Dead & Buried (Blu-ray)
Steve Barton
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Reviewed by Uncle Creepy
Starring James Farentino, Melody Anderson, Jack Albertson, Lisa Blount, Robert Englund
Directed by Gary A. Sherman
Distributed by Blue Underground
It’s good to see some obscure classics making the jump to high definition. Gary Sherman’s cult favorite Dead & Buried is a most welcome addition to the ever growing catalog of horror classics becoming available, and Blue Underground has done a worthy job of bringing the film out again for a new audience. The only trouble? There’s nothing really new to be found here for them to sink their teeth into. Before we get into all that, though, let’s take a look at the flick’s plot, shall we?
Potter’s Bluff on its surface seems to be nothing more than your average, everyday coastal town. However, unlike in other small towns, transients are very welcome. Welcome to be killed that is. Yet, that’s not all. Soon after these wandering folks disappear, they end up resurfacing a bit later as members of the community. Sheriff Dan Gillis (Farentino) quickly notices something is horribly amiss in his usually idyllic environment and sets out to solve these mounting mysteries once and for all.
What follows is a decent sized body count, some great F/X, and a truly intense and creepy experience. Dead & Buried is a movie that defies conventions. What matters in this movie is not who is doing the killing, but why the murders are being committed. If you haven’t seen this flick yet, I simply cannot recommend it enough. They just don’t make them like this anymore. Really good spooky stuff!
In terms of video quality, yes, the movie is in 1080p; and yes, this is the best it has ever looked. But honestly? In terms of hi-def viewing it’s just a passable experience. Then again we must keep in mind that this flick is a product of its time. There’s plenty of noise along with speckles throughout the film, and the interior shots weren’t lit very well to begin with so don’t expect anything to be leaping off the screen at you detail-wise. Still, what is here, especially Winston’s effects, translates fairly well.
There are two audio tracks present — a DTS-HD MA mix and a Dolby TrueHD mix. Both are comparable and neither takes the cake in terms of quality. As with the video, there’s nothing to write home about here. It simply gets the job done.
The special features present, while quite good, have all been ported over from the DVD release and are presented here in standard definition. There are three commentary tracks: one with director Gary A. Sherman, one with co-writer/co-producer Ron Shusett and actress Linda Turley, and finally the last with cinematographer Steve Poster. Young filmmakers out there looking to garner some tips should definitely check out Poster’s track as it’s not only the most enjoyable, but it’s also the most technically savvy. Usually I don’t dig on detail-oriented commentaries, but this was one of the best I’ve heard.
There are also three behind-the-scenes featurettes that run about fifteen minutes each and two trailers. No surprises here, but again, just like the film itself, each is totally worth a watch.
This Blu-ray edition of Dead & Buried from a next generation viewing standpoint is nothing you’ll be singing the praises of. The movie, however, is top notch! If you’ve got the tech and have never bought this film, then go for it! If you already own the DVD version, consider yourself sitting pretty. A double dip is recommended for fanatics only.
Special Features:
4 out of 5
Special Features:
3 1/2 out of 5
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