DVD Corner

Swamp Thing 4K UHD Review

“Swamp Thing” is 80’s cheese.

Based on the DC Comic title, “Swamp Thing” is a comic book movie follows Alice as she ventures to the swamplands where work is being done on a secret bioengineering project that could be a game changer for the food industry. While there, Alice meets Dr. Alec Holland who has been working on the project. Just as the two begin to connect, the villainous Arcane and his paramilitary group swoop in, take Alec’s formula, and wipe out all the staff. Alice manages to survive while Alec seemingly dies. Or does he? Alec ends up transforming into the titular character forever changing his life. Can Alice escape the clutches of Arcane? What will Arcane do with the formula? What will become of the Swamp Thing? All is revealed in the end.

The late great Wes Craven is synonymous for being one of the greatest filmmakers within the horror genre, but did you know he wrote and directed a comic book movie as well? Back in 1982, the director helmed a campy take of “Swamp Thing.” Those who grew up with the comic book adaptation will likely be nostalgic for it, but outside of that, this feels like a relic before comic book movies came into their own. 

Craven’s film may be low-budget, but it looks and feels cheap. It often felt like the equivalent of watching an episode of “The Incredible Hulk” TV series complete with wonky make-up and costumes, Swamp Thing’s super strength, man in suit monster battles, and tossed in action set pieces. Sadly, it’s not as fun as it sounds though due to a rather cut and paste story (although some may be charmed by the campy nature of the film). If you’re looking for any intellectual explorations about nature, science and mankind that you may have found in the source material, you won’t get that here either.

Genre staple Adrienne Barbeau is the biggest name here as Alice (whose character could have been stronger). Ray Wise shows up briefly as Dr. Alec. Louis Jordan does a commendable job as Arcane. Dick Durock has a nice screen presence as Swamp Thing despite the lackluster costume. The highlight here is far and away Reggie Batts as Jude the young gas station attendant. He livens up every scene he is in.

Note: This set contains the PG rated theatrical cut and the Unrated International cut which does feature nudity.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The cuts have been restored and remastered in 4K with Dolby Vision and HDR and the results are stunning. From the lush greenery to the murky swamp, everything looks crystal clear. This transfer is the best thing about this entire set.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a decent Mono track. No more, no less.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Mini-poster
* 2 commentary tracks on the theatrical cut. One by director Wes Craven and moderator Sean Clark and the other by Makeup effects artist William Munns and moderator Michael Felsher. Both tracks on the 4K and Blu-ray discs. Note: These are the only extras on the 4K. All of the extras are on the Blu-ray disc.
* 3 separate interviews with Adrienne Barbeau, Reggie Batts, and comic creator Len Wein.
* Theatrical trailer
* Posters and lobby cards, photos from the film, William Munns’ behind the scenes photos, and behind the scenes photos by Geoffrey Rayle photo galleries.
* “Swamp Screen: Designing DC’s Main Monster Featurette”- A 20 minute interview with Robb Wilson King production designer.
* “From Krug To Comics: How The Mainstream Shaped A Radical Genre Voice Featurette”- Film critic Kim Newman talks about everything from the film’s history to Wes Craven’s filmography.

August 6, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 80's Movie, Adrienne Barbeau, DC Comics, DC Movie, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing 4K UHD Review, Wes Craven