Strippers vs Werewolves Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Strippers vs Werewolves" by Well Go USA features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio, highlighting both the advantages and the limitations of its production. The picture quality is robust, with a surprising amount of fine detail on skin, clothing, and make-up in nearly every shot. Characters' costumes and neon signs are vivid, contributing to the film's comic book ambience. However, the high-definition transfer also inadvertently reveals every textural flaw, from murky shadow details to strangely low contrast in darker interior scenes.

Colors, while typically vibrant, fluctuate unpredictably. Blood often appears rusty brown rather than vivid red, and flesh tones sometimes seem unnaturally pallid, more reminiscent of a vampire than a werewolf film. The opening credit sequence with red line-drawings against a black background stands out for its clarity and impact. Although black levels are generally well-reproduced, maintaining clarity and detail even in darker scenes, the overall desaturated look can make some scenes appear lackluster.

Ultimately, while the transfer captures plenty of detail and adds a certain clarity to the viewing experience, it exposes the production's limitations. The lack of cinematic arrangement and the hyper-realism detract from the intended gritty aesthetic and inadvertently underline the film's low-budget origins. Consequently, this Blu-ray transfer's technical robustness paradoxically highlights the very elements that contribute to its status as memorable yet flawed cinema.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Strippers vs. Werewolves" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, while technically proficient with clear dialogue and an impressive dynamic range, leaves a bit to be desired in terms of overall impact. The mix effectively captures the film's goofy and retro-eighties ambience with music that prominently features British duo The Soda Jerkers, drawing favorable comparisons to The Pet Shop Boys. Surround channels are put to good use, especially during scenes set in noisy clubs, and the low end is particularly noteworthy. Notably, the mix is highlighted by a cover of Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf," which resonates well despite not being the original.

However, the track feels somewhat subdued with much of the sound confined to the front channels and only sporadic engagement of the rear speakers. Gunshots, explosions, and dynamic action sequences like stiletto-heel face kicks are present but lack the punch one might expect from a modern surround sound mix. The Low Frequency Effects (LFE) do engage when necessary, but even major sound cues such as explosions fall short in terms of impact. While the audio transfer is clear and clean, it fails to elevate the film's lackluster soundtrack, with most songs except for “Hungry Like the Wolf” coming off as flat and unremarkable.

In summary, while "Strippers vs. Werewolves" offers a clean and technically sound DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, it ultimately suffers from a lack of energy and engagement in its sound design, making it feel somewhat lifeless despite a solid technical foundation.

The extras on the "Strippers vs Werewolves" Blu Ray are a well-rounded offering that provides viewers with valuable insights into the filmmaking process. The Producers' Commentary with Jonathan Sothsott and Simon Phillips is particularly noteworthy, as their self-deprecating humor and candid reflections offer a refreshing perspective. While the commentary is engaging, the thick Cockney accents might be challenging for some to understand. The "Strippers vs. Werewolves Undressed" featurette is another highlight, offering a detailed behind-the-scenes look, including interviews and revealing reflections on the production challenges, such as Coralie Rose's mid-production departure. Although an insightful director's commentary is absent, the included extras still offer a robust companion to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Producers' Commentary Featuring Jonathan Sothsott and Simon Phillips: Self-deprecating commentary from the producers.
• Strippers vs. Werewolves Undressed: An enjoyable making-of featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The initial promotional trailer for the film.

"Strippers vs. Werewolves" embraces its absurd title wholeheartedly, thrusting audiences into a frenetic clash between scantily clad dancers and feral werewolves. The film self-consciously revels in its Grade Z credentials, setting a tone of goofy fun that doesn't ask viewers to take it seriously. This comic book-inspired ambiance is visually underscored by split screens and illustrative interstitials, further embedding its slightly lunatic narrative within a pseudo-graphic novel framework. The plot, centered around a stripper club called Vixens and their battle against a criminal werewolf gang, is initiated by an eye-poking, transformative encounter between Justice (Adele Silva) and a werewolf named Mickey. Despite an enticing premise, the anticipated showdown is deferred until the final moments, creating a narrative void filled with disconnected subplots and slapdash execution.

The film's ensemble cast features some recognizable talents, though their roles often feel underutilized. Robert Englund's appearance is reduced to a mere cameo, contributing little beyond marquee value. Simon Phillips stands out as Sinclair, a low-rent occultist whose dynamic presence and humorous escapades provide much-needed relief from the otherwise insipid main narrative. Despite moments of superficial allure and scattered laughs, the film suffers from an overarching lack of cohesion and energy, rendering many of its attempts at satire flat. Special effects are unconvincing and appear intentionally subpar, a nod perhaps to the film's camp aspirations but ultimately detracting from potential entertainment value.

The film falls into the trap of promising more than it delivers, with much of its action, suggestively implied by its titillating title, occurring off-screen. While there are fleeting nods to reckless abandon—a hallmark of charmingly bad cinema—the overall execution feels apathetically perfunctory. Dispelling any illusions of a spontaneous, madcap cult film in the making, "Strippers vs. Werewolves" emerges as a joyless assembly line product, lacking the unintentional hilarity or infectious enthusiasm that can elevate similarly budgeted works to cult status. Thus, it ends up being the "wrong kind of bad" – more chore than cheer.

"Strippers vs. Werewolves" offers an entertaining premise rife with potential for brainless fun, yet fails to fully capitalize on its concept. The film spends an unnecessarily large portion of its runtime in peripheral storylines that, while occasionally humorous, detract from the core conflict promised by the title. The central showdown that viewers anticipate is delayed until the final moments, losing the opportunity to weave more engaging battles and satire throughout. Additionally, some of the film's more renowned actors are underutilized, leaving behind a sense of lost potential.

The movie's attempt at humor falters as it struggles to embrace its own absurdity fully. It acknowledges its campiness yet doesn't dive deep enough into the enjoyably awful tone that such a premise demands. The film thus falls into a peculiar middle ground, neither outrageously bad enough to be a cult classic nor polished enough to rise above mediocrity. However, it's worth noting that the Blu-ray edition provides a decent image quality that complements the film's cheesy aesthetic, serving as a minor saving grace for those curious or already inclined to this genre niche.

In conclusion, "Strippers vs. Werewolves" misses the mark set by its provocative title. While it features moments of humor and decent visual presentation on Blu-ray, these factors are not enough to salvage what ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. For those willing to give it a go, it may serve as light entertainment, but others may find their time better spent elsewhere.