Re-Animator Blu-ray Review

The 1080p, VC-1-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Re-Animator" offers a substantial improvement over previous releases, despite the film's age and low-budget origins. The source material is in commendable condition, marred only by occasional minor speckling and print blotches. Grain structure is heavy but consistent, providing a natural and film-like quality. The overall image softness has sparked debates over potential DVD upconversion; however, the detail in facial complexions, clothing, sets, and makeup confirms this is not the case. The Blu-ray isn't flawless, exhibiting some age-related issues and a general softness in numerous scenes. Still, its fidelity is sufficient given the historical and technical limitations of the source material.

Black levels are generally excellent, which is vital for a film that relies on strategic darkness. However, some areas exhibit a faded, milky appearance. Colors like the iconic blood red and Herbert West's re-animating agent's green are vibrant and well-saturated, contributing to a rich visual experience. Yet, primary colors occasionally appear artificial and overly saturated. Flesh tones often look sickly and flushed, adding an unintended layer of grittiness. The contrast could be higher, as it falls on the lower end of the grayscale, giving the picture a somewhat flat appearance. Notably, the Blu-ray maintains the grain structure without evidence of artificial sharpening, a commendable feat for such vintage material.

Additionally, this release utilizes a BD-50 disc to accommodate the film and its extensive extras, ensuring a comprehensive package for collectors. Though it may not be the drastic high-definition upgrade ardent fans hoped for, this Blu-ray delivers a credible presentation that pays homage to "Re-Animator's" cinematic roots while revealing notable enhancements in clarity and resolution. The compositions seem comfortably framed, avoiding any cramped or compromised look despite slight cropping from the original aspect ratio (1.85:1 to 1.78:1). Overall, this Blu-ray offers an earnest rendering of a cult classic, balancing technical fidelity with a nostalgic filmic feel.

The audio presentation of the "Re-Animator" Blu-ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, derived from the original mono design. While this remix does not significantly leverage its surround sound potential, it excels in giving Richard Band's Psycho-inspired score ample room to shine. The soundstage is expanded, allowing the music to bleed into the rear channels with superb fidelity, which adds a degree of immersion that enhances the viewing experience. The mid-range presents a balanced warmth and precision in instrumentation, while the low bass provides a healthy impact, particularly during musical segments.

Though the overall mix remains primarily front-focused, in keeping with its mono origins, ambient and discrete effects are well-positioned and clear within the central screen channel. Dialogue clarity is generally strong, allowing viewers to catch almost every bit of looping, endearing the film's low-budget charm. However, there are moments where dialogue suffers from a hollow and slightly muffled quality with some odd reverb effects. Despite these minor drawbacks, vocals remain intelligible throughout, maintaining the integrity of the auditory experience.

While the improvements over the previous DVD releases are apparent, they do not revolutionize the audio experience. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track undoubtedly elevates the film's score and provides a crisper overall sound presentation but does not achieve a groundbreaking transformation. Nevertheless, fans will appreciate the enhanced clarity and musical depth that this Blu-ray audio presentation delivers.

The Blu-ray release of "Re-Animator" continues to impress with a comprehensive selection of extras that celebrate the film’s legacy. The commentaries are particularly engaging, offering rare insights and a mix of informative content and nostalgic reminiscing. "Re-Animator Resurrectus" stands out as an in-depth documentary, providing behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast and crew. Interviews with key personnel, like Stuart Gordon, Brian Yuzna, and Richard Band, further enrich the viewer’s understanding of the film's production and artistic decisions. Deleted and extended scenes give fans a glimpse into alternate takes and omitted sequences, while vintage promotional materials add to the overall nostalgic feel.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Stuart Gordon: Detailed discussion on his directorial approach and influences.
• Commentary with Producer Brian Yuzna and Actors: Entertaining group reflections on making the film.
• Documentary: Re-Animator Resurrectus: In-depth making-of feature.
• Interview with Director Stuart Gordon and Producer Brian Yuzna: Covers the film’s entire history.
• Interview with Writer Dennis Paoli: Explores the adaptation process.
• Interview with Composer Richard Band: Details on score creation and controversy.
• Music Discussion with Composer Richard Band: Breakdown of key sequences with isolated music tracks.
• Interview with Fangoria Editor Tony Timpone: Promotional insights from the magazine's perspective.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Collection of removed and alternate scenes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original movie preview.
• TV Spots: Five promotional clips with a playful tone.

Stuart Gordon’s debut film "Re-Animator" carves out a unique niche in horror cinema, blending extreme gore with dark comedy and theatrical performance. Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s stories, which the author himself considered somewhat mercenary, the movie succeeds due to its strong narrative framework and memorable characters. Gordon, drawing on his extensive experience as a theater director, brilliantly directs his cast and insists on thorough rehearsals, a rarity in modern filmmaking. This preparation pays off, with standout performances from stage-trained actors Jeffrey Combs and David Gale. Their exaggerated stylings enhance the over-the-top nature of the plot, where a green serum concocted by the mad scientist Herbert West (Combs) brings the dead back to life with chaotic consequences.

The story is set against the backdrop of Miskatonic Medical School in Arkham, Massachusetts. The narrative intertwines various character arcs and conflicts, particularly through dramatic triangular relationships. Med student Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott) and his girlfriend, Megan Halsey (Barbara Crampton), navigate complications brought about by the school's authority figures. Dr. Carl Hill’s (David Gale) obsession with Megan and his rivalry with West escalates into grotesque climax filled with gruesome yet comedic scenes. The meticulous practical effects, despite their age, offer a visceral authenticity that CGI could never replicate.

The film's humor amplifies its horror elements, often merging gross-out sequences with farcical comedy. Composer Richard Band’s score cheekily mimics Bernard Herrmann’s iconic work from Hitchcock's "Psycho," underscoring the film's blend of dread and satire. Gordon's energetic direction ensures a fast-paced experience filled with shocks and laughs, solidifying "Re-Animator" as an enduring cult classic. The excellent special makeup effects work by John Naulin provides a horrifyingly realistic touch that continues to resonate with audiences, further cementing the film’s place in the pantheon of horror greats.

"Re-Animator," directed by Stuart Gordon and produced by Brian Yuzna, remains a timeless piece of cult cinema, astonishing viewers with its unwavering commitment to its dark themes and twisted resolutions. The film's ability to consistently engage and shock audiences over the decades is a testament to the creative team's resolve in delivering a narrative that is both uncompromising and viscerally entertaining. Despite potential reservations about future releases, this current Blu-ray edition offers an excellent presentation of the film, and it is particularly recommended for those who have yet to own a version of this beloved sci-fi horror classic.

Jeffrey Combs' unforgettable performance as the demented scientist Herbert West adds a strong comedic edge to this gruesome tale, making "Re-Animator" not just a horror movie, but an outrageously cheeky comic thrill ride that tickles the funny bone while simultaneously delivering graphic shocks. The Blu-ray edition showcases middle-of-the-road picture quality that, although not groundbreaking, marks a notable improvement over standard-definition predecessors. The audio presentation stands out positively, delivering a very good auditory experience that complements the film’s chaotic and suspenseful atmosphere.

The Blu-ray also includes a selection of supplementary materials carried over from previous editions, ensuring that long-time fans will find their content just as entertaining as before. Satisfying both ardent collectors and new viewers, this high-definition treatment of "Re-Animator" is bound to extend its legacy as a seminal work in horror cinema. Though not an essential upgrade for those already owning the DVD, this release is undoubtedly worth adding to any horror aficionado's collection for its entertainment value and improved audiovisual features.