Scarecrows Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Scarecrows," courtesy of Scream Factory, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Cinematographer Peter Deming's work is highlighted by consistent shadow-heavy scenes, influenced perhaps by his later renowned projects like "The Cabin in the Woods" and "Oz the Great and Powerful 3D." While Deming masterfully manages lighting under challenging conditions, the film’s extremely dark environments result in some unavoidable drawbacks, such as negligible shadow detail and occasional outright crush. The POV night vision sequences, bathed in a sickly green, further obscure fine details. Grain is quite pronounced throughout, especially in the darkest scenes, sometimes leading to minor but noticeable compression artifacts. Despite these limitations, the high-definition presentation captures much of the film’s intended atmospheric gloom and should sufficiently satisfy fans of this niche horror flick.

On the technical side, the transfer delivers commendable clarity and detail, with facial complexions, uniform fabrics, scratches on surfaces, and tufts of straw appearing distinct and well-defined in many shots. However, there are instances where images appear slightly soft, potentially due to mild digital noise reduction. Colors exhibit a rich saturation, particularly red tones which render blood in a vibrant, impactful manner. Contrast and brightness levels are effectively balanced, offering deep blacks and crisp whites that enhance the film’s dark setting. The source material is in good condition, showing minimal aging signs such as occasional white specks and dirt. Overall, despite the inherent challenges posed by its lo-fi filming conditions and predominantly nighttime scenes, this Blu-ray transfer represents likely the best visual presentation this film has ever seen.

The Blu-Ray release of "Scarecrows" offers viewers a high-caliber auditory experience with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 options. The 5.1 track impressively expands Terry Plumeri's evocative score, incorporating discrete sound effects across rear channels, enhancing the overall immersion. This setup allows for a wider and dynamic sound field, particularly highlighted by the natural ambience, such as chirping crickets, which significantly elevates the atmospheric tension. Dialogue is generally well-prioritized, frequently balanced between the front and other channels, providing a clear and engaging listening experience.

While the 2.0 track offers a more traditional stereo experience, it maintains excellent fidelity and delivers dialogue with notable clarity and forward presence. Despite this, the surround sound option often emerges as the superior choice due to its ability to deliver dynamic range and defined effects that weave seamlessly into the mix. This includes effective low-frequency extension during pivotal scenes involving gunfire and jump scares, where the subwoofer aptly underscores these moments with satisfying bass depth.

In summary, both audio tracks succeed in supporting the film’s narrative with articulate dialogue and a crisp midrange during action sequences. Though the stereo track appeals to purists for its authenticity, the 5.1 track's utilization of varied speaker activity and ambient sounds manages to create an engrossing and enveloping audio experience that enhances the film's eerie atmosphere. Both lossless formats effectively preserve the integrity of the audio content while offering distinct advantages suited to different preferences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Scarecrows" provide a rich, engaging look behind the scenes of this cult classic. The two audio commentaries are particularly insightful, featuring conversations with Director William Wesley, Producer Cami Winikoff, Co-Screenwriter Richard Jefferies, DP Peter Deming, and Composer Terry Plumeri, offering detailed recollections and amusing anecdotes. Norman Cabrera’s segment on special effects is enthusiastic and informative, discussing his early career and the film's unique challenges. Ted Vernon's reflections on his role provide a charming touch, especially with personal anecdotes such as involving his dog in the movie. The storyboard and still gallery segments give fans an in-depth visual appreciation of the film’s production, while the original theatrical trailer rounds out the package, creating a comprehensive and satisfying collection of supplements.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with William Wesley and Cami Winikoff: Conversational and detailed recollections of the production.

Audio Commentary with Richard Jefferies, Peter Deming, and Terry Plumeri: Hosted interviews providing diverse perspectives.

The Last Straw with Norman Cabrera: Effects specialist's enthusiastic memories from the production.

Cornfield Commando with Ted Vernon: Actor’s recollections and anecdotes about his role.

Original Storyboards: Slideshow set to the film's score.

Still Gallery: 60 images of promotional, behind-the-scenes, and special effects photos.

Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer in high definition.

"Scarecrows," a 1988 action/horror film directed by William Wesley, begins with a promisingly eerie setup but ultimately struggles to fully deliver on its premise. The film starts with a group of military criminals who hijack a plane after stealing millions, only to find themselves betrayed by one of their own. Forced to land near an old farmhouse, the group encounters a field of grotesque scarecrows that soon begin to hunt them down. The premise is intriguing, combining the heist and horror genres in a way that keeps audiences engaged, despite some weakly developed characters and clunky dialogue.

Technically, "Scarecrows" is a testament to what can be achieved on a micro-budget. Wesley effectively builds a suspenseful atmosphere throughout the film's brief runtime, utilizing night vision goggles and high-tech gear to create tension. The standout contribution comes from special makeup effects artist Norman Cabrera, who was just 18 years old at the time. Cabrera's work breathes life into the scarecrows, imbuing them with an unsettling presence that is both visually striking and menacing. His attention to detail adds layers of dread to the otherwise thin storyline, especially given the limited resources available.

Where "Scarecrows" falters is in its character development and overall narrative structure. The acting often ranges from amateurish to outright cringe-inducing, making it difficult for viewers to invest in the fates of these mercenaries. The film suffers from long stretches of dialogue that fail to elevate the plot, leading to missed opportunities for more action and horror elements. Despite these shortcomings, the film's commitment to its atmospheric tone and practical effects has earned it a cult following among B-movie enthusiasts. While flawed, "Scarecrows" remains an interesting exploration of low-budget horror that occasionally shines through its inventive scare sequences and effective practical effects.

"Scarecrows" achieves a commendable balance between a limited budget and compelling horror elements, thanks to William Wesley's adept direction. The film evokes a palpably eerie atmosphere, effectively maintaining suspense and horror despite occasional lapses in pacing, especially during the climax. The special effects are noteworthy for such a modest production, contributing significantly to the chilling ambiance. The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory enhances these strengths with a solid audiovisual presentation that augments the film’s overall impact.

While "Scarecrows" is not without its flaws, including some narrative shortcomings and a slight underutilization of its unique premise, it possesses enough intriguing and entertaining qualities to captivate horror enthusiasts. The efforts of Scream Factory in resurrecting this cult classic are commendable, providing an engaging package that includes informative extras, even if not labeled as a Collector's Edition. This Blu-ray release succeeds in delivering a nostalgic viewing experience, with technical merits ranging from very good in video to excellent in audio.

Overall, "Scarecrows" offers a worthwhile addition to any horror collection. Despite some imperfections, it remains an enjoyable film with effective scares and creative effects. Scream Factory's release ensures that both longtime fans and new viewers will find this Blu-ray edition a value-packed experience. Highly recommended for those seeking to explore underrated gems of the horror genre.