occasionally washed-out appearance, compromising finer details. Daylight sequences, however, show decent color accuracy and saturation with adequate detail.

Despite being described as remastered on the back cover, the overall quality remains inconsistent. There are issues such as noticeable wobble during the credits, minor damage to the film element, and a manifest grain structure. Saturation and color temperature fluctuate within scenes, particularly affecting fine detail levels in scenes drenched in blues and reds. Clarity and detail are satisfactory when well-lit, balancing background and foreground relations neatly and achieving cinematic movements without motion distortion. However, darker scenes suffer from details getting lost in shadows or on dark surfaces.

Colors overall appear somewhat washed out, impacting flesh tones; they remain consistent but lack vibrancy. Despite these shortcomings, Maurice’s makeup, along with that of other monsters, displays commendable detailing. The grains in the black levels contribute heavily to the darkness without significant crushing. While not exemplary, the video presentation is sufficient to provide an immersive viewing experience as long as expectations remain tempered regarding its technical limitations.

The audio presentation of "Little Monsters" on Blu Ray offers a satisfying experience with its 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Despite utilizing an inherently limited 2.0 Mono mix, the track impresses with its clarity and stability. Vocals are clean and crisp, exhibiting minimal signs of hiss or distortion, though occasional moments of Maurice’s mumbled dialogue may be slightly lost. The dialogue is otherwise well-balanced against David Newman's playful score and other sound effects, seamlessly blending to create an engaging aural backdrop.

Technical aspects of this audio track exemplify a strong and consistent output. Originally recorded using Dolby SR, the sound is characteristically spaced with ambient effects often panned to the far left or right, contributing to a subtle yet effective sense of immersion. Occasional moments of speaker-to-speaker activity, such as the whimsical sounds within the monster world, showcase the track’s dynamic capabilities. The audio remains free from defects, providing a robust recording that maintains a precise dialogue reproduction even during more boisterous scenes in the monster lair.

Overall, the 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track ensures an entertaining and immersive auditory experience, supporting everything from the delightful sound design and foley effects to the depth of Newman's score with commendable efficiency. Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, and English SDH for additional accessibility, ensuring clear comprehension of dialogue throughout.

The Blu-ray release of "Little Monsters" contains a comprehensive and engaging array of extras that dive deeply into the film's production, cast, and special effects. The audio commentary by Jarret Gahan, Editor-in-Chief of CultofMonster.com, stands out for its conversational yet fact-filled approach, covering production insights and biographical backgrounds. The isolated score selections with composer David Newman enriches the experience further. Notable interviews include Howie Mandel’s humorous recollections, producer Andrew Licht’s challenges during production, and special effects creator Robert Short’s detailed account of creating the film's unique monsters. Vintage materials such as promotional interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and Howie Mandel’s detailed makeup transformation provide a nostalgic look back at the film’s production. This collection of extras offers both entertainment and insightful information for fans of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion on the film's making.
• Isolated Score Selections and Audio Interview with Composer David Newman: In-depth career talk.
• Call Him Maurice: Interview with actor Howie Mandel.
• Beneath the Bed: Interview with producer Andrew Licht.
• Monsters Big & Small: Interview with special makeup effects creator Robert Short.
• Vintage Interviews: On-set interviews with cast and crew.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Exclusive look into the film's production.
• Making Maurice: Footage of Howie Mandel’s makeup process.
• Vintage EPK & VHS Promo: Promotional materials from the original release.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Still Gallery: Collection of behind-the-scenes photos and artwork.

"Little Monsters" is an intriguing mix of dark whimsy and playful mischief that defines the late 1980s children's fantasy genre. Starring Fred Savage and Howie Mandel, this film offers a nostalgic journey for millennials while piquing curiosity among younger audiences. Savage plays Brian Stevenson, a child navigating family disarray punctuated by constant pranks blamed on him but actually orchestrated by a monster named Maurice. The film's plot juxtaposes the familial conflicts with Brian's adventures in the monster world—an underworld reminiscent of a chaotic carnival.

Despite its ostensibly light-hearted plot, there is an underlying darkness to "Little Monsters." The surreal tones and frenetic pace evoke a Dollar General version of "Beetlejuice," yet it maintains individuality through unique practical effects. Mandel's Maurice, clad in extensive prosthetic make-up, embodies both anarchy and endearing chaos. However, the film's narrative sometimes suffers from uneven pacing and abrupt character transitions, such as the introduction of the villainous Boy in the third act, which suggests possible deleted scenes.

The film's thematic undertones of dislocation and transformation add emotional depth, although these elements are often overshadowed by juvenile humor and the erratic behavior of Maurice. The film’s visual design, featuring sets built from wooden pallets and lit with gelled lighting, reflects budget constraints but also underscores an imaginative aesthetic. While “Little Monsters” didn’t achieve theatrical success initially, it has since garnered a cult following due to its inventive monster designs and nostalgic 1980s charm. Ultimately, despite its flaws, the film remains an endearing spectacle—part slog, part fun—that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of dark themes and mischievous fantasy.

"Little Monsters," a light-hearted PG kids’ monster movie from Vestron Video, offers a departure from the typical gore-centric releases from the studio, aligning more closely with the charm of "Monster Squad." The nostalgic appeal is undeniable, primarily for an audience that remembers it from its original VHS release. Fred Savage, Howie Mandel, Daniel Stern, and the ensemble cast deliver performances imbued with a fair amount of heart, offset by Mandel's over-the-top comedic antics. The narrative isn’t flawless but remains endearing in its quirky approach, solidifying its status as a cult classic.

Unfortunately, Lionsgate’s Blu-ray release suffers from a mediocre video transfer based on an outdated master, producing visuals akin to watching an old film print. Despite this shortfall, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track delivers a commendable sound experience, ensuring dialogue and effects are clear and engaging. The aspect ratio of 1.85:1 AVC retains the movie’s original visual presentation. Additionally, the release shines with its supplemental package, including insightful special features that enhance the viewer’s appreciation of the film.

In conclusion, despite technical limitations in video quality, "Little Monsters" on Blu-ray is a worthy revisit for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. Its affordability at $9.99 coupled with solid audio and engaging extras make it a commendable addition to any collection. This release does well to remind audiences of why "Little Monsters" retains its cherished place in cult film history. Definitely worth checking out for a fun trip down memory lane.