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The Monster Squad
[Blu-ray 4K]
Blu-ray ALL - America - Kino Lorber Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (30th November 2023). |
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The Film
 Fred Dekker's "The Monster Squad" is a delightful blend of horror, comedy, and adventure that caters to both children and adults. While not an instant box office success, the film has gained a cult following over the years, and rightfully so. The film revolves around a group of young friends who form a monster club lead by club leader Sean Crenshaw (Andre Gower), second in command Patrick Rhodes (Robby Kiger), clumsy Horace (Brent Chalem), tough older kid Rudy (Ryan Lambert) and little Eugene (Michael Faustino), and find themselves facing a real-life threat when Count Dracula (Duncan Regehr), Frankenstein's Monster (Tom Noonan), the Wolfman (Carl Thibault), the Mummy (Michael Reid MacKay), and the Gillman (Tom Woodruff Jr.) come to life. The premise is simple yet effective, offering a nostalgic nod to classic Universal monster movies while infusing a contemporary, youthful energy. "The Monster Squad" comprises relatable, well-defined characters with distinct personalities, making it easy for audiences to connect with them. The camaraderie and banter among the kids inject humor into the narrative, lightening the tone without detracting from the overall sense of adventure. The dialogue in the film plays a crucial role in elevating the film's charm and relatability. Dekker, along with co-writer Shane Black, crafts dialogue that seamlessly blends wit, humor, and genuine emotion. The banter among the members of the squad is a highlight, showcasing the authentic camaraderie of childhood friendships. The script cleverly balances the innocence of its young protagonists with the gravity of their monstrous predicament, resulting in lines that resonate with both nostalgia and a timeless appeal. Moreover, the dialogue contributes significantly to the film's humor, injecting levity into intense moments without undermining the stakes. Whether it's the kids' quick-witted quips or the classic monster one-liners, the dialogue in the film is a testament to the film's ability to captivate audiences with its memorable and well-crafted lines. The special effects, considering the film's 1987 release date, are a mixed bag. While some may argue that they appear dated by today's standards, it's important to appreciate the creative use of practical effects. The monsters are brought to life with a charming combination of animatronics and make-up, adding a tangible and endearing quality to their on-screen presence. Dekker's direction deserves commendation for balancing the horror and comedy elements effectively. The film doesn't shy away from genuine scares, creating an atmosphere that keeps audiences on their toes. Simultaneously, the witty dialogue and well-timed humor prevent the movie from becoming too intense, making it suitable for a broad audience. One of the film's drawbacks is its pacing, with certain scenes feeling rushed, particularly in the final act. The climax could have benefited from a bit more development to enhance the emotional stakes. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise enjoyable cinematic experience. "The Monster Squad" has endured the test of time due to its heartwarming portrayal of friendship, homage to classic monsters, and a perfect blend of horror and humor. It's a testament to the film's enduring appeal that it continues to find new audiences, with its nostalgic charm transcending generations. "The Monster Squad" remains a noteworthy addition to the horror-comedy genre, offering a unique and entertaining experience for viewers of all ages. Its ability to balance scares and laughs, coupled with memorable characters and a touch of nostalgia, ensures its place as a cult classic deserving of recognition on its 1-year birthday and beyond.
Video
Presented in 2.35:1 widescreen presented in 4K 2160p 24/fps mastered in HEVC compression and enhanced with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Remastered from the original 35mm elements this new 4K transfer is a noticeable upgrade over the previous 20th Anniversary Blu-ray, I was pleased with the overall clarity and vibrancy of this image. It's sharp and maintains appropriate levels of grain inherent in the 35mm elements. Colors are beautiful, black levels are deep and robust without any noticeable noise. Detail and texture holds up incredibly well. I could not see any noticeable flaws, this is the best this film has ever looked.
Audio
Two audio tracks are included in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo. For the purposes of this review I chose to view the film with its 5.1 surround track. Much like the image the audio is presented brilliantly here and will give your surround speakers a decent work out. Dialogue is clear, music is bombastic, surround activity is immersive, what more could you ask for? Sit back and enjoy. Optional subtitles are included in English for the hearing impaired.
Extras
Kino Lorber has delivered quite the package for this 4K release and it's full with extras making it a must buy. Below is a closer look at these supplements. DISC ONE: 4K UHD This disc features the film in 4K (2160p 24/fps). There are two audio commentaries the first is with writer/director Fred Dekker and "Squad Members" Andre Gower, Ryan Lambert and Ashley Bank, recorded in 2007 is a light-hearted track as the group reminisce on their experience from the making of the film, the fun they all had, the challenges, on the friendships they formed, among other things. The second audio commentary is with writer/director Fred Dekker and director of photography Bradford May also from 2007. This is more of a technical track that covers the look of the film, Dekker's vision, and on bringing it to life onscreen. DISC TWO: BLU-RAY This disc features the film in HD (1080p 24/fps) and also included the same two audio commentaries that are featured on the previous disc. "Monster Squad Forever" is a 5-part 2007 documentary (with Play All option) (76:13 in total), a fantastic in-depth look at the making of the film from concept to completion, featuring a collection of interviews with key cast and crew and behind-the-scenes footage, it's a great feature that if you already haven't seen it from its 2007 release it's worth exploring, the five segments are: - "The Monster Master" (9:04) - "The Monster Makers" (17:06) - "The Monsters & the Squad" (19:50) - "Lights, Camera, Monsters!" (20:12) - "Monster Mania!" (10:01) A Conversation with Frankenstein (8:39) featurette this is a 1986 interview with actor Tom Noonan while in character, what a cool interview concept and worth checking out, I wish they interviewed all the other monsters in character as well! There is a reel of deleted scenes (14:00), interesting scenes included here, a combination of ones deleted and extended, it's easy to see why these were omitted. Next up is an animated storyboard sequence (1:40) this is a side-by-side look at the storyboards and the final sequence of the Mummy fight scene. A still gallery (5:13) features publicity photos and behind-the-scene photos from the production. The film's original theatrical trailer (1:55) is included as is a TV spot (0:32) DISC THREE: BLU-RAY This disc features one of the best extras on this release "Wolfman's Got Nards" a 2018 documentary (88:14), directed by Andre Gower, provides a heartfelt and nostalgic exploration of the cult classic film "The Monster Squad" and its enduring impact on both its cast and dedicated fanbase. The documentary not only delves into the making of the film but also highlights its initially modest reception and subsequent rise to cult status. Through interviews with key cast and crew members, including director Fred Dekker and co-writer Shane Black, the documentary beautifully captures the emotional journey of the filmmakers and the profound connection the movie forged with its audience. The documentary goes beyond the typical behind-the-scenes features, becoming a love letter to the passionate fan community that kept the spirit of "The Monster Squad" alive, ultimately turning it into a cultural phenomenon. In addition to its retrospective look at the film's impact, "Wolfman's Got Nards" stands out for its genuine and personal touch. It explores how the film affected the lives of the actors who portrayed the young monster hunters, providing a touching glimpse into their individual experiences and the lasting bond they share. The film successfully blends humor, emotion, and insightful commentary, making it not only a must-watch for fans of "The Monster Squad" but also for anyone interested in the enduring power of cinema to create lasting connections and shape the lives of those involved in its creation. Bravo to KL for including this awesome film on a third disc.
Packaging
Packaged in a 3-disc keep case housed in a cardboard slip-case.
Overall
"The Monster Squad" achieved cult status by masterfully blending nostalgia for classic Universal monster movies with a contemporary, kid-centric adventure. The film's well-defined and relatable characters, coupled with witty dialogue and a perfect mix of horror and humor, struck a chord with audiences of all ages. Dekker's direction skillfully balanced genuine scares with lighthearted moments, making the film accessible and appealing. The enduring popularity of "The Monster Squad" can be attributed to its grassroots resurgence through home video, cable television, and the rise of dedicated fan communities. This cult classic stands as a testament to the timeless charm of classic monsters and the enduring power of storytelling.
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