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Silver Bullet: Collector's Edition
[Blu-ray 4K]
Blu-ray ALL - America - Shout! Studios Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (3rd December 2023). |
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The Film
 "Silver Bullet" directed by Daniel Attias, based on Stephen King's novella "Cycle of the Werewolf." The film, though somewhat dated, offers a unique blend of horror and coming-of-age elements. While it has its merits, it also falls prey to certain clichés and inconsistencies that hinder its overall impact. The film unfolds in the quaint town of Tarker's Mill, where a series of gruesome murders coincide with the full moon, signaling the presence of a mysterious and deadly werewolf. The film centers on Marty Coslaw (Corey Haim), a spirited young boy confined to a wheelchair. When Marty uncovers the werewolf's identity, he, along with his quirky uncle Red (Gary Busey) and his sister Jane (Megan Follows), embarks on a perilous quest to stop the creature from claiming more victims. As the town succumbs to fear and paranoia, Marty's resilience and determination become essential in confronting the supernatural menace. One of the film's strengths lies in its portrayal of small-town life and the dynamics within a close-knit community. The setting effectively establishes a sense of nostalgia and authenticity, contributing to the film's atmosphere. Furthermore, the film benefits from a solid performance by Corey Haim as the central character who navigates the challenges of adolescence while facing a supernatural threat. The practical effects used to bring the werewolf to life are commendable for the time, adding a genuine sense of fear and tension. The creature design is memorable, and the scenes featuring the werewolf showcase the filmmakers' dedication to creating a menacing antagonist. However, "Silver Bullet" does have its share of shortcomings. The pacing is inconsistent, with moments of tension interspersed with slow and seemingly aimless sequences. The film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, wavering between horror and humor, which can be disorienting for the audience. Additionally, some of the characters lack depth, feeling like mere stereotypes rather than fully realized individuals. The narrative, while intriguing in concept, suffers from predictability and a reliance on traditional werewolf tropes. The identity of the werewolf becomes apparent early on, diminishing the suspense and mystery that could have elevated the film. The screenplay also tends to lean on conventional horror elements rather than exploring more innovative avenues within the genre. Despite these flaws, "Silver Bullet" manages to deliver a moderately engaging experience, particularly for fans of werewolf lore and Stephen King enthusiasts. The film's nostalgic appeal and the performances of its cast, particularly Corey Haim, contribute to its enduring charm. However, it ultimately falls short of being a standout entry in the horror genre due to its formulaic approach and uneven execution.
Video
Presented in 2.35:1 widescreen 4K 2160p 24/fps mastered using HEVC compression and enhanced with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The overall image is quite pleasing considering its age, however there are some noticeable flaws. Sharpness isn't as consistent as I'd like with some shots appear a little soft, colors look good and are a bit brighter than previous transfers. Blacks can be a little noisy but overall hold up well. Skin tones are natural, while not a complete triumph the transfer is serviceable.
Audio
A single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track is included, while it would be nice to have a 5.1 track I'm not sure it would have benefitted entirely. The mono track presents the film's dialogue well and manages to preserve the original audio of this film despite lacking in immersiveness. Nothing much else to report here. Optional subtitles are included in English for the hearing impaired.
Extras
Shout! Has delivered a fantastic selection of extras for an otherwise average film. The quality and quantity of supplements comes as quite a surprise. Below is a closer look. DISC ONE: 4K UHD This disc presents the film in 4K and is accompanied by three audio commentaries. The first of which features director Daniel Attias and is moderated by Michael Felsher from 2018, Flesher handles this track more like an interview asking the director various questions about the making of the film, his collaboration with King, on working with Haim at the height of his fame, among other things. The second audio commentary features producer Martha De Laurentiis, moderated by Michael Felsher from 2019, this track also operates much like an interview as well and delves into the genesis of the project, on the challenges faced, and the subsequent box office failure among other things. The third audio commentary is by The Kingcast members Eric Vespe And Scott Wampler, this is a newly recorded track. This is like a fan track, and it's the most fun of the three tracks provided, their genuine love for this movie is evident and worth exploring. The disc also features an isolated score selections and a 2018 audio interview with composer Jay Chattaway it plays over the first 69:57 of the film and also features Michael Felsher asking questions about the score and various musical elements. DISC TWO: BLU-RAY This disc includes the standard HD 1080p version of the film along with the same three audio commentaries and the isolated score selections and a 2018 audio interview as seen on the previous disc. "A Little Private Justice" 2019 interview with actor Kent Broadhurst (11:51), he comments on his performance in the film and on working with terrible props. "Cutting to the Bone" 2019 interview with editor Daniel Lowenthal (16:39), the editor comments on his work on the film and it being his first major feature as editor as well as expresses his disappointment in the film's failure. "The Wolf Within" 2018 interview with actor Everett McGill (16:15), no stranger to genre films McGill comments on his experiences working on this film. "Full Moon Fever: The Effects of Silver Bullet" 2018 interviews with special effects artists Michael McCracken, Jr. and Matthew Mungle (21:03), these two technicians delve into the make-up and effects used to bing the Werewolf to life and on working with the legend Carlo Rambaldi. The film's original theatrical trailer (1:27) is included, along with a TV spot (0:31), a radio spot (0:39), and an image gallery (6:20).
Packaging
Packaged in a 2-disc keep case housed in a cardboard slip-case.
Overall
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