Night of the Creeps Blu-ray Review

"Night of the Creeps" receives a commendable 1080p 1.85:1-framed Blu-ray transfer that elevates its visual quality well beyond previous releases. While the MPEG-4 encoding may not match modern standards in sharpness or three-dimensionality, the film maintains an authentic grain structure without any digital noise reduction (DNR) artifacts, smearing, or texture loss. Background artifacts such as print damage and occasional shimmering are present but minimal. The transfer reveals an increased level of detail, especially in close-ups and mid-shots where the textures of clothing and objects stand out clearly. Skin tones appear natural and healthy, adding a robust sense of realism to the characters. Despite minor grain fluctuations, the overall presentation is sharp and clean, allowing a more vivid visual experience than ever before.

Color accuracy and saturation receive particular praise, injecting vibrant life into the film’s visuals. The primary and secondary hues exhibit strong saturation, with no chroma noise, rendering the garish 80s palette in all its glory. The film’s warm color palette shines through, especially in the deliberately over-lit nighttime scenes. Flesh tones retain a natural appearance contrary to exaggerated reds or pinks. Blacks are consistently deep, although the movie does not heavily rely on shadow detail. The flames in the climactic scenes are rich with detail, offering a compelling visual treat.

Wide-angle shots face some challenges with grain and occasional blocking but maintain an adequate level of detail. The opening black-and-white scenes and the color transitions display noticeable grain but less pronounced during daylight sequences. Shadow delineation and contrast are well-balanced, crucial for a film predominantly set at night. This Blu-ray edition offers a solid high-definition presentation for "Night of the Creeps," making it a valuable upgrade for fans seeking improved clarity, color richness, and overall visual fidelity.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track for "Night of the Creeps" achieves an impressive level of immersion and clarity, particularly considering the film's age and budget constraints. Sound engineers have adeptly transformed the original design elements into a modern surround sound experience without appearing overly artificial. From the very start, the soundtrack envelops the listener with laser-bolt effects and the distinctive whirring of alien technology, making excellent use of the surround channels. Each element, such as explosions, gunshots, and ambient noises like insects buzzing and party chatter, is positioned naturally within the soundscape. This multi-dimensional approach keeps the action engaging and lively throughout, providing a cohesive and dynamic auditory experience.

Barry De Vorzon's electronic score plays a crucial role in setting the period atmosphere, with the music seamlessly integrating into the surround speakers to fill the room with a rich sonic texture. Despite the lack of extensive low-frequency effects, the bass is appropriately employed in key moments, such as during explosive scenes or the impactful crash-landing of the alien cylinder. Dialogue remains clear and lucid through the center channel, albeit slightly centralized at times, which could cause voices to feel somewhat muted when compared to the broader stereo image. However, this minor flaw doesn't significantly detract from the overall quality of the audio presentation.

Spanning genres from fifties rock-n-roll to synth-heavy eighties tracks, the soundtrack maintains a high level of clarity and presence, providing a nostalgic yet vibrant backdrop to the film. Effects like water dripping in laboratory scenes or alien slugs scampering across the soundstage demonstrate an appreciation for subtle yet effective sonic details. In conclusion, this newly mixed DTS-HD MA track skillfully revitalizes "Night of the Creeps," bringing a depth and energy that exceeds expectations for a film of its vintage and budget.

"Night of the Creeps" Blu-ray extras provide an impressive array of content, highlighting the film's production and legacy. Anchored by two commentary tracks, the disc includes insightful discussions from writer/director Fred Dekker and the cast. Dekker's track, aided by Michael Felsher, offers candid reflections on filmmaking challenges, influences, and personal anecdotes. An engaging making-of featurette, divided into five parts, extensively covers the film's conception, casting, special effects, audience reception, and cult status. Additionally, fans will appreciate the original theatrical ending and seven deleted scenes. Tom Atkins' interview adds a personal touch, delving into his career and experiences on set. Other features like a trivia track, trailers, and BD-Live functionality round out the package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with writer/director Fred Dekker: Candid discussion on various aspects of filmmaking.
• Cast commentary: Light-hearted reminiscing and scene-specific insights.
• Original theatrical ending: Initial intended ending for the film.
• 7 Deleted scenes: Extra character insights.
• Thrill Me: Making of Night of the Creeps: Comprehensive 5-part documentary.
• Tom Atkins: Man of Action: Personal interview with actor Tom Atkins.
• Trivia track: Text-based facts throughout the film.
• Original theatrical trailer: Nostalgic official trailer.
• BD Previews: Promotional trailers for other films.
• BD-Live enabled: Access to online content.

"Night of the Creeps," a quintessential 80s SF/horror/comedy hybrid directed by Fred Dekker, has received a remarkable high-definition revival that breathes new life into this beloved cult classic. Renowned for its nostalgia-laden charm, in-jokes, and a perfect blend of gore and wit, the film masterfully pays homage to the B-movies of the 50s and 60s while cementing its own iconic status. The plot kicks off in 1959 when a mislaid alien experiment infects a college student, only to resurface 27 years later when two fraternity pledges unwittingly release the now-zombie student, leading to an alien-induced campus apocalypse. The Blu-ray transfer offers a significant upgrade in both video and audio quality, making the madness even more immersive for fans old and new.

The film’s appeal lies in its "so bad it's good" quality, with a delightful combination of a goofy yet coherent script, intentionally mediocre acting, and throwback elements that genre aficionados will appreciate. From the cheesy but deliberate dialogue to the ridiculous yet endearing special effects, it revels in its campiness while maintaining a subtle sense of humor. Notably, Tom Atkins delivers a standout performance as the hard-nosed detective Ray Cameron, embodying the film's balance of seriousness and tongue-in-cheek fun. The ensemble cast, particularly Jason Lively and Jill Whitlow, complements the playful narrative tone effectively, bringing genuine chemistry to their roles.

Fred Dekker’s directorial efforts shine through in this mix of horror tropes and comedic snippets, making "Night of the Creeps" a fan-favorite. With its overt campiness and an array of deft directorial touches—ranging from the thematic fonts in the title sequence to clever foreshadowing in dialogue—the film transcends its low-budget origins to become more than just a routine B-movie. It's a tribute done right, rich with nuances that resonate with anyone versed in genre cinema, making it a thoroughly engaging and entertaining watch.

"Night of the Creeps" stands as a delightful tribute to science fiction and horror, enhanced by Fred Dekker’s clear dedication to entertaining his audience. This cult classic masterfully blends various subgenres into a quirky yet engaging storyline, making it a must-watch for those well-versed in horror cinema. The film’s arrival on Blu-ray marks a significant release, meeting long-standing fan demand with high-quality technical presentation and a comprehensive supplemental package.

Sony’s Blu-ray release of "Night of the Creeps" exceeds expectations with excellent picture quality and a robust audio experience. Fans will appreciate that the original VHS and LaserDisc’s charm translates beautifully into high-definition. Notably, the Blu-ray includes the director's intended ending, seamlessly integrated into the film rather than as an additional feature, honoring Dekker's vision.

In conclusion, "Night of the Creeps" is a compelling homage to B-movie drive-in classics that has been given loving attention in this Blu-ray release. While the supplementary package is extensive, it could benefit from more exclusive content. Nonetheless, this edition is highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike, ensuring a fun and satisfying viewing experience, especially during the Halloween season.