Ghoulies 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu Ray presentation of "Ghoulies" from MVD Visual impresses with its HEVC / H.265 encoded 2160p transfer, maintaining a 1.85:1 aspect ratio that's been refined from a pristine 4K restoration (16-bit scan of the original camera negative), complemented by Dolby Vision enhancing the viewing experience significantly. Initial concerns regarding how the film's grain would translate into the higher resolution and dynamic range were quickly alleviated. The transfer does expose the variability in grain thickness present in previous 1080 presentations, yet it does so while enhancing the film's overall organic feel. This results in a cooler tone than MVD's 1080 release, providing an intermediate visual experience that adeptly bridges the gap between previous releases.

The meticulous attention to detail in the restoration process is evident, as the grain structure showcases an organic purity that contributes to an impressively sharp image devoid of dirt, scratches, or other common imperfections. This level of clarity allows for the intricate details of the Ghoulies’ puppets to be fully appreciated on screen, almost as if they were intended for modern high-definition standards. Despite occasional fluctuations in saturation and clarity echoing issues seen in lower resolution formats, this 4K presentation brings a newfound depth and precision to the film.

Enhancements brought forth by Dolby Vision are particularly noteworthy, breathing life into the film’s palette with well-saturated colors, deep blacks, and vibrant highlights. Scenes set in the basement are steeped in remarkable shadows, achieving absolute black, while other scenes benefit from brilliant brightness. This level of visual fidelity not only honors fans' expectations but also exemplifies how far the industry has come in preserving and uplifting classic films to meet contemporary standards. The Ghoulies 4K UHD version, though not without its minor issues, presents a significant upgrade that reaffirms the film's lo-fi charm while introducing it to a new generation of viewers with heightened clarity and color dynamics.

The audio presentation of "Ghoulies" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray through Shout!'s offerings has elicited varied responses, with the focus primarily on the DTS-HD Master Audio versions. Notably, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 version did not impress some, garnering criticism for its handling of the original soundtrack's rejiggering. Conversely, accolades were directed towards the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track for its well-balanced output, which admirably supports Richard Band's playfully anarchic score. This version ensures dialogue and effects are clearly rendered, with optional English subtitles enhancing accessibility.

The overall perception of the audio tracks leans towards describing it as basic and unremarkable but functional within the scope of "Ghoulies'" original production values. The feedback points out that while the audio may seem thin and cheap, it authentically reflects the film's budget constraints. The dialogue occasionally comes across as drained of life, and the score is seen as lacking in range. Nevertheless, there are moments within the audio presentation, such as specific music choices and an earthquake scene, where a satisfactory low-end thump is noticeable, offering a glimpse of depth in an otherwise flat audio landscape.

The consensus suggests that while the audio tracks, particularly the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, are competently remastered considering the source material's limitations, expectations should be tempered. It delivers an audio experience that’s supportive of its elements without significantly enhancing them. For enthusiasts and purists alike, this provides a nostalgically accurate auditory journey back to the film’s original essence, supplemented by the cleanliness and balance of modern audio remastering techniques.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Ghoulies" offers a compelling suite of extras, meticulously crafted to enthrall fans and newcomers alike. Notable are the dual archival audio commentaries by director Luca Bercovici from 2015 and 2016, with the latter featuring moderator Jason Andreason, which provide fascinating insights directly accessible from the audio menu on both 4K and 1080p discs. The additional content, including in-depth interviews with key personnel like Bercovici, editor Ted Nicolaou, and actor Scott Thomson, along with a concise yet informative making-of documentary, enriches the viewing experience immensely. The inclusion of trailers, a still gallery that demands viewer interaction to fully appreciate, and TV spots round out the extras offered, alongside physical bonuses such as a folded mini poster and a slipcover for collectors. This collection is a meticulously curated complement to the main feature, striking a perfect balance between nostalgic archival content and fresh, engaging material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Archival 2015 Audio Commentary with Director Luca Bercovici: Accessible under the Audio Menu.
• Archival 2016 Audio Commentary by Director Luca Bercovici and Jason Andreason: Moderated session available under the Audio Menu.
• Introduction by Writer/Director Luca Bercovici: Short introduction to the film.
• From Toilets to Terror: The Making of Ghoulies: A comprehensive behind-the-scenes look.
• Editing an Empire: An interview exploring Ted Nicolaou's editing process.
• The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Insightful actor's perspective from Scott Thomson.
• Just 'Cos of the Chick, Man!: An extensive interview with Luca Bercovici.
• Ghoulies Theatrical Trailer & Ghoulies II Theatrical Trailer: Promotional material for the Ghoulies series.
• Still Gallery: A collection of imagery from the film.
• TV Spots: Short promotional videos for television broadcast.

MVD Visual has taken a bold step in not just reissuing "Ghoulies" but elevating its presentation to the 4K UHD format, a treatment not many would have expected for a film often caught in the shadow of its contemporaries like "Gremlins." This move signals a recognition of the cult status "Ghoulies" has attained over the years, finding its niche despite initial criticisms and comparisons. The inclusion of both 1080p and 4K UHD formats in this release caters to a broad spectrum of collectors and cinephiles, ensuring that the peculiar charm of "Ghoulies" is accessible in unmatched quality. While the marketplace has seen previous releases from Shout! Factory and Full Moon Features, MVD Visual's venture stands out by offering an unparalleled viewing experience that might just reinvigorate interest in this oddball of the horror genre.

The movie itself, nestled within these high-definition formats, remains a contentious entry into the horror lexicon. Released in the wake of "Gremlins," "Ghoulies" navigates through its narrative with a blend of horror and comedy that doesn't always strike the intended chord. Yet, it's this very lack of cohesion, combined with a bizarre assortment of characters and a script that dubiously toys with satanic themes, that carves its place as a cult phenomenon. Its technical inadequacies and narrative foibles aside, the film showcases some commendable make-up effects that flourish in its concluding segments, possibly serving as a saving grace for genre aficionados looking for glimpses of practical effects wizardry from the era.

The 4K UHD presentation is likely to put these elements under a more forgiving lens, offering clarity and detail to both its praiseworthy and critiqued aspects. Viewers and critics alike will find something intriguing in how this format revitalizes "Ghoulies," perhaps allowing for a renewed appreciation or at least curiosity towards its place within 80s horror cinema. The careful restoration and inclusion of interviews as supplementary content not only enrich this release but also provide an avenue for deeper insight into the film's tumultuous creation and reception, bridging past perspectives with present ones in this definitive presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Ghoulies," Charles Band's whimsically dark production, presents an intriguing study in how the application of modern technology can breathe new life into classic, albeit low-budget, horror cinema. The upgrade from earlier Shout! and Full Moon versions to this new release is palpable, offering aficionados an enhanced viewing experience. Notably, the introduction of HDR and/or Dolby Vision, while slightly altering the original color palette seen in MVD's 1080p version—which is also included for comparison—provides a crisper, more vivid visual presentation that accentuates the film's unique blend of humor and horror.

Despite its roots in low-budget production values and its reputation as a somewhat derivative work in the genre, "Ghoulies" stands out in its 4K UHD presentation. The modern technological enhancements contribute significantly to redefining the film's visual and auditory appeal, making it dazzlingly clear how even films not originally celebrated for their technical merits can benefit from high-definition treatment. This release not only caters to the film’s dedicated following but also positions itself as an enticing package for newcomers and connoisseurs of cult cinema alike, thanks to its significant improvements in video and audio quality as well as its enriched supplemental materials.

In conclusion, the total presentation of "Ghoulies" in 4K UHD Blu-ray exemplifies a successful marriage of classic film content with contemporary presentation technology, offering both fans and new viewers a compelling reason to revisit or discover this unique piece of horror film history. While the film itself may not have been heralded as a masterpiece at its inception, this release reaffirms its status within the cult genre, showcasing how technological advancements can reimagine and revitalize even the most modest of cinematic endeavors.