DVD Corner

Creepshow 2 4K UHD Review

“Creepshow 2” is a respectable sequel. 

1987’s “Creepshow 2” is a follow-up to 1982’s “Creepshow.” The horror anthology sequel features 3 stories by Stephen King that were written for the screen by George A. Romero. Kicking off the horror film is a wraparound story involving a young kid (Billy) getting a new issue of “Creepshow” from The Creep. Later on Billy gets revenge against 4 bullies with Venus Flytraps. 

The first story is “Old Chief Wood’nhead” which revolves around kindly general store owners (Ray) and his wife (Martha) who reside in the dying town of Dead River. The couple get a visit from a Native American elder (Benjamin) who hands them a bag of tribal jewelry until their debts are paid. Shortly thereafter, 3 criminals rob the store (led by the vain Native American Sam). Sam kills the couple and plans to go to Hollywood with this co-conspirators, but the cigar store Indian in front of the general store comes to life and seeks revenge against the 3 bad guys.

The second tale is “The Raft” which finds 4 college kids going up to a lake which has a raft. Unfortunately, this relaxing trip turns into a nightmare when they encounter an oil slick-like creature floating in the lake. To say it’s not very friendly is an understatement. 

The third and final story is “The Hitchhiker” in which an unfaithful wealthy woman (Annie) kills a hitchhiker in a hit and run but winds up being haunted by him.

Director Michael Gornick takes on directorial duties for the 2nd installment in the horror franchise. Admittedly, it misses the touch of filmmaker George A. Romero. Sure, Romero wrote the stories here, but you can’t replicate his directorial style. Plus, in my personal opinion, “Creepshow” remains one of the best horror films (and the very best horror anthology film to date). “Creepshow 2” never reaches the heights of the first mostly because the stories are fairly one-note. With that said, there’s still plenty of horror fun to be had here with a vengeful Indian statue and an undead hitchhiker spouting “Thanks for the ride, lady!” The real treat here is the unnerving monster/creature tale “The Raft.” It’s a nasty, short, and intense piece that really stands out.

Cast wise, there’s a few familiar faces here such as George Kennedy, a young Holt McCallany, Lois Chiles, Tom Savini (as The Creep) and Tom Wright. Stephen King also has a hilarious cameo as a truck driver in “The Hitchhiker.”

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? Having seen the film countless times, this is easily the best the film has ever looked. From the animation segments to the lake in “The Raft,” everything about the image quality is sharper and more colorful. 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track has a lot of depth. Viewers also have the option of playing LPCM 2.0 and LPCM Mono tracks, both of which are also worthwhile options. 

Extras:
* Image and screenplay (first and second drafts) galleries.
* Commentary by Michael Gornick and Perry Martin.
* 4 separate interviews with Tom Savini (from 2016), actor Daniel Beer (2016), Tom Wright (2016), and writer George A. Romero (2016),
* Behind the scenes footage.
* 2 theatrical trailers and a TV spot.
* “Nightmares In Foam Rubber”- An archival featurette with FX artists Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero from 2004.
* “My Friend Rick”- Howard Berger talks about Rick Baker in this 2004 featurette.

September 3, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 80's Horror, Arrow Video, Creepshow 2 4K UHD Review, George A. Romero, horror, Horror Anthology, Stephen King