Critters Attack! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of "Critters Attack!" presents a solid video experience for a direct-to-video (DTV) release. The AVC encoded 1080p HD transfer at a 1.78:1 aspect ratio provides a sharp and clear image, largely free from noise and grain. Colors are vibrant in well-lit scenes, with primary colors such as red and green showing good saturation levels, particularly notable in elements like Drea's outfit and the green grass of the small town. Despite the overall flat and unremarkable color saturation, fine detail—especially on the Critters themselves—remains quite pronounced. The textures of Critter fur, leathery mouths, and gory details are meticulously captured, enhancing the practical effects that stand out distinctly amidst the otherwise reality show-like visual style.

However, the video transfer has its challenges, particularly in darker scenes. While daytime exteriors benefit from bright, colorful contrasts against the natural greenery, nighttime scenes struggle with black levels that appear murky and less defined. This results in some crushing and banding during lower-lit sequences, making it difficult to distinguish the Critters and other dark elements. Interior shots can also present a milky appearance due to less-than-ideal color contrast. Despite these limitations typical of a low-budget DTV film, the transfer benefits from clean encoding with no prevalent artifacts, maintaining stable skin tones and accurate facial features even if background sets appear occasionally flat. Overall, "Critters Attack!" offers an adequate yet imperfect visual presentation that remains engaging for fans of practical horror effects.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio track for "Critters Attack!" is robust, especially for a direct-to-video production. Of note is its clear, well-prioritized dialogue that ensures vocals remain intelligible throughout. The minimalist design typical of low-budget films is evident, yet the track still manages to create an engaging environment. Surround usage, while modest, adds dimension through subtle whispers and crunches as the Critters scuttle around the periphery. The score fills out the front end effectively, contributing to an overall satisfying auditory experience.

Bass implementation is particularly worth mentioning. Though primarily tethered to the score, it does provide significant depth during weapon discharges and other critical moments, offering a palpable low-end thump. The occasional Krite ball rolling injects some added low-frequency effects for a more immersive experience. The spatial audio positioning is adept, with smooth transitions and fluid movement tracking the Critters through different environments, creating a genuine sense of directionality and environmental immersion.

Overall, this audio presentation balances dynamics well, managing a polished integration between dialogue, effects, and music. It’s particularly notable for its directional accuracy and environmental soundscapes, which amplify tension and maintain engagement. While the bass may feel restrained at times, the mix ensures that every element from subtle critter noises to intense action sequences is represented with clarity and precision. This track offers a surprising level of quality and immersion, making it excellent for fans and audiophiles alike.

The extras on the "Critters Attack!" Blu-ray disc are comprehensive and delve deeply into the film's practical effects, character design, and nostalgia-driven return to franchise roots. Particularly notable is the focus on puppet technology over CGI, a commendable effort that provides an authentic feel. The inclusion of interviews with the cast and crew, including Dee Wallace, adds depth and insightful behind-the-scenes content. The humorous scene-specific commentary featuring Bobby Miller and Marty Krite enriches the viewer's understanding, taking an entertaining approach. Overall, these features provide a well-rounded and immersive experience for fans of the film and franchise alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Engineering Gore; Designing Critters: Cast and crew discuss practical effects, animatronics, and puppet work.
• Critters: An Out-of-this-World Experience: Featurette focusing on practical effects and cast interactions.
• The Critter Ball: Breakdown of the climatic Krite attack sequence.
• Scene Specific Commentary with Director Bobby Miller and a Critter: Humorous commentary on a specific scene.

"Critters Attack!" offers a nostalgic return to the beloved 1980s franchise, albeit with mixed results. Directed by Bobby Miller and written by Scott Lobdell, this direct-to-video (DTV) installment is set in small-town America where Drea (Tashiana Washington) and her babysitting charges stumble upon Bianca, a benevolent white Krite. Soon, a spaceship crash-lands, unleashing a ravenous horde of Crites led by the villainous Hans. The film maintains franchise consistency with practical effects, using puppets for the Crites and avoiding overuse of CGI. The gore and creature designs harken back to the franchise's roots, offering die-hard fans some moments of gleeful carnage and nostalgia.

However, "Critters Attack!" suffers from several shortcomings. Despite featuring franchise veteran Dee Wallace, who returns in a limited role as Aunt Dee, the character dynamics feel underdeveloped and lack energy. Drea’s subplot involving her college aspirations and family struggles adds unneeded melodrama, stretching the runtime without adding depth or excitement. The film’s pacing is hindered by repetitive sequences where characters seek help only to face inevitable attacks from the Crites. The dialogue, often clunky and monotonous, further detracts from the fun, campy tone that fans expect from the series.

While the practical effects and nostalgia-inducing elements are highlights, "Critters Attack!" misses the mark in fully capturing the chaotic charm of its predecessors. The film's "back to basics" approach and R-rating provide moments of gruesome pleasure, but the lack of compelling human characters and a coherent plot prevent it from standing out in a franchise known for its guilty pleasures. Hardcore fans may appreciate the effort to stay true to the original's spirit, but even they might find this entry falling short of expectations.

"Critters Attack!" offers a mixed bag for fans of the cult horror-comedy series. Directed by Bobby Miller, this installment stars Tashiana Washington, Dee Wallace, Jaeden Noel, and others, and comes with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 AVC and audio tracks in English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Spanish DD 5.1. While the film struggles in terms of character development and story direction, leading to some underwhelming action sequences and missed fan-service opportunities, it retains elements that hard-core fans may appreciate. Dee Wallace’s brief appearance, coupled with old-school practical effects and gore, adds a nostalgic touch. However, note that Wallace's role isn't a reprise of her iconic character, potentially disappointing long-time fans.

The Blu-ray presentation by Warner Brothers comes with a mixed-bag video quality. The critters look decent in well-lit scenes but falter in darker settings, leading to inconsistent image quality. In contrast, the DTS-HD 5.1 audio track is notably robust, adding a needed dynamic to the viewing experience. Complementing the main feature, the Blu-ray includes a moderate range of extras that provide additional context and enjoyment for dedicated fans of the series. The supplemental materials are few but worthwhile, offering insights and interviews that enrich the overall package.

In conclusion, "Critters Attack!" is pure comfort food for fans of cheesy horror schlock. While it may disappoint newcomers or those expecting a return to form with major plot and character advancements, it nevertheless remains a fun watch within its niche. Though not groundbreaking, the film holds its place alongside other entries in the Critters franchise, making it worth checking out if you're a dedicated follower of these mischievous furballs.