CREEPSHOW
SEASON 1 (Blu-ray Review)
Starring
Adrienne Barbeau, Tobin Bell, Bruce Davison, Giancarlo Esposito,
Jeffrey Combs, Tricia Helfer, D.J. Qualls, Cailey Fleming, Dana
Gould, David Arquette. Various directors. (2019/265 min)
FROM
RLJE FILMS
Review
by Josey, the Sudden Catđș
The
original Creepshow was arguably the best horror anthology film
ever made...scary, gory, funny and very stylish, with a colorful
comic book aesthetic that made it unique for its time. More
importantly, it was consistent. Whereas most other anthology films
always seemed to have a clunker or two, all the stories in Creepshow
displayed the same black-humored playfulness, as envisioned by one
director (George A. Romero) and one screenwriter (Stephen King).
Though
it seems like it should have happened years ago, Creepshow
is now a TV series streaming on Shudder. I’m happy - and somewhat relieved - to say it
retains the look and spirit of the original film, right down to the
transitional comic book panels, as well as the return of “The Creep”
(through both animation and puppetry). But even if you first tuned-in
on Shudder or AMC, this 3-disc Blu-ray set is still worth picking up
because it’s loaded with substantial bonus
features...not-to-mention being binge-worthy and rewatchable.
 |
| What naughty kids get for Christmas. |
Overseen
by executive producer Greg Nicotero, these six episodes –
consisting of two stories each – are the work of various writers
and directors, a few of whom were involved in the original film.
Hence, the individual stories vary in quality, but so far, the show’s
overall batting average is pretty damn good. The series begins with a
bang with “Gray Matter,” a dread-fueled piece based on one of my
all-time favorite Stephen King tales, followed by “House of the
Head.” The latter is directed by John Harrison (Creepshow 2)
and is as much horrifying fun as anything from the original film.
In
subsequent episodes, stand-out stories include “Bad Wolf Down,”
an amusing spin on werewolf lore set during World War II;
“Skincrawlers” is a hilarious and nasty satire of weight-loss
programs; in “The Man in the Suitcase,” a few slackers get more
than they bargained for with a titular character who spits out gold
coins when in pain; “Lydia Layne’s Better Half” has a corporate
executive trying to dispose of her dead girlfriend after accidentally
killing her, but gets trapped in an elevator with the body.
 |
| "You said to pack light." |
While
none of the stories are terrible, a few of them never really take
off. We don’t really need another retelling of “The Monkey’s
Paw,” and while “Times is Tough in Musky Holler” has some
social satire that’s pure Romero, the story itself is convoluted.
Considering the final tale is based on a Joe Hill story and directed
by Tom Savini, “By the Silver Waters of Lake Champlain” is a
surprising disappointment.
From
a technical standpoint, though, every episode is extremely well put
together, utilizing good old fashioned practical effects,
deliberately artificial production design and a playfully sinister
music score. And of course, the whole thing retains the colorful
comic book look of the film that inspired it. With great performances
by a large cast of familiar faces, Creepshow Season 1
is fun old school horror. Fast-paced, gory and often really funny, they’ve done King and Romero proud.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
FEATURETTES
– For all 6 episodes
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
FOOTAGE – For all 6 episodes
AUDIO
COMMENTARIES – For all 6 episodes
SERIES
1 FEATURETTES - “Creepshow Resurrected”;
“Acting Scared”; “The Past is Present”; “The New Blood”;
“Joe Hill: Full Circle”; “Ripped from the Pages”; “Creature
Comforts”
EASTER
EGG (Disc 3 – click the pair of orange eyes on the Series 1
Screen) – Fittingly, this features a plethora of Easter
Eggs throughout the series paying homage to the original Creepshow,
Stephen King and a slew of other classic horror films.
PHOTO
GALLERIES
SUPPLEMENTARY
BOOKLET – Featuring comic art, cast & crew credits
REVERSIBLE
COVER
KITTY CONSENSUS:
MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH.
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