Although hardly great, C.H.U.D. is a fun 1980s flick with some OK performances from an impressive cast led way by future Home Alone alums John Heard and Daniel Stern. The story is goofy but still classic so for any fans of the era, it might make for a enjoyable trip down memory lane.
C.H.U.D.
(1984)
Genre(s): Horror, Science Fiction
Arrow Video | R – 96 min. / 88 min. – $24.95 | November 22, 2016
Date Published: 11/23/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 3.25/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: In downtown Manhattan, a police captain’s (CHRISTOPHER CURRY) hunt for his missing wife uncovers a series of mysterious disappearances in the area. Extending his search into the tunnels and sewers below, it soon becomes clear that something monstrous lurks beneath the city streets – and it’s not staying down there much longer. In the mix is a photographer (JOHN HEARD), his model wife (KIM GREIST) and a homeless advocate (DANIEL STERN), as well as a governmental conspiracy that may be involved with these monster creations. Quick Hit Review: Listen, this 1980s sci-fi/horror isn’t very good but C.H.U.D. (aka Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller aka Contamination Hazard Urban Disposal) has its fun moments in a Saturday night party kind of way, the kind of movie you watch with friends. This is also not a movie to overanalyze nor one that really reach its fullest potential as we only get to see the “CHUD” a few times. The performances from a respectable cast isn’t half bad with the likes of Daniel Stern having to expel some poorly written exposition; John Heard has a good time in what amounts to the lead and gets his own over-the-top moments; Christopher Curry as the police captain shares some fun scenes with Stern; and Kim Greist gets to look pretty while also fighting off one of the monsters. C.H.U.D. was helmed by Douglas Cheek from a story by Shepard Abbott and screenplay from Parnell Hall and like I said, it’s certainly not very good and yet a good time can be had with a measure of goofiness (the monsters I think were in rubber suits) yet at times some genuine terror. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5 |
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This release comes with a collector’s booklet with new writing on the film by Michael Gingold. Audio Commentaries
Both tracks are fine but the latter only for those interested in music while the former are a bunch of friends sitting together providing both some info while spewing wisecracks and mocking each other’s style. Interviews
Notes from Above Ground (9:10; HD) is a look at the film’s NYC locations with writer Michael Gingold (Rogue Morgue) and filmmaker Ted Geoghean (We Are Still Here). Behind-the-Scenes Gallery (5:32; HD) is filled with photos from and around the set. Extended Shower Scenes (1:24; HD) – This is the original cut with some additional footage including some nudity. Trailer (1:36; HD) |
VIDEO – 4.0/5 |
| C.H.U.D. rises out of the sewer courtesy of Arrow Video presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and given a 1080p high-definition culled from a new 2K film transfer (for the Integral Cut) and it looks pretty darn impressive with sharp detail and while this was never a colorful film, given it takes place on the dirty street of 1980s New York, there is an occasional splash of color. Along with a new 2K scan, the film was cleaned removing instances of dust, dirt and other ailments. There is still a heavy presence of natural film grain which only adds to the film’s texture. |
AUDIO – 3.75/5 |
| The disc comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track and it sounds… decent. Dialogue is generally crisp and clear throughout while other aural effects, like ambient noises, the score and horror-action, are a bit limited but still show some depth. Considering this is a mid-80s, low budget, sci-fi/horror flick, the sound design wasn’t half bad. |
OVERALL – 3.5/5 |
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Overall, although hardly great, C.H.U.D. is a fun 1980s flick with some OK performances from an impressive cast led way by future Home Alone alums John Heard and Daniel Stern. The story is goofy but still classic so for any fans of the era, it might make for a enjoyable trip down memory lane. The Blu-ray released through Arrow Video offers good video/audio transfers and a fine selection of bonus features. |