The Brain Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory delivers an impressive video presentation of "The Brain" on Blu-ray, utilizing an AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This transfer is sourced from a 2K scan of the only surviving film elements, yielding a superbly film-like and detailed experience. The textures are richly portrayed, with the slimy skin and bumpy design of the titular menace showcased in exceptional clarity. The costuming and facial details are sharp, capturing subtle signs of age and grooming with precision. Locations exhibit strong dimensionality, with natural greenery and accurate skintones enhancing the overall visual appeal.

In technical terms, the Blu-ray features 1080p resolution along with MPEG-4 AVC encoding on a BD-50 disc, resulting in a clean and crisp image quality reminiscent of Scream Factory's transfer of "Silent Night Deadly Night." The spaciousness and depth of the image are noteworthy, with backgrounds appearing appropriately pushed back and smooth, natural motion retained even during rapid sequences. Black levels are impressively deep for a standard Blu-ray, maintaining detail without crushing, while bold colors like blues, reds, and natural skintones remain consistent throughout. Given these characteristics, the video presentation stands as a testament to Shout Factory’s commitment to quality, ensuring that every gruesome detail of "The Brain" can be appreciated in high definition.

The audio presentation of "The Brain" on Blu-ray is anchored by a 2.0 DTS-HD MA track that, while showing its age, manages to deliver a dynamic and engaging listening experience. This track starts with an analog-like hiss, reminiscent of a needle hitting a vinyl record, and carries minor pops and slight hiss throughout. Despite these minor imperfections, the balance remains commendable, providing solid layering and a generally full sound for the effects. However, listeners may need to increase the volume slightly to reach cinematic standards, as the mix tends to be on the quieter side, making some dialogue exchanges particularly low.

Performance-wise, the audio allows for open examination of the excited and panic-driven delivery associated with monster movies. Scoring is secure and successfully delivers a satisfactory sense of instrumentation and emphasis. While the sound effects can be slightly sharp at times—an example being a particularly jarring fire alarm scene in a high school setting—the overall composition remains adequate for enthusiasts. Although the vocal reproduction is generally clear, it too falls victim to the low-level mix and mild hiss, yet this issue doesn't detract significantly from the overall experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Brain" offer an engaging and informative deep dive into the film's production, ensuring an enriched viewing experience. Each featurette meticulously explores different aspects of the movie and its enduring cult status. Three detailed commentaries—by director Ed Hunt, composer Paul Zaza, and actor Tom Bresnahan—provide diverse perspectives on the film's creation. Featurettes like "Food for Thought: A Love Letter to 'The Brain'" with John Campopiano showcase the passionate fanbase and the movie's lasting impact. Additionally, "Canada on the Mind" interviews actress Cynthia Preston about her career and experiences on set, while George Buza's "From Monster Kid to Monster Man" delves into his eclectic acting journey and stories from the production. Lastly, "Brain Art" with Michael Borthwick examines the creative processes behind the film's art direction.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With director Ed Hunt.
• Audio Commentary: With composer Paul Zaza.
• Audio Commentary: With actor Tom Bresnahan.
• Food for Thought: A Love Letter to The Brain: John Campopiano shares his lifelong passion for the film.
• Canada on the Mind: Interview with actress Cynthia Preston discussing her career and on-set experiences.
• From Monster Kid to Monster Man: George Buza recounts his acting journey and production stories.
• Brain Art: Michael Borthwick discusses the creative aspects of the film's art direction.
• Still Gallery: Varied behind-the-scenes photos.

In "The Brain," a 1988 Canadian production, viewers are transported to Meadowvale, where the malicious Dr. Blakely, played by David Gale, uses his television show "Independent Thinkers" to control the town's population with the help of a massive, mutant brain. Screenwriter Barry Pearson critiques trash television while director Ed Hunt blends B-movie horror with humor and creature feature thrills. The result is a highly engaging film that recalls the paranoia and creature terror of 1950s monster movies. Tom Bresnahan stars as Jim, a teenage troublemaker who becomes the prime target for Dr. Blakely's diabolical schemes, joining forces with his girlfriend Janet (Cynthia Preston) in a desperate bid for survival.

The standout element of "The Brain" is its impressive practical effects. Though its premise may seem outlandish, the film's tactile gore and creature work convincingly immerse viewers in its nightmarish reality. Despite moments of plodding in its short runtime, the film finishes strong with an unrelenting spirit that echoes the paranoia tales of yesteryear while maintaining an '80s horror vibe. The movie features thrilling chases and hallucinatory sequences reminiscent of "A Nightmare on Elm Street," yet retains originality in its telling. The Brain itself—though slower and less precise than other creature classics—becomes a disturbing icon of sci-fi horror, thanks to Hunt's direction and keen pacing.

In essence, "The Brain" is not only a cult classic but also a technically competent piece that successfully melds chilling thrills, gore, monster action, and a storyline reflective of classic horror themes. It evokes nostalgia without sacrificing effectiveness, making it a compelling and entertaining film that stands out among its contemporaries for its audacious creativity and solid execution.

The Brain is a fun, gooey and at times surprisingly thrilling and compelling little horror film. This Blu-ray debut from Scream Factory packs quite a whallop too. The film looks fantastic with its new 4K transfer. Also, the bonus material here provides great interviews and commentaries that really give a full picture of this film’s production and the careers of those involved. Funnily enough, the one I seemed to enjoy most was the Joe Campopiano interview and seeing all his different collectibles and hearing his story of his passion for the movie and all the places its taken him. For those interested, this release is worth the price being asked, easily!

This Scream Factory release of "The Brain" provides a stellar Blu-ray debut that captures the essence of this 1980s creature feature. The new 4K transfer significantly enhances the visual quality, delivering a crisp and vivid presentation that breathes new life into the film's gooey gore and thrilling moments. The overall production polish is evident, showcasing a high level of effort in both the original filmmaking and the restoration process.

In addition to the impressive visual upgrade, the Blu-ray includes an array of insightful bonus materials. Interviews and commentaries offer a deep dive into the film’s production, giving viewers a comprehensive understanding of the creative forces behind it. Notably, Joe Campopiano's interview stands out, providing an engaging look at his extensive collection of memorabilia and his enduring passion for "The Brain".

The Brain leans into its mind-control message from time to time, with prescient commentary on the influence of entertainment and the submission of viewership. It's not a deep picture, but it has some smarts to go along with its carnage, putting some effort into the story while Hunt organizes moments where the giant Brain pursues its lunch. As B-movies go from the 1980s, this is one of the better bottom shelf offerings, showcasing production polish and interest in excitement as it sets out to please the creature feature fanbase.