Monster Squad 20TH Anniversary Edition
(Lionsgate Blu-ray)
Picture:
B Sound: B+ Extras: A- Film: B-
Having
just recently reviewed the Monster Squad
20th Anniversary DVD release there is not much new to say here
except FINALLY! The 1980s produced a
great deal of unique films for children and adults alike to enjoy; Monster Squad being on the top of many
peoples lists. If there was one thing I
was hoping for, for this film, it was a Blu-ray release. The DVD already gave us a ton of unexpected
extras and a quality presentation, but the Blu-ray release kicks the feature up
to the next monstrous level.
To read
my previous review of Monster Squad 20th
Anniversary Edition, please follow the link below:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6179/Monster+Squad++20th+Anniversary
The
technical features of this Blu-ray are a clear upgrade from the nice, but
floundering DVD presentation. The
picture is presented in a solid 2.35 X 1 widescreen, 1080p High Definition that
gives life and vivid color to the ghoulish cast, but fails to balance the black
levels as the change between night and day, in the end being murky. Some of the daytime scenes also feel soft and
there still is a degree of grain on this transfer. It is a step up from the most recent DVD
release, but remains to have issues. The
audio is a very well done English 5.1 DTS HD-Master Audio (MA) lossless mix that
many out there are criticizing, but fact of the matter is that for a low budget
film it sounds great. The sound is a
solid upgrade over previous releases and though I would have liked more range
in the surrounds I think it is a quality presentation.
The
extras are ported over from the latest DVD release and as I said in that review
the bonus features can simply be watched again and again.
This is a
nice release that came much sooner than this reviewer would have expected for
such a forgotten or discarded film. I
think it is an affordable and well deserved upgrade that fans will be happy to
own on Blu-ray.
- Michael P. Dougherty II
