Silver Bullet Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Silver Bullet," presented by Shout Factory, utilizes the same master as the previous Umbrella Entertainment edition. Employed with MPEG-4 AVC encoding in 1080p resolution and a 2.35:1 aspect ratio on a BD-50 dual-layer disc, the image quality is consistent with its predecessor. The transfer is generally clean and clear of debris, showcasing sharpness and detail, yet there is an occasional softness that suggests some level of processing. Colors are warm with earth tones, offering a hint of paleness to skin tones, and blacks are deeply saturated without crushing details, though they carry a higher grain during shadowy scenes.

Details are impressive across textured costumes, monster fur, and facial surfaces, effectively capturing the film's intended wear and tear. The color reproduction remains strong, particularly enhancing period outfits with primary hues and a compelling representation of greenery that maintains the small-town atmosphere. The delineation is precise, excelling during nighttime sequences which are crucial for the film’s ambiance. With a strong presence of organic film grain and minimal issues like scratches, dirt, or fading, this release marks a significant improvement over previous DVD editions and provides the best presentation "Silver Bullet" has seen on home video.

Overall, the image maintains good clarity and depth with standard foreground-background separation that aids in presenting a cinematic experience. Movements are natural and distortion-free. Despite the lack of vibrant colors typical to films from the 80s, the natural palette with contrasting blood visuals adds a dynamic element. Skin tones remain consistent throughout the movie, showcasing natural and finely detailed textures in close-ups and medium shots alike. The source material holds up well, devoid of notable noise or artifacts, making this a commendable transfer for fans of the film.

The 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track on the Blu-ray of Silver Bullet provides a remarkably clean and robust auditory experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and intelligible, with no detectable hissing or distortion, ensuring that the vocal performances come through powerfully. The dynamic range captures the subtleties of the quieter, emotional exchanges as well as the intensity of argumentative or action-packed scenes. Though limited by its mono format, the track excels in delivering crispness and fidelity that are significant improvements over previous home video editions.

Jay Chattaway’s score is presented with admirable precision, capturing the shifts between orchestral passages and synth-driven moments beautifully. Atmospherics are well-rendered, particularly in scenes set in the forest at night where ambient sounds like crickets add to the immersive experience. While the expected limitations of a mono track mean there’s little in terms of speaker-to-speaker activity, the overall mix showcases an effective blend of dialogue, sound effects, and music, lending depth to the presentation.

Sound effects stand out, especially in sequences involving werewolf attacks or the distinctive engine roar of Marty’s wheelchair. The track presents these elements with pronounced clarity, sustaining a high level of engagement. Despite its simple nature, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix has a solid amount of crispness and no analog abnormalities, making for a listening experience that faithfully captures the film's audio nuances and likely represents the best it has ever sounded.

The extras on this Blu-ray edition of "Silver Bullet" are impressively comprehensive, offering a variety of engaging and insightful content for fans and cinephiles alike. This set includes two thoughtful audio commentaries from producer Martha De Laurentiis and director Daniel Attias, providing a wealth of behind-the-scenes details about the production and their careers. The inclusion of an isolated score with composer Jay Chattaway’s commentary is a valuable addition for music enthusiasts. Interviews with key contributors such as editor Daniel Loewenthal, actor Kent Broadhurst, and special effects artists Matthew Mungle and Michael McCracken Jr. offer fascinating personal anecdotes and technical insights. Additionally, actor Everett McGill’s reflection on his dual roles and the challenging makeup process adds depth to the understanding of the film’s production challenges. The set rounds out with vintage promotional materials including a trailer, TV and radio spots, and an extensive still gallery.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary: With producer Martha De Laurentiis.
• NEW Cutting to the Bone: Interview with editor Daniel Loewenthal.
• NEW A Little Private Justice: Interview with actor Kent Broadhurst.
• The Wolf Within: Interview with actor Everett McGill.
• Full Moon Fever: The Effects of Silver Bullet: Interview with special effects artists Matthew Mungle and Michael McCracken.
• Audio Commentary: With director Daniel Attias.
• Isolated Score Selections and audio interview: With composer Jay Chattaway.
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spot
• Radio Spot
• Still Gallery

"Silver Bullet," directed by Dan Attias and penned by Stephen King, serves as a unique entry in the werewolf subgenre, blending horror elements with character-driven drama and a touch of humor. Adapted from King’s novella "Cycle of the Werewolf," the movie is set in the small town of Tarker's Mills, Maine, where a series of brutal killings around full moons prompts wheelchair-bound 13-year-old Marty (Corey Haim) to suspect a werewolf is behind the carnage. With the skeptical help of his uncle Red (Gary Busey) and sister Jane (Megan Follows), Marty sets out to unmask and confront the beast.

King’s screenplay injects a more nuanced exploration of family dynamics and small-town life than usual for the genre, focusing on the relationship between Marty and Jane. Marty displays a charming mixture of precociousness and empathy, while Jane, irritated by her caregiver role, still fiercely protects her brother. Busey’s portrayal of Uncle Red adds comic relief but also depth, emphasizing his struggle to believe Marty's outlandish claims. These character-driven aspects are enhanced by Everett McGill, whose role as Reverend Lowe — both the town’s spiritual guide and its worst nightmare — provides gravitas to the narrative.

Cinematography by Armando Nannuzzi delivers atmospheric night scenes, notably during the intense 'private justice' sequence. Carlo Rambaldi’s werewolf effects, though not as lauded as those in "American Werewolf in London" or "The Howling," offer visceral thrills, particularly in the memorable werewolf nightmare sequence. Despite lacking some expected horror intensity, "Silver Bullet" compensates with its endearing characters, solid performances, and practical effects that resonate well within the horror community. Overall, it captures a distinctive '80s charm, offering a compelling blend of horror and heartfelt storytelling.

"Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of Silver Bullet offers an engaging revisit to one of the more memorable werewolf films of the 1980s. With Stephen King’s signature narrative flair, the film strikes a balance between lighthearted charm and gruesome terror. Gary Busey and Corey Haim lead a cast that imbues King's script with a unique humanity, significantly enhanced by director Daniel Attias' execution. The movie intertwines themes of loss, religion, and the gritty humor King is known for—resulting in a film where the human elements often outshine the werewolf horror.

Technically, the Blu-ray features a commendable 2.39:1 AVC picture quality and an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono audio track that ensures an immersive viewing experience. The transfer, albeit not perfect, delivers an excellent presentation by modern standards, likely utilizing the same source as the Umbrella Entertainment release. Additional extras enhance this edition further, even though it omits the Martha De Laurentiis documentary included in the overseas release.

Silver Bullet has enjoyed a cult following over the years, and this release bolsters that legacy with improved A/V quality and valuable special features. Ideal for collectors and horror enthusiasts alike, this Blu-ray edition stands as the most definitive domestic release to date. Whether revisiting familiar territory or experiencing it anew, Silver Bullet remains a great watch."

Recommendation: Highly Recommended