Night of the Creeps Blu-ray Review

Night of the Creeps' Blu-ray release retains its initial AVC encode (1.85:1 aspect ratio), presented in both the theatrical and Director’s Cut versions. Both cuts are allocated their own dual layer BD-50 discs. This transfer, originating from the late 2000s and seemingly the same master as the 2009 release, offers a detailed and clean viewing experience with some expected limitations. The high-bitrate AVC encoding ensures a well-textured film, accurately reproducing the period aesthetics of the mid-80s. There are minor blemishes, such as speckles and noise in grain-heavy scenes, especially noticeable when Cynthia looks out of the window. Despite these, the film holds up well against contemporary HD transfers.

The visual presentation displays strong color reproduction, with primaries visibly popping—especially reds in gore effects and the bright yellow of J.C.’s shirt. Skin tones are natural, and close-ups reveal fine details in make-up and creature prosthetics. Blacks are solid but occasionally suffer from crushing, affecting some scene details in dark environments. The transfer captures the texture and organic feel of the original film grain, contributing to the film-like quality of the experience.

Overall, Night of the Creeps on Blu-ray maintains a stable saturation and a strong grey scale, notably in the black-and-white sequence. Despite minor age-related issues and some softness in nighttime scenes, this is likely the best the film will look on home video in HD. While there is room for improvement—such as transitioning to updated 2K or 4K masters—the current transfer stands as a commendable preservation of Fred Dekker's cult classic, adeptly showcasing its vibrant visuals and cinematic charm for home theatre enthusiasts.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray release of "Night of the Creeps" is delivered in two formats: a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and a 2.0 DTS-HD MA stereo track. Both tracks facilitate an engaging sound experience with distinct merits. The 5.1 track offers a broader, more immersive atmosphere, enhancing music and ambient effects, while the 2.0 track is well-suited for night listening sessions. Crisp, clear dialogue is a consistent feature, although occasional dips in vocal volume have been noted. The inclusion of Barry De Vorzon’s electronic score adds a nostalgic synth push to the mix, further opening up the soundstage and delivering pleasing dynamics and separation effects.

Surround sound elements in the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track are particularly active, capturing the essence of low-budget 80s horror with flame throwers, shotgun blasts, and the menacing sounds of alien slugs scurrying from place to place. This track also offers good low-frequency effects, albeit occasionally light in impact, with subwoofers engaging during intense sequences. Nevertheless, it maintains a clean, clear output free of hiss, crackle, or distortion, effectively elevating the viewing experience through well-balanced acoustics and solid sound design.

Distinct audio tracks for both cuts of the film ensure comprehensive enjoyment. The robust 5.1 track provides notable low-end weight during alien activity and weaponry sequences, harnessing rear support and creating an engulfing surround sound presentation with playful channel distribution. Meanwhile, the 2.0 track preserves the original stereo mix’s integrity while offering detailed sound reproduction across all scenes. Optional English SDH subtitles complement both tracks, enhancing accessibility without any issues in dynamics or fidelity. Overall, these audio presentations represent the best home video sound quality for "Night of the Creeps" to date.

The two-disc Collector's Edition of "Night of the Creeps" by Scream Factory adeptly blends both the original theatrical and director's cuts, enhanced with a plethora of engaging extras. Retaining audio commentaries from the 2009 release, it also introduces new interviews providing fresh insights. Fred Dekker's commentary is particularly enlightening, detailing production challenges and narrative inspirations, complemented by convivial actor-sessions featuring Tom Atkins, Jason Lively, and others. New interviews explore cast experiences, adding depth with personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. The disc also includes a notable five-part making-of documentary, underscoring the film's conception, production hurdles, and enduring legacy. Visually and aurally consistent with previous editions, this release excels in breadth and nostalgic value.

Extras included in this disc:

Thrill Me!: Five-part documentary on the making of the film. Tom Atkins: Man of Action: Career overview of actor Tom Atkins. Deleted Scenes: Extended sequences providing additional characterization. Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film. Audio Commentary with Fred Dekker: Insightful director’s commentary. Audio Commentary with Cast: Jocular discussion among leading actors. Real Good Plan: Interview with actor Jason Lively. The Bradster: Interview with actor Allan Kayser. I Vote For That One: Interview with actor Ken Heron. Worst Coroner Ever: Interview with actor Vic Polizos. Answering the Door: Interview with actress Suzanne Snyder. Final Cut: Interview with editor Michael N. Knue. Horror's Hallowed Grounds: Tour of filming locations.

Fred Dekker’s "Night of the Creeps" is an unabashed homage to 1950s B-movies, crafted with an undeniable 1980s flair. The film, a unique blend of horror, comedy, and science fiction, quickly became a cult favorite after a lackluster theatrical run in 1986. It boasts a convoluted but entertaining narrative that begins with an alien experiment crashing to Earth in 1959 and infecting a college student. Fast forward to 1986, where two college friends unwittingly release frozen alien slugs that turn their hosts into zombies. The lead characters, Chris Romero (Jason Lively) and his roommate J.C. Hooper (Steve Marshall), team up with a grizzled detective, Ray Cameron (Tom Atkins), to battle the extraterrestrial threat, culminating in a spectacular zombie showdown at a sorority house.

Dekker injects the film with numerous nods and winks to both the sci-fi and horror genres of yesteryears. From the rubber-suited aliens in the prologue to the final act’s chaotic zombie attack, the movie operates with a playful sense of nostalgia. It frequently breaks the fourth wall with its humor and references, making it a beloved piece for genre aficionados. Character interactions are rich with 80s cultural references, complete with random nudity and over-the-top gore effects. The film’s pacing picks up significantly in the last act, transforming from slow-burn to frantic carnage with flamethrowers and explosive action.

Particularly noteworthy is Tom Atkins' performance as Detective Cameron. His portrayal provides gravitas and energy that elevate the entire film. Supporting roles from Jason Lively and Jill Whitlow also add depth to what could have been a one-dimensional creature feature. The movie's initially excised ending has been restored in the Director's Cut, rounding off a narrative that perfectly marries cheesy horror with heartfelt homage. Overall, "Night of the Creeps" is a quintessential 1980s genre film—campy, clever, and endlessly rewatchable.

"Night of the Creeps" represents an exceptional confluence of horror, comedy, and science fiction, and Scream Factory's Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is a notable effort to preserve this cult classic. While it is disappointing that the transfer did not receive a new 4K or 2K scan, the existing video quality remains respectable and is complemented by a substantial array of new extras. Notable inclusions are the theatrical cut and freshly commissioned artwork, which breathe new life into the film. With robust performances, particularly from Tom Atkins, and dynamic cinematography, this edition solidifies the film’s status among genre enthusiasts.

Scream Factory has undertaken to make this the definitive home video release of "Night of the Creeps." Technical specifications include a 1.85:1 AVC aspect ratio, English DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 audio tracks, and English SDH subtitles. While prior editions of the film featured competent A/V presentations, this release capitalizes on additional content such as brand-new interviews and legacy special features that add significant value. Despite the lack of upgraded visuals, this collector's edition compensates with its thorough examination and celebration of Fred Dekker's work, enhancing the film's re-watchability for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of "Night of the Creeps" is a commendable enhancement over previous releases. The amalgamation of engaging performances, especially from Tom Atkins, well-crafted characters, and effective genre blending underscores the film's enduring appeal. Upgrading to this edition is recommended for fans, given its comprehensive collection of extras and its earnest homage to a beloved horror-comedy classic. "Night of the Creeps" remains a thrilling and entertaining watch that continues to captivate with its unique charm.