Nightbreed Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Nightbreed" showcases a meticulously restored 1.78:1 1080p transfer, encoded using AVC and exclusively locked to Region A. The Director’s Cut, sourced from the original camera negative, delivers a remarkable visual experience, outperforming the Theatrical Cut derived from an interpositive. While detail variance between the versions is minimal, the Director’s Cut consistently provides a stable grainfield that may appear heavy to some. The natural film-like grain adds appreciable authenticity without overt digital manipulation or compression artifacts, a significant feat given the film's many dimly lit scenes.

The color palette has been exquisitely re-timed, with reds, greens, and blues delivering refined hues that vividly enhance the cinematography. Black levels are impressively deep throughout, supporting impeccable shadow detail particularly noticeable in the Midian sequences. However, some baked-in loss of detail exists due to the low-light shooting conditions preferred by director Clive Barker and cinematographer Robin Vidgeon. Bright scenes further underscore the superior color fidelity and fine detail, vividly rendering makeup effects and production design despite occasional minor softness and murkiness in blacks.

Consistent details permeate the presentation, from skin textures to intricate clothing weaves. The restored backgrounds retain strong edges, though they do occasionally reveal the matte painting joins. This notwithstanding, the transfer has managed to clean up most original print damage, with only sporadic nicks and macro-blocking artifacts subtly noticeable. The overall high-definition transfer maintains a stellar balance in contrast and brightness, solidifying this release as a notable restoration of "Nightbreed."

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Nightbreed" delivers a robust, immersive surround sound experience while maintaining an impressive level of fidelity to the original source. Dialogue is crisp and naturally anchored in the frontal array, ensuring clarity throughout. Surround speakers effectively enhance the ambience and come alive particularly during action-heavy sequences, such as the climactic battle scenes, where effects are dynamically synchronized with on-screen activity. Danny Elfman's lauded score benefits tremendously from the multi-channel spread, achieving a broad dynamic range that envelops the listener.

Despite its strengths, the audio presentation has some noted limitations. Bass response can occasionally lack precision, feeling a bit thick and squashy, which momentarily flattens the otherwise well-layered soundstage. The Director's Cut benefits from restoration efforts that yield consistent and clean audio, with no hiss or crackle, even at reference levels. However, minor amplitude fluctuations can be detected, though these do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The stereo mix remains a strong alternative due to its faithful adherence to the original design, offering off-screen effects with convincing imaging and warmth.

Given these attributes, both the 5.1 upmix and the stereo track provide unique listening experiences. While the 5.1 mix enriches the film’s score and enhances dramatic sequences, it occasionally feels artificial in its rear channel deployment and bass impact. Conversely, the stereo mix offers superb channel balance and dialogue reproduction, with excellent mid-range separation and detailed highs. Therefore, listener preference might lean towards the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track for a more organic and original auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Nightbreed: The Director's Cut" boasts a rich selection of extra features, giving fans an in-depth and comprehensive look at this cult classic. The first disc includes an engaging audio commentary featuring writer/director Clive Barker and restoration producer Mark Alan Miller. Their lively discussion is packed with insights about the film's development and restoration. "Tribes of the Moon" is an exhaustive documentary detailing the film's complex production history and includes interviews with key cast and crew members. The "Making Monsters" featurette dives into the intricate makeup and special effects, revealing the techniques behind the film's iconic creatures. Additionally, the second unit's vital contributions are highlighted in "Fire! Fights! Stunts!". The bonus disc includes deleted scenes, a monster prosthetics masterclass, and an illuminating interview with editor Mark Goldblatt. More extras involve concept art by Ralph McQuarrie, matte painting tests, and extensive still galleries.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion by Clive Barker and Mark Alan Miller. Introduction: Clive Barker and Mark Alan Miller introduce the film. Tribes of the Moon: In-depth making-of documentary. Making Monsters: Special effects and makeup featurette. Fire! Fights! Stunts!: Overview of second unit contributions. Original Theatrical Trailer: Theatrical trailer for the film. Deleted Scenes: Includes various alternate takes. Monster Prosthetics Master Class: Detailed look at makeup creation. Cutting Compromise: Interview with editor Mark Goldblatt. The Painted Landscape: Concept art by Ralph McQuarrie. Matte Painting Tests: Test footage of matte paintings. Make-up Tests: Footage of various makeup tests. Stop Motion Lost Footage: Unused stop-motion scenes. Extended Torture Scene: Complete flashback sequence. Rehearsal Test: Rehearsal footage of opening dream sequence. Extensive Still Galleries: Extensive collection of production stills.

Stephen King once declared Clive Barker as the future of horror, and Barker’s "Nightbreed" was meant to solidify that future with its unique narrative and characters. Unfortunately, studio interference led to a jumbled theatrical release that deviated significantly from Barker’s original vision. Luckily, Barker's Director's Cut, which emerged decades later, effectively restores his conceptual narrative, injecting over 40 minutes of new and alternate footage. This version of "Nightbreed" breathes new life into the story, offering a clearer vision, better-defined characters, and an expansive mythos surrounding the monstrous inhabitants of Midian.

"Nightbreed" centers on Boone (Craig Sheffer), a man plagued by visions of Midian, a subterranean city of monsters. Manipulated by his psychiatrist Dr. Decker (masterfully played by David Cronenberg) into believing he’s a murderer, Boone finds refuge amongst Midian’s outcasts. The Director’s Cut meticulously elaborates on this journey with refined character arcs and subplot enhancements, revealing themes of love, acceptance, and the societal persecution of the ‘other’, which were largely absent in the theatrical cut. The pacing issues remain but are comparatively dulled by the enriched narrative and more cohesive substance.

While "Nightbreed" is not without flaws—performances can be erratic and some characters clichéd—the production excels in its fantastical elements. The makeup effects are stunningly executed, though some monster personalities still underwhelm. However, framing monsters as sympathetic figures opposed to intolerant humans adds a modern resonance to Barker’s work. With Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray release offering both the Director's Cut and extensive special features, this horror classic is revived for both old fans and new viewers to appreciate its phantasmagoric splendor and pioneering narrative on societal outsiders.

Clive Barker's "Nightbreed" finally receives the treatment it deserves with this Blu-ray release, providing a remarkable restoration of Barker’s original vision. The Director's Cut reinstates the film's narrative cohesion, immersing audiences into a richly imaginative world filled with monstrous yet sympathetic characters. While some structural and motivational elements remain imperfect, the new cut offers a far more coherent storyline and emotional depth. It balances Barker's unique vision of "worlds within worlds" and love’s transcendence against human fears, deviating significantly from its initially misconceived slasher label. This reworked version transforms "Nightbreed" into a compelling character study rather than merely a traditional horror film.

Shout Factory!'s Blu-ray set is particularly noteworthy, delivering an array of special features that genuinely merit the Limited Edition label. The package includes both versions of the film, a supplementary disc packed with extensive content, booklets, and a hard case for collectors. Technically, the audio and video presentations are exceptional, capturing the nuances of Barker’s darkly fantastical world with precise clarity. The editing work by Mark Goldblatt helps streamline the narrative flow, although he acknowledges that some issues couldn't be entirely resolved. Despite minor qualms about its final act's hyperbolic tendencies, this edition stands out as a must-have for any horror aficionado.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray release of "Nightbreed" is a commendable testament to what dedicated restoration can achieve. Shout Factory! has not only resurrected Clive Barker’s intended masterpiece but also provided one of the best Blu-ray releases of 2014. Horror fans and collectors will find it a valuable addition, both for its content and its presentation. Highly recommended.