Starring: Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith, Donovan Leitch, Jeffrey DeMunn, Candy Clark, Joe Seneca
Director: Chuck Russell
Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Twilight Time
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Run Time: 95 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2.5 out of 5 stars
If you call yourself a horror fan, then you should be a fan of 1988’s “The Blob”. The film was directed by Chuck Russell (“The Mask”) and written by Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption”). This is a remake of the original 50’s Steve McQueen horror classic. Twilight Time is behind the release and it is great to see this film get a proper Blu-ray release. I remember the first time I picked this film up on VHS at my local mom and pop store and how it always freaked me out and still does today. It holds up very well. A must own if you can find it, horror fans!
This Blu-ray release is an Screen Archives Entertainment Exclusive and is a Limited Edition release with only 5000 copies produced. Normally Screen Archives’ releases are limited to 3000 but this one had quite the demand and I believe is already completely sold out. The 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 is good, especially with the practical effects which are solid impressive even though there is some grain throughout. Same goes for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 with works well with all the ooey gooey sounds effects.
The special features are not as impressive as I would have hoped but not bare bones either, so thats a plus. There is an interesting audio commentary with Director Chuck Russell and Horror Authority Ryan Turek. There is a near 20 minute featurette called “Friday Night Flights at the Cinefamily”, which includes a Q&A with Chuck Russell. Lastly there is are two trailers and an isolated score track included