Swamp Thing

Both an adaptation of a popular comic book and an homage to '50s sci-fi movies, Swamp Thing (1982) features more than enough slam-bang action and campy thrills to satisfy genre fans. Ray Wise (TV's Twin Peaks) plays Dr. Alec Holland, whose experimental fusing of vegetable cells with animal nuclei provokes an unexpected chemical reaction: after being doused with the formula, set on fire, and chased into the nearby swamp, Holland mutates into a half-man, half-vegetable creature. Living proof of his experiment's success, Holland is pursued by both the villainous Louis Jourdan and government agent Adrienne Barbeau, each of whom are determined to secure the formula. Director Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm Street) choreographs numerous fights and chases with panache, although he's less successful in restraining Jourdan, whose tongue-in-cheek performance is even broader than Barbeau's bustline. Scenery-chewing notwithstanding, Swamp Thing still holds up, 20-some years after its theatrical release, as a perfect popcorn movie: fast, furious, and funny. Presented with both the widescreen and full screen versions, but no extras, this is recommended. (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—July 30, 2013—Scream Factory, 2 discs, 91 min., PG, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $26.99, Aug. 6—Making its Blu-ray debut, 1982's Swamp Thing features a decent transfer with DTS-HD mono audio. Extras include audio commentaries (the first by writer-director Wes Craven; the second by makeup effects artist William Munns), the retrospective featurettes “Tales from the Swamp” with costar Adrienne Barbeau (16 min.), “Hey Jude” with costar Reggie Batts (14 min.), and “That Swamp Thing” with character co-creator Len Wein (13 min.), photo galleries, trailers, and a bonus DVD. Bottom line: an ‘80s horror cult classic makes a welcome Blu-ray debut.]