Psycho Goreman Blu-ray Review

RLJ Entertainment's 1080p transfer of "Psycho Goreman" stays true to the film's low-budget but stylistically intentional visuals. The transfer captures the late '80s and early '90s aesthetic exceptionally well, emphasizing the practical effects that dominate the film. Fine detail is most impressive in costume close-ups and daytime outdoor scenes, while other shots exhibit a flatter yet still well-saturated look. Black levels remain fairly deep with minimal crush and absence of noticeable compression artifacts, ensuring a smooth viewing experience that clearly outperforms typical Troma fare.

Presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, the 1080p video employs a solid AVC encode with few artifacts, though shadow delineation in darker scenes could benefit from improvement. The transfer exudes a deliberate softness, evoking the atmospheric feel of late '80s horror films. Color saturation varies, with primary colors being strong yet muted overall to reinforce the VHS-era vibe. Nighttime scenes and shadows display some noise, but this does not detract significantly from the clarity and detail of practical effects and costumes. Overall, the Blu-ray offers a pristine video experience that captures the rugged digital clarity intended by the filmmakers. The presentation is solid for HD, though it doesn’t necessarily call for 4K resolution enhancements.

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix for "Psycho Goreman" delivers an exhilarating and immersive audio experience. The mix impressively balances atmospheric touches with appropriately squishy sound effects, ensuring that the listener remains engaged throughout. Dialogue is generally clear and centrally placed, although in larger or more crowded scenes, faint echoes extend into the rear channels, adding a layer of realism to the setting. The soundtrack and action sequences bring the mix to life through robust channel separation and panning effects, considerably widening the sound stage. Although not groundbreaking for sci-fi and horror genres, this audio production elevates the viewing experience.

The recording supports Blitz Berlin’s hard rock and metal scoring exceptionally well, flooding the surround channels with ominous textures and musical elements. It effectively integrates a diverse range of musical styles, from speed metal to late 80’s synth rock, enhancing the thematic intensity of the film. The front soundstage commands a sizable presence, with dynamics that offer loud and heavy sounds adding considerable weight to the action sequences. Despite its overall excellence, the mix occasionally sacrifices dialogue clarity for atmospheric immersion.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included in the film, positioned neatly within the 2.39:1 frame for consistency. Additional Spanish subtitles are also available, following the same presentation format within the scope of this lively DTS track.

The Blu-ray extras for "Psycho Goreman" are a veritable treasure trove for fans and cinephiles alike, offering over an hour of insightful and entertaining content. The standout feature is the audio commentary by director Steven Kostanski, which delivers a wealth of behind-the-scenes knowledge, from guerrilla shooting techniques to visual effects decisions. Complementing this are several engaging featurettes that delve into the film’s production aspects such as fight choreography and miniature effects, alongside quirky interviews with cast and crew. The inclusion of whimsical items like a gag promotional insert and detailed galleries further enrich the experience, providing a comprehensive look into the making of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director Commentary: Informative track with Steven Kostanski discussing the film's production.
• One-on-One: An Interview with the Director: Insights into casting choices and production decisions.
• Interviews with the Cast: Brief chats with key players.
• Interview with Adam Brooks: Humorous interview conducted by a panda.
• Kortex: A Konversation: An in-character interview with one of the film's villains.
• The Music of PG: Discussion with Canadian composers Blitz//Berlin.
• Fight Choreography: Choreographer Alex Chung talks about his contributions.
• Fight Pre-Viz: A loose run-through of fight sequences.
• Filming the Paladin Fight: Behind-the-scenes footage of a forest showdown.
• PG vs Pandora: Fight rehearsal footage.
• Miniature Magic: Highlights low-budget miniature effects.
• Inside the Creature Shop: Peek behind the scenes of the creature design crew.
• Concept Art Gallery
• Trading Cards Gallery
• Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery

Steven Kostanski's "PG: Psycho Goreman" presents a chaotic blend of retro practical effects, gruesome humor, and nostalgic nods to 80s and 90s genre films. The story revolves around siblings Mimi (Nita-Josee Hanna) and Luke (Owen Myre), who discover a powerful alien warlord, The Arch-Duke of Nightmares, buried in their backyard. This intergalactic menace, renamed Psycho Goreman (PG), becomes subservient to the kids due to a mystical gem. The film’s plot is thin, focusing more on showcasing its practical effects and quirky humor rather than deep storytelling. However, it successfully entertains with a blend of "E.T." meets "Troma" vibes, featuring solid performances and an engagingly bratty little girl protagonist whose commanding presence anchors the movie.

"Psycho Goreman" thrives on its low-budget, high-concept practical effects, delivering delightful visual treats for fans who cherish B-movie aesthetics. Comparisons to "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," "The Guyver," and "Super Sentai" are evident in the film's design and action sequences. The character costumes, especially that of Psycho Goreman, hold up impressively under modern high-definition scrutiny. Complemented by Blitz Berlin’s fist-pumping soundtrack, the film captures the essence of 80s/90s schlock horror-comedy, albeit with modern production quality. While Mimi’s relentless tormenting of PG and Luke forms the heart of the narrative, the supporting cast—including a hilariously ineffective father played by Adam Brooks—helps keep the tale cohesive with unexpected genuine emotional beats.

Ultimately, "PG: Psycho Goreman" is a polarizing film that rewards those who appreciate its unapologetically crazy, gore-filled journey through a nostalgic lens. Its barrage of visual gags, elaborate costumes, and bizarre sci-fi elements make it a standout in the indie horror-comedy landscape. This movie isn’t trying to provide redeeming morals or family-friendly entertainment; instead, it aims to be a fun-filled homage to schlocky monster flicks from yesteryears. With its vibrant blend of humor and horror, it aptly serves those looking for a bloody good time steeped in genre nostalgia.

Steven Kostanski’s "PG: Psycho Goreman" is a uniquely entertaining spin on the alien-meets-children sci-fi subgenre, effectively subverting expectations with a heavy dose of practical effects, horror, and a distinctive sense of dark humor. Fans of Troma, Rob Bottin, Stan Winston, and Greg Nicotero will find much to love here. While the narrative might not break new ground, its anarchic atmosphere and engaging performances propel the film into a cult-favorite territory. The film’s commitment to practical effects and unrestrained gore makes it a visual treat for enthusiasts of the genre.

RLJ Entertainment’s Blu-ray release of "Psycho Goreman" showcases exceptional audio and video quality, ensuring that the film’s intricate creature designs and special effects are displayed with utmost clarity. The package also boasts an impressive array of bonus features, enhancing the viewer's appreciation for the intricacies involved in the film’s production. This release decisively caters to both casual viewers and hardcore fans, providing a comprehensive home viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Psycho Goreman" is a delightful throwback to classic practical effects-driven horror, combined with a fresh and demented sense of fun. Kostanski’s vision, supplemented by a killer soundtrack and standout performances, crafts a memorable addition to the Astron-6 catalog. RLJE’s Blu-ray edition further elevates the offering with top-notch A/V specifications and substantial special features, making it an easy recommendation for a blind buy.