The Little Shop of Horrors Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Little Shop of Horrors" by Legend Films delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. While this open matte presentation doesn't present significant framing issues, the original elements used for the transfer exhibit noticeable damage and wear, including scratches, flecks, and some missing frames, particularly during Jack Nicholson's first entrance. Despite these shortcomings, the transfer demonstrates acceptable sharpness and clarity, with commendable contrast and black levels. However, it is worth noting the application of substantial noise reduction which might be off-putting for DNR-sensitive viewers.

Legend Films provides both the original black and white version and a conservatively executed colorized version. Despite the liberal use of noise reduction, this release stands out as one of the better-looking home video versions available for this title. While the colorized version is less intrusive than many others in this category, purists will likely favor the original black and white presentation for a more authentic viewing experience. Overall, while not flawless, the video quality is generally stable and quite good compared to previous releases of this cult classic.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "The Little Shop of Horrors" is anchored by a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. While the overall track lacks the contemporary polish of more recent releases, it admirably fulfills its purpose. Dialogues are clear and intelligible, allowing the quirky humor and narrative to shine through without distortion. The soundtrack maintains a level of historical authenticity, though some imperfections such as minor pops can be heard periodically due to the age and condition of the original recording elements.

The film's score, composed by Fred Katz, is adequately represented in this mix, albeit with occasional anachronistic touches. The low end is sufficient to convey the menacing tones of Audrey Jr.’s voice, performed by Charles S. Griffith, without offering the deep LFE punch found in modern soundtracks. Overall, while there are some limitations, particularly for those expecting contemporary audio standards, this soundtrack effectively complements the film's charm and theatrical elements. As long as auditory expectations are set in alignment with the film's original era, this mix serves as a satisfactory auditory experience for the viewer.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "The Little Shop of Horrors" offer a thoughtful mix of humorous commentary and visual options, catering to both classic film enthusiasts and modern audiences. Legendary MST3K's Mike Nelson delivers a subdued yet sharp commentary, injecting humor as he navigates the quirks of this cult classic. The disc includes both colorized and original black and white versions, showcasing Legend's distinct approach by prioritizing the colorized rendition while treating the black and white as a supplementary feature, allowing viewers a choice based on personal preference.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Mike Nelson: MST3K’s Nelson offers consistent and witty commentary.
• Colorized and Black and White Versions: Features both colorized and original versions, treating the latter as supplementary.

Roger Corman's "The Little Shop of Horrors" stands as a testament to the director's unique ability to produce entertaining films on a shoestring budget. Originally released in 1960, the film utilized the sets from Corman's previous project, "A Bucket of Blood," illustrating his famously thrifty approach. This efficiency did not sacrifice audience engagement—Corman's understanding of public taste and cultural trends ensured the film resonated, despite its initial lower-tier theatrical placement. The film features protagonist Seymour Krelboyne, played by Jonathan Haze, whose misadventures with his man-eating plant Audrey Jr. became iconic, particularly following Jack Nicholson's rise in fame and the successful 1982 Off-Broadway musical adaptation.

The original film might disappoint those more familiar with its musical rendition, given its lo-fi production and often clumsy humor. Critics have noted the over-the-top performances and certain comedic attempts that fall flat, including some ill-executed scenes like the sword fight between Seymour and a sadistic dentist, memorably played by Jack Nicholson. Yet, amidst these faults lies a narrative charm, partly due to the protagonist's nerdish relatability and hackneyed yet endearing story arcs. The music score by Fred Katz, humorously reused from "Bucket of Blood" without Corman's notice, further adds to the production’s quirky charm.

What contributes most to its enduring appeal is its unpretentious fun. Corman’s less-than-polished filmmaking becomes a feature rather than a bug; practical effects for Audrey Jr. are serviceable, and the film's brisk 71-minute runtime ensures that any dull moments swiftly pass. This combination of amateurism and authentic heart establishes "The Little Shop of Horrors" as a peculiar classic whose imperfections may well be what gives it its lasting charm.

Review 1: "The Blu-ray release of 'The Little Shop of Horrors' retains the charm of the original film, albeit with some noticeable limitations in the transfer. The colors are satisfactory but lack vibrancy, and while the audio is clear, it tends to be slightly underwhelming. The collection of special features is modest but includes a few interesting bits that fans will appreciate. Overall, despite certain shortcomings, it serves as a decent homage to the cult favorite."

Review 2: "Presenting 'The Little Shop of Horrors' in 1080p is no small feat, given its age and budget constraints. The Blu-ray adds a level of clarity that brings out both the innovative practical effects and the visible seams. Audiophiles might find the DTS-HD Master Audio track sufficient but not outstanding. However, the archival commentary provides invaluable insight into the film’s quirky history. In sum, this release offers a respectable trip down memory lane."

Review 3: "The restoration effort on 'The Little Shop of Horrors' for Blu-ray is commendable but not flawless. While the image quality has certainly been improved, certain scenes still display graininess that could distract perfectionists. The audio presentation is serviceable, delivering dialogue and music straightforwardly. Bonus features include behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, though they're somewhat sparse. Nonetheless, for aficionados and collectors, this edition is an essential addition."

Review 4: "The Blu-ray's video quality of 'The Little Shop of Horrors' shines in some areas while faltering in others; the black-and-white imagery comes through but occasionally lacks contrast. The sound quality is reliable but doesn't quite immerse you fully into the film's unique world. Special features such as director's commentary and original trailers are enjoyable yet limited in scope. It stands as a solid choice for enthusiasts seeking to revisit this piece of cinematic history."

"The Little Shop of Horrors" in its Blu-ray release retains much of its original quirkiness and charm, though the transfer reveals its inherent limitations. The image quality benefits significantly from the 1080p format, amplifying both the innovative practical effects and the visible seams owing to its low budget. Colors are satisfactory but often lack the vibrancy modern audiences might expect. Likewise, the DTS-HD Master Audio track is clear but not particularly dynamic or immersive.

Restoration efforts are commendable but not perfect; certain scenes exhibit graininess that may distract more exacting viewers. The black-and-white imagery sometimes misses the mark on contrast. Audio presentation handles dialogue and music adequately but fails to deliver any groundbreaking aural experience. Despite these technical constraints, the film's unique characters and peculiar premise stand out, though they may feel somewhat dated to contemporary viewers raised on the musical version.

The supplementary content is modest, with highlights including archival commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, and original trailers. Fans will find these bits intriguing; however, the overall package might seem sparse compared to more elaborate releases. This edition provides a nostalgic trip down memory lane for die-hard fans and collectors.

The Little Shop of Horrors is fun, but it's probably best with regard to characters and an unusual premise than it is in its actual execution (no pun intended). The film really hasn't aged all that well, and despite its inherent charm, its low budget seams show more than ever these days. That actually may add to its allure for a certain class of viewers, but for those who were raised on the musical version, this is going to seem like a relic of a bygone age. This Legend release looks pretty good, all things considered, and sounds fine. The supplements are awfully light, but for those who love this film, this release comes Recommended.