Attack of the Giant Leeches Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Attack of the Giant Leeches," courtesy of Film Masters, arrives with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Despite this high-definition offering, the video quality remains underwhelming compared to the presentation in other releases, such as "Night of the Blood Beast." The clarity of this particular release is hampered by the condition of the source material, which is plagued by murky underwater scenes that further obfuscate visual details. The variability in contrast and problematic grain structure often results in a picture that feels soft and unconvincing.

While Film Masters' promotional claims of an HD transfer hold some truth, viewers will notice the lack of substantial restoration efforts. The preservation of grain structure is reasonable; however, this does little to salvage the image, which frequently comes across as borderline out-of-focus with an airbrushed effect on characters. Contrast issues are prevalent, with whites often blown out and blacks crushed to the point where details are lost, particularly during nighttime sequences. Given its history in the public domain, this edition may be cleaner than previous iterations, but it fails to elevate itself beyond mere functional viewing.

Overall, while an isolated improvement over its predecessors that limited damage decently, the Blu-ray release of "Attack of the Giant Leeches" does not reach an exemplary standard expected for contemporary film restoration work. It's clear that more could have been done to enhance the visual experience for viewers eager to see this cult classic revitalized with modern technology. This transfer serves primarily as an archival piece rather than a cinematic showcase.

The audio presentation of "Attack of the Giant Leeches" on Blu-ray provides a satisfactory experience given its limitations. Utilizing a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track, the soundscape, though narrow, effectively preserves a decent midrange, allowing elements such as the whimsical theater organ and honky-tonk piano cues to resonate adequately. Despite occasional hollowness and a slightly boxy quality to some sound effects, the dialogue remains clear and cleanly rendered throughout the film. The optional English subtitles are beneficial for clarity.

However, the dialogue can sometimes appear puffy and scratchy, revealing the wear and age of the source material. While audible, it meets the most basic expectations for mono tracks of this era. The score, composed by Alexander Laszlo and shared humorously with "Night of the Blood Beast," manages to maintain relatively crisp highs and sufficient fidelity, contributing to an overall competent audio experience despite the inherent limitations of the original production.

The Blu-ray extras for "Attack of the Giant Leeches" offer a diverse range of engaging content, providing both entertainment and insight. The highlight is the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode, which adds humorous commentary to the film, although some might find the interstitials excessive. The Born from T.V. feature delivers an informative look at Bernard Kowalski's directing career, especially noting his work on classic television series such as "Mission: Impossible". Additionally, the Commentary by Tom Weaver is a standout, filled with his characteristic sound effects and entertaining insights. The disc also includes a re-created trailer and an Yvette Vickers Slideshow, rounding out the package with visual treats for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mystery Science Theater 3000: Episode with commentary on the film.
• Born from T.V.: Documentary on Bernard Kowalski's career.
• Attack of the Giant Leeches re-created trailer: Modernized trailer version.
• Yvette Vickers Slideshow: Photo gallery.
• Commentary by Tom Weaver: Audio commentary with added effects.

"Attack of the Giant Leeches," a 1959 film directed by Bernard L. Kowalski and produced by Gene Corman, encapsulates a blend of Southern Gothic elements with the campy features of a 1950s monster movie. Film Masters' Blu-ray release, an intriguing choice for aficionados of cult cinema, presents this feature amidst its propensity for pairing unusual monster films. The narrative, akin to "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Gojira," involves radioactive leeches terrorizing a Florida community, offering a commentary on atomic anxieties of the era. Despite being overshadowed in visual quality by the co-feature "Night of the Blood Beast," the film attempts to compensate with its intriguing performance by Yvette Vickers, whose presence echoes cultural aspects of the late fifties, albeit shrouded in a notably sexist discourse.

The film's execution falls short of its premise, with creature design resembling rudimentary rain coat costumes adorned with ineffective suckers. While the creatures themselves fail to incite genuine fear visually, there exists an eerie moment where the leeches lethally drain blood from human victims, underlining the horror squarely for its time. Nonetheless, this moment is diluted by sluggish pacing and stock character portrayals, compounded by subplots that neither enhance nor advance the narrative, indicative of Roger Corman’s budget-conscious production methods. This slackness extends into cinematography as it labors over characters silently traversing swamp settings, attempting to evoke tension that remains unrealized.

Overall, "Attack of the Giant Leeches" stands as a clumsy exercise in exploitation cinema, aimed at enticing teen audiences through suggestive themes and a tantalizing title that holds little substantive follow-through. It primarily entertains through its absurdity and remains a testament to mid-century B-movie production quirks rather than its effectiveness in storytelling or scare-factor.

"Attack of the Giant Leeches" delivers an experience that is both entertaining and unintentionally humorous, offering consistent laughs due to its over-the-top premise. Yet, beneath its comedic surface lies a surprisingly darker undertone compared to its contemporaries, such as "Night of the Blood Beast." The film thrives on the absurdity of its titular creatures, capturing the essence of classic B-movie horror with its monstrous schlock.

The Blu-ray release presents a mixed technical presentation. The video quality can be described as subpar, potentially disappointing those seeking high-definition clarity. However, the audio performance is devoid of major flaws, providing an adequate listening experience for viewers. Notably, the disc boasts a commendable collection of supplements. These extras are well-crafted and offer substantial value, especially for enthusiasts interested in exploring the film's background and production details.

In conclusion, while "Attack of the Giant Leeches" may not achieve classic status due to its various shortcomings, it still holds a charm that appeals to those fond of vintage, campy horror. Its mix of humor and dark elements creates a unique viewing experience. Despite the lackluster video quality, the solid audio and excellent supplemental materials make this Blu-ray a worthwhile addition for collectors and fans of the genre.