The Boogens

Kino Lorber's 4K UHD release of "The Boogens" presents a mixed bag of visual improvements and setbacks, making it an inconsistent offering for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Despite being labeled as a "Brand New HDR/Dolby Vision Master - From a 4K Scan of the original 35mm Camera Negative," the presentation suffers from significant issues that detract from what could have been a stellar restoration. Notably, the 4K disc is Region-Free while the Blu-ray is locked to Region-A, offering some flexibility for global viewers despite the underlying technical challenges.

The video quality exhibits serious anomalies, including a lack of sharpness and an overuse of digital filtering that leads to a soft and smeary appearance, drawing unfavorable comparisons to previous 4K makeovers like "Staying Alive." Fine details often give way to washed-out textures, and an inconsistent grain structure contributes to the feeling that certain visuals were simply upscaled rather than meticulously restored. Colors are often distorted, with darker scenes lacking proper shadow definition and displaying a murky brown-gray tone. Conversely, some shots show promise with deep inky blacks and stable grain, suggesting that not all is lost. However, issues with color balance, particularly over-saturated oranges and unnatural skin tones, further exacerbate the presentation shortcomings.

Moreover, the HDR grading, which should ideally enhance the dynamic range and color depth, instead amplifies the visual inconsistencies, especially in the darker scenes. This erratic presentation suggests a problematic restoration process, potentially compounded by limitations of the source material provided by Paramount. The overall effect is a visual experience that swings between mildly impressive to disappointing, failing to consistently leverage the potential of the 4K UHD format. While it remains cleaner and somewhat improved over its Blu-ray counterpart, "The Boogens" 4K release leaves much to be desired, hinting at a restoration effort that might have encountered significant hurdles along the way.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Boogens" features two English DTS-HD Master Audio tracks: a 2.0 and a 5.1 version, with optional English SDH subtitles accompanying the main feature. Upon examination, the 2.0 stereo mix presents itself as the more genuine and faithful adaptation of the film's original audio design, providing a clear, though slightly uneven listening experience that faithfully reflects the film's age and original production values. The dialogue, for the most part, is clear and easy to follow, albeit with some minor fluctuations in dynamic range and clarity that could occasionally detract from the overall audio experience. These issues seem to stem from the original sound mix rather than being a byproduct of the remastering process.

Comparatively, the 5.1 surround mix offers an expanded soundscape that adds a layer of depth and immersion, particularly noticeable in scenes where atmospheric effects play a larger role. This enhanced spatial distribution facilitates a more enveloping experience, especially during sequences of tension where the eponymous creature stalks its prey. However, it's worth mentioning that this track tends to focus primarily on the front and center channels, with only occasional use of the surround channels to add ambience or musical depth. The music score and sound effects benefit from this wider dispersion but can occasionally sound strained in higher frequency ranges, hinting at limitations within the original audio recordings.

The audio presentation on this release thus stands as a solid effort to modernize "The Boogens" for contemporary audiences while respecting its historical context. Both tracks have their merits: the 2.0 track for those seeking an experience true to the film's roots, and the 5.1 option for viewers desiring a more immersive auditory journey. Despite some minor shortcomings, such as occasional shrillness in dialogue and a dated contrast in effects and music, these tracks commendably accomplish their task, with a slight preference expressed towards the stereo mix for its authenticity and focused soundstage.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Boogens" offers an enriched supplementary package that appeals to both new fans and long-time admirers of this cult classic. The standout features include two insightful audio commentaries—one archival featuring director James Conway alongside writer David O'Malley and actress Rebecca Balding, moderated by Jeff McKay, and a new commentary with actor Jeff Harlan and film critic Howard S. Berger. These tracks delve into the film's production intricacies, casting rationale, and its enduring charm. Additionally, an engaging interview with special effects artist William Munns adds depth to the understanding of the practical effects work behind the movie's memorable creature designs. The inclusion of vintage marketing materials like the original trailer and TV spots, alongside a reversible cover featuring classic poster art, serve as nostalgic cherries on top of this comprehensive extras package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary featuring James Conway, David O'Malley, Rebecca Balding and Jeff McKay: A detailed discussion on the film's production and atmospheric visual style recorded in 2012.
• Audio Commentary featuring Jeff Harlan and Howard S. Berger: An exclusive new track examining the narrative construction, character dynamics, and filming anecdotes.
• The Man Who Made The Boogens: An interview with special effects artist William Munns detailing his career and contributions to the film.
• Trailer: The vintage official U.S. trailer for "The Boogens."
• TV Spots: A collection of vintage U.S. television advertisements for the film.
• KLSC Trailer Gallery: Trailers for "Cujo," "The Monster Squad," "Without Warning," "Parasite," "Deepstar Six," "Rawhead Rex.

James Conway's 1981 horror flick "The Boogens" has been given a new lease on life with its release on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Kino Lorber, equipped with a range of special features and boasting a Region-Free status. This old-school horror embraces its modest budget, employing age-old cinematic tactics that leverage minimal visual reveals to engage the audience's imagination, an approach enhanced by the director-cinematographer duo's keen understanding of atmospheric tension. The storyline, set against the backdrop of a small Colorado town with a reawakening mine, blends horror with light comedy, utilizing the confined setting to stir a concoction of suspense and humorous relief.

The prowess of "The Boogens" lies in its deft balance between showing and withholding; it tactfully delays the creature reveal, instead building up its presence through sound cues and suggestive cinematography. This method keeps viewers engaged, letting their minds craft the horror that the limited budget couldn't afford to show. Although eventually, the creature's reveal might lean more towards the comical than the terrifying, this element surprisingly does not detract from the film's charm; instead, it adds to its nostalgic value and likability. The collaboration of James Conway and Paul Hipp showcases a commendable effort in maximizing the film's strengths and minimizing its limitations through creative direction.

Notwithstanding its age and some elements that may incite more chuckles than chills in today's horror landscape, "The Boogens" stands as a testament to smart horror filmmaking that trusts in its audience's imagination. The minimalist approach to horror, combined with a solid narrative and character development, crafts a viewing experience that is both engaging and entertaining. Despite its eventual venture into slightly sillier territory with the creature's unveiling, the movie manages to maintain suspense and provide enough gotcha moments to keep viewers invested until the end.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Boogens" leaves much to be desired, especially when considering the potential that high definition restoration offers to films, particularly those of a modest budget like this one. The anticipated visual enhancement that aficionados might expect from a 4K makeover is notably absent. Viewers encounter numerous issues that detract from the film's original quality, preventing it from even resembling an aged film. Despite these shortcomings, the addition of a new program featuring SPFX artist William Munns stands out as a highlight, offering valuable insights into the production's behind-the-scenes.

"The Boogens" itself, though not a cinematic masterpiece, provides an enjoyable experience as a creature feature. Director James L. Conway's decision to limit visuals of the creature until later in the film effectively builds suspense and lends an air of mystery to the unfolding story. However, this clever directorial approach is undermined by the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray's disappointing presentation. Whether due to issues with the original film elements, or limitations imposed by pre-existing masters, both the 4K and standard Blu-ray versions fail to deliver a satisfactory viewing experience. This has led to considerable frustration among fans and collectors who might have hoped for a significant improvement over previous formats.

In conclusion, while "The Boogens" maintains its charm as a low-budget creature feature, this latest home release does not do justice to its potential in 4K UHD. Given the transfer issues that plague both the 4K and Blu-ray discs, one might find it hard to justify adding this particular edition to their collection unless available at a very reasonable price point. The technical deficiencies significantly hinder appreciation of the film in a format that should have elevated its presentation. For enthusiasts of the genre or completists, it might be worth a glance, but others will likely be left feeling disappointed by this missed opportunity for a significant restoration.