Director – Ron Underwood (Fear the Walking Dead, Reaper)
Starring – Kevin Bacon (Friday the 13th, National Lampoon’s Animal House), Fred Ward (Joe Dirt, Cast a Deadly Spell), and Finn Carter (The Outer Limits, Monsters)
Release Date – 1990
Rating – 4/5
4K Release – 4/5
I was born in the middle of the 80s and raised in the 90s. I grew up on tapes from the local video store and cable television. I saw a lot of movies for the first time on shows like USA Up All Night, MonsterVision, and so on along with the random movies playing at different times throughout the day.
In the mid-90s Tremors was a staple of channel TNT and I watched it so many times during this period of my life that I almost hated it. I really did love it but after watching it so many times in such a short period of time I was sick of it. I’ts been a good 15 years since I last saw the film but when I saw that Arrow Video was putting out a 4K release of it I had to have it. I reached out to my friends over at MVD and they were kind enough to send a copy my way. Thanks guys!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a small town in the middle of nowhere who finds themselves under attack by graboids, giant worm like creatures that have snake-like tentacles they use to pull food into their mouths. The town is forced to work together or find themselves pulled under the ground where they will be devoured by the giant creatures. **Spoiler Alert**
Tremors is such a goofy movie but I can’t help but love it. I’ve always struggled with watching it once and leaving it alone. Anytime I give it a spin I want to watch it again immediately after. This time was no exception. It’s a campy but fun horror comedy with a great cast, a solid monster story, and great effects. It really is a fun horror flick for the entire family.
The acting in this one is so much fun. Kevin Bacon has been in so many movies but I think this one is probably the most playful I’ve seen him aside from a few comedies. His character is so much fun and even though the film is a horror movie at heart he brings so many laughs. I also really enjoyed Fred Ward’s performance. His performance just feeds off Bacon’s and the two together is the perfect pairing. Their on screen chemistry is amazing and it’s truly a bummer that these two never teamed up for additional Tremor films. The supporting cast is just as fun as the two leads. Robert Jayne is entertaining as the annoying teenager that keeps fucking with the residents of the small town while Michael Gross and Reba McEntire are brilliant as the survivalist couple hoarding guns and supplies.
The story for this one is simple but you can tell a lot of time was spent on character development and story progression. The characters are either really enjoyable or there to serve the story. Even the throw away characters contribute something to the film. Also, the film doesn’t throw the horror in your face. The comedy is at the front of the film with the horror showing up here and there. The later portion of the film is a little more action oriented but the story never slows down.
Finally, this is not a gory flick. There is giant monsters, some blood, and a few remains of some animals but that is the extent of it. However, if you are a monster movie fan you will really enjoy the look of the graboids. The creatures look fantastic and watching them work on screen is absolutely amazing. The prosthetics and practical effects in this one are legendary. Overall, Tremors is a must see for movie fans. I’d be pretty impressed if I meet someone that hasn’t seen this classic flick but if it is going to be your first time you will want to see it in 4K. This release from Arrow is absolutely phenomenal. The transfer is fucking great and the additional items in this set is perfect for collectors. Be sure to add this one to your collection!
Special Features:
New 4K restoration from the original negative by Arrow Films, approved by director Ron Underwood & director of photography Alex&er Gruszynski
60-page perfect-bound book featuring new writing by Kim Newman & Jonathan Melville & selected archive materials
Large fold-out double-sided poster featuring original & newly commissioned artwork by Matt Frank + Small fold-out double-sided poster featuring new Graboid X-ray art by Matt Frank
Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproduction artcards
Limited Edition packaging w/ reversible sleeve featuring original & newly commissioned artwork by Matt Frank
DISC 1 FEATURE & EXTRAS (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Restored DTS-HD MA original theatrical 2.0 stereo, 4.0 surround, & remixed 5.1 surround audio options
Optional English subtitles
New audio commentary by director Ron Underwood & writers/producers Brent Maddock & S.S. Wilson
New audio commentary by Jonathan Melville, author of Seeking Perfection: The Unofficial Guide to Tremors
Making Perfection, a br& new documentary by Universal Pictures interviewing key cast & crew from the franchise (including Kevin Bacon, Michael Gross, Ariana Richards, Ron Underwood, Brent Maddock & S.S. Wilson, among many others) & revisiting the original locations
The Truth About Tremors, a newly filmed interview w/ co-producer Nancy Roberts on the film s rocky road to the screen
Bad Vibrations, a newly filmed interview w/ director of photography Alex&er Gruszynski
Aftershocks & Other Rumblings, newly filmed on-set stories from associate producer Ellen Collett
Digging in the Dirt, a new featurette interviewing the crews behind the film s extensive visual effects
Music for Graboids, a new featurette on the film s music with composers Ernest Troost & Robert Folk
Pardon My French!, a newly assembled compilation of overdubs from the edited-for television version
The Making of Tremors, an archive documentary from 1995 by Laurent Bouzereau, interviewing the filmmakers & special effects teams
Creature Featurette, an archive compilation of on-set camcorder footage showing the making of the Graboids
Electronic press kit featurette & interviews with Kevin Bacon, Michael Gross & Reba McEntire
Deleted scenes, including the original opening scene
Theatrical trailers, TV & radio spots for the original film + trailers for the entire Tremors franchise
Comprehensive image galleries, including rare behind-the-scenes stills, storyboards & two different drafts of the screenplay
DISC 2 INTERVIEWS & SHORT FILMS (LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE)
Extended hour-long interviews with Ron Underwood, creature designer Alec Gillis & more!
Outtakes w/ optional introduction & commentary by S.S. Wilson
Three early shorts by the makers of Tremors
