14. Creepshow: Season 1
Shudder is one of the many streaming services now available for our consumption. It is focused on delivering horror at the click of a button. One of its original series is a new take on the George Romero and Stephen King’s horror anthology classic Creepshow. Shepard by horror effect maestro Greg Nicotero this new version of Creepshow delivers six episodes, each with two tales of terror.
Like most horror anthologies there are some really great segments, some however aren’t quite as strong, but I would not call any of them weak or poor. If you are a fan horror you will see a lot of your favorite horror actors pop up in these stories, from Adrienne Barbeau, Tobin Bell and Jeffery Combs you are bound to come across a favorite. Behind the camera is also an all-star line up of Nicotero, Roxanne Benjamin (XX) and Tom Savini (Night of the Living Dead 1990).
Benefiting the series as well is its home on Shudder (it also aired on AMC) the gore and horror are not neutered. It’s bloody, violent and a lot of fun. The creators of the TV show have also done a great job building on the unique qualities of the movie. From over the top lighting to some comedic moments, Creephow understands where it came from and builds on its legacy.
The Creep does show up before, in-between and at the end of each episode. Sometimes as a puppet, sometimes animated, sometimes in comic book style. And yes, it is cool to see him but he doesn’t say anything and more or less groans and points to the new story. I get that they did not want The Creep to be a ripoff of The Cryptkeeper but injecting him with some sort of personality would have been nice.
The segments that deliver the goods are; The House of the Head, The Finger, All Hallow’s Eve, The Man in the Suitcase (which are part of the same episode making episode 3 the strongest of the first season), The Companion and Skincrawlers.
If you are a horror fan you will find something to love watching Creepshow. Even if one segment isn’t your cup of tea hang tight, a new segment will start soon and have you screaming with glee.
The first season of Creepshow pierces the eyes with a pleasing transfer onto blu-ray. All the episodes look great with colors that pop and blood that gushes red. Detail looks great, which makes the practical effects eye popping. An occasional jaggedness pops up during the comic book segments but it doesn’t distract too much.
Creepshow screams onto blu-ray with an immersive sound design. The music, sound effects, the gushy stuff all comes through crystal clear and with oomph. Dialogue is clear and precise.
Creepshow really delivers the guts when it comes to bonus features, which is a huge selling point for anyone considering a purchase.
Disc 1: Commentaries on all episodes
Disc 2: Commentaries on all episodes with episode five containing two commentaries.
Creepshow: Season 1 contains a third disc packed with outstanding bonus features, basically a making of each episode and segment. These include enthusiastic actors and crew members walking you through the process of making each segment. This is a much watch.
There is also a comic book style booklet that contains info on every episode, such as cast and crew.
Creepshow: Season 1 is a must buy for horror fans. It features some remarkable horror, funny moments and it comes packed with bonus features.
Film: B+
Video: A
Audio: A
Extras: A+
Overall: A