Creepshow: An In-Depth Critique of the Film and Collector’s Edition Blu-ray

Note: This is a review of my US Import of the Creepshow Collectors Edition. Fortunately, at the moment, the price is pretty decent. Lucky you if you’re across the pond!

Introduction

The 1982 horror anthology film Creepshow, directed by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King, is a beloved classic in the horror genre. Its unique format, inspired by the EC horror comics of the 1950s, and its all-star cast make it a memorable experience for fans. As I delve into the film’s themes, cinematography, casting, sound, and music, I will also explore the value of the 2023 Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. This release, with its extensive bonus features and new 4K restoration, offers a fresh experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Cinematic Mastery: A Comic Book Come to Life

The most distinguishing feature of Creepshow is its visual style. Romero and his team meticulously crafted a film that emulates the look and feel of a comic book. This is evident in the use of vibrant colours, dramatic lighting, and creative panel transitions that mimic comic book pages. The cinematographic techniques employed by Director of Photography Michael Gornick are crucial in achieving this aesthetic.

The Original Cinematography

In the original film, the use of primary colours and exaggerated shadows creates a surreal and unsettling atmosphere. The lighting often shifts dramatically within scenes, accentuating the horror comic book vibes. These visual choices not only pay homage to the source material but also enhance the narrative, adding a layer of visual storytelling that complements the script.

The 4K Restoration

The 2023 4K scan of the original camera negative revitalizes these cinematographic choices. Enhanced visual quality brings a level of sharpness, clarity, and colour depth previously unseen. The restoration preserves Romero’s vision while providing a more immersive experience. The Dolby Vision (HDR 10 compatible) further enhances the colours, making the comic book aesthetic pop more than ever. This meticulous restoration process ensures that the film’s original look and feel are maintained, presenting Creepshow as it was intended to be seen.

Themes: The Fragility of Human Nature

Creepshow is more than just a collection of horror stories; it is a reflection on the frailties of human nature. Each segment of the anthology explores different aspects of human folly, fear, and revenge, often with a darkly humorous twist.

“Father’s Day”

The opening segment, “Father’s Day,” explores themes of familial guilt and revenge. The tale of a murdered patriarch rising from the grave to exact revenge on his ungrateful family sets the tone for the anthology. It is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed and resentment.

“The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill”

In “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill,” Stephen King himself plays the titular character, a simple-minded farmer who encounters a meteorite that leads to his downfall. This segment delves into the themes of ignorance and the dangers of tampering with the unknown. Jordy’s tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of curiosity and naivety.

“Something to Tide You Over”

“Something to Tide You Over” is a story of betrayal and vengeance. Starring Leslie Nielsen and Ted Danson, it tells the tale of a man seeking revenge on his unfaithful wife and her lover. The theme of poetic justice is prevalent here, as the wronged parties return from the dead to exact their own vengeance. This segment underscores the idea that actions have consequences, often with a supernatural twist.

“The Crate”

“The Crate” is perhaps the most complex of the segments, combining elements of horror, suspense, and dark comedy. It explores themes of suppressed rage and the monstrous within. Hal Holbrook’s character, Henry Northrup, sees the crate and its monstrous inhabitant as a means to rid himself of his overbearing wife. The segment delves into the darker aspects of human nature, such as the desire for freedom at any cost.

“They’re Creeping Up on You!”

The final segment, “They’re Creeping Up on You!” focuses on themes of isolation and paranoia. E.G. Marshall plays Upson Pratt, a wealthy and misanthropic businessman who lives in a sterile, hermetically sealed apartment. His fear of germs and insects ultimately becomes his undoing, as he is overrun by a swarm of cockroaches. This segment is a stark reminder of the vulnerability that lies beneath a facade of control.

Casting: A Star-Studded Ensemble

Creepshow boasts an impressive cast, with performances that elevate each segment. The diverse ensemble includes veterans and up-and-coming actors, each bringing their unique flair to the film.

Notable Performances

Leslie Nielsen: Known primarily for his comedic roles, Nielsen delivers a chilling performance as Richard Vickers in “Something to Tide You Over.” His portrayal of a vengeful husband adds a layer of menace to the character.
Ted Danson: As Harry Wentworth, Danson embodies the role of the betrayed lover with a mix of vulnerability and resolve. His chemistry with Nielsen adds tension to the narrative.
Hal Holbrook: Holbrook’s portrayal of Henry Northrup in “The Crate” is both nuanced and compelling. He captures the character’s internal struggle and ultimate descent into moral ambiguity.
Adrienne Barbeau: Barbeau shines as Wilma Northrup, imbuing the character with a larger-than-life personality that makes her fate all the more impactful.
E.G. Marshall: As Upson Pratt, Marshall effectively conveys the character’s paranoia and arrogance, making his eventual comeuppance both satisfying and horrifying.

Sound and Music: An Atmospheric Masterpiece

The sound design and musical score of Creepshow play a crucial role in creating its eerie atmosphere. John Harrison’s composition is integral to the film’s identity, enhancing the tension and dark humour of each segment.

Original Soundtrack

Harrison’s score combines orchestral elements with electronic tones, creating a haunting and unique soundscape. The music varies in style to match the tone of each segment, from the whimsical notes in “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill” to the suspenseful strains in “The Crate.”

Audio Restoration

The Collector’s Edition Blu-ray features a new Dolby Atmos track, along with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 options. These enhancements provide a more immersive audio experience, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricacies of Harrison’s score and the film’s sound design. The spatial audio capabilities of Dolby Atmos bring a new level of depth to the soundscapes, making the viewing experience more engaging and atmospheric.

Special Features: A Treasure Trove for Fans

The Creepshow Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is packed with bonus content that offers valuable insights into the film’s creation, restoration, and cultural impact. These features make it an essential addition for any fan or collector.

Disc One (4K UHD)

NEW 2023 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative: This restoration brings a new level of clarity and detail to the film, making it an essential upgrade for fans.
NEW Dolby Atmos Track: The enhanced audio track provides a more immersive experience, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film’s sound design.
Audio Commentaries: The disc includes multiple audio commentaries featuring key figures such as George A. Romero, Tom Savini, Michael Gornick, John Harrison, and Ed Fountain. These commentaries offer valuable insights into the filmmaking process and the challenges faced by the creative team.
Audio Interviews: Additional audio interviews with cast and crew members provide further context and behind-the-scenes stories.
Mondo Macabre: A featurette exploring Mondo’s various Creepshow posters, featuring Rob Jones and Josh Curry.
Collecting Creepshow: A look at some of the original props and collectibles from the film, showcasing the dedication of fans and collectors.
The Colors of Creepshow: A deep dive into the restoration process with Director of Photography Michael Gornick.
Into the Mix: An interview with sound re-recordist Chris Jenkins, discussing the audio restoration process.
Still Galleries: A comprehensive collection of posters, lobby cards, movie posters, color stills, special effects makeup, and behind-the-scenes photos.

Disc Two (Blu-ray)

NEW 2023 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative: The high-definition transfer ensures that the film’s visual quality is preserved across both discs.
NEW Dolby Atmos Track: The advanced audio options enhance the viewing experience on both formats.
Audio Commentaries and Interviews: The Blu-ray disc includes the same extensive audio commentaries and interviews as the UHD disc.
Terror and the Three Rivers: A round table discussion on the making of Creepshow with John Amplas, Tom Atkins, Tom Savini, and Marty Schiff.
The Comic Book Look: An interview with costume designer Barbara Anderson, exploring the film’s visual style.
Ripped From the Pages: An interview with animator Rick Catizone, discussing the animation process for the film’s comic book sequences.
Horror’s Hallowed Grounds: A featurette hosted by Sean Clark, taking viewers on a tour of the original film locations.
Tom Savini’s Behind-The-Scenes Footage: Fascinating behind-the-scenes footage shot by special make-up effects creator Tom Savini.
Deleted Scenes: A collection of deleted scenes offers additional context and insights into the film’s narrative.
Theatrical Trailers, TV Spots, and Radio Spots: Promotional materials from the film’s original release, providing a nostalgic look back at its marketing.

Engaging the Audience: Timeless Appeal and Modern Relevance

Creepshow has maintained its appeal over the years due to its unique format, engaging stories, and memorable performances. The themes explored in the film—greed, revenge, fear, and the supernatural—remain relevant today, inviting viewers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature.

Timeless Appeal

The film’s comic book aesthetic and darkly humorous tone set it apart from other horror anthologies. Its ability to balance horror and humour ensures that it continues to captivate audiences, making it a timeless classic.

Modern Relevance

The themes of Creepshow resonate with contemporary viewers, as they explore universal fears and moral dilemmas. The film’s reflection on human folly and the consequences of our actions invites a deeper exploration of our own fears and behaviours.

Audience Interaction

To engage the audience further, we encourage viewers to share their favourite segments of the film and discuss which bonus features they are most excited about. This not only fosters a sense of community but also allows fans to connect over their shared love for Creepshow.

Comparative Analysis: Original vs. 4K Restoration

The original Creepshow film, while groundbreaking in its visual storytelling, suffered from the limitations of older viewing formats. The 4K restoration addresses these issues, offering a viewing experience that surpasses the original in several key ways.

Enhanced Visual Quality

The 4K restoration brings a level of sharpness, clarity, and colour depth that was previously unseen. This revitalization of the film’s iconic comic book visuals adds a new level of depth to the storytelling.

Immersive Cinematic Experience

The restoration’s Dolby Vision and new Dolby Atmos track provide a more immersive and engaging viewing experience. Audiences can fully appreciate the film’s cinematography and sound design, making the experience more captivating.

Preservation of Director’s Intent

The restoration process was carefully overseen to ensure that the film’s original look and feel were maintained. This respect for Romero’s vision ensures that Creepshow is presented as it was originally intended, allowing both new and existing fans to experience the film in its truest form.

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Horror Enthusiasts

The Creepshow Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is an essential addition to any horror enthusiast’s collection. The 2023 4K restoration and extensive bonus features provide a fresh and immersive experience, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film’s unique visual style, engaging stories, and memorable performances.

By highlighting the timeless appeal of Creepshow, the significance of the 4K restoration, and the wealth of bonus content, we hope to engage both long-time fans and new viewers. I invite you to share your thoughts, favourite segments, and excitement about the Collector’s Edition Blu-ray.