Slither Blu-ray Review

Slither's journey onto US Blu-ray is delivered with a MPEG-4 AVC encoding via a BD-50 disc, courtesy of Shout! Factory. This follows previous international releases and an early run on HD DVD and DVD, the latter of which suffered from noticeable issues such as edge halos and color bleeding. Compared to its predecessors, such as the Dutch Filmworks and Umbrella Entertainment versions, which altered the film's original theatrical aspect ratio and presented various quality concerns like insufficient shadow detail and video noise, the Shout! Factory release offers a refined visual experience. With a native 1.85:1 framing and a bitrate averaging 27999 kbps, this edition boasts cleaner, sharper imagery, particularly evident in text and skin tones, despite some minor speckles and evidence of digital filtering.

The Blu-ray's presentation is notable for its balance of grain, particularly in darker scenes which suggest post-production enhancement to preserve the film's cinematic texture. This release seemingly utilizes the same master as the Koch Media edition but manages a lower video bitrate while maintaining image integrity, highlighted by predominantly clean visuals apart from occasional white speckles. The overall bitrate for the disc stands at 37.62 Mbps, ensuring that the video quality remains robust throughout.

Despite not being remastered from more recent elements, the encoding on this Blu-ray holds up well against contemporary standards. The image clarity benefits from the source's excellent condition, showing detailed backgrounds and lifelike facial textures. Contrast and brightness levels contribute to a vivid picture with deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing the cinematic feel. However, moments of softness and mild posterization remind viewers of the presentation's age. Nonetheless, with vibrant colors that make the gore stand out and a general polish that exceeds many early HD releases, this Blu-ray edition of Slither represents a commendable effort to bring this cult horror comedy to high-definition home theaters without the need for a new remaster.

Evaluating the audio quality of "Slither" on Blu-ray reveals a commendable commitment to both detail and atmospheric immersion. Shout! Factory's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround mix (2241 kbps, 24-bit) alongside its Stereo counterpart (1604 kbps, 24-bit) stands out, comparing favorably with European versions like the Dutch and German releases. The surround channels effectively disperse action scene effects, with the LFE channel adding depth through bass frequencies not found in earlier iterations. Dialogue clarity is a highlighted feature, primarily anchored in the center channel while music and ambient sounds are allocated to the front speakers. This setup, although showing slight limitations in front channel separation during effects playback, still manages a coherent and engaging listening experience. Additionally, the inclusion of English SDH subtitles offers a comprehensive transcription, enhancing accessibility.

Comparisons with previous iterations, such as the HD DVD's Dolby Digital Plus track, suggest minor upgrades in this release. However, it maintains its aural charm with notable enhancements in soundstage depth and clarity, particularly within the film's more dynamic sections. During intense moments, especially when the narrative focuses on the infected townspeople and the climax within the Grant household, the surround channels and subwoofer work harmoniously to produce an enveloping atmosphere. Panning and directionality are meticulously executed, with background noise and character dialogues spreading across the soundstage, enriching viewer immersion. Although certain explosive sequences might feel underwhelming in bass response, the overall balance between dialogue crispness and sound effect placement demonstrates an intricate attention to detail.

The inclusion of the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo option caters to listeners preferring a more traditional audio arrangement, preserving the film's unique auditory identity. Despite any relative shortcomings when comparing formats or versions, "Slither's" Blu-ray release signifies a thoughtful audio remastering effort. The handling of sound elements, from environmental ambience to character interactions, showcases a thorough understanding of how sonic nuances contribute to the horror genre's impact.

The extra presentation of "Slither" on Blu Ray by Shout! is an impressive compilation that enriches the experience of the movie with a mix of old and new content, catering to both fans of the original DVD release and newcomers. Notably, it features two audio commentaries: a nostalgic, laughter-filled reunion of writer/director James Gunn with actors Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker from 2017, and a 2006 commentary providing in-depth filming observations. New to this edition are interviews with Gunn and Gregg Henry that delve into the creation and impact of "Slither" as well as behind-the-scenes insights. The collection maintains intriguing deleted and extended scenes with Gunn's commentary, a look at the movie's special effects, and light-hearted extras like a gag reel and actor spotlights. Though it misses some interviews and a stills gallery found in previous releases, it compensates with its comprehensive behind-the-scenes featurettes and the inclusion of all extras in high definition where possible, making it a valuable collection for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with Writer/Director James Gunn and Actors Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker: A recent addition featuring a reunion full of reminiscences about the movie's production.
• Audio Commentary with James Gunn and Nathan Fillion (from 2006): Insightful commentary from the original DVD release.
• NEW The Genesis of SLITHER: An in-depth interview with James Gunn discussing his career and the movie's development.
• NEW The Other MacReady: A short interview with actor Gregg Henry sharing his experiences on set.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes with Optional Commentary by James Gunn: A collection of scenes offering more content and director's insights.
• Visual Effects: Step by Step: A featurette showing the evolution of several CGI shots.
• Slithery Set Tour with Actor Nathan Fillion: Fillion provides a humorous behind-the-scenes tour.
• The Sick Minds and Slimy Days of SLITHER: A making-of documentary featuring cast and crew interviews.
• Brewing the Blood – How to Make Blood: A fun tutorial on creating movie blood effects.
• Bringing SLITHER's Creatures to Life: Discussions on the creation of the film’s memorable monsters.
• Lloyd Kaufman's Video Diary: A personal account from the Troma Films founder’s visit to the set.
• Gag Reel: A compilation of bloopers and funny moments.
• Who Is Bill Pardy?: Featurette focusing on Nathan Fillion's character through humorous cast and crew interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: The movie’s initial teaser in high definition.

Slither," directed by James Gunn, emerges as a testament to the director's evolution from a scriptwriter for low-budget cult films and mainstream successes to a filmmaker capable of delivering a genre-blending horror-comedy that both pays homage to and refreshes the conventions of its predecessors. Despite a lukewarm reception at the box office, with earnings falling short of its production budget, "Slither" found acclaim among critics and enthusiasts for its smart integration of humor, horror elements, and a genuine reverence for the science fiction and horror genres of the late 20th century. The narrative, set against the backdrop of an American South town—actually filmed in British Columbia—unfolds with the descent of a meteorite, introducing an alien life-form that spells doom and transformation for the local populace, starting with the unfortunate Grant Grant (Michael Rooker) and spiraling into a town-wide contagion.

Gunn ingeniously molds "Slither" into a creature feature that is as much an affectionate nod to classics like "Alien," "The Thing," and "The Fly" as it is a unique entity in the horror-comedy domain. The film delicately balances gory thrills with comedic undertones, supported by strong performances from Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, and Michael Rooker, whose characters navigate the chaotic invasion with a blend of bravery, humor, and humanity. The director's passion for the genre manifests through the myriad influences he channels—from Cronenberg's body horror to Romero's zombie archetypes—culminating in a narrative enriched with subtextual layers exploring themes of love, transformation, and survival against otherworldly threats.

In essence, "Slither" stands as a gleefully grotesque tribute to genre films of yesteryears, replete with slimy creatures, existential dread, and societal undertones, all while championing a self-awareness and clever wit that elevate it above mere pastiche. James Gunn's craftsmanship ensures that the film resonates not just as a horror-comedy but as a heartfelt homage to the sci-fi and horror milieu that inspired it. Despite its initial commercial setbacks, "Slither" embodies the enduring charm of B-movie extravaganzas, offering both a critique and celebration of the genre that promises to captivate audiences with its blend of thrills, laughs, and homage-driven narrative.

The Blu-ray release of James Gunn’s "Slither" by Shout! Factory seems tailor-made for fans eagerly waiting to explore more of Gunn's oeuvre, especially in the wake of the anticipation building up for "Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2." This edition not only capitalizes on Gunn’s rising popularity but also offers a superb opportunity to revisit the film that marked a turning point in his career. The video quality is impressive, utilizing the same master as Koch Media's Blu-ray Disc (BD) release, albeit with some noise reduction that does not detract from the viewing experience. The audio is uncompressed and of high quality, enhancing the overall enjoyment. Additionally, Shout! Factory has commendably included all bonus features from the Universal DVD, alongside a new commentary by Gunn and Nathan Fillion and two fresh interviews, offering fans a comprehensive package that goes beyond mere nostalgia.

Despite leveraging Universal Studios’ high-definition transfer from their 2006 HD DVD release, Shout! Factory’s package manages to stand out. The presentation of both audio and video on this Blu-ray is top-notch, ensuring that "Slither" is experienced in the best possible light. Moreover, supplementing the original set of features with three new additions helps solidify this release as a must-have for collectors and fans alike. It’s a fitting tribute to a film that, while possibly not highbrow, is undeniably entertaining and significant within the sci-fi genre and Gunn’s filmography.

In conclusion, Shout! Factory’s release of "Slither" on Blu-ray is highly recommended for its outstanding transfer, quality audio, and rich array of special features. This edition not only serves as an essential piece for collectors but also as a testament to James Gunn’s unique directorial vision. It successfully bridges the gap between past acclaim and current interest, making it a worthwhile addition to any cult movie library or collection celebrating high-quality sci-fi creature features.