Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Justin Dekker April 17, 2025

From the creators of 'South Park', 'Cannibal! The Musical' arrives on Blu-ray disc courtesy of Refuse Films. Part Refuse's 'The TromArchive Collection Series 1', this release is sourced from the recently discovered Betacam master tapes and offers fans the best viewing option of this film. This slipcovered edition is limited to 3000 units and comes with a hours of supplemental features that include commentaries, interviews, BTS footage, and vintage Troma material.

Long before the television and theatrical juggernaut of South Park, the marionette mayhem of Team America: World Police or the Broadway smash The Book of Mormon Trey Parker and Matt Stone were film students in Colorado who crafted a trailer about a notorious Colorado resident named Alferd Packer. The trailer drew such a response that the pair, along with a host of then-current and recently graduated film students, felt compelled to actually create the the movie that would eventually become Cannibal! The Musical. While not as polished as those previously mentioned works, the film does foreshadow much of what was to come in those works, especially references to elements of pop culture, irreverent humor, and maliciously infectious and catchy songs. Buckskin Joe's Theme Park, now shut down and abandoned, was, back in its heyday, the setting for a number of films and the location elevates Cannibal! The Musical significantly, giving each of the scenes within and around its confines a production value far beyond the film's meager budget. I must confess that after watching this film numerous times for this review, it's going to be quite some time before I'll be able to get the "Shpadoinkle" song out of my head again. Consistent with their sense of humor, the film ends with a title carding that reads, Due to the graphic nature of this film, it should not have been watched by young children. Better late than never, I reckon.

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

To create the new 2024 HD remaster Refuse Films used the Betacam master tapes which they located in the Troma Archives in New York just last year. The resulting video presentation is, therefore, utterly unique to this release. As was stated in several of the commentary tracks, the original 16mm elements are lost, with some believing them to be in a basement or crawlspace of a home in Colorado. The new HD remaster, which is exclusive to this Refuse release, was approved by Robert Muratore, the film's director of photography. The amount of restoration performed here is obvious, and the results are quite impressive. The opening scene sports a dramatic removal of most colors, leaving only black, white, skin tones, and some all-important red - this is a cannibal film after all. Fine detail is acceptable here, with some definition in facial hair and features, and costume elements such as the fuzzy hat worn by Matt Stone representing with a fair tactile presence. Shifting to the courthouse and Packer's trial, reds still pop nicely, skin tones are generally healthy, and close-ups still reveal a fair amount of detail, even if midrange shots can be a bit soft. This trend carries over into exterior shots as well as Parker's Packer sings the film's first song. Close-ups provide fair details, but mid- or long-range shots yield different results with softness exerting itself, leaving grasses and foliage indistinct, and Parker and his horse are similarly affected. The mining operation at Bingham Canyon shows fair detail in the rockier elements, but needles on pines can appear blotchy. Colors here, especially blues, are nicely saturated. And this is the tale throughout. The image on display here is not perfect, but considering the project's origins and budget of under $200,000, one shouldn't really expect it to be so. But the film has never looked better on home video than it does here.

The 1995 UK VHS master is a decidedly different animal. The image is frequently noisy, with grain sometimes being quite blotchy. It may be somewhat harder to see in the opening monochrome sequence, but it is much more visible, sometimes distractingly so, beginning with the courtroom scene and moving forward. Here, fine detail is typically absent (the decorative elements of Polly's dress are suggested at best, and the lace collar fails to reveal its delicacy), black crush is rampant, and other issues assert themselves with regularity. Given the source material, this is hardly surprising. Some may prefer this presentation if only due to the vintage or "authentic" feel of it, and those who prefer such a presentation should be well accustomed to what they are met with here. Most viewers, however, will no doubt be selecting the 2024 HD remaster.

To be forthcoming, I do not possess the Degausser release to perform a detailed side-by-side comparison of these two recent iterations of Cannibal! The Musical. However, based on the screenshots that my colleague Brian Orndorf included with his review, to my eye, the results obtained by Refuse Films best it in every regard. The Refuse 2024 HD remaster boasts more realistic and vibrant colors, a sharper image, and greater depth and dimensionality. Again, based solely on the screenshots, I'd position what I'm seeing from the Degausser release somewhere between this title's UK VHS presentation and the Refuse HD remaster.

Screenshots #1-20 are sourced from Refuses 2024 HD Remaster.

Screenshots #26-30 are sourced from the UK VHS Cut.

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Liam Regan of Refuse Films states that this release utilizes the same DigiBeta stereo stems from the master tape that was used for all prior Troma releases of this title. It appears as dual mono as the track stores the left and right separately, but as there are differences between the two it still creates a stereo effect even though it's technically a 2.0 mono track. It's also worth noting that this is the audio track that Trey Parker originally approved for Troma to use. A new stereo mix approved by producer Jason McHugh is also included, but as the other was approved by Mr. Parker, that track remains the default. I spent time with both tracks, and I find that I prefer the original mix as it performs its job well and fits appropriately with the overall aesthetic of the film. Music elements are supported nicely, with respectable definition of various instruments and clear and clean vocals. Bass is sufficient for the era and nature of the production, even if it sounds a bit underwhelming to modern ears. Sound effects are adequately reproduced and dialogue is never less than understandable. It's a great companion to this early work by Parker and Stone.

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Refuse Films release of Cannibal! The Musical is loaded with a smorgasbord of extras providing hours of interesting viewing for the film's fans.

• Two Versions of the Movie
  • 2024 HD Remaster in Open Matte
  • 1996 UK VHS Cut in Open Matte

• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes (14.27) - Sourced from the 1992 VHS workprint from South Park Studios.

• Audio Commentaries
  • 2024 James McHugh Commentary (Moderated by Zack Beins of Talkin' Troma) - McHugh is extremely knowledgeable about the film, and he shares details about auditions, cast members, locations, music, lyrics, and the origins of the word "shpadoinkle". His comments are only occasionally driven by the action on the screen, but for fans of the film and/or South Park it's a fascinating listen.
  • 2024 Ian Keldin & Alex Keldin Commentary (Moderated by Chris Lanphear of Loudspeaker Studios) - The couple, who began dating during the production, start by sharing how they met before transitioning to the film. Time is spent discussing how roles shifted between the trailer and the film itself, Parker's decision to play Packer as somewhat clueless and more sympathetic, their efforts to raise money, and the search for the original film elements. It's casual and informative.
  • 2008 Cannibal Cast Commentary (Sourced from the 2008 Troma Team DVD Master) - This commentary features Jon Hegel, Alex Keldin, Ian Keldin, Andy Kemler, Elki Neiberger, Robert Muratore, and Toddy Walters.
  • 2008 Original Inebriated Commentary (Sourced from the 2000 Troma Team DVD Master) - Trey Parker, Matt Stone, James, McHugh, Dian Bachar, and Anderew Kemler enjoy beer wine and scotch as they watch and discuss the film. The track is funny, but no less informative as they discuss the itchy fake beards, Leanne, dropping the word "Shpadoinkle" into a song because a better word couldn't be found, their quibbles with the script, casting their film teachers, and a host of other topics. They laugh when they claim that Matt was doing Kyle's voice and marvel at the beautiful location in the shoot.

• Cast and Crew Interviews
  • 2024 Jason McHugh Interview (Filmed by Refuse Films in California) (14.22) - McHugh discusses how their group all worked on student films together, how the origins of the project were cathartic for Trey Parker, memories from the shoot, and the difficulty of bringing the final product down to 90 minutes.
  • 2024 Toddy Walters Interview (Filmed by Refuse Films in Colorado) (15.49) - Walters recalls seeing the trailer for the first time and her audition. She shares her remembrance of the shoot, her costume, her favorite moments from the film, other film projects, and her relationship with Parker.
  • 2024 Andrew Kemler Interview (Filmed by Refuse Films in Colorado) (11.04) - Starting with meeting Matt Parker, Kemler shares being the initial investor in the film, his unique haircut, and memories from the set.
  • 2024 Jon Hegel Interview (Filmed by Refuse Films in Colorado) (11.13) - Beginning with having Parker and Stone work on his film school project, he transitions to Cannibal! The Musical. He shares what he remembers about the Snowman song and the push for solid musical and gore elements.
  • 2024 Masao Maki Interview (Filmed by Refuse Films in Colorado) (12.38) - Maki talks about how he came to Colorado and eventually obtained a role in the film, before covering Orgazmo, the film's premiere, and his post-film career.
  • 1998 Troma DVD Interview (Sourced from the 2000 BetaSP Master) (7.02) - coming from rougher source material, Parker, Stone, and McHugh talk all things Cannibal!, from the project's origins, fundraising, shooting over spring break, and working with Troma.
  • 1994 Colorado University Lecture (Sourced from the 1994 VHS Master) (8.17) - This vintage footage features Professor Virgil Grillo, Director of Film Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, who introduces Matt Stone and others from the film, who then talk about how what was only ever envisioned as a trailer became a movie, and go on to recruit students from the class to serve as extras as they work to complete the shoot.

• Uncut Interviews
  • 2006 Uncut Trey Parker Interview (Sourced from the 2006 BetaSP Master) (1:04.40) - Filmed at his home, a recently married and hung- over Trey Parker sits down with Lloyd Kaufman for the eleventh-anniversary edition of Cannibal! The Musical. Kaufman and Parker discuss their history together, James Gunn, the stress of making 'Team America', making Orgazmo, and his displeasure at being compared to Family Guy. He shares his disappointment with doing the BASEketball film, but shares that he and Matt Stone learned a great deal during filming and leveraged many of those lessons when the pair made South Park: The Movie. Parker shares that the courtroom scene from Cannibal! utilized the transcript from the actual trial. The interview covers a great deal of ground before it concludes with a discussion of Troma's Poultrygeist and Parker signing an autograph.
  • 2006 Uncut Matt Stone Interview (Sourced from the 2006 BetaSP Master) (47.30) - Lloyd Kaufman interviews Matt Stone in the 'South Park' writer's room where the pair discuss Hollywood personalities, studio financials, and the stress associated with the production of 'Team America'. The conversation then moves on to 'Family Guy', censorship, the Oscars, and Sundance.
  • 2004 Uncut Jason McHugh Interview (Sourced from the 2004 BetaSP Master) (52.16) - Riding with McHugh to the Team America set, Kaufman uses the time to probe him on various topics about the film. McHugh discussed how they would alternately describe the film as a student film and/or an indy film depending on how it would help them the most given the situation. He speaks fondly of his time in film school, saying that it was excellent training for Hollywood. He discusses raising money for the film, writing and recording the music, the stage productions, and the festival scene. The interview continues when they arrive at the set the conversation continues, though Kaufman isn't allowed inside with his camera.
  • 2004 Uncut Team America Interview (Sourced from the 2004 BetaSP Master) (34.25) - It takes a while for Mr. Kaufman to get both men on the screen to offer advice for his project designed to help aspiring filmmakers make their own film, once both are in attendance, they quickly get to the intended business. Both men seem to be suffering under the weight of their then-current project Team America, and they discuss the difference between making an independent film versus a big studio film. They also share their thoughts on a variety of other subjects including tinkering with finished works, Orgazmo, and film ratings, with Kaufman occasionally weighing in with his history and experiences with Troma. As always, Kaufman seeks advice for first-time filmmakers.
  • 2004 Uncut Dian Bachar Interview (Sourced from the 2006 BetaSP Master) (1.45) - Bachar provides a brief piece of advice to those seeking to make their own movie.

• Tromarchival Extras
  • 2000 Troma's Edge TV Ep. 2 of 20 (Sourced from the 2000 DigiBeta Master) (24.11) - This episode features "A Naughty Photo Session: The Julie Strain Story", a PSA with Sgt. Kabukiman, a segment on scriptwriting, a scene from Cannibal! The Musical, Troma's Intelligence Test, a musical highlight from Cannibal, and an interview with Parker, Stone, and McHugh.
  • 1998 Spring Break '98 EPK Troma Tape (Sourced from the 1998 BetaSP Master) (27.22) - An entertaining series of promos for the Tromaville Cafe, Cannibal! The Musical, Tromeo & Juliette, Killer Condom, The Chosen One: Legend of the Raven, Sucker, Decampitated, a global warming PSA from Al Gore, and The Toxic Avenger,
  • 1997 South Park VHS Sales Pitch (Sourced from the 1997 BetaSP Master (1.42) - A sales promo for Cannibal! The Musical.
  • 1996 Troma Basement Ep. 2 of 16 (Sourced from the 1996 BetaSP Master) (7.44) - A sketch-filled film intro.
  • 1996 Cannibal! VHS Sales Pitch (Sourced from the 1996 BetaSP Master) (2.21)
  • 1996 Troma Cannibal! Trailers (Sourced from the 1997 BetaSP Master) (6.54)
  • 1995 Screen Edge UK Trailer (Sourced from the 1996 VHS Master) (1.36)
  • 1992 Alfred Packer Trailer (Sourced from the 1992 VHS Master) (2.41)

• Raw BTS Footage
  • 1992 Raw BTS Tape 1 (Sourced from the 1996 BetaSP Master) (42.44) - Members of the cast and crew are introduced with several commenting on the cold conditions before attention is turned to practical gore effects, rehearsing scenes, and preparing for takes. A considerable amount of time is devoted to preparing to cross the river with an expensive piece of equipment.
  • 1992 Raw BTS Tape 2 (Sourced from the 1996 BetaSP Master) (46.50) - More uncut BTS footage highlighted by the Snowman song, as the cast and crew are back doing cold location work.
  • 1992 Raw BTS Tape 3 (Sourced from the 1996 BetaSP Master) (25.37) - The final BTS footage that features takes of several scenes in much warmer location shots.

• Tromatic Excess
  • Troma Trailer Tape 2 (14.29) - Trailers for Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell, Maniac Nurses Find Ecstasy, Fatty Drives the Bus, Eve's Beach Fantasy, Buttcrack, and Teenage Cat Girls in Heat.
  • Troma Team Video Cannibal! Intros (12.56) - Introductions by Lloyd Kaufman and other familiar Troma faces for various home video releases of Cannibal! The Musical.
  • Cannibal! Live on Stage (18.54) - A brief look Cannibal! The Musical on stage, including a cameo from Lloyd Kaufman.
  • Cannibal! Digital Excess (34.18) - Lemmy shares some words about hermaphrodites, Parker's take on the joke "The Aristocrats", Kaufman's difficulties at a Best Western in Beverly Hills, an intro to his interview Trey Parker, con footage, and original art and stills from Cannibal! The Musical,
  • Radiation March (0.54) - Something of a staple of any Troma release that should be familiar to Troma fans.

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The amount of love and attention given to this release of Cannibal! The Musical is obvious, with the 2024 Refuse HD remaster making the film look the best that it possibly could (at least until such time as the original 16mm elements are unearthed). Given the cult that has grown up around this film, I'm confident that, should they ever be located, a new release will soon follow. Until that time, the Refuse Films HD presentation of Cannibal! The Musical should stand as the definitive release with its impressive video presentation and encyclopedic amount of supplemental material. For Troma fans, those with an affinity for off-beat and unconventional musicals, and the legions of South Park enthusiasts, Refuse's Cannibal! The Musical comes very highly recommended.