Night of the Lepus Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of "Night of the Lepus" features a commendable video presentation, thanks to a meticulous new 2K scan of the original film elements. This 1972 cult horror film, which was notably skipped for a VHS release, has never looked better. The AVC-encoded image maintains the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, resulting in an impressive portrayal of the film. Color reproduction is vivid and true to the era, with bright blues and warm oranges that encapsulate period fashion and Arizona’s desert scenery. The contrast stands out with deep blacks and bright whites, ensuring excellent visibility in both dark underground scenes and brightly lit laboratory sequences.

Detail is a highlight of this release, with exceptional clarity that reveals nuances such as the stitching on DeForest Kelley’s jacket and the texture of the rabbit fur. The film grain remains natural and adds a filmic texture, although it can spike in intensity during optical shots. The delineation of facial features and textures in the surroundings is sharp, providing a dimensional feel. Overall depth is modest but sufficient, particularly enhanced during slow-motion rabbit sequences which bring out the detail in miniature sets.

The source material is in good condition with no significant damage, and the encoding is clean, free from noticeable artifacts or noise. Black levels are well-maintained with minimal crushing, ensuring detail is preserved even in dimly lit scenes. This restoration is likely the definitive visual experience for "Night of the Lepus," capturing the film’s kitschy charm while delivering a clean and engaging presentation.

The audio presentation of "Night of the Lepus" on Blu-ray is provided in a single 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track. This format, though dated, performs decently for a film originating from the 1970s. Dialogue is intelligibly placed up front, ensuring clear and discernible speech throughout the movie, despite a persistent mild background hiss. Although this hiss does not significantly distract from the overall auditory experience, it does prevent the track from achieving sharper clarity. The sound effects, which feature rabbit screeches and various forms of property destruction, are acceptably rendered, but surround activity and low-frequency extension are notably absent, rendering the track naturally thin.

The film's score, characterized by a twangy 70s vibe, and the peculiar rabbit noises are adequately catered to, providing the appropriate atmosphere and depth. The mix, which blends ADR work with older sound design, maintains fidelity by delivering clear dialogue and relatively well-layered sound effects. The track mirrors the film’s age and limitations but manages to sustain an engaging auditory experience. Optional subtitles in English SDH are available, enhancing accessibility. Despite its inherent constraints, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track effectively delivers a nostalgic sonic backdrop that aligns with the film’s period-specific charm and production values.

The Blu-ray extras for "Night of the Lepus" provide a well-rounded glimpse into this cult classic, combining thoughtful commentary, vintage marketing materials, and visual content. Both audio commentaries are insightful—Lee Gambin's enthusiastic yet fast-paced analysis provides a deep dive into the film’s context within the natural horror genre, while Russell Dyball's more measured approach offers fascinating trivia layered with humor. The HD-quality theatrical trailer and TV spot taken from original film elements are authentic throwbacks to the film's initial release, offering a nostalgic touch. The inclusion of a radio spot is a quirky addition, and the image gallery featuring production stills, movie posters, lobby cards, and newspaper ads, although comprehensive, could benefit from better navigation options.

Extras included in this disc:

• Brand New Remaster of the Film: Struck from the original film elements.
• Audio Commentary with Author Lee Gambin: Enthusiastic dive into the film’s history.
• Audio Commentary with Pop Culture Historian Russell Dyball: Trivia-filled and low-key.
• Theatrical Trailer: Authentic 35mm source.
• TV Spot: 16mm dupe from original release.
• Radio Spot: Bizarre artwork included.
• Still Gallery: Slide show of promotional materials.

"Night of the Lepus," a 1972 eco-horror film directed by William F. Claxton, offers a truly unique spectacle in horror cinema. The film's premise revolves around an Arizona rancher named Cole Hillman (Rory Calhoun), who, grappling with a devastating rabbit infestation, turns to scientist Roy Bennett (Stuart Whitman) and his wife Gerry (Janet Leigh) for help. Utilizing a hormonal serum intended to curb the rabbit population's breeding capacity, a mishap leads to the release of a mutated rabbit, unwittingly setting off a chain reaction that produces giant killer rabbits, wreaking havoc on the local community. The film's earnest approach to this ludicrous premise, complete with serious performances from notable actors like DeForest Kelley, lends it an unintentionally hilarious charm.

The technical execution of "Night of the Lepus" is both fascinating and flawed. The special effects showcase an eclectic mix of techniques, including miniatures, slow-motion shots, and practical effects, such as a man-in-suit for close-up attacks. While these methods attempt to depict the rabbits as fearsome antagonists, they often fall short, resulting in visuals that evoke more laughter than fright. Claxton leverages scale models and practical effects to create an illusion of menace but infrequent success places it closer to the realm of Atomic Age cinema of the 1950s rather than sophisticated contemporary horror.

Despite its technical shortcomings and often surreal narrative, "Night of the Lepus" is bolstered by unwaveringly committed performances from its cast. The unwavering seriousness with which actors like Whitman, Leigh, and Kelley approach the material ensures an engrossing experience. It's this blend of sincerity and absurdity that has cemented the film's status as a cult classic, ideal for group viewing and ripe for humorous commentary. Whether viewed as a relic of earnest horror attempts or a prime candidate for affectionate mockery, "Night of the Lepus" remains an intriguing, if not quintessential, entry in the bizarre subgenre of eco-horror.

"Night of the Lepus," directed by William F. Claxton, is a cult-classic that has garnered attention for its far-fetched premise and low-budget charm. The film attempts to instill terror using oversized rabbits as the central antagonists, but it often falls into comedic territory despite its grim undertones of death and child endangerment. The storyline follows the mayhem caused by giant mutant rabbits on a small town, with plenty of scenes dedicated to rabbit travel time, contributing to the film's delightful absurdity. While clearly not a conventional horror masterpiece, the movie offers endearing moments through its ambitious yet flawed special effects and is a clear example of unintentional comic horror.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Night of the Lepus" impresses with a commendable 2K remaster that enhances the film's visual appeal, eclipsing previous home video releases. The 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio presents the movie in vibrant detail, bringing a new level of clarity to the rabbit-induced chaos. However, the DTS-HD MA Mono audio track is quite average, underscoring occasional inconsistencies in sound quality. The Blu-ray extras are a strong selling point with engaging commentary tracks that offer additional layers of amusement and critical insight. These include discussions on its cult legacy and its accidental charm, making it a worthwhile addition for fans of B-movies and parody enthusiasts alike.

While "Night of the Lepus" isn’t great by any stretch of the imagination (and my score reflects that), it is hilariously goofy and should have been chosen by Mystery Science Theater 3000 or Rifftrax to be torn apart and laughed about. The premise alone is enough to elicit a few chuckles, but the silly acting and cheap special effects really clinch it as “almost parody” level. The Blu-ray itself is a mixed bag: mediocre audio but an exceptional video remaster. Horror fans might hesitate to buy it blindly due to its ridiculousness, but fans of the film will be decently pleased with this upgrade from the beaten-up MGM DVD of yesteryear.