Shivers Blu-ray Review

Lionsgate Films' Vestron Video imprint presents "Shivers" on Blu-ray with a commendable AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio. This release likely stems from the same HD master used for Arrow’s Region B Blu-ray from 2014. The film retains a vintage aesthetic, accented by a consistent film grain that underscores its low-budget roots. Whites occasionally appear blown out, especially notable in exterior scenes, yet the overall natural palette, albeit slightly leaning towards green, maintains a faithful rendition of the source material. Fine detail is respectable, particularly visible in wardrobe textures like St. Luc's tweedy jacket, and there are no significant compression artifacts present.

The clarity and depth notably benefit from the film grain, preserving a well-balanced image that captures intricate textures and details. Black levels are commendable, offering good shading without crushing effects, essential for the film’s nighttime scenes. Colors are naturally rendered, although the image has a washed-out quality that complements the film’s grindhouse aesthetic. Skin tones remain consistent throughout, well-represented particularly in close-ups where minutiae like makeup and stubble are clear. Furthermore, noise and artifacts are minimal, ensuring a clean presentation. Overall, this Blu-ray rendition of "Shivers" offers an authentic experience mirroring its historical cinematic charm, likely the best it will appear on home video.

The audio presentation of the Shivers Blu-ray release is encapsulated in a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track, providing an adequate but unremarkable representation of the film's sound design. This audio format serves the movie's predominantly dialogue-centric soundtrack effectively, though it's accompanied by occasional sound effects such as the slithering of parasites. The library score, supervised by producer Ivan Reitman, while effective in its composition, occasionally fails to integrate seamlessly with other audio elements. The track carries minor audible drawbacks, like loose sync due to post-looping and a high end that can be slightly brash at moments. Despite these issues, the overall fidelity of the audio is maintained without noticeable damage.

While the 2.0 Mono DTS-HD track has its limitations, it preserves the essence of the film's original analog roots, offering a nostalgic throwback to an old theatrical experience. Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, and English SDH, which will be useful for ensuring accessibility. Dialogue clarity is solid throughout the presentation, even though there's a touch of analog hiss beneath the vocals. Minor defects such as distortion, hissing, and crackling are limited and largely inconsequential, confined to mild instances like pops during the end credits. In summary, though the track may lack modern dynamic range and surround sound complexity, it is arguably the best rendition possible for Shivers on home video, ensuring a faithful if slightly dated auditory experience.

The extras provided in the "Shivers" Blu-ray offer a comprehensive and engaging look into the creation and legacy of the film. The audio commentaries are notably insightful, with David Cronenberg discussing his memories of making the film despite having a cold during the recording, and co-producer Don Carmody detailing the production process through a Q&A format. The new interviews, such as "Mind Over Matter" and "Good Night Nurse," provide refreshing perspectives, including actress Lynn Lowry's experience on set and special make-up effects creator Joe Blasco's contributions. Additionally, the archival 1998 David Cronenberg interview adds historical context, while the featurette on John Dunning, presented by his son Greg Dunning, recounts the legacy of Cinepix. Various promotional materials and still galleries enrich the viewer's understanding of the film’s historical impact.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director David Cronenberg: Insightful commentary with Cronenberg, moderated by Chris Alexander.
• Audio Commentary with Co-Producer Don Carmody: Q&A session with Carmody, providing production details.
• Mind Over Matter: An interview with David Cronenberg discussing his career and early films.
• Good Night Nurse: Interview with actress Lynn Lowry about her role and experiences.
• Outside and Within: Joe Blasco discusses creating the make-up effects for the film.
• Celebrating Cinepix: The Legacy of John Dunning: Greg Dunning talks about his father's contributions to film.
• Archival 1998 David Cronenberg Interview: VHS-sourced interview with Cronenberg.
• Still Gallery with Optional Archival Audio Interview with Executive Producer John Dunning: Behind-the-scenes and promotional stills.
• Still Gallery: A collection of production images.
• Theatrical Trailers: Two trailers, including one with the US title "They Came from Within."
• TV Spot: Promotional TV spot for the film.
• Radio Spots: Series of radio advertisements.

Shivers marks David Cronenberg's audacious entry into the horror genre, blending visceral violence with a chillingly engaging storyline. Set in a luxurious yet eerily isolated apartment complex on the outskirts of Montreal, the film weaves horror with dark humor. The plot kicks off with a disturbing murder-suicide by a doctor who has been experimenting with parasites that turn their hosts into sexually crazed aggressors. Paul Hampton stars as Dr. Roger St. Luc, alongside Lynn Lowry as Nurse Forsythe, who together race against time to contain the outbreak. The film's visually arresting opening sequence cleverly alternates between a chaotic crime scene and the mundanity of apartment living, setting a tone of unsettling disruption.

The narrative thickens as more residents fall victim to the parasitic invasion, leading to escalating scenes of mayhem and body horror, a Cronenberg hallmark. While the film is notorious for its graphic content—including parasites erupting from midriffs and unsettlingly sexualized violence—it achieves a surprising level of thematic depth. The parasites amplify human desires to grotesque extremes, turning the infected into hyper-sexualized beings driven by primal urges. Such visceral storytelling not only suspensefully engages the audience but also explores themes of human vulnerability and social decay.

The cast delivers solid performances, with Paul Hampton effectively portraying the film's beleaguered lead. Iconic actress Barbara Steele makes a memorable impression in her role, elevating scenes with her commanding presence. Complemented by practical special effects, Shivers stands as a fascinating examination of body mutilation and trauma, laying the groundwork for Cronenberg's future explorations in horror cinema. For fans of '70s horror or those intrigued by independent North American films, Shivers offers a richly layered experience—a midnight movie delight that remains impactful and relevant.

David Cronenberg’s "Shivers" unleashes an early glimpse into his evolving craftsmanship, marked by his signature blend of body horror and psychological thrills. This Blu-ray release showcases a solid HD transfer that does justice to the film's grungy and unsettling aesthetic. The visual presentation remains true to its 70s roots, emphasizing grain and texture that heighten the visceral experience. Audio quality is clear, preserving the original score and dialogue, which are integral to the film’s chilling atmosphere. While the technical merits of the transfer are commendable, they may not necessarily be groundbreaking to modern viewers accustomed to pristine 4K restorations.

Fans of Cronenberg, as well as aficionados of the horror genre, will find particular joy in the plethora of supplemental materials that come with this release. Among these are newly produced features, which provide an in-depth look at the film’s production and legacy. However, it is worth noting that several additional extras from international releases have not been included, such as the documentary "Parasite Memories: The Making of Shivers" found in Arrow Video's UK edition or video essays like "From Stereo to Video." This slight shortcoming does little to detract from the overall value, given that the included extras still provide a rich context and background for the film.

This early effort by David Cronenberg will probably be best appreciated by his fans, though that said, the film shows Cronenberg still developing his craft. The appearance by Barbara Steele in a supporting role may add a certain allure for even non-Cronenberg aficionados. Technical merits are okay if not mind-blowing, but as with many of the releases in the Vestron Video series, the supplements are quite appealing for those considering a purchase.