This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Deep in Florida’s darkest everglades, a brilliant scientist, Dr. Alec Holland (Ray Wise, Robocop) and a sexy government agent, Alice Cable (Adrienne Barbeau, John Carpenter’s The Fog) have developed a secret formula that could end world hunger and change civilization forever. Little do they know, however, that their arch nemesis, Arcane (Louis Jourdan, Octopussy) 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 plant superhero who will stop at nothing to rescue the beautiful Cable and defeat the evil Arcane… even if it costs him his life.

For thoughts on Swamp Thing, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/EXMMI2aDpio?t=4510]

Video Quality

MVD Entertainment presents Swamp Thing via their Rewind Collection with a terrific 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a new 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative of both the Theatrical and Unrated International Version with Dolby Vision/HDR. This film was last released on Blu-Ray a decade ago through Scream Factory, but we do not have that disc for comparison. The included Blu-Ray (also being sold separately) is derived from the same new restoration, and while it also looks fantastic, this 4K UHD presentation does represent a good improvement.

This new transfer displays a sumptuous amount of natural film grain which brings out a plethora of distinct texture in the swampy locale, makeup work and other craft elements. This grain resolves without any issues as nothing ever appears unnatural, clumpy or spiking throughout the journey either in the bright daytime or any nighttime scenes. Black levels are very deep with no obvious crush present, and highlights remain stable without blooming rearing its ugly head. This new master has also eliminated nearly all print damage with no egregious specks or lines remaining.

The Dolby Vision presentation captures a greater level of nuance within the colors that make up this world. A large portion of this film takes place outside, and you really feel like you are seeing the natural vegetation to its most accurate source. When the film shifts to the various interiors including the Arcane compound, there is much to explore within the vibrant production design and within the outfits of those who populate it. There are more traditional elements such as fiery explosions which really benefit from HDR. It is truly a gift to see this film looking so good with a seamless consistency across both cuts of the film. MVD Entertainment has knocked it out of the park with their first 4K UHD entry in their Rewind Collection line.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a rock solid DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that represents this material how it was originally intended. Dialogue comes through with unwavering clarity even when the movie takes a more kinetic turn. Environmental noises such as gunfire or the splashing of water are distinguished well within the mix. The score and soundtrack are both represented well without any signs of damage or distortion. The low end supports the adventure well within its source limitations. Every aspect of the audio experience comes through with top notch fidelity. MVD Entertainment has ensured the audio presentation matches the video side of things in terms of quality and care. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.

Special Features

Disc One (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

Theatrical Version (1:31:20) and Unrated Version (1:33:03)

Audio Commentary #1: An archival commentary track in which Writer/Director Wes Craven discusses the film with moderator Sean Clark. Craven reflects on their experiences of shooting the film on location, working with the performers, the relationship with alligators and other critters, the elements they took from the comic book, the production design and much more that makes this a really rewarding listen for fans.

Audio Commentary #2: Makeup Effects Artist William Munns offers up an archival commentary track moderated by Michael Felsher in which he discusses his journey to the film business, working with Wes Craven, challenges of certain makeup effects and more.

Disc Two (Blu-Ray)

Theatrical Version (1:31:20) and Unrated Version (1:33:03)

Audio Commentary #1: Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark

Audio Commentary #2: Makeup Effects Artist William Munns moderated by Michael Felsher

Tales From The Swamp with Actress Adrienne Barbeau: A 16-minute interview with the actress in which she discusses the production of Swamp Thing, the unexpected dangers encountered on set, working with Wes Craven, the contractual disputes regarding her nude scene, the atmosphere on set and more.

Hey Jude with Actor Reggie Batts: A 15-minute interview with the actor in which he discusses his love for the film, his early entry into acting, his memories of working with the performers and Craven, and much more.

That Swamp Thing with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing: A 13-minute interview with the creator of the titular character in which he discusses his journey to comic books, the creation of the character, how he came up with the name, the deeper thematic resonance of the character and more.

Swamp Screen – Designing DC’s Main Monster: A 21-minute featurette in which Production Designer Robb Wilson King discusses being brought on board for this movie, the development of the look of the character, working with Wes Craven, some of the logistical challenges faced, the look of the various environments and more.

From Krug to Comics – How the Mainstream Shaped A Radical Genre Voice: An 18-minute conversation with Film Historian Kim Newman in which he discusses how this fits into the career of Wes Craven, how this aided in the rise in unconventional comic book movies, the legacy of the film and more.

Theatrical Trailer: The minute-and-a-half trailer is provided.

Photo Galleries: This disc provides photo galleries for Posters and Lobby Cards, Photos From The Film, William Munns’ Behind the Scenes Photos and Behind the Scenes Photos by Geoffrey Rayle.
Poster

Final Thoughts

Swamp Thing is a fun yet slightly unusual effort from Wes Craven as it seems like the closest to a family friendly film from him that comes to mind (omitting the International Cut, of course). Yet, his sense of style and atmosphere shines through, giving the film a creative identity it needs if it wants to stand out from an array of ‘80s creature features. The confident tone and care put into wringing every inch of production value out of the limited budget keeps this one on the right side of entertaining. With an ensemble that also appears to be putting in a respectable amount of effort to elevate this one, this feature holds up quite nicely even if you are not leaning purely on nostalgia. MVD Entertainment has provided the film with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that delivers a 5-star A/V presentation and an enviable array of special features. The label has set the bar high for the Rewind Collection moving forward. Highly Recommended

Swamp Thing will be available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack and Blu-Ray on August 8, 2023.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: MVD Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.