Schlock Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "Schlock" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sourced from a newly restored 4K master provided by Turbine Media Group. This transfer reflects a commendable restoration effort, particularly given the film’s modest budget and rapid shooting schedule. Shot on 35mm, the transfer showcases consistently vibrant detail levels and vivid color representation, especially noticeable in the numerous outdoor scenes. Despite minor variances in color temperature and some uneven grain structure, the overall image remains naturally resolved. Black levels are deep with commendable shadow detailing, and skin tones appear realistic. Additionally, it's worth noting that there are minimal signs of age-related wear or excessive cleanup, preserving the authenticity of the film.

The video is impressively stable throughout most scenes, barring some minor anomalies in extended static shots where slight instability may be observed. The restoration eliminates major signs of damage, ensuring a clean and visually appealing presentation. Particularly impressive are the vibrant blues and precise textures, such as Schlock's unkempt fur, which are rendered with remarkable accuracy. Credit must be given to cinematographer Robert Collins for achieving such a high watchability factor under significant constraints, completing the shoot in just 11 days.

Arrow's Blu-ray preserves the distinctive characteristics of "Schlock" while elevating its visual appeal through a detailed and thoughtful restoration process. Fans and new viewers alike will appreciate the film’s preserved aesthetics and enhanced clarity, making this release a testament to effective film restoration practices.

The audio presentation of "Schlock" on Blu-Ray utilizes an LPCM Mono track, which is aptly suited for the film's auditory demands. David Gibson's score injects sporadic bursts of energy, though the film primarily centers on eccentric dialogue, and the LPCM track captures it impeccably. Occasionally, there is a mild suspicion of post-dubbing in some exterior sequences, as sync appears marginally loose. Nevertheless, this minor issue does not detract from the overall solid performance of the mono track, which remains problem-free and delivers sound as intended without any significant disruptions.

Moreover, for an independent low-budget feature from the early 70s, the audio quality is unexpectedly commendable. The original lossless mono soundtrack surpasses typical expectations, offering a level of professionalism uncommon in student or amateur productions of the time. This result ensures not only clear dialogues but also a faithful representation of the original sound design, reflecting an authentic auditory experience. The LPCM track might not dazzle with modern-day dynamism, yet it adequately preserves the film's essence, making it a fitting choice for this cult classic.

Arrow’s Blu-ray release of "Schlock" features a range of engaging extras that provide valuable context and behind-the-scenes insights into this cult classic. The standout is the 2003 audio commentary by director John Landis and makeup artist Rick Baker, offering candid and humorous recollections that enrich the viewing experience. New additions, including Kim Newman's "Schlock Defrosted," provide critical analysis and historical context, discussing influences from genre magazines and Shock Theater film packages. The disc also includes an extensive Q&A session with Landis, archival interviews, and promotional material such as theatrical trailers and radio spots. These extras collectively offer an in-depth look at the film's unique charm and its creators' early careers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with John Landis and Rick Baker: Insightful and humorous commentary by director and makeup artist.
• Schlock Defrosted: Film critic Kim Newman discusses the film's context and influences.
• Birth of a Schlock: 2017 Q&A with John Landis, covering his early career and the film's production.
• I Shot Schlock!: Archival interview with cinematographer Bob Collins.
• Promotional Material: Includes three theatrical trailers and radio spots.
• Insert Booklet: Additional contextual information and imagery.

"Schlock," John Landis' inaugural big-screen outing, stands as an early testament to the filmmaker's unconventional approach. Resembling a farcical pastiche, "Schlock" parodies films like "King Kong" and "2001: A Space Odyssey" while weaving together slapstick humor and offbeat satire. The film traces the chaotic escapades of Schlockthropus, a prehistoric ape man (played by Landis himself), finding him in absurd scenarios involving a blind girl who mistakes him for a dog and local law enforcement tracking him as the enigmatic "Banana Killer." Despite its absence of a traditional plot, the film's vignette-driven nature provides a bizarrely charming array of scenes that range from laugh-out-loud gags to moments of surprising tenderness, particularly when interacting with children.

Notably, "Schlock" benefits immensely from Rick Baker’s early practical makeup work, which imbues Landis’ mime-like performance with a surprising level of expressiveness. The film was produced on an exceedingly tight budget, though it retains a sporadic charm through its low-fi execution. The self-referential humor extends to Landis' commentary tracks, where he jovially downplays the film's significance while sharing anecdotes that mirror the scrappy, guerrilla spirit celebrated in "King Cohen."

Overall, this Blu-ray release of "Schlock" offers not just a movie but a crucial historical piece within the Landis oeuvre. Although plagued by inconsistencies and occasional flat jokes, it exudes an undeniable sense of earnestness and mischief that prefigures Landis' later successes. "Schlock" captures the raw zeal of an unpolished filmmaker and serves as an intriguing prelude to his subsequent films, including "The Kentucky Fried Movie” and “An American Werewolf in London." For aficionados of cult cinema and early directorial ventures, it’s an essential watch.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Schlock" effectively captures the whimsical absurdity and unrestrained humor that have made John Landis' debut film an underground favorite. The transfer is meticulously handled, showcasing a balanced contrast that respects the film's original grain structure, enhancing the immersive '70s aesthetic. The audio quality is robust, preserving the film's colloquial dialogue and slapstick sound effects with crystal clarity. Furthermore, Arrow Video's inclusion of well-curated supplements—such as behind-the-scenes features and insightful commentary—enriches the viewing experience, providing valuable context to this early work that helped launch Landis' storied career.

The movie itself presents an unapologetic journey through outlandish comedy, clearly crafted by a crew brimming with passion and creativity. While "Schlock" is far from being a polished masterpiece, its charm lies in its raw, unrefined approach and its capability to deliver laughs through a series of deliberately foolish scenarios. Fans of Landis' subsequent works or aficionados of offbeat humor will undoubtedly appreciate this unabashedly silly narrative about a rampaging prehistoric ape. The film's endearing messiness is a testament to the young filmmakers' earnest efforts and their playful engagement with cinematic conventions.

If you're on the hunt for high-falutin' intellectualizin' entertainment, you'd best keep looking, for huge swaths of Schlock are pretty juvenile, though commendably also completely self-aware about how unrepentantly stupid some of the humor is. I personally was laughing out loud at several junctures in Schlock, and my hunch is those who like other early Landis films like The Kentucky Fried Movie will find a lot to like in this one as well. This release sports solid technical merits and comes with some appealing supplements. Recommended.