Though Wes Craven's adaptation of DC's Swamp Thing (the brilliant brainchild of Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson) came and went in theaters in 1982, it didn't take long for the MGM release to become a cult sensation through its televised airings.
The movie stars Ray (Twin Peaks) Wise as Dr. Alec Holland and Dick Durock as his vegetated alter ego; Adrienne Barbeau as love interest, Alice Cable; Louis (Count Dracula) Jordan as the evil Dr. Anton Arcane; and Nicholas (Don't Answer the Phone!) Worth as his avid henchman, Bruno.
MVD has just released the epic on Blu-ray and 4K HD in a double-disc, "LaserVision/Rewind Collection" package, which includes the theatrical cut and the somewhat edgier, unrated version, blessed by commentary from Craven, moderated by Sean Clark; commentary from makeup-effects artist, Michael Munns, moderated by Michael Felsher; "Tales from the Swamp," hosted by Barbeau; "Hey Jude," with Reggie Batts; "That Swamp Thing," with Wein; "Designing DC's Main Monster" featurette; "How the Mainstream Shaped a Radical Genre Voice" analysis; the theatrical trailer; and prolific, photo galleries. (As a neato bonus, the set contains a 11" x 10", folded reproduction of Richard Hescox's grand, theatrical poster.)
To those who know the movie, there's universal agreement that Craven's directorial finesse reached a summit, for Swamp Thing more than exceeds the atmospheric fun of A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Serpent and the Rainbow, while keeping close to those enjoyable, science-gone-awry submissions of the '50s and '60s. This gives the adaptation a satisfying balance, in which Craven's script takes its subject seriously, but isn't afraid to get campy where needed.
That Wise is likeable in his environmental passion only helps, and Durock is ideal as the gentle yet no-nonsense mutant (in a role he'd carry into The Return of Swamp Thing and the USA TV Network series). Barbeau is, to say the least, a feast for the eyes, but also strong and smart enough to hold her own within the strangeness that ensues. Jordan, as expected, is first-rate and gives a performance comparable to his Vlad Tepes portrayal, as well as Kamal Khan in 007's Octopussy; with the barreling Worth intersecting as a consistent scene stealer. (For the record, young Batts' Jude deserves kudos, too, setting realistic levity as Cable's considerate guide.)
There's so much more I could say about this one, but in truth, MVD says it all, with crisp transfers and splendid additives that all Swamp Thing fans will appreciate and celebrate.
Order MVD's Swamp Thing Blu-ray/4K HD special edition at
https://www.amazon.com/Swamp-Thing-4K-Ultra-Blu-ray/dp/B0C1TKK63C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K344A7H2P20G&keywords=swamp+thing+blu-ray&qid=1691531690&sprefix=swamp+thing+blu%2Caps%2C812&sr=8-1
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