Killer Klowns From Outer Space

Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)
MGM Home Entertainment
Cast: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, Royal Dano
Extras: Commentary Track, Deleted Scenes, Bloopers, Storyboard, Trailer
Rating:

In their ’Midnite Movies’ series of releases, among high quality titles, MGM Home Entertainment is constantly supplying horror and science fiction content to DVD owners that has traditionally been fare for the bargain bins and late night TV. ’Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ is certainly such a film, as it typically does not have the exposure of many other genre entries.

’Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ is the story of three clowns from outer space who kill people and turn them into cotton candy. A spaceship crashes on Earth and from it emerge the killer clowns, while Mike and Debbie watch. They try to convince the inhabitants of the small town that this is an alien attack but of course no one pays heed to their words.

MGM Home Entertainment is giving us a glimpse at ’Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in a beautiful 16×9 enhanced widescreen transfer. The transfer is generally clean and without overt defects other than occasional speckles, and the print shows a good level of detail throughout. Color reproduction is very strong and faithful, but never appears oversaturated. Blacks in the picture are very deep, giving the movie just the right gloominess it needs, while shadows are always well maintained with good definition. Fleshtones are faithfully reproduced and colors are very stable, although the film’s low budget and age are evident on numerous occasions. The compression of the movie has been done very well without the introduction of compression artifacts.

The audio is presented as a Dolby Surround track on this disc, which is well produced and without problems. The film’s age is audible in a somewhat limited frequency response of the film and a lack of bottom end, but overall, the track fulfills the needs of the movie and certainly exceeds expectations. The audio is without defects and no sibilance or distortion is evident.

Interestingly, MGM has filled this release with a number of extras that are quite interesting. Starting with a good commentary track by the Chiodo Brothers, who wrote, directed and produced the film, and is a great addition as it oozes enthusiasm for the movie. Without interruption, the trio talks about the production, the shooting, the cast, the problems, the low budget and more as they revisit the film with the viewer.

Five separate featurettes are also part of the release, coving various aspects of the production, such as the special effects, the music, the shooting of the film and others. They are all quite interesting and offer a good look behind the scenes.
You will also find deleted scenes on the disc, as well as some bloopers. The DVD is rounded out by a storyboards gallery, a photo gallery and the movie’s theatrical trailer in anamorphic widescreen.

’Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ is a lot of cheesy fun. It is a sophomoric romp that will allow you to relax and kick back for some time, so give it a try, if you dare.