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Wild Things 4K UHD Review

“Wild Things” is a steamy, twisty thriller.

Directed by John McNaughton (perhaps best known for the chilling “Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer”), “Wild Things” is a Florida set 1998 thriller/neo-noir that revolves around a high school guidance counselor (Sam) who is accused of rape by 2 high school students (Suzie and Kelly). It turns out both students were lying and Sam gets a big payday as a result. However, it soon becomes clear that the situation is entirely deceiving and that’s when the story gets turned on its head. What exactly is going on? Will Police officers Sgt. Duquette and Detective Perez find the truth? Is anyone in this movie trustworthy? All is revealed in the wild end.

At one point in “Wild Things,” the character of Sgt. Duquette says “People aren’t always what they appear to be” and that line pretty much sums up the sexy twist filled thriller about money, manipulation, scams, scheming, murder, family and the seedy underbelly of sunny Florida. Is it trashy? Yes. The story often plays out like a crazy soap opera mixed with sexual sequences (which caught the public’s eye at the time of its release) but the movie also holds your attention from start to finish. Not only do you never see this type of risque movie anymore, but it’s an unusual southern thriller/neo-noir that keeps you guessing all the way until the shocking conclusion. 

Although McNaughton does a fine job helming the project, it’s the cast that sells this movie with Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Bill Murray all seemingly game for the roles here. Richards was  never better than she was here and Matt Dillon shines as the shady Sam. Bill Murray’s role may be on the small side, but as per usual, he livens up every scene he’s in. Campbell, Rubin-Vega and Bacon are also memorable in their respective roles.

The music deserves a shout out here. Between George S. Clinton’s sultry score and the 90’s music fueled soundtrack, the soundtrack very much gives off an atmosphere.

Note: This disc includes the theatrical cut and the 7 minute longer uncut version. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p with Dolby Vision . How does it look? Both versions have been given 4K restorations from the original camera negatives. For an archival release, this is a nice quality upgrade with rich colors. 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track delivers quality audio. 

Extras:
* 6 postcards.
* Double-sided poster
* A booklet with credits, essays by Anne Billson and Sean Hogan and photos.
* “Wild Things” trailer
* 2 commentary tracks. One by John McNaughton and producer Steven A. Jones and one by John McNaughton and DP Jeffrey Kimball, producers Steven A. Jones and Rodney Liber, editor Elena Maganini and composer George S. Clinton.
* An extensive new 26 minute interview with John McNaughton.
* A new 14 minute interview with Denise Richards.
* “On-Set Interviews”- More of an archival featurette featuring interviews, film clips and set footage.
* Stills gallery
* Bill Murray outtakes.

May 21, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Bill Murray, Denise Richards, Florida, Kevin Bacon, Neo-Noir, Neve Campbell, thriller, Wild Things 4K UHD Review