The Spider Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image of "The Spider" in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 marks a considerable upgrade from previous releases, boasting a newly restored 1080p transfer that, while not flawless, offers a viewing experience much advanced than older DVD editions and TV broadcasts. With an enhanced level of detail, the restoration maintains the film's original grain structure, ensuring that the immersive atmosphere of the '50s sci-fi classic remains intact. Despite inherent softness—largely due to the production's extensive use of optical effects for scale and intensity—such as Bert I. Gordon's fondness for optical zooms which introduce a bit of fuzziness and grain aggregation, the transfer reveals an agreeable level of clarity in facial features and scenic compositions, though these details may not pop as vividly as in more modern films.

Attention to technical preservation is evident, as the source material's condition appears commendably maintained with minimal speckling and scratches suggesting careful handling. In scenes less dominated by special effects, details come across impressively, highlighting the desert landscape's harshness and actors' exertions amidst staged terror. The film's grain is well managed; it's present without overwhelming the picture or detracting from the nostalgia of watching a classic monster movie. Black levels are described as deep and nearly touching upon crush, enhancing the visual depth during night scenes or when tension peaks as the titular spider makes its appearance, ensuring that crucial elements remain visible even in darker sequences like the foreboding cave explorations.

In sum, this Blu-ray presentation respects its source material while providing fans a reliably better visual experience. No evident digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement techniques mar the natural filmic quality, retaining a balance between cleaning up the image and preserving the original cinematic textures. The calibration between grayscale shades enlivens the scenes with a satisfactory contrast that delineates objects and characters against the backdrop of suspenseful encounters with the monstrous spider. This release affirms that while perfection might not be achieved, significant improvements make "The Spider" a more enthralling watch for enthusiasts seeking to relive the movie with clearer visuals without losing its traditional charm.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Spider" offers a DTS-HD MA 2.0 sound mix that, while not groundbreaking, delivers an experience that complements the film's visual offerings. The mix showcases its strength predominantly through its musical score, with the eerie sounds of a theremin enhancing the mood significantly. While the instrumentation may lack nuance, the overall effect sets the desired atmosphere. Dialogue is clear for the most part, though some moments of heightened panic can lead to slightly shrill outputs. Sound effects are well-integrated, adding depth to the on-screen action without overpowering other audio elements. However, it's worth noting the presence of background hiss and occasional pops that, while not detracting severely from the experience, are noticeable to the keen ear.

On scenes heavily reliant on effects, especially those featuring the titular spider, the audio track comes alive in a manner that significantly elevates the tension and horror. The spider's scream, in particular, is a highlight, delivering a chill that is both creepy and effectively unsettling. The Albert Glasser score plays a crucial role here, enhancing dramatic sequences and making them more impactful. The audio mix shines brightest during sequences of chaos such as the crowd scene, where the soundscape fully immerses the viewer into the panic with well-executed imaging that showcases cars crashing, people running, and the spider's rampage.

Overall, while the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track may not impress audiophiles seeking a demonstration-quality mix, it functions effectively to bring "The Spider's" chilling story to life. Through strategic use of music and sound effects amid dialogue, the audio presentation supports the film's atmosphere, ensuring that key moments remain memorable. The track's minor flaws, such as occasional hiss and pops, do little to mar an otherwise satisfactory listening experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Spider" cater to both the film enthusiast and the casual viewer, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection. Its standout feature, the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode, provides a humorous and engaging way to re-experience the film. Film historian Ted Newsom's commentary offers deep dives into the production and legacy of Bert I. Gordon's work, serving wit alongside invaluable insights. The 8mm version, with its nostalgic quality, alongside a rich still gallery and the film's theatrical trailer, round out the collection, encapsulating the history and impact of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary featuring film historian/filmmaker Ted Newsom.
• Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Earth vs The Spider: A classic MST3K episode.
• 8mm Version of Earth vs. The Spider: Condensed version of the film with nostalgic value.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.
• Still Gallery: Collection of film stills, publicity shots, and behind-the-scenes photographs.

In 1958, Bert I. Gordon brought to the silver screen "The Spider" (also known by its on-print title "Earth vs. The Spider"), aiming to capitalize on the era’s fascination with gargantuan monsters. This cinematic endeavor plunges into a small mountain community's chaotic ordeal with a colossal arachnid terror, following the unexpected disappearance of Carol's (June Kenney) father after a night away. Despite the lukewarm special effects that sometimes verge on crude, Gordon’s execution retains a certain charm, meshing oversized props and spider imagery that, though not high art, sufficiently entertains. However, the film struggles to maintain momentum, with filler scenes awkwardly padding its brief 73-minute runtime and ultimately compromising the pacing of what could have been a more seamless monsterpalooza.

At its core, "The Spider" is narratively straightforward yet undeniably engaging, particularly in its depiction of teenage naivete and valor. Carol and her boyfriend Mike (Eugene Persson), after discovering her father's abandoned truck near a menacing cave, opt to investigate, leading them to the nightmarish realization of a giant spider’s existence. With townsfolk skeptical and dismissive of their claims, it falls upon their science teacher, Professor Art Kingman (Ed Kemmer), to confront the threat head-on. Gordon embellishes these sequences with a blend of tactful large-scale prop utilization and relatively modest special effects for its era, crafting a palpable sense of dread that is sporadically effective, despite being interspersed with instances of unintentional humor and narrative lulls that detract from the sense of urgency.

Despite its flaws and a tendency toward redundancy, especially in the film’s latter half where the narrative recedes into repetitive explorations and encounters with the titular beast, "The Spider" achieves a peculiar status as an entertaining if not critically profound feature. Gordon’s direction manifests an odd yet fascinating spectacle filled with giant creatures, tapping into a formulaic approach that, while not brimming with originality, leverages low-budget effects and sheer enthusiasm for creature features. The film’s audacity in visual storytelling and the audacious attempt to stir horror and excitement amidst technical limitations underscore a passionate albeit rough around the edges homage to monster cinema.

The Spider," directed by Bert I. Gordon, emerges as a quintessential piece of nuclear-age cinema, characterized by its unapologetic embrace of the era's big bug entertainment craze. Despite not reaching the pinnacle of classic status, Gordon's film captures the essence of schlocky science fiction, making it an irresistible treat for enthusiasts of the genre. The director's straightforward approach, focusing on the chaos unleashed by a monstrous spider rampaging through a small town, delivers a unique blend of terror and entertainment. Gordon, leveraging what could be considered modest pacing and effects capabilities, enriches the experience by incorporating a variety of props and creating memorable scenes that engage the audience, especially those with an appetite for sizable arthropodic antagonists.

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Spider" by Scream Factory is commendable, marrying a splendid audio-visual quality with a series of worthwhile bonus features, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The effort to provide clarity and immersion is evident, ensuring that both die-hard fans and newcomers to the film are treated to superior picture and sound. This release goes to show that while the movie may ride the fine line between being awe-inspiring and cheesy, its charm is undeniable. For Gordon, it was about understanding his audience's expectations and delivering precisely that—a giant spider movie that rivets attention through sheer force of concept and execution, even if some effects might leave more to be desired.

In conclusion, "The Spider" Blu-ray reaffirms the movie’s place as an entertaining piece of cinematic history that thrives on its straightforward premise and execution. Gordon's direction, combined with Scream Factory's stellar presentation, makes this release a must-have for aficionados of the genre. It stands as a testament to a time when cinema was unafraid to explore the outlandish, providing audiences with 70 minutes of undiluted, nostalgic entertainment. Whether for its contribution to big bug theatrics or its status as a schlock spectacle, "The Spider" on Blu-ray is unequivocally "Highly Recommended" for those looking to revisit or discover this unique piece of 1950s science fiction.