The Kindred (1987) {Synapse films Blu-ray Review}

There have been many genetic engineering horror films over the years, including, The Island of Doctor Moreau, Jurassic Park: The Lost World, Scared to death and Splice just to name a few. But one of the first films and surprisingly one of the best is 1987's The Kindred starring the legendary Rod Steiger. 

Last year 2021 Synapse films released a limited edition deluxe Steelbook of The Kindred. Including a Blu-ray, DVD and CD soundtrack. Now if perchance you missed out on the Steelbook edition Synapse films are releasing a single Blu-ray release of The Kindred for horror films fans.   

Dr. Amanda Hollins (Kim Hunter, Planet of the Apes), a molecular scientist calls on her son John (David Allen Brooks) to eliminate all evidence of her genetic experiments... most specifically her 'Anthony Journals.' Dr. Philip Lloyd (Rod Steiger, In the Heat of the Night), an acquaintance of Hollins who is familiar with her experiments, wants to continue her studies no matter the cost! John heads to his isolated childhood home with a group of friends to uncover his mother's research and destroy it all. But they are not alone in the house. Something is hiding in there.... Something evil. 

The Kindred was co-wrote and co-directed by Stephen Carpenter and Jeffrey Obrow (The Dorm That Dripped Blood and The Power). Surprisingly the story is exciting and the effects are top notch. Many of those effect were created by the likes of Academy Award winner Matthew Mungle. The effect are something out of a nightmare, The film is so eerie it will stay with you long after the film ends.

In this 1980s creature feature along with getting screen legend Rod Steiger and Planet of the Apes star Kim Hunter there is a couple of great additional actresses, Amanda Pays who starred in the original TV series The Flash from the 1990. and also Talia Balsam known for her time on TV's Mad Men. Such an impressive cast.

Synapse films has transferred The Kindred to Blu-ray in 1080p in 1.78:1 aspect ratio, from an all-new 4K high-definition remaster of the unrated version of the film. The soundtrack is a new 5.1 English stereo surround remix (Original 2.0 mono theatrical mix also included). There is also an option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This new 4K remaster is really something special. The picture quality is amazing. The picture is crisp and the colors are vibrant and the audio track is clear as a bell. I really enjoyed the experience of seeing this film in HD. But that is not all that is included in this Blu-ray. Some very cool bonus feature have been added. Take a look at what is included. 

* Audio commentary with directors Jeffrey Obrow and Stephen Carpenter, moderated by horror journalist Steve Barton

* Inhuman Experiments – The Making of “The Kindred,” an all-new documentary (52 mins.)

* A special compilation of creature effects artist Michael McCracken, Jr.’s never-before-seen on-set footage (18 mins.)

* Still gallery and original storyboards

* Original theatrical trailer

* Original video promotional trailer

* TV spots

* A 24-page Synapse Films 2022 product catalog


David Cronenberg's The Fly or John Carpenter's The Thing are going to find the slimy gross out horror of The Kindred to be right up their ally. And let's face it those films were probably a big influence on this film.

If you are a fan of creature features the new Blu-ray of The Kindred is a real must own. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Synapse Films Blu-ray of The Kindred receives...