Chillerama Blu-ray Review

"Chillerama" offers a diverse and unique video presentation in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, utilizing the 1080p, AVC-encoded format. Each segment within the anthology adopts a distinctive visual style reflective of different cinematic eras, from the grainy grindhouse look of Adam Rifkin's "Wadzilla" to the hyper-real and candy-colored visuals of Tim Sullivan's "I Was a Teenage Werebear." Adam Green's black-and-white "Diary of Anne Frankenstein" impresses with its excellent blacks and shadow details, replicating the depth of vintage films with modern crispness. Notably, Joe Lynch’s "Zom-B-Movie," the framing narrative, balances different color schemes effectively, ensuring detail and strong shadow performance even in low-light conditions. The overall video quality is commendable, blending these diverse aesthetics into a cohesive B-movie homage.

Technical aspects are meticulously crafted, with post-production effects designed to enhance the retro appearance of the segments without overstepping into gimmick territory. Digital capture is evident in the seamless integration of numerous green screen shots and digital post-processing. Despite the heavy digital manipulation, Image Entertainment manages to deliver a compression artifact-free experience through effective use of the AVC codec on a BD-25 disc. The intentional visual flaws, such as grain and simulated aging, contribute to the charm and authenticity of "Chillerama's" homage to classic cinema, while maintaining high definition clarity where needed.

In summary, "Chillerama" stands out for its careful attention to visual and technical details, successfully emulating various historical film styles while packing modern technological benefits. The vibrant colors, strong black levels, and detailed imagery across different segments create an engaging and nostalgic viewing experience. Despite some potential design-related flaws, these seem intentional and enhance the overall aesthetic, underpinning a well-executed video presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Chillerama" boasts a dynamic DTS-HD 5.1 audio mix that presents a diverse range of auditory experiences, tailored to the specifics of each segment within the anthology. The standout in terms of audio is Joe Lynch's "Zom-B-Movie," which utilizes the full surround field effectively. The rear channels are employed to great effect, particularly during the zombie attacks and from Kaufman's massive P.A. system, enveloping listeners with immersive ambient sounds like growls, screams, and crashes. This segment excels in dialogue clarity, sound effect placement, and score integration, promising an engaging aural experience.

Conversely, the other segments like Adam Rifkin's "Wadzilla," Tim Sullivan's "I Was a Teenage Werebear," and Adam Green's "Diary of Anne Frankenstein" primarily rely on front-heavy sound mixes. This design choice reflects the filmmakers' intent to emulate the audio characteristics of low-budget horror films from past decades. For instance, "Wadzilla" features intentionally hollow and detached ADR to mimic rushed post-production sound work typical in older films. Similarly, "I Was a Teenage Werebear" has audible transitions between dialogue and studio-recorded lip-synched singing, further enhancing its retro feel.

The sporadic use of surround channels in these segments adds authenticity without breaking the homage to its filmic roots. Each segment presents a unique auditory flavor that complements its visual style, paying homage to classic B-movie aesthetics while occasionally leveraging modern sound design tools for humorous effect. Overall, the mixed audio presentation is effectively curated, capturing the essence of tribute to old-school horror with a blend of contemporary sound practices that ensure an engaging listener experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Chillerama" offer a rich assortment of behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and insightful director commentaries. The Directors' Video Commentary stands out as particularly informative despite its ineffective picture-in-picture format. Each director delves into the technical challenges and inspirations behind their segments. Accompanying this, The Making of The Diary of Anne Frankenstein provides extended interviews and a deep dive into the film’s sensitive handling of historical context. The extras are comprehensive, featuring not only the Wadzilla Deleted Scenes but also similar content for the I Was a Teenage Werebear and Zom-B-Movie segments, although some deleted scenes may seem non-essential.

Extras included in this disc:

• Directors Video Commentary: Recorded commentary with directors' insights.
• Wadzilla Deleted Scenes and Trailer: Unfinished effects and extended scenes.
• The Making of The Diary of Anne Frankenstein: Interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• I was a teenage Werebear Trailer, Deleted Scenes and Behind the Scenes: Comprehensive look at production elements.
• Directors' Interviews: Insightful interviews with all four directors.
• Zom-B-Movie Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes from the segment.
• Trailer: Promotional trailers for various segments.

"Chillerama," the new entry in the anthology horror subgenre, takes viewers on a wild ride through its four outrageous segments, each dripping with campiness and irreverence. Revolving around the final night at America’s last drive-in theater, proprietor Cecil B. Kaufman (Richard Riehle) screens a marathon of rare and bizarre films. The segments span various genres and eras, starting with Adam Rifkin’s "Wadzilla," a 1950s homage featuring a giant sperm terrorizing Manhattan after Miles Munson (Rifkin) takes an experimental fertility drug. The humor is aggressively juvenile, yet its unrelenting commitment to absurdity and visual gags sets it apart from mainstream comedies.

The second film, "I Was a Teenage Werebear," directed by Tim Sullivan, pays tribute to 1960s beach movies with a queer twist. The story follows Ricky (Sean Paul Lockhart), who grapples with his sexuality amidst hostile jock bullies. When he’s bitten by charismatic biker Talon (Anton Toy), Ricky undergoes a transformation into a "werebear" -- a burly, leather-clad man. The musical numbers and overt references to classic films like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Grease" heighten its camp appeal.

Adam Green’s "The Diary of Anne Frankenstein," a black-and-white spoof, ventures into more controversial territory. Joel David Moore’s portrayal of Hitler as a bumbling fool contrasts sharply with the dark subject matter, adding layers of parody reminiscent of "Inglourious Basterds." Finally, Joe Lynch's "Zom-B-Movie," the framing narrative, depicts theater patrons turning into sex-crazed zombies due to contaminated popcorn. This culminates in an apocalyptic chaos filled with explicit humor and gore, only to be topped off by the mockumentary-style "Deathication," a revolting short that pushes boundaries past discomfort into sheer lunacy.

Overall, "Chillerama" delivers on its promise of tasteless entertainment with shocking inventiveness and absurdly grotesque humor. Enthusiasts of exploitation cinema and satirical horror will find plenty to savor.

"Chillerama" Blu-ray is a delightfully audacious anthology film that marries campy horror with irreverent humor. At its core, the film leverages bad taste, delivering an experience that’s both shocking and entertaining in equal measures. Its stylistic audacity sets it apart from other modern comedies that often fall prey to predictable or bland renditions of outrageous content. The film’s dedication to genuine wit and shock value makes it a standout in a genre that frequently disappoints.

For the home theater enthusiast, "Chillerama" shines in both audio and video presentations. The film's transfer to Blu-ray is executed with remarkable precision, ensuring vibrant visuals and an engaging auditory experience. The sound design complements the film's eccentric nature, with audio effects that are both crisp and immersive. The addition of uniquely crafted extras provides valuable insights into the film’s creation and enhances the overall viewing experience. This Blu-ray release is perfect for late-night marathons with friends, especially when paired with a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

In conclusion, "Chillerama" is highly recommended for enthusiasts of B movies and horror aficionados. Its blend of humor and horror, coupled with exceptional technical execution on Blu-ray, makes it a valuable addition to any collection. This film is best enjoyed in a casual setting among friends and is sure to bring laughter and surprises. Whether you’re an ardent follower of B movies or just seeking a unique cinematic experience, "Chillerama" delivers and impresses.