Swamp Thing 4K Ultra HD

"Swamp Thing" tells the story of a brilliant scientist, Dr. Alec Holland (Ray Wise) and a government agent, Alice Cable (Adrienne Barbeau) who 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) 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. (Gary Reber)

Both the original PG rated Theatrical cut and the Unrated international cut are available. Special features include a 2023 4K Restoration (16-Bit Scan of the Original Camera Negative) of both the Theatrical PG Version and Unrated International Version of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio in Dolby Vision / HDR. Special features include commentary with Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark;; commentary with Makeup Effects Artist William Munns moderated by Michael Felsher; five featurettes: “Tales From The Swamp” (Remastered) with Actress Adrienne Barbeau (HD 16:56), “Hey Jude” with Actor Reggie Batts (HD 14:30), “That Swamp Thing” with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing (HD 13:19), “Swamp Screen: Designing DC’s Main Monster” (HD 20:32) and “From Krug To Comics: How The Mainstream Shaped A Radical Genre Voice” (HD 17:34); Collectible “4K LaserVision” Mini-Poster of cover art; Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only); photo gallery and the Theatrical Trailer (HD 1:31).

The 1.85:1 Unrated version (93:00) 2160p HEVC/H.265 4K Ultra HD HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm film stock using the Arriflex 35 camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate scanned from the original 35 mm camera negative. The picture exhibits a vivid color palette with nicely saturated hues. The swamp location is heavily hued in green and brown earth tones with reflected murky waters. The water itself is green hued. Flesh tones are healthy, if not a bit reddish. Of course the monster is greenish plant hued. HDR contrast is good with natural black levels and revealing shadows. White levels appear generally natural as well. The imagery is generally sharp and clear with satisfying resolution. The swamp being appears nicely detailed with fine plant vein structure exhibited on his rubbery skin. Human details appear natural. Clothing fabrics reveal good detaii, as well as objects. Overall, the picture looks good and exhibits color warmth and clear imagery. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0-channel monaural soundtrack is undistinguished with low budget atmospherics and sound effects. While dialogue is mostly ADR produced with forward-sounding spatial integration, with the exception of dialogue, fidelity is wanting in dynamics and accuracy, particularly sound effects such as gunfire and explosions. (Gary Reber)