The Stuff Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Larry Cohen’s "The Stuff" showcases a faithful 1.85:1 1080p transfer, utilizing the AVC MPEG-4 codec and locked to Region B. The high-definition transfer, built on a new 2K digital restoration, marks a significant upgrade over previous releases. Details are impressively realized, offering a wealth of features from skin textures to wardrobe minutiae and the iconic foamy Stuff itself. However, the high-definition clarity does sometimes accentuate matte lines and inconsistencies in makeup and effects. Despite these minor detractions, the enhanced resolution predominantly benefits the viewing experience.

Color reproduction is consistently commendable, with bright, saturated hues that stay true to the film's original aesthetic. Reds are bold, greens are lush, and blues maintain a cool tone, while flesh tones carry a characteristic ‘eighties’ hue. Contrast levels are generally stable throughout, although occasional fluctuations can lead to deep shadows or overly grey areas. Blacks remain free from crushing and whites avoid clipping, though the overall image may lack the depth and punch seen in more contemporary films.

The original print does retain some imperfections despite the clean-up. Black and white nicks and pops appear intermittently, particularly during the opening credits which also presents a slightly darker visual than the rest of the film. These artifacts diminish as the movie progresses. Notably, there are no significant compression issues, edge enhancement, or posterization problems present. While viewers should not expect miracles, this Blu-ray presentation offers a commendable and faithful rendering of "The Stuff" that maintains its organic filmic quality, sure to satisfy fans looking for the best version of this cult classic.

The Blu-ray release of "The Stuff" features a single English LPCM 2.0 mono audio track that maintains high standards of clarity and fidelity. The track is free from distortion, hiss, and crackle, ensuring a clean and clear listening experience at reference volume if desired. Dialogue is generally well-rendered, natural, and coherent, with Mo’s characteristic drawl coming through smoothly. However, some scenes exhibit noticeable audio looping, particularly during the boat scene where there's a slight sync lag that corrects itself quickly. Effects are limited but exhibit good separation to expand the sound field. Bass is adequately layered into the mix, adding some decent low-end punch, though it remains relatively understated.

Anthony Guefen's score, while not heavily featured, enhances the film's atmosphere in key moments—most notably during the motel sequence where The Stuff attacks Moe. The stereo mix shines particularly with the catchy 'Stuff' advert jingles, showcasing effective layering and utilization of the stereo field. There are no sudden spikes or drops in dynamic intensity, contributing to a stable and enjoyable listening experience. Overall, this lossless track delivers its information effectively, maintaining high levels of clarity, depth, and stability throughout. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided by Arrow Video for the main feature.

The Blu Ray release of "The Stuff" offers a comprehensive selection of extras that enrich the viewing experience. The highlight is the nearly hour-long documentary, "Can’t Get Enough of The Stuff," featuring insightful retrospectives from key contributors like director Larry Cohen and effects maestro Steve Neill, exploring the film's production, themes, and legacy. Also noteworthy is the trailer commentary by Darren Bousman, which provides an engaging perspective on the film's impact. Additionally, the disc includes the original trailer, reversible sleeve artwork by Gary Pullin, and a collector’s booklet with new writing by Joel Harley, illustrated with original stills.

Extras included in this disc:

• Can’t Get Enough of The Stuff: Documentary with insights from cast and crew.
• Trailer Commentary: By director Darren Bousman, providing his personal take.
• Original Trailer: Classic preview of "The Stuff."
• Reversible Sleeve: Featuring original and new artwork by Gary Pullin.
• Collector’s Booklet: New writing on the film by Joel Harley with illustrations.

Larry Cohen's "The Stuff," a satire-laden horror comedy from the 1980s, critiques America's voracious consumer culture. The film revolves around a white, gooey substance discovered seeping from the ground, marketed as an irresistible dessert that subsequently begins to dominate the junk food market. Cohen astutely zeroes in on corporate malfeasance as ex-FBI agent David 'Moe' Rutherford (convincingly portrayed by Michael Moriarty) is hired to investigate The Stuff’s addictive allure. His quest brings him into alliance with Nicole Kendall, an ad agency owner, and Chocolate Chip Charlie, a businessman whose company was swallowed up by The Stuff's producers. Together, they uncover The Stuff is an alien organism consuming its human hosts from within.

Cohen’s direction melds humor with tension at a furious pace, preserving the chaotic spirit of ’80s excess and corporate tyranny. However, the film’s cheap aesthetic undermines its potentially incisive commentary. The special effects frequently appear shoddy, detracting from the horror elements and occasionally veering into unintentional comedy. Moriarty’s performance injects a much-needed vitality, his humor having a visibly positive impact on co-stars. Conversely, scenes without him tend to falter, notably the disjointed sequences involving a child protagonist. Cameos by Paul Sorvino and Danny Aiello add layers of exaggerated patriotism and bureaucratic corruption, respectively, yet contribute to the film's erratic tone.

Cinematographer Paul Glickman, a frequent Cohen collaborator, effectively capitalizes on the absurdity with visually striking but disjointed sequences, reminiscent of Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.'s "The Blob" and Philip Kaufman's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Despite its flaws, "The Stuff" is a chaotic yet enduring piece of cult cinema that operates best as late-night viewing, leveraging its campiness to obscure its more amateurish moments.

Larry Cohen’s 'The Stuff' offers a darkly comedic and scathing satire of corporate America in the mid-eighties, cleverly disguised within a low-budget horror flick. The film's premise revolves around a mysterious white substance marketed as a calorie-free dessert, which leads to turmoil among traditional yogurt and ice cream manufacturers. As corporate espionage ensues, a retired FBI agent uncovers that 'The Stuff' is a malevolent living organism, feeding off its consumers and harboring sinister motives. Despite its significant satirical edge, the film is undeniably marred by its cheap production values, including subpar effects, questionable acting, and choppy editing. However, it remains a notable product of its era and is recommended on that merit alone.

Arrow’s Region B-locked Blu-ray package is commendable, featuring a well-executed 2K digital restoration that delivers a theatrically correct, bright, and detail-rich picture, despite occasional print defects and inconsistency in contrast. The audio track effectively conveys the film’s dialogue and sound effects with clarity. The standout feature of this Blu-ray release is the in-depth hour-long documentary that delves into the origins and legacy of the film, making it a valuable addition for fans and scholars of Cohen’s work.

In conclusion, if 'The Stuff' holds a place in your collection of guilty pleasures, this Blu-ray release is a worthy purchase. Its improved high-definition presentation and robust set of extras elevate the viewing experience. However, for newcomers, renting the film might be a prudent first step due to its chaotic nature and mixed overall execution. Nonetheless, Cohen's piece remains a fascinating critique wrapped in kitschy 1980s horror aesthetics.