Deadly Spawn [Blu-ray] [2011] [US Import]

Product Information

Deadly Spawn acts as an entry gate into the realm of no-budget horror, a genre where even the hilariously campy Critters is considered too grandiose for inclusion. Appreciation doesn’t come from the pacing, litany of no-name actors, or cinematography. Enjoyment isn’t even “spawned” from the B-movie antics. It’s being able to piece together that somewhere cared, knew what they were doing, and had a memorable ride making it. The real challenge in watching 'Spawn' is not letting your mind wonder why anyone ever greenlit this mess. From the start, as Nicol Williamson's corny voiceover narration describes a war brewing between heaven and hell, the movie seems like a DTV release made with inexpensive computer graphics even from a 1997 price point. Fifteen years later, things are made visibly worse as animated characters, especially the devil-like creature in Hell that looks like a hairless Chinese Crested (you know, the world's ugliest dog) with horns, jump into action with the same fluid movement as a 'Gumby' episode. I had to keep reminding myself that this wince-inducing adaptation of Todd McFarlane's comic book series did in fact hit theaters at one point, but I don't recall the CGI being anything to gloat about even then.

Making of Spawn (SD, 22 min) — A short EPK doc hosted by Michael Jai White, covering the usual aspects of the production like the plot, the characters and the source material.For more about The Deadly Spawn and the The Deadly Spawn Blu-ray release, see the The Deadly Spawn Blu-ray Review published by Brian Orndorf on February 15, 2012 where this Blu-ray release scored 2.0 out of 5. Storyboard Comparisons (SD) — Five videos comparing drawings made in pre-production with the final CG effect. The Deadly Spawn is the ultimate example of guerrilla filmmaking; it was shot on 16mm and contains so many flubs, dropouts, and herky jerky behind-the-scenes mayhem that one cannot help but fall for this perfect imperfect example of ultimate science fiction freakdom.

Visit with the Deadly Spawn" (8:39, SD) is a comical visit with one of the feature's creature designers, who shows off his work and questionable sense of humor before revealing the enormous Deadly Spawn puppet used in the picture. Like all of the supplementary material on this disc, little explanation and identification is offered to encourage any appreciation for the footage. Take One" (24:58, SD) is a cable access show from 1982, interviewing Marc Harwood on his experiences shaping the movie and his feelings about the low-budget world of filmmaking. The kid is stunned though, showing signs of cheap craftsmanship and problem solving on the part of the filmmakers. After all, what other excuse is there to show a woman’s decapitated head lying on the ground with flesh being ripped off? Casting and Gags (35:57, SD) supplies B&W VHS footage from the production's improvised rehearsals (Bohus is quite the ham), showing the cast as they figure out the script and peppy character interactions. Plenty of tomfoolery ensues.

Still Gallery (SD) — There are actually two galleries ("Original Todd McFarlane Sketches" and " Spawn Concept/Sketch Galleries") from which to choose, showing various ideas created for the development of the characters and the movie.