Silver Bullet Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Daniel Attias' "Silver Bullet" on Blu-ray presents a 1080p transfer courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment. Derived from an older yet robust remaster, the film boasts a commendably organic appearance, though it suffers from being squeezed onto a single-layer disc. While the release does not harbor any glaring anomalies, perceptive viewers will note that with optimized encoding, the presentation could closely rival the quality seen in Indicator/Powerhouse's "Christine". The depth mostly satisfies but is not optimal; darker scenes occasionally exhibit mild black crush and flatness. In daylight sequences, the image remains solid, although improvements in density would be evident with finer encoding adjustments.

Encouragingly, there are no detrimental digital enhancements such as degraining or sharpening artifacts, which mar many catalog releases from Universal's archives. The color palette maintains its authenticity, though a new remaster could reveal further subtleties. Image stability is commendable throughout. Overall, this Blu-ray delivers a fine, organic video presentation of "Silver Bullet" that, despite minor setbacks in encoding and depth, remains highly watchable. With minimal intervention, this could have been an exemplary release.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Silver Bullet" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track with optional English SDH subtitles that appear inside the image frame. This remastered audio track boasts impressive clarity, depth, and balance, indicating a probable remix during the remastering phase. Notably, there are no age-related imperfections such as hiss or distortions, a commendable achievement for an '80s film.

The dynamic intensity of the audio is exceptional for a project from this era, providing an enjoyable and immersive listening experience. While the track isn’t overly stereophonic, lacking substantial speaker-to-speaker activity, it does include well-executed ambient moments, particularly those set in the forest. These moments are complemented by high fidelity, strong dialogue reproduction, and a compelling score, making it a robust and clean presentation overall.

The supplementary features of the "Silver Bullet" Blu-ray provide an engrossing and detailed look into the making of the film, offering valuable insights from key cast and crew members. Martha De Laurentiis shares her industry journey and connections with Stephen King, while Everett McGill delves into his character transformation under Daniel Attias' direction. Composer Jay Chattaway's isolated score selections with audio commentary enrich the auditory experience. Special effects artists Michael McCracken Jr. and Matthew Mungle highlight their creative process on-set. The disc also includes an informative director’s commentary by Daniel Attias, discussing scene conception and thematic enhancements. Additional content such as trailers, TV spots, and a radio spot preserve the film’s historical promotional efforts, accompanied by an image gallery of vintage material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Dino's Angel Takes on Lycanthropy: Martha De Laurentiis recalls her journey and involvement in "Silver Bullet."
• The Wolf Within: Everett McGill discusses his role and the director's methods.
• Isolated Score Selections and Audio Interview with Composer Jay Chattaway: Insights into the composer's career and contributions.
• Full Moon Fever: Special effects artists discuss their creative process on "Silver Bullet."
• Audio Commentary: Director Daniel Attias details scene conception and additional material.
• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer.
• TV Spot: Original U.S. TV spot.
• Radio Spot: Original U.S. radio spot.
• Image Gallery: Collection of vintage promotional materials.
• Reversible Cover

Daniel Attias’ Silver Bullet, a 1985 adaptation of Stephen King's Cycle of the Werewolf, is a fascinating blend of small-town horror and family dynamics, now available on Blu-ray from Umbrella Entertainment. The film marks Attias' directorial debut and effectively captures the essence of King's novella, embedding itself in the era's cultural fabric with a notable emphasis on character chemistry and classic '80s horror elements. Corey Haim stars as young Marty, who, despite being handicapped, becomes the central figure in unmasking the werewolf terrorizing his town. Gary Busey delivers a memorable, slightly unhinged performance as Uncle Red, adding a vintage charm that enhances the film's appeal. The plot revolves around the trio's efforts to expose and eliminate the beast, blending teen humor with R-rated thrills.

While Silver Bullet did not premiere with a large budget, it gained significant traction in the home video market, supported by an aggressive promotional campaign. Unlike other genre films from the '80s that faded into obscurity, Silver Bullet maintained visibility in video rental stores, bolstered by its engaging promotional materials. The Italian team behind the film's stylistic visuals deserves mention – with special effects by Carlo Rambaldi and cinematography by Amando Nannuzzi, giving it an exotic and distinct look that complements its themes effectively. The practical effects and design choices help elevate the narrative, providing an immersive experience without revealing too much prematurely.

In comparison to other Stephen King adaptations of the '80s such as Christine and Cujo, Silver Bullet stands out due to its strong character interactions and performances rather than owing its strength solely to the source material or script. The careful balance of horror, humor, and family dynamics ensures a captivating viewing experience, making it one of the more effective adaptations of King’s works. The original poster, devoid of any killer reveal, remains an iconic element that captures the mysterious allure of the film perfectly.

Daniel Attias' directorial debut, Silver Bullet, stands as a robust blend of tension and humor, emblematic of the 1980s genre films. This period saw many Stephen King adaptations, and Silver Bullet certainly ranks as one of the notable entries. Umbrella Entertainment has tapped into a well-preserved remaster for this release, offering a clean transfer that does justice to the visual aesthetics of the original. Despite minor shortcomings in the technical presentation, the overall experience is commendable.

The film has amassed a dedicated following over the years, boosted by repeated airings and extensive VHS rentals. This Blu-ray release satisfies the long-standing demand from fans who have eagerly awaited a high-definition version. The transfer is excellent, capturing the intricate details and atmospheric tones that define the movie. Additionally, the quality extras included make this release not just a nostalgic revisit but also a comprehensive package for any horror enthusiast.

In conclusion, Silver Bullet on Blu-ray is a must-have for fans and collectors alike. While there are minor technical imperfections, they do not significantly detract from an otherwise impressive presentation. Given its strong remastering, evocative storytelling, and valuable special features, this release comes highly recommended.