Creepshow Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory’s Collector's Edition of "Creepshow" boasts a robust and visually stunning presentation, underscored by a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative. The transfer was meticulously scanned by Warner Bros. Motion Picture Imaging using the Lasergraphics Director scanner and expertly color corrected with supervision from director of photography Michael Gornick. Displayed in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded in MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc, the presentation offers a mean bitrate of 32993 kbps that ensures a high-fidelity visual experience. The restoration effort, managed by the LA-based Duplitech, corrects historical color grading issues, delivering a vibrant color palette, especially notable in segments like "The Crate."

The transfer significantly enhances color reproduction; reds are deep and saturated, blues and greens pop with richness, and skin tones are natural and consistent irrespective of the frequently dominant filters. Detail and clarity are markedly improved—facial textures such as scars and wrinkles are vividly rendered. The grain structure is well preserved, contributing to an authentic filmic look while lending depth to indoor scenes and a palpable pushback on backgrounds. Black levels are dense and layered without causing issues of murkiness, ensuring that shadow detail remains intact. Minor film artifacts do surface occasionally but do not detract from the viewing experience, maintaining the integrity of the film's original aesthetic.

This release sets a new bar for "Creepshow" in terms of home video presentation. Despite residing in 1080p rather than full 4K, the enhanced detail, refined color grading, and improved depth vastly improve upon previous releases, including Warner's 2009 VC-1 encode. The animation sequences may exhibit slight softness and heavier grain at times, but these instances hardly mar an otherwise exemplary transfer. Both casual fans and dedicated enthusiasts will find this edition to be the definitive visual treatment of this beloved horror anthology.

The audio presentation for "Creepshow" Blu-ray has been reworked and now features both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track (3458 kbps, 24-bit) and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo mix (1988 kbps, 24-bit). Those seeking a purist auditory experience will likely prefer the 2.0 track, which captures the essence of the film’s original release with a well-balanced mix of clear dialogue, sound effects, and music. However, there are certain nuances with the new 5.1 remix: while it provides immersive surround sound capabilities and beneficially highlights John Harrison's synths and piano score emanating from both fronts and rears, it is somewhat front-heavy and doesn't fully capitalize on the surround channels.

One notable issue with the 5.1 track is an elevated pitch level, which could be disconcerting for seasoned viewers familiar with the original soundtrack. Additionally, some synch issues can be detected, though they may not be immediately apparent to all users. Dialogue clarity on this track is maintained but can feel slightly flat compared to the crispness of the stereo mix, which avoids these pitfalls. The ambient sounds in the 5.1 mix can sometimes overshadow dialogue, especially during intense scenes, leading to an uneven experience.

Ultimately, while the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track offers a dynamic range albeit with minor flaws, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track stands out for its consistency and balanced audio representation. English SDH subtitles are available for both tracks, enhancing accessibility. For an optimal listening experience that stays true to the original presentation while leveraging modern audio standards, the stereo track is a recommended choice.

The Blu-ray release of "Creepshow" by Shout! Factory is an in-depth and meticulously curated collection for fans and film enthusiasts, offering a plethora of new and archival content that underscores the film's legacy. Among the highlights are three engaging audio commentaries, including a moderated track with George A. Romero and Tom Savini, and insightful ones featuring John Harrison, Ed Fountain, and Michael Gornick. The exhaustive list of extras provides deep dives into the making of the film, with featurettes ranging from animation and costume design to sound re-recording and color restoration. Collectors and aficionados will appreciate segments on original props and posters. Additionally, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, galleries, and trailers deliver comprehensive coverage for dedicated fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director George A. Romero: Insights with Tom Savini.
• Audio Commentary with Composer John Harrison: Technical discussion with Ed Fountain.
• Audio Commentary with Director of Photography Michael Gornick: Moderated by Lee Karr.
• Audio Interviews: Conversations with crew members.
• Terror and the Three Rivers: Round table on making "Creepshow."
• The Comic Book Look: Interview with Costume Designer Barbara Anderson.
• Ripped from the Pages: Interview with Animator Rick Catizone.
• The Colors of Creepshow: Restoration insights with Michael Gornick.
• Into the Mix: Sound discussion with Chris Jenkins.
• Mondo Macabre: Mondo posters exploration with creators.
• Collecting Creepshow: Collector Dave Burian showcases props.
• Tom Savini's Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Archival effects footage.
• Horror's Hallowed Grounds: Location tour hosted by Sean Clark.
• Deleted Scenes: Compilation with text introductions.
• Posters and Lobby Cards Gallery: Slideshow of promotional material.
• Movie Posters Gallery: Collection of film posters.
• Color Stills Gallery: Visual stills from the film.
• Special Effects Makeup Gallery: Highlighting makeup work.
• Behind-the-Scenes Gallery: Production behind-the-scenes imagery.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie trailer.
• TV Spot: Brief television advertisement.
• Radio Spots: Promotional radio clips.

George Romero’s 1982 Creepshow, written by Stephen King, stands as an iconic entry in horror anthologies. Synthesizing the campy style of E.C. Comics with Romero's pioneering horror vision, this film comprises five distinctive vignettes, each offering unique scares and narrative diversity. “Father’s Day” begins the sequence with its tale of vengeance from beyond the grave, featuring a memorable performance by Ed Harris. Though not without its flaws, this segment effectively sets the tone for the dark humor interwoven throughout the film. “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill,” starring King himself, provides a mix of grotesque horror and slapstick comedy, though it struggles to fully engage compared to other stories.

“Something to Tide You Over” emerges as a standout segment, featuring unexpected dramatic performances from Leslie Nielsen and Ted Danson. Their portrayals transcend their typical comedic roles, delivering a haunting tale of betrayal and supernatural retribution. The palpable tension and nightmarish visuals here significantly elevate the film’s overall impact. Meanwhile, “The Crate” showcases Hal Holbrook’s exceptional acting alongside a suspenseful narrative about a deadly creature unleashed from an old crate. This segment is often cited as Creepshow’s strongest due to its perfect blend of gore, dread, and dark wit.

Concluding the anthology is “They’re Creeping Up On You,” a tale that exploits primal fears through its visceral depiction of a germophobe besieged by an army of cockroaches. The use of thousands of real insects ensures that the horror remains visually striking and deeply unsettling. Despite the cartoonish special effects that feel dated by modern standards, Creepshow retains much of its charm and effectiveness. Its comic book aesthetic, complete with panel transitions and over-the-top characters, adds to its nostalgic appeal. Overall, Creepshow remains a beloved cult classic, noteworthy for its innovative format and the combined talents of Romero and King.

The Blu-Ray release of "Creepshow" by Scream/Shout! Factory stands as a definitive edition for fans of this seminal horror anthology. The 4K restoration quality is truly spectacular, offering richly detailed visuals and excellent contrast, significantly enhancing the viewing experience compared to previous versions. While there are minor issues with the 5.1 audio track's synchronization and pitch, the overall audiovisual experience remains top-tier. The extensive bonus features included in this release are a treasure trove for any horror connoisseur, encompassing comprehensive interviews and commentaries that delve deeply into the making of this iconic film.

"Creepshow," directed by George A. Romero, is arguably one of his most experimental works, blending horror and black humor with varying success across its segments. Notable performances include Leslie Nielsen’s portrayal of Richard Vickers in "Something to Tide You Over," though limited character development may leave some wanting more. Adrienne Barbeau’s role in "The Crate" benefits from a longer runtime that allows greater audience sympathy. Despite mixed opinions on the effectiveness of individual segments, the overall film retains its status as a landmark in the horror anthology genre.

Conclusively, this Scream/Shout! Factory release is an exceptional effort, albeit with minor omissions like "Just Desserts" that could have made it completely exhaustive. Nevertheless, the amount of new content and the care put into both the packaging and transfer make this edition indispensable for horror aficionados. With fond memories of its original airing now revived through such a high-quality release, it exemplifies a labor of love deserving of a place in any serious film collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for both lifelong fans and those new to Romero’s macabre masterpiece.