Man's Best Friend Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Man's Best Friend" is presented with a new 2K scan from the original film elements, and the results are quite impressive. Featuring an AVC encoded image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the transfer brings a marked improvement over previous DVD versions. The 90s film exhibits sharp and clear visuals throughout, with particularly excellent detail on close-ups that highlight animatronics, gore effects, and facial textures. The grain layer is well-presented, maintaining a filmic quality, although it becomes more pronounced in dimly lit scenes, which might be slightly distracting for some viewers.

Colors are robust, with a ruddy push characteristic of the 90s aesthetic. Deep reds for blood and gore, as well as rich period hues and wardrobe details, are well-rendered. Outdoor scenes display vibrant greenery and sharp delineation. Black levels are notably deep and exhibit minimal crush, enhancing shadow detail effectively. Some minor issues occur in laboratory scenes where grain levels spike and the image appears dim, but these are relatively minor concerns in an otherwise commendable transfer.

Overall, the new 2K scan breathes new life into "Man's Best Friend," offering an image that is stable and rich with detail. From the fibrous textures of costumes to individual dog hairs, the transfer provides a crisp and clear viewing experience that fans will appreciate. While occasional debris and scratches are present, they do not significantly detract from the overall quality. This Blu-ray presentation significantly elevates the visual experience, making it highly recommended for enthusiasts of the film.

The audio presentation of "Man's Best Friend" on Blu-ray offers dual options in DTS-HD MA format: a theatrical 5.1 track and a 2.0 downmix for night listening. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA track is an engrossing auditory experience. It’s largely front-heavy but delivers a dynamic and aggressive soundstage, particularly prominent in the intense pet-oriented horror sequences. Dialogue is crisp and clear, providing intelligible exchanges that maintain their clarity even amidst the chaos. The audio environment is augmented with deep dog barks and other animal sounds, delivering an immersive sonic experience.

The surround channels are utilized effectively to create a sense of space and environment, particularly in scenes involving animal commotion and chase sequences. While the soundtrack is playful at times, it adeptly contributes to the overall suspenseful ambiance when necessary. The low-end frequencies are robust, enhancing the weight of intense action sequences such as attacks and car crashes, and adding a menacing depth to Max's bark and growl.

Instrumental scores are well-balanced, exhibiting precise instrumentation that adds to the film's tension. Panning effects are occasionally employed to enrich the surround experience, providing a more encompassing soundstage during heavier action sequences. Throughout, the mix remains free of anomalies like pops and cracks, ensuring a seamless audio journey.

The Blu-ray extras for "Man's Best Friend" can be seen as modest but somewhat informative for dedicated fans. The standout feature is the new 2K remaster of the film, which enhances the overall viewing experience. However, the main extra, an audio commentary by writer/director John Lafia, is notably sparse and occasionally dull, with Lafia providing minimal insights throughout the film's runtime. The disc also includes a collection of promotional materials, such as TV spots, a theatrical teaser, and a theatrical trailer, which are presented in standard definition and offer a nostalgic look back at the film's original marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with writer/director John Lafia: Lafia gives a sparse and minimally informative commentary.
• Theatrical Trailer: Main trailer for the film.
• Teaser Trailer: Short teaser providing an initial preview.
• TV Spots: A pair of television commercials used to promote the film.

"Man's Best Friend," a 1993 horror film from director John Lafia, offers a unique twist on the classic killer animal trope by incorporating modern science and genetic modification elements. The film stars Ally Sheedy as Lori Tanner, an intrepid reporter investigating animal cruelty at the EMAX Research Facility. There, she encounters Max, a genetically engineered dog with extraordinary abilities and a dangerous dark side. The film attempts to blend horror and comedy, resulting in a mixed tone that, while sometimes jarring, provides a certain charm and entertainment value. Scream Factory’s recent Blu-ray remaster enhances the viewing experience with superior video and an impressive audio track.

While "Man’s Best Friend" features R-rated violence, it often feels targeted towards a younger, PG-13 audience. The film balances savage moments with comedic undertones, evident in scenes like the notorious cat swallowing episode, which blends horror with slapstick humor. The movie’s R-rating stems more from its thematic material than explicit content, as much of the violence is implied or occurs off-screen. This approach helps maintain a lighter mood despite the darker subject matter. The central relationship between Lori and Max adds depth, portraying Max as both a sympathetic character and a lethal threat, showcasing Lafia's ability to navigate complex emotional dynamics.

The film’s narrative economy is noteworthy, efficiently establishing the plot within its first ten minutes. This setup enables a swift transition into the core conflict: Max’s escalating aggression due to the lack of his daily medicinal dose. The screenplay often casts humans as the true villains, emphasizing abuse and mistreatment that trigger Max’s deadly instincts. "Man's Best Friend" can be seen as "junk food cinema" with its blend of horror and humor. Despite its flaws and somewhat dated execution, it remains an entertaining piece that stands out for its audacious premise and memorable moments.

"Man's Best Friend" is a unique blend of horror and dark comedy that stands out by endearing the monstrous canine to the audience rather than simply portraying it as a threat. Directed and written by John Lafia, the film is both fun and frightening, featuring chilling yet hilarious sequences such as the notorious cat scene. Scream Factory's Blu-ray release does this 1990s novelty justice with commendable audio and video quality that surpass initial expectations. The transfer is clean, maintaining a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 options, effectively delivering sharp visuals and immersive sound.

The film's narrative involves a genetically modified dog with capabilities far beyond the ordinary, including producing acidic urine and engaging in particularly violent chases. Despite the exaggerated storyline, "Man's Best Friend" successfully balances its cartoonish elements with enough blood-spattering action to keep horror enthusiasts entertained. While the film might be somewhat inconsistent in its execution, it remains an engaging genre piece with enough momentum to sustain interest throughout its 87-minute runtime.

In conclusion, "Man's Best Friend" is an enjoyable horror flick that blends humor with horror in a way that keeps the audience rooting for its super-dog anti-hero. Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience, guaranteeing solid audio-visual fidelity. Though the bonus features might leave something to be desired, the director's partial commentary provides a glimpse into the film's background. For fans of quirky horror films, this Blu-ray is a worthwhile addition to their collection.