Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		2.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		2.5

Calamity of Snakes Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman April 29, 2023

The salient question that may be running through many viewers' minds as they watch Calamity of Snakes is, "Where is/are Samuel L. Jackson and/or Neville Flynn when you really need him?", for this film is basically screaming for a character to shout that he's "had it with these mother****ing snakes!" It's also probably instructive to point out that this disc offers not just the theatrical version (and a so-called "uncut version" in standard definition), but also a "cruelty free version", which may allude to the fact that the titular slitherers meet some rather nasty fates in this story, without any benefit of actual "special effects" (meaning they really meet their fate).

Simply replace the time honored horror movie conceit of a housing development being built atop an ancient Native American burial ground with an apartment/condominium complex being built atop a weird pit that was filled with writhing snakes and you will have the general gist of what happens in Calamity of Snakes. There's really not much more here from a "narrative" standpoint, with a number of new inhabitants in the complex finding out there are other "residents" at the facility. There are a number of rather disturbing sequences in the theatrical version, including some truly horrifying footage of mongooses (mongeese?) and snakes battling it out. Suffice it to say, chances are even if Samuel L. Jackson and/or Neville Flynn aren't around, you may be screaming that famous signature line long before this film comes to a calamitous close.

Calamity of Snakes Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Calamity of Snakes is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Unearthed Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. This was obviously a low budget affair to begin with and it has evidently not been curated especially effectively, and the element utilized for this transfer is very aged and damaged looking at regular intervals. As can probably be gleaned from the screenshots I've uploaded to accompany this review, densities are anemic at best, and the entire presentation has a somewhat red-pink cast to it (even beyond the red infused psychedelic opening credits). Detail levels are variable, but at times, especially in close-ups, are decent if not outstanding. As with many Asian productions, there are some curious anamorphic anomalies that can be spotted, typically but not always toward the edges of the frame. Damage is quite evident throughout, with quite a few scratches and nicks. Grain can look noisy in the darkest moments.

Calamity of Snakes Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Calamity of Snakes features LPCM 2.0 Mono options in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Toggling between the three tracks can disclose some noticeable differences, including the fact that the Mandarin track in particular is pretty bright and maybe even a bit painful in the highest registers, something that's especially evident during some of the manic, high pitched score effects. There's a more full bodied accounting in the Cantonese track, but the most energetic track with the most consistent amplitude is the English. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout, despite some background noise. Optional English subtitles are available.

Calamity of Snakes Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Theatrical Version (HD; 1:26:17), Cruelty Free Version (HD; 1:16:41) and Uncut Version (SD; 1:26:53) are accessible either under the Main Menu or Extras Menu.


• From Shaw to Snakes: The Venom and Violence of Early Chinese Language Horror Cinema (HD; 1:16:25) is a surprisingly excellent overview of the "evolution" of Chinese based horror productions. Subtitled where needed in English, though there are a number of native English speakers featured.


• Reptilian Recollections: Lin Kuang-Yung in Conversation with Chui-Yi Chung (HD; 15:51) is a Zoom like interview and is subtitled in English.


• Alternate Credits (SD; 4:38) offer the Mandarin version.


• Gallery (HD; 1:00)


• Commentary with Nathan Hamilton and Brad Slaton is accessible under the Setup Menu once the Theatrical Version has been selected.

Calamity of Snakes Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

You might think that because these particular snakes are not on a plane, they'd be easier to escape from. You'd be wrong in that thought. This is a completely gonzo outing that has a few scattered moments of humor which are probably completely undercut (no pun intended) by the absolutely horrifying footage of snakes being killed in various ways. The film left me absolutely cold, but the documentary included is really quite good. Technical merits are proscribed at least in part by limitations in the source element, for those who may be considering making a purchase.