Swamp Thing has never looked better than it does on the 4K Laser Collection Edition from MVD Entertainment. Filled with all the bells and whistles including a 4K Restoration of the Theatrical and Unrated International cuts.
The Film
So, five years ago I said something about Swamp Thing in my review of The Return of Swamp Thing. Specifically, the film “…fails because it takes itself too seriously…”. Sometimes you’re right. Sometimes you’re wrong. After retrospection and another viewing in optimum conditions and the unrated cut of the film – I was wrong. Swamp Thing doesn’t fail because it’s super serious. It doesn’t fail at all in fact. Craven’s film may be a bit jaunty in sections but overall, it’s the type of B-Movie pulpiness that we often talk about loving.
Yes, it is an origin story but fused with a science gone awry horror film that speaks more to something like Frank Whale’s beautiful Frankenstein or his rambunctious and delirious Bride of Frankenstein than Donner’s Superman: The Movie. Craven’s instincts to lean into the horror monster movie aspects of the story are right on. Even now, the best way to approach a character like Swamp Thing is from that Universal pathos and terror tone of their Golden Age Monster Movies.
It helps that the monster in his human form and voiced by Ray Wise. Wise is known for his more sinister roles in Robocopand the three iterations of Twin Peaks, here is the right amount of excitable socially awkward botanist to be perfect for both roles. Though the man in the suit only works if we believe in the actor’s interaction with him. Adrienne Barbeau as Cable is Swamp Thing’s primary co-star and love interest. Watching how Barbeau never blinks in some of the crazier moments, grounding them in reality, is fascinating. Wise and Barbeau’s work here considering the conditions is amazing, and heartfelt rather than laughable.
Swamp Thing isn’t just a navel-gazing romance. The way that Craven stages the action scenes are designed for maximum impact. Though the film saves the best for last with Swamp Thing confronting and fighting a Werewolf-Lizard brandishing a broadsword in a WrestleMania-style smackdown. There’s a glee to the way that these things are handled that give the film an extra push, even in its PG form, that feels fun and dirty in a way that superhero films just aren’t anymore. Making Wes Craven’s Swamp Thing all the more a cultish delight.
The Transfer
The 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 Dolby Vision / HDR and its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio is astounding. The restoration (with the Dolby Vision) gives the film a luster and defined detail in the blacks and contrast levels that the film never had on home video, and possibly even in the theater. The image is sharp but it’s the density of the image that’s striking. The film has always looked a little flat even in recent Blu-rays by other companies. This transfer has given life to the chiaroscuro-flavored image shot by cinematographer Robbie Greenberg like it’s never been before.
The Extras
They include the following;
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)
‘Tales From the Swamp’ (Remastered) with Actress Adrienne Barbeau
‘Hey Jude’ with Actor Reggie Batts
‘That Swamp Thing’ with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing
‘Swamp Screen: Designing DC’s Main Monster’ featurette
‘From Krug to Comics: How the Mainstream Shaped a Radical Genre Voice’ featurette
Photo Galleries: Posters & Lobby Cards, Photos from the Film, William Munns’ Behind the Scenes Pictures, Behind the Scenes Photos by Geoffrey Rayle
Theatrical Trailer
NOTE: The Audio Commentaries appear on both the 4K UHD and Blu-Ray. The rest of the special features appear only on the Blu-ray.
The archival Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark (of Horror’s Hollowed Grounds) appears on the PG Version of the film opens with Clark and Craven trading pleasantries before going into the title cards that open the film. Some of the details include how he became attached to the film as director; a few truly terrifying anecdotes about the swamps they filmed on location – all which Craven very calmly describes; the casting of Adrienne Barbeau – a larger discussion about her work in the film; his familiarity with the Comic; the development of the script; where the difficulties came from – specifically the completion bond company; the casting of Ray Wise – working with him during the production, including how much he played in the suit; and much more. It’s always a delight to revisit any commentary track with Craven as the director was always intelligent, funny, and considerate towards the work and his films.
The archival Audio Commentary with Makeup Effects Artist William Munn moderated by Michael Felsher appears on the PG Version of the film also opens at the 90-second mark and begins with Felsher asking Munn about how he got started in the FX industry and what inspired him. Some of the details include his time at Universal Studios and the mentor program they had in their Make-up FX Department; the various first-round jobs he got hired for and a detailed account on those – like Blackenstien; the school he taught at – which was the first of its kind – be an educated and apprentice and get into the Union; how he got the bid for Swamp Thing; the challenges of the production; working with Wes Craven – a great discussion of the various director’s he’s worked with; a great conversation about Craven’s specific questions about the suit and it being autonomically correct; the troubles with budget, scheduling, and lede in the time needed before cutting everything and how that effected everything; and much more. Note there are quite of few sections of silence. This is more of a non-specific interview rather than a scene-specific commentary track but is still a fun and informative track, especially for those that are interested in the nuts and bolts of make-up FX work of the era.
‘Tales From the Swamp’ (Remastered) with Actress Adrienne Barbeau (16:56) – in this archival interview with the star, Barbeau begins with the troubles that began the instant the movie went into production and how through it all Wes Craven found a way. Some of the details include her surprise that she became a horror icon; how she read the script – which was very different than the film that was produced; the locations they used in North Carolina; the difficulties of the on-location shoots in the swamps; the health concerns that came out of the swamp shoots; the nudity that appears from in the film and her thoughts on the matter; working with Wes Craven; her reactions seeing the film initially; and much more.
‘Hey Jude’ with Actor Reggie Batts (14:30) – in this archival interview with the actor, Batts begins with his love of performing which eventually led to acting in local community theater. Some of the details include how he auditioned and eventually got the role in Swamp Thing; his love of Comics at the time and his excitement over the role; what it was like working with Wes Craven; his experience during the production; working with and his relationship with Adrienne Barbeau – including his first interaction with her; and much more.
‘That Swamp Thing’ with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing (13:19) – in this archival interview with artist/creator, Wein begins with how being a comic book artist was something he never imagined he would be. Some of the details include how he got hired as an artist at DC Comics, the creation of Swamp Thing; a funny anecdote of how the name Swamp Thing; the evolution of the character through comics; his thoughts on the film itself; and more.
‘Swamp Screen: Designing DC’s Main Monster’ featurette (20:32) – this archival featurette looks at the design and creation of sets and locations with Production Designer Robb Wilson King. Some of the details include his love of Wes Craven; the building of the sets; the on-location art direction; his friendship with Adrienne Barbeau; the challenges he faced during the production and quick turnarounds; the work that they did to make the locations, sets, et. al. more comic book inspired; and much more.
‘From Krug to Comics: How the Mainstream Shaped a Radical Genre Voice’ featurette (17:34) – this archival featurette hosted by legendary genre critic Kim Newman looks at Swamp Thing and its impact on careers and Culture. Some of the details include how it was one of the first UK films to be released directly to VHS; the impact the film had on Craven’s career – including a fascinating tidbit about Craven and Superman IV; Craven’s career before Swamp Thing and how this was a push to evolve and grow – how it is the bridge from his work in the 70s into the 80s; Craven’s ability to remain relevant throughout his entire career and how things like Scream in the 90s and Nightmare on Elm St in the 80s kept him on the forefront of horror; Swamp Thing’s place in the Comic Book film genre; the business of Super Hero films of the 1980s – some of the wild and wildly terrible business decisions and how Swamp Thing was apart of that; and much more.
Photo Galleries:
Posters & Lobby Cards (1:24) – consists of 16 various poster and lobby cards that can be navigated through using your remotes next and back chapter stops.
Photos from the Film (8:19) – consists of over 99 different color and black and white production stills that can be navigated through using your remote’s next and back chapter stops.
William Munns’ Behind the Scenes Pictures (1:24) – consists of 15 various behind-the-scenes photos of different FX works/shots being produced that can be navigated through using your remote’s next and back chapter stops.
Behind the Scenes Photos by Geoffrey Rayle (3:23) – consists of 39 various behind-the-scenes photos of different shots being produced that can be navigated through using your remote’s next and back chapter stops.
Theatrical Trailer (1:31)
The Final Thought
With Swamp Thing, MVD Entertainment continues to produce arresting 4K UHD titles filled with special features. Highest possible recommendations!!!!
Swamp Thing has never looked better than it does on the 4K Laser Collection Edition from MVD Entertainment. Filled with all the bells and whistles including a 4K Restoration of the Theatrical and Unrated International cuts.
The Film
So, five years ago I said something about Swamp Thing in my review of The Return of Swamp Thing. Specifically, the film “…fails because it takes itself too seriously…”. Sometimes you’re right. Sometimes you’re wrong. After retrospection and another viewing in optimum conditions and the unrated cut of the film – I was wrong. Swamp Thing doesn’t fail because it’s super serious. It doesn’t fail at all in fact. Craven’s film may be a bit jaunty in sections but overall, it’s the type of B-Movie pulpiness that we often talk about loving.
Yes, it is an origin story but fused with a science gone awry horror film that speaks more to something like Frank Whale’s beautiful Frankenstein or his rambunctious and delirious Bride of Frankenstein than Donner’s Superman: The Movie. Craven’s instincts to lean into the horror monster movie aspects of the story are right on. Even now, the best way to approach a character like Swamp Thing is from that Universal pathos and terror tone of their Golden Age Monster Movies.
It helps that the monster in his human form and voiced by Ray Wise. Wise is known for his more sinister roles in Robocopand the three iterations of Twin Peaks, here is the right amount of excitable socially awkward botanist to be perfect for both roles. Though the man in the suit only works if we believe in the actor’s interaction with him. Adrienne Barbeau as Cable is Swamp Thing’s primary co-star and love interest. Watching how Barbeau never blinks in some of the crazier moments, grounding them in reality, is fascinating. Wise and Barbeau’s work here considering the conditions is amazing, and heartfelt rather than laughable.
Swamp Thing isn’t just a navel-gazing romance. The way that Craven stages the action scenes are designed for maximum impact. Though the film saves the best for last with Swamp Thing confronting and fighting a Werewolf-Lizard brandishing a broadsword in a WrestleMania-style smackdown. There’s a glee to the way that these things are handled that give the film an extra push, even in its PG form, that feels fun and dirty in a way that superhero films just aren’t anymore. Making Wes Craven’s Swamp Thing all the more a cultish delight.
The Transfer
The 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 Dolby Vision / HDR and its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio is astounding. The restoration (with the Dolby Vision) gives the film a luster and defined detail in the blacks and contrast levels that the film never had on home video, and possibly even in the theater. The image is sharp but it’s the density of the image that’s striking. The film has always looked a little flat even in recent Blu-rays by other companies. This transfer has given life to the chiaroscuro-flavored image shot by cinematographer Robbie Greenberg like it’s never been before.
The Extras
They include the following;
NOTE: The Audio Commentaries appear on both the 4K UHD and Blu-Ray. The rest of the special features appear only on the Blu-ray.
The archival Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark (of Horror’s Hollowed Grounds) appears on the PG Version of the film opens with Clark and Craven trading pleasantries before going into the title cards that open the film. Some of the details include how he became attached to the film as director; a few truly terrifying anecdotes about the swamps they filmed on location – all which Craven very calmly describes; the casting of Adrienne Barbeau – a larger discussion about her work in the film; his familiarity with the Comic; the development of the script; where the difficulties came from – specifically the completion bond company; the casting of Ray Wise – working with him during the production, including how much he played in the suit; and much more. It’s always a delight to revisit any commentary track with Craven as the director was always intelligent, funny, and considerate towards the work and his films.
The archival Audio Commentary with Makeup Effects Artist William Munn moderated by Michael Felsher appears on the PG Version of the film also opens at the 90-second mark and begins with Felsher asking Munn about how he got started in the FX industry and what inspired him. Some of the details include his time at Universal Studios and the mentor program they had in their Make-up FX Department; the various first-round jobs he got hired for and a detailed account on those – like Blackenstien; the school he taught at – which was the first of its kind – be an educated and apprentice and get into the Union; how he got the bid for Swamp Thing; the challenges of the production; working with Wes Craven – a great discussion of the various director’s he’s worked with; a great conversation about Craven’s specific questions about the suit and it being autonomically correct; the troubles with budget, scheduling, and lede in the time needed before cutting everything and how that effected everything; and much more. Note there are quite of few sections of silence. This is more of a non-specific interview rather than a scene-specific commentary track but is still a fun and informative track, especially for those that are interested in the nuts and bolts of make-up FX work of the era.
‘Tales From the Swamp’ (Remastered) with Actress Adrienne Barbeau (16:56) – in this archival interview with the star, Barbeau begins with the troubles that began the instant the movie went into production and how through it all Wes Craven found a way. Some of the details include her surprise that she became a horror icon; how she read the script – which was very different than the film that was produced; the locations they used in North Carolina; the difficulties of the on-location shoots in the swamps; the health concerns that came out of the swamp shoots; the nudity that appears from in the film and her thoughts on the matter; working with Wes Craven; her reactions seeing the film initially; and much more.
‘Hey Jude’ with Actor Reggie Batts (14:30) – in this archival interview with the actor, Batts begins with his love of performing which eventually led to acting in local community theater. Some of the details include how he auditioned and eventually got the role in Swamp Thing; his love of Comics at the time and his excitement over the role; what it was like working with Wes Craven; his experience during the production; working with and his relationship with Adrienne Barbeau – including his first interaction with her; and much more.
‘That Swamp Thing’ with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing (13:19) – in this archival interview with artist/creator, Wein begins with how being a comic book artist was something he never imagined he would be. Some of the details include how he got hired as an artist at DC Comics, the creation of Swamp Thing; a funny anecdote of how the name Swamp Thing; the evolution of the character through comics; his thoughts on the film itself; and more.
‘Swamp Screen: Designing DC’s Main Monster’ featurette (20:32) – this archival featurette looks at the design and creation of sets and locations with Production Designer Robb Wilson King. Some of the details include his love of Wes Craven; the building of the sets; the on-location art direction; his friendship with Adrienne Barbeau; the challenges he faced during the production and quick turnarounds; the work that they did to make the locations, sets, et. al. more comic book inspired; and much more.
‘From Krug to Comics: How the Mainstream Shaped a Radical Genre Voice’ featurette (17:34) – this archival featurette hosted by legendary genre critic Kim Newman looks at Swamp Thing and its impact on careers and Culture. Some of the details include how it was one of the first UK films to be released directly to VHS; the impact the film had on Craven’s career – including a fascinating tidbit about Craven and Superman IV; Craven’s career before Swamp Thing and how this was a push to evolve and grow – how it is the bridge from his work in the 70s into the 80s; Craven’s ability to remain relevant throughout his entire career and how things like Scream in the 90s and Nightmare on Elm St in the 80s kept him on the forefront of horror; Swamp Thing’s place in the Comic Book film genre; the business of Super Hero films of the 1980s – some of the wild and wildly terrible business decisions and how Swamp Thing was apart of that; and much more.
Photo Galleries:
Theatrical Trailer (1:31)
The Final Thought
With Swamp Thing, MVD Entertainment continues to produce arresting 4K UHD titles filled with special features. Highest possible recommendations!!!!
MVD Entertainment’s 4K UHD Edition of Swamp Thing is out now.
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