By Geno McGahee
In 1982, SWAMP THING was released and it was one of the most impactful films of my childhood. I would watch it over and over again and loved the idea of a scientist coming into contact with some strange chemicals to become a monster. It was a monster movie and it checked every box and was a classic for me and so many others.
In 1989, THE RETURN OF SWAMP THING was released and I have to admit, I had never seen it. I was always turned off by the cover with Heather Locklear being held by Swamp Thing and smiling. I think that C.H.U.D. II: BUD THE C.H.U.D. had soured me to comedic sequels to films that I held so dear, but I’ve grown up since then and am willing to give movies more of a chance and now that it’s released in 4K UHD for a 35th anniversary edition, I have given it a fair watch and I was pleasantly surprised.
The film looks great. The restoration was done well and it felt a great deal like the original in presentation. There’s a different approach and vibe to this and it is more of a light-hearted one. I don’t think everyone has taken a swamp creature as seriously as I have, but that’s not a terrible thing.
SWAMP THING villain, Arcane (Louis Jourdan) is back, remarkably, and he is trying to perfect the process of taking a human and transforming them into a creature of great power. He is also trying to figure out how to reverse the aging process. Jourdan is great in the role and I don’t care if it don’t make sense. Arcane is welcome back in this movie and ANY movie, no matter what.
The film doesn’t mind using excessive monster action to sell this one and it’s not a bad thing. Swamp Thing is fighting all of the time here. It might be quantity over quality here, but it works and I’m starting to wonder why I’ve waited this long to watch this film. I think my love of Swamp Thing stopped me from watching it. It was sacred to me and I felt they were mocking it, but this is more of a strange love letter to the series than anything else.
THE RETURN OF SWAMP THING was really enjoyable and cheesy. It took the path of the EVIL DEAD and made a lighter entry in the series. It showed some love for the Swamp Thing character and added comedy and a much less serious approach.
I consider this release a must-own for SWAMP THING fans. I really enjoyed it and the restoration was amazing. I’m sort of happy I waited this long to watch it. It felt old and new at the same time.
Packed with bonus material, THE RETURN OF SWAMP THING UHD/Blu-ray release is awesome and now has a home right beside my SWAMP THING collection. It earned it.
