The Deadly Spawn  (1983)
Ted A. Bohus and Tim Hildebrandt

Synapse Films
R1 DVD

During the early 1980s, the horror genre was dominated by slasher films, monster films were definitely out of vogue. That didn't stop Ted A. Bohus and Tim Hildebrandt, who being entranced by 1950’s monster classics decided to make one of their own. In 1983 they released onto the unsuspecting market The Deadly Spawn, a strangely engaging B grade alien gore spectacular.

A meteorite falls to earth but it is not alone. Inside its seemingly barren form are spores from another world. They start as small tadpole like creatures, and then develop mobility and teeth, but that is just the beginning. They rapidly grow to a huge size with jaws packed with razor sharp teeth and a taste for flesh.

Sam (James Brewster) and Barb (Elissa Neil) come to a very nasty demise in the basement of their home. The rest of the family, science major Pete (Tom De Franco), horror-film fanatic Charles (Charles George Hildebrandt), aunt Millie (Ethel Michelson) and psychologist uncle Herb (John Schmerling), don’t expect Sam and Barb home until late so they remain unaware of the spawn that is growing in the basement and the spores it has let loose throughout the home and indeed the local community.

This is a real low budget classic. It was short on 16mm using fantasy artist Tim Hildebrandt's own home, and even starring his own eleven-year-old son in one of the lead roles. At the same time it is still quite successful, it has an interesting story line, if not a bit thin, and the acting is passable. If you don’t expect too much from this film and see it as a cult monster classic, then it is a real hoot.

The special effects are pretty spectacular. When you consider the financial limitations on the filmmakers, the creature is rather marvelous and the gore pretty convincing. Okay, in the earliest killing, that of Sam and Barb, there is a bit too much use of the “shadow” of the creature and blood does seem to be thrown in from outside the scene, but hey, it is a low budget classic so take it as it is.

This is a guilty pleasure and one many monster film addicts will adore.

Synapse has transferred the film from its original 16 mm negatives with the help of one-time director Douglas McKeown and presents it in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The transfer of a very high quality especially compared to the terrible video copies we have seen of this film for some many years. The mono soundtrack is clear and the commentaries fascinating. These are two commentary tracks with director McKeown, the producer and cast members of the film respectively

An alternate opening of the film is also included as well as outtakes and an audition reel. There is even a comic book style presentation of the film’s prequel with related soundtrack and an extensive photo gallery.

This is a superb package for a long forgotten B grade treasure!