COLLECTOR'S CRYPT - SWAMP THING (MVD REWIND) 4K UHD
The superhero genre has finally reached its peak saturation point. From the “THE FLASH” bombing in theaters to Marvel’s formulaic fatigue it seems that audiences at large have reached their fill when it comes to caped Crusaders and superhuman exploits. This wasn’t always the case, however. In the early 1980s, superhero movies were few and far between. The small screen played host to the majority of comic-based properties with varying degrees of success. While Batman and Superman were the first major characters to grace the silver screen, it is the third DC character that is the most curious. Helmed by horror maestro WES CRAVEN before his horror opus, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, SWAMP THING rounded out the trio of heroes with film credits to their name. Now, thanks to the restoration team at MVD REWIND we have the definitive version of this pivotal film in 4K UHD. Does SWAMP THING still hold up or is this just a dried-up wetland in the highest definition?
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Deep in Florida's darkest Everglades, a brilliant scientist, Dr. Alec Holland, and a sexy government agent, Alice Cable have developed a secret formula that could end world hunger and change civilization forever. Little do they know, however, that their arch nemesis, Arcane is plotting to steal the serum for his own selfish schemes. Looting the lab and kidnapping Cable, Arcane douses Holland with the chemicals and leaves him for dead in the swamp. Mutated by his own formula, Holland becomes 'Swamp Thing' - a half-human/half-plan superhero who will stop at nothing to rescue the beautiful Cable and defeat the evil Arcane... even if it costs him his life.
HOW IS IT?
For some reason, SWAMP THING is the superhero I remember most from my early childhood. I was a DC kid until the early 90s, and while I dug Batman and was entertained with Superman, Swamp Thing was the one that was more my jam. The original film, the slightly better Wynorksi sequel, and subsequent TV show all are foundational pieces of my childhood because they were always on. Having picked up both the SCREAM! FACTORY and 88 FILMS versions of this over the years, I was happy to see MVD REWIND upping the ante to create what is in fact the ultimate version of this landmark film.
The story of Swamp Thing is not far removed from your average origin story, and while Craven’s film leans on the early iterations of the character many will know it from the famous run from prolific comic writer ALAN MOORE. This film predates Moore’s involvement and as such presents a more straightforward superhero archetype rather than the philosophical and ecological social commentary the series would become known for. Still, this version of Swamp Thing is an oddity in that it offers hints at what the character would become while also being marred by an inconsistent vision. It is hard to say where the blame lies for that, but the most obvious example is one of the most controversial. For years, this film was available in two versions; a theatrical PG version and an unrated version only available outside of the US. The “unrated” label is on account of a scene where Barbeau’s Alice Cable bathes naked in the water. This almost two-minute sequence is tasteful in its dreamlike aesthetic, but it offers nothing to the plot and is irrelevant whether included or excluded. While fans in North America have clamored for this version, it represents one of the film's biggest flaws not having a clear sense of identity.
The truth is though, that nostalgia is a helluva drug and this version of Swamp Thing gets more right than it does wrong. The performances are some of the best you could ask for with a dream team of A-List and emerging talents filling out the roster. Of specific note is LOUIS JOURDAN as Arcane who brings a bond-like (go figure) villain quality and energy that is a joy to watch. He’s cold-blooded and charming and a joy to watch in all his diabolical glory. It must also be said that while the film does have some pacing issues, for the most part, it moves well and keeps the action high. The third act is a barrage of action and it makes one wonder just what this film would have looked like if made today. The creativity, and some campiness, of the creature effects lend itself nicely to the semi-serious tone of the film. This is improved upon in the ‘89 sequel, but this is an example of a film that deserves a revisit. It is far from perfect, and yet it is very much the template for some of the best superhero movies out there—a talented cast, committed to the comic style, and under two hours.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Swamp Thing has never looked better, especially if you’ve been fortunate enough to own one of the previous Blu ray releases. One of the major complaints from both the Scream! Factory and 88 Films releases were that it was still way too dark in part. I no longer have those versions sadly or else I’d provide a side-by-side comparison, but I am happy to report that those low light issues have been corrected and the film looks stunning! This really is a prime example of how 4K UHD restoration can really bring out the best in older movies. The swamp is lush and the different shades of green are vibrant to look at. The restoration is so good in fact that it does highlight the lackluster costume body, but regardless, this is the best this film will probably ever look. Images from this release are used throughout this review and seen below:
HOW DOES IT SOUND?
Similar to previous releases of the film, this brings over the 2.0 DTS-HD Stereo track for audio along with English subtitles. The sound quality is just fine and the mix is well balanced. Frankly, the only thing that would have been nice is a surround audio track, it also isn’t essential for the film.
ANYTHING SPECIAL?
When it comes to delivering penultimate releases, MVD REWIND really has with this version of Swamp Thing. While there are no new special features produced for the release, this version does contain all of the features released on both previous versions into one disc. For the completists out there this means you can ditch your old version in favor of this one and come out ahead. One of the special features taken in for this review is ‘That Swamp Thing’ with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing. This roughly 13-minute interview provides a unique perspective into the original creator’s vision and also a bit about their personal history as well. Such as how Len originally wanted to draw for comics, but his writing is what got him paid work. The origin of the character in Len’s mind is somewhat anti-climatic, on the way to work in the subway, but one big takeaway from this interview is what Len says about the character of Swamp Thing. Critical to his character, regardless of interpretation, is the focus on humanity. It is what makes the best versions of this character work, and it is somewhat at odds with other superhero tropes.
The other feature to consider is Swamp Screen: Designing DC’s Main Monster. For a little over 20 minutes we hear from Robb Wilson King who was the production designer on the film. Robb had previously worked with Wes and was heavily involved with all aspects of production from costumes to locations. He was keen to elaborate on how they brought the comic book style to life with the sets and how much they relied on finding the right locations to film in an actual swamp. Ultimately, Robb calls out something really important about the film and why it doesn’t carry the same gravitas as other earlier superhero films. It all boils down to marketing. The studio didn’t know how to sell this film, and that showed in the disappointing box office. Still, as Robb notes, the film found its fans in the video store and cable channels. The rest of the features included with this release are listed below:
DISC 1: 4K ULTRA HD SPECIAL FEATURES:
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 its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio in Dolby Vision / HDR
Audio: DTS-HD Master 2.0 Mono, Spanish Mono
Optional English Subtitles
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)
Collectible '4K LaserVision' Mini-Poster of cover art
Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only)
DISC 2: BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
2023 HD Restoration of both the US Theatrical PG Version and Unrated International Version of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
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)
Audio: DTS-HD Master 2.0 Mono, Spanish Mono
Optional English Subtitles
'Tales From the Swamp' (Remastered) with Actress Adrienne Barbeau (HD, 16:56)
'Hey Jude' with Actor Reggie Batts (HD, 14:30)
'That Swamp Thing' with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing (HD, 13:19)
'Swamp Screen: Designing DC's Main Monster' featurette (HD, 20:32)
'From Krug to Comics: How the Mainstream Shaped a Radical Genre Voice' featurette (HD, 17:34)
Posters & Lobby Cards - Photo Gallery
Photos from the Film - Photo Gallery
William Munns' Behind the Scenes Pictures - Photo Gallery
Behind the Scenes Photos by Geoffrey Rayle - Photo Gallery
Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:31)
LAST RITES
Swamp Thing has never looked better thanks to MVD REWIND. Despite some roughness, this swampy superhero still stands the test of time and now has a release worthy of its legendary stature.
THE GORY DETAILS
Thank you to the fine fiends over at MVD ENTERTAINMENT for providing a review copy for the crypt! Swamp Thing is available NOW and can be purchased via MVD DIRECT!
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