The Monster Squad 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's release of "The Monster Squad" on 4K UHD Blu-ray showcases a remarkable video presentation, thanks to a new 4K scan from the original camera negative. This scan results in a pristine image that honors the film’s original aesthetics, shot by cinematographer Bradford May on 35mm film using Panavision Panaflex Gold cameras. The movie is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, with the transfer exhibiting a tight grain structure that contributes to its filmic appearance. The HDR grading (available in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision options) brings out the nuances in the film’s color palette, enhancing contrast with deeper blacks and a wider range of colors without deviating from the movie's mostly natural look. Despite the era's special effects limitations evident in certain sequences, the overall video quality remains stable and clean, boasting an even-keeled bitrate that fluctuates between 80 to 90Mbps depending on the scene's complexity.

The addition of Dolby Vision enhances the visual fidelity even further, imbuing the film with impeccable resolution and eliminating previous issues related to edge enhancement. The light grain structure is resolved smoothly, allowing for excellent detail rendering, even in mid-range shots. Colors are splendidly reproduced, with primaries looking faultless and a slight pop that vivifies them without distorting their natural appearance. The bright peaks and deep, inky black levels demonstrate a careful mastering of brightness and contrast, presenting the film in the best light possible on home video.

This release’s detail sharpness stands out, with nuanced colors and improved black levels over previous editions. The darker, bolder image compared to the brighter 2009 Blu-ray highlights refined details in makeup, textures, and backgrounds, enriching the viewing experience with a sense of depth and clarity. While some age-related wear is noted, it adds to the film's nostalgic charm without detracting from its overall sharpness. No significant digital artifacts were observed, affirming Kino Lorber’s commitment to delivering a superior video transfer that makes "The Monster Squad" look better than ever before on home video, setting a new standard for its presentation.

The audio presentation of "The Monster Squad" on 4K UHD Blu Ray offers fans two primary auditory experiences through its English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 channels, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles for accessibility. The inclusion of the original theatrical stereo in the 2.0 track caters to purists seeking nostalgia, offering a mix that spreads sound effects and score more broadly compared to its 5.1 counterpart. However, the 5.1 channel enhances the viewing experience with a more immersive soundstage, despite its overpowering bass that tends to overshadow other elements.

Dialogue across both tracks maintains clarity, with the 5.1 setup accentuating the film's iconic '80s score and ambient effects more effectively through well-utilized surround channels. The stereo mix, on the other hand, though lacking the visceral impact of deeper bass tones, presents a more balanced auditory experience. Noteworthy is the absence of a modern Dolby Atmos track, which is felt among enthusiasts hoping for an elevation in the soundscape with added depth and spatial audio effects—especially given the potential enhancements to the film's atmospheric and action-packed sequences.

Critically, both options exhibit signs of aging, with minor fidelity issues in dialogue clarity and sound intensity, albeit not detracting significantly from the overall enjoyment. The decision between 5.1 and stereo mixes ultimately converges on personal preference, between immersive soundscapes and authentic theatrical presentation. Despite these nuances, "The Monster Squad’s" audio on 4K UHD Blu Ray remains a competent, albeit unevolved, transfer from previous releases—leaving room for future advancements that could potentially exploit the full capabilities of modern home theatre systems.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Monster Squad" is a well-curated treasure trove for both new fans and long-time admirers of this cult classic. It plays host to a series of insightful and nostalgic bonus materials that enrich the viewing experience. The disc includes two engaging commentary tracks: one featuring director Fred Dekker alongside cinematographer Bradford May, which focuses on the more technical aspects such as lensing choices and editing work while paying tribute to classic filmmaking; the second commentary reunites Dekker with cast members Andre Gower, Ryan Lambert, and Ashley Bank, offering a heartwarming trip down memory lane that's both fun and informative. Additionally, the disc features the comprehensive documentary "Wolfman's Got Nards" and "Monster Squad Forever", providing an in-depth look at the film's production and enduring appeal. Together with a collection of deleted scenes, animated storyboards, a stills gallery, vintage trailer and TV spots, and an unconventional interview with Tom Noonan as Frankenstein, this extra section is a definitive homage to the lasting legacy of "The Monster Squad".

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary Part 1: A commentary track with director Fred Dekker and cast members discussing their experiences.
• Audio Commentary Part 2: Dekker and cinematographer Bradford May discuss technicalities of the film's production.
• Wolfman's Got Nards Documentary: An in-depth look at the film's making and its cult status.
• Monster Squad Forever: A five-part retrospective covering all aspects of making "The Monster Squad".
• A Conversation with Frankenstein: An interview with Tom Noonan in character.
• Deleted Scenes: A collection of scenes not included in the final cut.
• Animated Storyboard Sequence: Comparison of storyboard sequence and actual footage for a scene.
• Stills Gallery: Production photos from the film.
• Trailer and TV Spot: The original theatrical trailer and TV spots for the film.

Fred Dekker's "The Monster Squad," a gem from 1987, makes its way onto 4K UHD Blu-ray with a presentation that brings the beloved cult classic into the modern era without losing an ounce of its original charm. Kino Lorber's release ensures that the film’s transition to high definition doesn't dilute its nostalgic essence, offering sharp visuals that highlight the impeccable costume and effects work which has aged remarkably well. In a world now accustomed to CGI-heavy productions, the practical effects and makeup showcased in "The Monster Squad" evoke a sense of craftsmanship and creativity from an era when genre films were burgeoning with inventiveness. Accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles and region-free accessibility, this release is tailored for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Delving into the film itself, "The Monster Squad" stands out not just for its adventurous storyline that pits a group of young monster enthusiasts against cinema’s most iconic horrors, but also for its skilled direction by Dekker, who had already begun proving his mettle with "Night of the Creeps." Unlike many sophomore efforts, "The Monster Squad" is a testament to Dekker’s rapidly maturing directorial vision, managing to balance the top, middle, and bottom of this cinematic cocktail with a deft hand. His direction unites Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, the Gill Man, and the Mummy in a narrative that easily could have spiraled into chaos but instead remains engaging and wonderfully paced throughout its relatively brisk eighty-three-minute runtime. The dialogue crackles with unfiltered wit, lending credibility to characters that could have easily been one-dimensional in less capable hands.

This film is more than just a clash between children and monsters; it’s a vibrant exploration of friendship, courage, and the power of stories to inspire. Each scene is crafted with an understanding of genre conventions while still providing a fresh take, which speaks to Dekker's insightful approach to filmmaking. As a cultural artifact from the '80s, it not only captured the era's imagination but continues to be rediscovered by new generations, solidifying its status as more than just another entry in '80s pop culture—it's an enduring connection to a time when practical effects reigned supreme and storytelling was unabashedly adventurous. This Blu-ray release, particularly through its masterful 4K restoration, reaffirms "The Monster Squad's" place in the annals of genre filmmaking as both a product of its time and a timeless piece of cinematic art.

In examining the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Monster Squad," one can readily appreciate why this film has garnered a cult following over the years. This genre-defining classic manages to encapsulate the essence of '80s childhood while delivering a cinematic experience that's both timeless and nostalgically potent. The new 4K restoration, presented in native 4K along with the standard 1080p resolution, elevates the visual experience to an exceptional level, ensuring that the film not only remains relevant to its longtime fans but also impresses a new generation of viewers. Moreover, the release is complemented by a wealth of archival bonus features, underpinning it as perhaps the definitive version of the film for home video collections.

Adding significant value to this release, the third disc houses the documentary "Wolfman’s Got Nards," directed by Andre Gower. This documentary delves deeper into the legacy and making of "The Monster Squad," featuring a wide array of interviews with cast and crew, including new faces not seen in previous documentaries. Additionally, it offers exclusive behind-the-scenes content, further enriching this edition. This, alongside the main feature's enhanced 4K image with Dolby Vision and the crisp DTGS-HD 5.1 audio mix, ensures an immersive viewing experience that faithfully respects the original's charm while leveraging modern technology for superior sound and visuals.

Conclusively, this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Monster Squad" stands as a significant milestone in preserving and celebrating an iconic film that superbly captures the spirit of an era. With its stellar visual and audio upgrades, alongside comprehensive bonus materials including the noteworthy documentary "Wolfman’s Got Nards," this edition is unequivocally a must-have for both dedicated fans and newcomers alike. Its ability to weave nostalgia with top-notch restoration makes it highly recommended, securing its place as a cherished addition to any collection.