Tremors Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the "Tremors" Blu-ray reveals considerable shortcomings owing to its legacy 2007 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer. Porting this dated transfer from the HD DVD era has unfortunately retained several visual flaws. Chief among these are pervasive edge enhancement and conspicuous halos that rim actors, buildings, and other prominent objects, creating a hyper-digitized and distracting appearance. Detail is marred by noise reduction; pores are erased, stubble is indistinct, and there is prevalent smearing in midrange closeups. Additionally, the film's grain texture is uneven, surging and relenting inconsistently throughout scenes. Other technical issues include telecine wobble, minor print specks, and occasional scratches, along with instances of oversaturated primaries in several shots.

Despite these glaring flaws, certain aspects of the transfer do show improvement over the DVD version. Colors are exceptionally vibrant, with strong blacks and natural flesh tones enhancing the film's visual appeal to some extent. Compression artifacts and other anomalies are minimal. However, this cannot compensate for the pronounced edge enhancement and noise reduction issues that severely compromise the filmic quality. As an offering for fans of this cult classic, the Blu-ray's potential is undermined by an unsatisfactory and outdated transfer that falls short of modern standards and fails to deliver the deserved visual overhaul.

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track for "Tremors" delivers a robust and satisfying auditory experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and centered, ensuring that even the most subdued whispers are as intelligible as the loudest screams. The LFE output is notably hearty, providing substantial low-end support for impactful scenes of tremors, collapsing rocks, and explosive gunfire. The rear speakers perform admirably, remaining active and aggressive throughout, ensuring an immersive soundscape. Directionality and cross-channel movement are executed with precision, making this track engaging and convincing, particularly for a 1990 sci-fi action comedy.

The sound design distinctly exhibits the characteristic tone of early '90s genre films, but the mix holds up remarkably well for a catalog release. While the mix favors volume over subtlety, which works well during scenes of intense action when the creatures burst through the ground, this inclination towards loudness doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. Ambient sounds such as people screaming and rocks falling are effectively reproduced, flowing seamlessly through the surrounds. The score integrates perfectly, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering dialogue or sound effects. Despite its age, this lossless audio track remains an impressive highlight of this Blu-ray release, offering a powerful and dynamic listening experience.

The Blu-ray edition of "Tremors" shines primarily with its extensive behind-the-scenes documentary and a host of other supplementary features, despite lacking fresh materials like U-Control experience or audio commentary. The hour-long documentary, divided into ten chapters, provides a detailed look into the making of the film, covering everything from casting to the special effects used. Additionally, actor profiles, a humorous gag reel, a brief original featurette, and theatrical trailers provide a comprehensive yet entertaining exploration of the film’s production and legacy. While some features appear to be repurposed from previous releases, they still offer significant insight and are a must-watch for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Tremors: A lengthy behind-the-scenes doc divided into ten chapters showcasing various aspects like casting and special effects.
• Original Featurette: An archive featurette and extended preview that provides a quick laugh.
• Star Profiles: Brief intros to Kevin Bacon, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire.
• Outtakes: A series of entertaining flubs and gaffes.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two original trailers for the film.

"Tremors" stands the test of time as an esteemed classic within the Creature Feature genre. Its success largely hinges on director Ron Underwood's depiction of small-town Nevada residents, who unite against lurking subterranean threats. Rather than relying solely on the monstrous Graboids for shock value, the film excels through its richly developed, humorously portrayed human characters. Noteworthy performances from Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire create a tapestry of personalities that offer more than just fodder for the creatures. Each character's blend of courage and vulnerability not only supports the plot but also provides substantial comedic relief. The unity and resourcefulness displayed by the townsfolk circumvent typical horror tropes, offering fresh narrative departures that have sustained the film's appeal for decades.

The premise of "Tremors" revolves around giant underground worms wreaking havoc in the desert town of Perfection, Nevada. Sensitive to vibrations, these rapid, blind predators necessitate quick thinking and strategic collaboration among the town's eclectic residents. Valentine McKee (Bacon) and Earl Basset (Ward) take the helm, grappling with questions about the creatures' origins—radiation, government experiments, or otherworldly origins remain speculative. As they fight for survival, the cast engages in realistic discussions that advance the story naturally without succumbing to forced exposition. The character dialogue is clever and effective, enhancing audience investment and setting "Tremors" apart from lesser genre films burdened with cliché and inane chatter.

Despite minor criticisms—including occasionally silly ground-level POV shots as homages to Raimi’s "Evil Dead," some flat jokes, and aged special effects—the film’s humor, action, and heart remain compelling. The cast delivers memorable performances marked by impeccable comic timing and believable interactions. Whether pole-vaulting away from danger or leveraging an arsenal in a bid for survival, each scene is crafted with a balance of suspense and levity. Over 30 years since its release, "Tremors" continues to garner laughter and thrills, affirming its status as a cult favorite. It's a timeless sci-fi horror-comedy that remains essential viewing for fans of the genre.

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Tremors" serves as a mixed bag for fans and newcomers alike. The film itself, a blend of witty humor, engaging performances, and thrilling suspense, remains a timeless cult classic even after twenty years. The underground menaces and absurd scenarios continue to captivate, providing the same entertaining experience they always have. However, it's clear that age has taken its toll on the technical aspects of this Blu-ray edition.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track is a standout feature, delivering an immersive auditory experience that enhances the film's tense and exciting moments. Fans will appreciate the crisp sound design that brings the underground creatures to life with remarkable clarity. Unfortunately, the video transfer does not fare as well. The image quality lacks the sharpness and detail expected from modern Blu-ray releases, revealing numerous flaws that detract from the viewing experience. Additionally, the special features, while nostalgically amusing, belong more to the DVD era and do not offer any substantial new content.

In conclusion, despite its age, "Tremors" retains the charm and charisma that's made it a not-so-cult favorite for two decades. Its wit and comic timing are infectious, its performances a true delight, and its underground menaces as effective as ever. Unfortunately, its Blu-ray release does show its age. Though Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio track is a blast, its outdated video transfer is undone by a variety of fatal flaws and its DVD-era special features are a letdown. The chances of a newly remastered "Tremors" release are terribly thin though, at least for the foreseeable future, meaning this is as good as it's going to get for some time. I hate to say it, but approach this gnarled beastie with extreme caution. However, if you're a fan and you can find it at a discounted price, it might still be worth adding to your collection for the audio experience and nostalgic value alone.