In 1982 horror director Wes Craven entered the world of DC Comics to bring to life one of the most tragic stories every created, Swamp Thing! Now this comic book movie has been released on MGM DVD and on Shout Factory Blu-ray. And while that is all well and fine. MVD Visual under the division MVD Rewind Collection has taken this film to a whole new level and brought physical media / comic book movie fans this 1980s cult classic home in 4K UltraHD, and I couldn't be happier. This goes great with the previous Blu-ray release of The Return of Swamp Thing.
Deep in Florida's darkest everglades, a brilliant scientist, Dr. Alec Holland (Ray Wise, Robocop) and a sexy government agent, Alice Cable (Adrienne Barbeau, John Carpenter's The Fog) have developed a secret formula that could end world hunger and change civilization forever. Little do they know, however, that their arch nemesis, Arcane (Louis Jourdan, Octopussy) is plotting to steal the serum for his own selfish schemes. Looting the lab and kidnapping Cable, Arcane douses Holland with the chemicals and leaves him for dead in the swamp. Mutated by his own formula, Holland becomes 'Swamp Thing' - a half human/half plant superhero who will stop at nothing to rescue the beautiful Cable and defeat the evil Arcane... even if it costs him his life.
This film was made in early 1980s, so this was long before CGI was good enough to make it in films. So practical effects would have to be used. Now the real problem is the budget was not huge. But one thing Wes Craven knew how to do was how to make the most of a small budget, and he did just that.
The creatures and Swamp Thing himself are a bit campy. Some may say that Swamp Thing is nothing more than a rubber suit. Now while that is true, it's not the costumes and the effects that make this film it is the interactions between Swamp Thing and Agent Alice Cable that really bring this film from a typical creature feature to a heartfelt adventure.
I have always found this film to be entertaining. So, when MVD Visual announced the 4K UltraHD release of Swamp Thing I was through the moon for this! The 4K restoration is on both the Theatrial and the Unrated International versions of the film. Both are included in this release. The unrated version features more violence and gore, nudity and sexual content. Where the theatrical version is a little more for teens and adults.
Seeing this new 4K Restoration is simply amazing! I have had the DVD version of this film for years but seeing the film now in 4K is mind-blowing. The 4K restoration bring new life to this picture. The greens of the swamp are bright, and the flesh tones are just perfect. There are no discolorations, and the picture is crisp and sharp with no signs of damage. The audio soundtrack is clean with no hiss or pops. Truly this film has never looked better than it does now! But a new restoration is not all that is included in this 4K, Blu-ray set. Take a look at the bonus features included.
DISC 1: 4K ULTRA HD SPECIAL FEATURES:
* 2023 4K Restoration (16-Bit Scan of the Original Camera Negative) of both the US Theatrical PG Version and Unrated International Version of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio in Dolby Vision / HDR
* Audio: DTS-HD Master 2.0 Mono, Spanish Mono
* Optional English Subtitles
* Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark (Theatrical / PG Version)
* Audio Commentary with Makeup Effects Artist William Munn moderated by Michael Felsher (Theatrical / PG Version)
* Collectible '4K LaserVision' Mini-Poster of cover art
* Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only)
DISC 2: BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
* 2023 HD Restoration of both the US Theatrical PG Version and Unrated International Version of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
* Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark (Theatrical / PG Version)
* Audio Commentary with Makeup Effects Artist William Munn moderated by Michael Felsher (Theatrical / PG Version)
* Audio: DTS-HD Master 2.0 Mono, Spanish Mono
* Optional English Subtitles
* 'Tales From the Swamp' (Remastered) with Actress Adrienne Barbeau (HD, 16:56)
* 'Hey Jude' with Actor Reggie Batts (HD, 14:30)
* 'That Swamp Thing' with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing (HD, 13:19)
* 'Swamp Screen: Designing DC's Main Monster' featurette (HD, 20:32)
* 'From Krug to Comics: How the Mainstream Shaped a Radical Genre Voice' featurette (HD, 17:34)
* Posters & Lobby Cards - Photo Gallery
* Photos from the Film - Photo Gallery
* William Munns' Behind the Scenes Pictures - Photo Gallery
* Behind the Scenes Photos by Geoffrey Rayle - Photo Gallery
* Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:31)
Seeing this 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray from MVD Rewind Collection, you can really tell they put a lot of love into this release. Interviews, commentaries, featurettes ported from the previous Shout Factory Blu-ray release. In addition to the on-disc bonus features. This release comes with a slipcover with the same artwork as is on the Blu-ray insert. There is also a very cool mini poster. Love the mini poster!
I have so much love for this film, as this was one of the first comic book movies I remember seeing as a kid. Perhaps that is why I love it so much. But I still say it is an entertaining little adaption.
So, if you have never seen Wes Craven's Swamp Thing and want to. You need to see it in UltraHD. It looks better in 4K! I highly recommend this release for your comic book movie collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Swamp Thing 4k receives....
 4K UltraHD Review ){kind=link}
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