Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Bubba Ho-Tep 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 6, 2023

As the director of “Phantasm,” Don Coscarelli is no stranger to making weird films, and 2002’s “Bubba Ho-Tep” is one of his strangest, working with author Joe R. Lansdale on an adaptation of his novella. It’s a story of despair turned into purpose when Elvis (Bruce Campbell) and John F. Kennedy (Ossie Davis) rise up in their nursing home, working to defend the residents from the arrival of Bubba Ho-Tep, an ancient, soul-sucking evil. Lansdale’s premise is a corker, but the idea of “Bubba Ho-Tep” is usually more enticing than the actual picture, which is superbly performed and occasionally inspired, but mostly wrestles with its limited budget and lack of adventures for the characters to undertake.

“Bubba Ho-Tep” takes a good look at the process of death, with Elvis facing his mortality and the presence of a tumor on his penis – a source of concern the material returns to repeatedly. Coscarelli takes his time with the feature, and that’s not always a good thing, as the picture slows to a stop on several occasions, unable to do much with the super senior citizens and their supernatural battle, as the production just doesn’t have the cash to make much noise. Characterization is enjoyable, especially with Elvis and his strange history with an impersonator, and there are colorful types around the nursing home. “Bubba Ho-Tep” has periodic blasts of violence, including a few bug attacks, but pacing is an issue here, with Coscarelli unable to build a rich sense of suspense and dark comedy for the endeavor.

For additional analysis and information, please read Jeffrey Kauffman’s 2016 Blu-ray review.

Bubba Ho-Tep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Shout Factory originally released "Bubba Ho-Tep" on Blu-ray in 2016, and they return to the title with a new UHD release, which is listed as a "New 2022 scan of the original negative." The Dolby Vision viewing experience isn't perhaps a massive upgrade from the previous disc, but this isn't a feature meant to wow in a visual sense. Detail comes through nicely, exploring heavy makeup on Campbell, which delivers deep wrinkling. Such signs of age are naturally found on co-stars, who also retain sharp appearances. Costuming carries fibrousness, with the flashier Elvis outfits textured. Nursing home interiors retain dimension and decoration. Exteriors also deliver depth. Colors are respectfully refreshed, with the muted sense of dreariness inside the nursing home preserved, while outdoor greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Primaries are appealing, with a fresh sense of stage lighting and fashion choices. Deep blacks are present, losing nothing to evening encounters and limited lighting. Highlights are reserved but appreciable, with a fuller sense of sunlight and fire. Grain is adequately resolved, but still carries a frozen appearance at times.

Bubba Ho-Tep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix secures clear dialogue exchanges, handling thickly accented work from Campbell, who really digs into Elvis-ian speak at times. More animated responses to crisis moments are balanced. Scoring supports with crisp instrumentation, delivering a delicate guitar sound, and music carries a mild circular presence as well. Sound effects with monster moments are active, offering directional movement. Low-end is more active with an Elvis performance and violent activity, including explosions.

Bubba Ho-Tep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features director Don Coscarelli and actor Bruce Campbell.

• Commentary #2 features "The King."

• Commentary #3 features author Joe R. Lansdale.

• "The Making of 'Bubba Ho-Tep'" (23:34, SD) is an exploration of the production process, featuring interviews with director Don Coscarelli, author Joe R. Lansdale, producer Jason R. Savage, makeup artist Howard Berger, and actors Bruce Campbell, Ella Joyce, Ossie Davis, Reggie Bannister, and Heidi Marnhout. Early inspiration is recalled, with Coscarelli learning more about Lansdale's work in horror, eventually drawn to his use of Elvis and the mummy in short story form, looking to make a movie out the premise. Rejected by all the studios, Coscarelli was determined to make the project work, turning to Campbell for some genre star power. Davis's participation is also covered, bringing his gravitas to the part. Production challenges are shared, with Coscarelli trying to squeeze as much as possible out of his low budget, including stunt work, which worked with a lot of fire gags. Makeup efforts are detailed, with Campbell spending plenty of time getting ready for cameras. The release of "Bubba Ho-Tep" is briefly examined, with the picture launching at the Toronto Film Festival to sold-out shows.

• "The King Lives" (22:01, HD) is an interview with actor Bruce Campbell, who recalls his relationship with director Don Coscarelli, reflecting on the almost handmade approach to "Bubba Ho-Tep" and his attention to detail. Co-star Ossie Davis is celebrated, accepting the part when his children pushed him to do it. The vibe of Elvis Presley is examined, with Campbell trying to understand the icon's behavior and look, dealing with makeup and costuming. The release of "Bubba Ho-Tep" is recalled, with Campbell making personal appearances to help promote the movie. Sequel plans are examined, with differences keeping Coscarelli and Campbell away from production.

• "All is Well" (24:02, HD) is an interview with director Don Coscarelli, who explores the challenge of such strange material, describing it as "unfundable." Studio rejection was common, but the helmer was determined, collecting $700,000 and a small crew to begin production. Casting is highlighted, with Sam Raimi personally recommending Bruce Campbell for the part of Elvis. The creation of Bubba Ho-Tep is explored, celebrating the work of stuntman Bob Ivy. Coscarelli, without the backing of a major studio, turned to street teams to promote the slow release of "Bubba Ho-Tep," catching the interest of MGM during this time, with the company eventually releasing the feature on DVD. Sequel plans are analyzed, with Coscarelli coming close to making it happen, only to have Campbell reject the screenplay.

• Toronto Film Festival Q&A (31:08, SD) finds director Don Coscarelli and actor Bruce Campbell entertaining the crowd after a screening of "Bubba Ho-Tep."

• Archival Bruce Campbell Interviews (34:41, SD) offers various anecdotes and goofing around with the actor.

• Location Tour (13:52, HD) visits the various places where "Bubba Ho-Tep" was shot.

• "Rock Like an Egyptian" (12:42, SD) is an interview with composer Bryan Tyler, conducted by director Don Coscarelli.

• "Joe R. Landsdale Reads from 'Bubba Ho-Tep'" (7:58, SD) is a performance piece from the author.

• "Fit for a King" (6:46, SD) is an interview with costume designer Shelley Kay.

• "To Make a Mummy" (5:02, SD) examines the creation and execution of the Bubba Ho-Tep creature.

• "Mummies and Makeup" (8:56, HD) is an interview with special makeup effects supervisor Robert Kurtzman.

• "Footage from the Temple Room Floor" (2:09, SD) highlights some deleted shots.

• Deleted Scenes (3:16, SD) are provided, with optional commentary from director Don Coscarelli and actor Bruce Campbell.

• "The Premiere" (3:15, SD) explores a 2002 screening of "Bubba Ho-Tep" at The Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles.

• Image Gallery (4:17) collects BTS snaps, promotional appearances, and film stills.

• Music Video (2:19, SD) features film clips and a performance from composer Brian Tyler.

• T.V. Spot (:32, SD) is offered.

• And a Trailer (2:16, HD) is included.

Bubba Ho-Tep 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Keeping "Bubba Ho-Tep" entertaining is Campbell, offering one of his finest performances as Elvis, which avoids cartoonish extremes while still remaining cheeky about the icon's life. Campbell keeps his Elvis as real as possible, paired well with Davis, who seems to be having fun as JFK, with the character eventually on the hunt for a mummy in cowboy gear. "Bubba Ho-Tep" has the aura of a ripping good time with cult cinema extremes, but it never fully lives up to its genre promise, watching Coscarelli battle encroaching dullness with a tale that seems better off in short film form.