Critters Franchise Deep Dive: "The Main Course," 3 & 4 + Specs!

19 May, 2025

Ever wondered what lurks in the shadows of your DVD collection, promising a thrilling, albeit occasionally cheesy, cinematic experience? The "Critters" franchise, a cult classic blend of sci-fi horror and creature feature, provides a surprisingly enduring and often overlooked journey through the late 80s and early 90s film landscape, offering a glimpse into an era where practical effects reigned supreme and B-movie charm was king.

The original "Critters" movie, a creature feature released in 1986, introduced audiences to the ravenous, furball-like creatures from outer space. These creatures, with their insatiable appetite, crash land on Earth, terrorizing the unsuspecting Brown family. Their mission? To survive and, of course, devour anything in their path. The success of the first film led to a series of sequels, each building upon the established lore and expanding the universe of these hungry little monsters. Shout Factory has released Critters 2. Like the first film, it received a new 2k scan from the original film elements. The result is a fantastic-looking release with sharp detail.

The franchise cleverly utilized practical effects, delivering some genuinely memorable and often gruesome creature designs. These effects, a hallmark of the era, gave the films a tangible quality that resonates even today. The "Critters" series isn't just about the creatures; it's about the inventive ways they dispatch their victims, often with gleeful abandon.

Heres a glimpse into the core components of the "Critters" film franchise:

Title	Release Year	Director	Key Actors
Critters	1986	Stephen Herek	Dee Wallace Stone, Scott Grimes, Billy Zane, Terrence Mann
Critters 2: The Main Course	1988	Mick Garris	Dee Wallace Stone, Scott Grimes, Don Opper, Terrence Mann, Liane Curtis
Critters 3	1991	Kristine Peterson	A. J. Cook, Leonardo DiCaprio, Don Keith Opper, Terrence Mann
Critters 4	1992	Rupert Harvey	Don Opper, Angela Bassett, Brad Dourif, Paul Whitthorne

The second installment, "Critters 2: The Main Course," released in 1988, takes the mayhem to a new level. The film opens with some critter eggs surviving, ready to hatch and continue the cycle of destruction. This time, the action ramps up, with the critters becoming even more resourceful and the body count climbing higher. The DVD release of Critters 2: The Main Course had a release date of August 5, 2003. "The Main Course" also had a release date of March 21, 2005. DVD reviews, news, specs, ratings, and screenshots are readily available for those seeking a deeper dive into the film's technical aspects.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, many releases, including Shout Factory's, boast original lossless stereo 2.0 and 5.1 audio options. This enhances the viewing experience by allowing viewers to appreciate the sound design and the films score, which are integral to the film's atmosphere and suspense. The films are typically available in widescreen (1.85:1) format, ensuring that the visual composition is preserved, and that viewers see the film as intended by the filmmakers. The special features often include interactive menus, scene access, and a synopsis, providing easy navigation and a convenient way to revisit favorite moments.

Further exploration of the "Critters" universe reveals some interesting aspects. The franchise, while adhering to the creature feature formula, has a knack for creating memorable characters. Tom Hodges, Terrence Mann, and Al Stevenson were notably involved in "Critters 2". The films are often punctuated by moments of dark humor. It is a key ingredient that separates the "Critters" movies from many other horror flicks of the era.

The technical specifications of the DVD releases, such as the audio options (Dolby TrueHD, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0) and subtitle availability (English and Spanish), cater to a diverse audience. The exclusion of compatibility with regular DVD players for some releases, such as the "Return of the Living Dead," is a critical detail. This emphasizes the importance of checking the specifications before purchase, and it underlines the ever-evolving nature of home video formats.

The "Critters" movies were made with a passion for their subject. The films effects, even with their dated appearance, continue to entertain and serve as a reminder of a time when a well-crafted monster effect was often more impressive than the latest computer graphics. "The making of Critters," with interviews with actors like Dee Wallace, Don Opper, Terrence Mann, Lin Shaye, producer Barry Opper, writer Brian Muir, and critters designers Charles Chiodo, Edward, offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

The actors themselves played a huge role in the films. Scott Grimes, Dee Wallace Stone, Aimee Brooks, and Don Opper brought the "Critters" universe to life, while also adding a dash of humanity to the chaotic situations. The involvement of Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt in the "Critters" franchise, albeit in early roles for DiCaprio in "Critters 3," adds a touch of star power and demonstrates the enduring appeal of the series. The terrified Brown family were trapped in a deadly nightmare and must fight for their lives against a deadly foe in the first movie.

The availability of the films through various retailers, as well as the possibility of finding cheap DVD movies and deals, makes the "Critters" franchise accessible to a wide audience. Programs like the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon Europe S. r.l. Associates Programme further facilitate the acquisition of these films, making it easier for fans to enjoy these classics. Free shipping offers on qualified orders also enhance the overall consumer experience.

The "Critters" franchise is a testament to the enduring appeal of creature features and B-movie charm. The films offer a blend of horror, humor, and practical effects that continues to entertain audiences decades after their initial release. The commitment to detailed special features, audio options, and video quality demonstrates a respect for the source material and the fans who appreciate it. The movies are much more than just a collection of films; they are a nostalgic trip back to an era when practical effects and the passion of filmmakers could create truly memorable cinematic experiences. The availability of high-quality releases, complete with meticulous restorations and bonus features, shows that the "Critters" legacy continues to be cherished and revisited by a dedicated fan base.

Check out more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2 for further investigation into the world of Critters and see it in a clearer resolution.

With a sharp focus on retaining the original film elements, these releases are not just a chance to relive the films, but a means to experience them as they were meant to be. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the "Critters" universe, the franchise offers a satisfying blend of monster mayhem and nostalgic entertainment, proving that some things truly do get better with age.

Critters 2 BD 1988 Critters 2 The Main Course [Blu ray]

Details

Critters 2 Blu Ray New Sealed Terror (Sleeveless Open) a B C eBay

Details

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Loraine Aufderhar
Username : voreilly
Email : vlind@willms.info
Birthdate : 1992-04-12
Address : 5175 Vernon Junction Apt. 134 Lake Harold, TX 48339
Phone : 972-903-9282
Company : Reichel-Lind
Job : Advertising Sales Agent
Bio : Cum sed iure assumenda nihil. Ut recusandae dolore a animi facere. Eveniet quisquam quo omnis fugit porro consequatur. Quo blanditiis perferendis nam sed rerum velit aliquid.

Socials

facebook:

url : https://facebook.com/bridgetpfannerstill
username : bridgetpfannerstill
bio : Consectetur perferendis blanditiis minus suscipit.
followers : 2993
following : 1593

instagram:

url : https://instagram.com/pfannerstillb
username : pfannerstillb
bio : Voluptas ea ipsum nobis. Laboriosam quod ut ipsum quasi. Voluptas et quod quis impedit.
followers : 2696
following : 2809