Squirm Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Squirm arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber with a satisfying 1080p transfer. This version appears to utilize the same master as the earlier Arrow Video Region-B release, sourced from a 35mm interpositive. The Blu-ray captures the '70s aesthetic effectively, with facial features, textures, and the scenic Georgia locations coming to life nicely. Visuals predominantly range from good to very good, although some outdoor panoramic shots could benefit from improved delineation and depth.

Color reproduction is commendable with strong primaries—reds, blues, and yellows—rendering convincingly against healthy human skin tones. While some colors like blue, brown, and green could benefit from slightly better saturation, the overall balance remains natural. Image stability is robust, with only minor speckling present and no distracting large cuts or anomalies. Black levels are managed proficiently, particularly in the final act, which enhances image depth. Despite not being a 4K master, the transfer effectively avoids digital corrections, maintaining a fine and attractive organic appearance.

The closeup footage of worms retains its original look—though inherently a bit wonky—reflecting the film's practical effects era. Such scenes are brief and do not detract from the overall solid presentation. The Blu-ray is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible player for access. While enthusiasts might crave a future upgrade to 4K for enhanced grain exposure and saturation, this release stands as a robust and visually pleasing presentation of Squirm for current HD standards.

The Blu-ray release of "Squirm" features a single audio track, an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. This track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles, results from a restored master which significantly enhances the audio quality. The original Mono track, characteristic of modest-budget films from its era, has inherent limitations. Despite these constraints, the restoration process has succeeded in delivering a healthy and clear sound. However, users should temper their expectations regarding dynamic contrasts or substantial improvements through modern remixing technologies, given the source material's original narrow scope.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix maintains a robust and effective presence throughout the film. "Squirm" leverages its sound design adeptly to sustain its subdued, tension-filled ambiance. The audio mix is particularly remarkable during quieter moments with extensive dialogue and atmospheric music, building a suspense-laden environment effectively. Conversely, during more intense scenes, the mix adapts smoothly to accentuate the action's rhythmic pace. Notably, the sound effects involving worms are highly visceral and might be unsettling during meal times. The term "squishy" accurately captures the essence of these effects, remarkably enhancing the immersive experience but potentially affecting one's appetite. Overall, the audio track significantly contributes to the film's distinctive and engaging atmosphere.

The Blu-ray extras for "Squirm" offer a comprehensive and engaging dive into the film's production and legacy. Featuring two insightful audio commentaries—one from critics Lee Gambin and John Harrison and another from director Jeff Lieberman—the disc allows for in-depth appreciation of the film's nuances. The archival featurettes "Digging In: The Making of Squirm" and "Eureka!: A Tour of Locations with Jeff Lieberman" are invaluable, adding context and background through conversations with those closely involved in the production. Additionally, the collectible reversible cover art and vintage publicity materials, including trailers, TV spots, and radio spots, offer a nostalgic glance into the film's original marketing efforts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: New audio commentary by critics Lee Gambin and John Harrison.
• Commentary Two: Archival audio commentary with director Jeff Lieberman.
• Digging In: The Making of Squirm: Archival program on the film’s conception and production.
• Eureka!: A Tour of Locations with Jeff Lieberman: Archival location tour by Jeff Lieberman.
• Publicity Materials:
  • Original U.S. trailer.
  • Original U.S. TV spot.
  • Original U.S. radio spot.
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art for "Squirm".

"Squirm" (1976), under Jeff Lieberman's directorial initiation, brings an unsettling yet intriguing twist to the creature feature genre. Set in the quaint town of Fly Creek, Georgia, the narrative unfolds with a massive storm causing a pylon collapse, sending a storm of electricity into the ground and spawning a terrifying invasion of aggressive, jumbo-sized worms. The plot centers around Mick (Don Scardino) who arrives from New York City to visit his friend Geri (Patricia Pearcy). The surrounding characters, including a disgruntled neighbor Roger (R.A. Dow) and a skeptic sheriff (Peter MacLean), introduce tension as they grapple with the escalating worm threat.

The film captures the essence of 1970s high-concept horror sci-fi spawned by the success of films like "Jaws". While it relies on simple, relatable themes of man versus nature, "Squirm" strives to stand out through its unique nemesis—electrified worms reacting to their enraged environment. Despite its intriguing premise, the film stumbles with uneven pacing. The initial setup meanders, offering little excitement until the final act where it eventually gains momentum. The climax, featuring Rick Baker's practical effects, is where "Squirm" truly shines, delivering gruesome and captivating scenes that resonate with creature feature enthusiasts.

Performance-wise, the cast's effectiveness ranges from convincing to mediocre. Scardino's earnest portrayal is occasionally undermined by self-awareness. Pearcy’s performance also occasionally falls flat due to overtly memorized lines. R.A. Dow’s depiction of Roger, particularly post-worm encounter, stands out for its raw authenticity. Cinematographer Joseph Mangine's lensing brings a retro charm, though it sometimes struggles to maintain atmosphere. Ultimately, "Squirm" offers a mixed bag; it's engaging for those who appreciate low-budget horror laden with cheesy effects and spotty acting but may struggle to captivate a broader audience.

Squirm succeeds in delivering shivers with its blend of B-movie charm and creature-feature horror, stemming from director Jeff Lieberman’s recollection of an unnerving childhood event. Nearly five decades later, it stands as a bona fide cult classic in the genre. This Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber is a commendable effort, presenting the film with an A/V quality that surpasses previous home formats, ensuring a crisp, faithful reproduction of the original 16mm filmstock.

The video transfer is notably impressive given the film's age, with a strong organic master utilized to great effect. Colors are vibrant and details are decently sharp, capturing the low-budget aesthetic without compromising on quality. Audio is clear, with a balanced mix that highlights dialogue and the unnerving squelch of the worms, immersing viewers into the film’s eerie soundscape. The bonus features included are extensive, offering both new and archival content that enriches the understanding and appreciation of this quirky horror piece.

After revisiting Squirm for the first time in more than a decade, I cannot write that I have a newfound appreciation for its low-budget thrills. It lacks the type of atmosphere I like to discover in these types of genre films, so I do not find it intriguing. Kino Lorber's release is sourced from the same old but strong organic master that other labels have worked with and has a nice selection of new and archival bonus features. RECOMMENDED only to the fans.