Humongous Blu-ray Review

Scorpion Releasing's presentation of "Humongous" on Blu-ray begins with an apology, as the image was compiled from varied sources, given the limitations of what was available. The AVC encoded 1.85:1 aspect ratio image shows evidence of wear such as scratches, discoloration, and speckling. Despite these flaws, they are not overly distracting. Overall, the film delivers a passable level of clarity and texture, particularly noticeable in scenes highlighting island foliage, beach visits, and violent encounters. While the softness is inherent to the original cinematography, the detail remains acceptable.

Colors are appropriately managed, with deep greenery and period-specific costume hues being clearly rendered. Delineation holds up well, especially in darker scenes where visibility remains largely functional. Grain is somewhat chunky but retains a filmic quality that preserves the movie's authentic 1980s aesthetic. Though there's room for improvement, the transfer strikes a balance between handling its source material limitations and offering a reasonably clear viewing experience for fans of vintage horror.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Humongous" primarily features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix. Although this setup is not particularly remarkable, it adequately sustains the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the film. Dialogue is discernible, though it lacks pristine clarity. Dramatic moments, however, are delivered with enough precision to convey necessary tension and emotion, and without slipping into distortion. The synthesizer-driven score, while somewhat muted, effectively amplifies the film’s suspenseful elements. Sound effects come across clearly, even if they are presented bluntly.

However, there are technical issues to note. From around the 24:35 to 43:53 mark in the standard cut (25:43 to 45:01 in the unrated cut), an echo and warping are present. This flaw likely resulted from the incorrect muting of dual audio tracks when creating the master. While these issues do not entirely sever the viewing experience, they are a significant point of distraction and should have been identified and corrected during production. Overall, beyond these noted inconsistencies, the track comfortably supports the film's core audio requirements.

In conclusion, while the 2.0 DTS-HD track is not extraordinary, it provides a mostly satisfactory sonic experience with clear dialogue, an effective yet slightly dulled score, and comprehensible sound effects. Though it's disappointing that no subtitle options are included and a notable audio flaw persists for a lengthy segment, the sound mix does well to support the movie's overall mood and narrative drive within the constraints of its production history.

The Blu-ray release of "Humongous" offers a comprehensive and insightful selection of extras that will intrigue any horror enthusiast. Katarina Leigh Waters provides a welcoming introduction in "Katarina's Nightmare Theater", sharing essential IMDB information about the film's cast and crew. The commentary track features an in-depth discussion between director Paul Lynch and writer William Gray, offering valuable insights into the creative process. A standout is the high-definition interview with David Wallace, where he reflects on his casting experience, his thoughts on the film's initial darkness, and anecdotes from his time on Mortuary, including interactions with Bill Paxton and Howard Avedis' controversial directing methods. Additionally, the theatrical trailer is a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Katarina's Nightmare Theater: Intro from Katarina Leigh Waters with IMBD info.
• Commentary: With director Paul Lynch and writer William Gray.
• Interview with David Wallace: Covers casting, impressions, and anecdotes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original marketing trailer.

Paul Lynch's 1982 film "Humongous," following his success with "Prom Night," revisits slasher territory with a change in setting to an isolated island. Utilizing empty forests and decrepit houses, the movie endeavors to offer a slightly more sophisticated motivation for its horror. The plot centers around Eric (David Wallace) and Nick (John Wildman), who take their girlfriends Sandy (Janet Julian) and Donna (Joy Boushel) on a yacht trip that ends disastrously on Dog Island. The island’s ominous history involves a woman who, transformed by a traumatic event, raised a monstrous deformed son.

The narrative opens uncomfortably with a backstory involving rape, setting up the future malevolence of the island’s monstrous inhabitant. Lynch attempts a balance between exploitation and serious thriller elements, though the lingering on sexual violence occasionally detracts from its intended gravitas. The murder sequences follow a methodical pace interspersed with exposition and survival challenges. Violence is sparingly but effectively used to maintain tension, especially in scenes protracted by unnecessary exploratory moments. Lynch leverages night-time settings to mask the full gruesomeness of the antagonist, sustaining suspense.

Presented in both Theatrical (92:33) and Unrated (93:42) cuts, "Humongous" bears the hallmarks of 80s VHS horror fodder but struggles to distinguish itself within the genre. Despite its flaws, including periodic slowness that may frustrate die-hard slasher fans, Lynch's direction delivers solid performances and darkly atmospheric encounters that keep viewers engaged until the end.

The Blu-ray release of "Humongous" by Scorpion Releasing offers a mixed but ultimately rewarding experience for genre enthusiasts. Director Paul Lynch crafts a slowly building narrative that eventually reaches a satisfying climax, though the pacing may feel sluggish to some viewers. This release targets hardcore horror fans eager to indulge in any and all offerings within the genre, and delivers a blend of atmospheric tension alongside the expected elements of nudity and bloodshed. The film's original attempt at providing a richer backstory before moving into traditional slasher territory adds a distinctive touch, albeit not enough to elevate it above common tropes.

Technically, this Blu-ray edition benefits from its HD upgrade, granting obscure horror aficionados a cleaner and more detailed viewing experience. However, the transfer does show its age at moments, with certain scenes displaying softness and minor grain. Despite this, the overall visual quality significantly aids in appreciating the film’s atmospheric qualities. Audio quality is functional but unremarkable; it serves its purpose adequately without any standout attributes. Special features are limited yet appreciated, catering primarily to completists and die-hard fans.

In conclusion, while "Humongous" may not be the most exhilarating entry in the horror genre, its Blu-ray release by Scorpion Releasing provides enough merit through its technical restoration and minor atmospheric achievements to warrant a look. It remains an essential pick for genre completists who seek to explore every nook and cranny of '80s horror cinema. Casual viewers might find its slow buildup and conventional slasher elements uninspiring, but for dedicated horror aficionados, it represents a worthwhile addition to their collection.