Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 25, 2025

Before “South Park” dominated pop culture, before “Team America” could save the world, and before “Orgasmo” could…gasmo, there was 1993’s “Cannibal! The Musical.” Initially conceived by writer/director Trey Parker as a student project for the University of Colorado Boulder film program, the effort was soon stretched to a feature-length undertaking, exploring the days of convicted cannibal Alferd Packer with help from a little song and dance. The picture is really the first shot fired in Parker’s movie musical career (developed throughout “South Park” before graduating to Broadway with “The Book of Mormon”), and while “Cannibal! The Musical” is rough around the edges and could use a great deal of editorial tightening, it remains a striking achievement in low-budget cinema. Filled with humor, creativity, and an accomplished soundtrack of memorable tunes, the offering is something of a triumph for Parker and his team, who manage to show real talent in their debut, and these gifts would go on to be developed with help from Hollywood money.

In 1873, a group of Utah miners are ready to head to Colorado Territory for greater fortune in the gold business, requiring help from a guide to get there. Alferd (Trey Parker), a Colorado native, is volunteered for the job, and joined by his trusty horse, Liane, he sets off eastward, with only a vague sense of the land. Soon enough, the gang is lost and conditions are punishing, putting pressure on Alferd to find his way. Blocking such progress is a cyclops, a tribe of Japanese Native Americans, raging river crossing, and French trappers who conspire to steal Liane, pulling Alferd and his travelers off the path, with profound hunger overtaking their thoughts, allowing madness to set in.

“Cannibal! The Musical” is primarily told in flashback via Alferd, who’s in prison awaiting his date with death after the loss of his Colorado Territory party. Polly (Toddy Walters) is a local reporter interested in the case, meeting with Alferd to hear his side of the story. Editing balances the dual stories reasonably well, giving Parker a little more tale to tell as he comedically inspects Alferd’s misadventures in travel, joined by a small collection of eager miners, including horny George (Dian Bachar) and nerdly Humphrey (Matt Stone, in the most “South Park”-ian character). Parker also sets the musical mood of the feature right away, amusingly identifying “Cannibal! The Musical” as a lost movie from the “Oklahoma!” era of Hollywood endeavors. While he doesn’t have the cash or technical polish, Parker certainly nails songwriting, giving the film a list of terrific tunes to help expand characterization and playfulness, which adds so much to the viewing experience.

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers an introductory information card explaining that the Degausser Video release is a 4K scan of a 35mm print, while "Cannibal! The Musical" was originally shot on 16mm film and finished on video. The label even made a video about their efforts. What's here isn't going to win on detail, but a basic sense of frame information is available. Skin particulars aren't completely there, yet an appreciation of makeup work and gory events is possible. Exteriors offers very mild depths, helping with the outdoor atmosphere of the movie. Colors are basic, with slightly cranked up skin tones to help simulate the aged appearance of the feature. Greenery is acceptable, and other elements of nature, including blue skies, remain understood. Delineation is passable. Compression is also stable. Source is in decent condition.

Cannibal! The Musical Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a straightforward sense of dialogue exchanges, remaining simple with clear performance choices and some appreciation for technical limitations. Music supports with sharp instrumentation and defined vocals, giving musical numbers necessary presence. Sound effects are basic.

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

Disc 1

• Commentary #1 "Inebriated" features Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Jason McHugh, Dian Bachar, and Andy Kemler.

• Commentary #2 "Colorado" features costume designer Elki Neiberger, producers Ian Hardin and Alexandra Kelly, and actors Robert Muratore, Jon Hegel, and Toddy Walters.

• Commentary #3 "Cast and Crew" features Jon Hegel, Alex & Ian Keldin, Andy Kemler, Elki Neiberger, Robert Muratore, and Toddy Walters.

• "Fudge, Packer? The True Story of 'Cannibal! The Musical" (66:01, HD) features interviews with executive producer Andrew Kemler, producer Jason McHugh, cinematographer Robert Muratore, editor Ian Keldin, production manager Alex Keldin, costume designer Elki Neiberger, journalist Sarah West, studio executive Pam Brady, and actors Toddy Walters, Jon Hegel, and Don Yannacito. The origin of the material is detailed, including background information on the real Alferd Packer, while the project was formed at the University of Colorado Boulder, bringing students together to make a very strange take on real-world horror. Dealing with a depressing event in his life, Trey Parker as driven to make the movie, initially creating a trailer to entice investors. Attracting interest from rising star Moira Kelly, the producers found a way to make the film seem legitimate to backers, only to have the actress drop her commitment without notifying anyone. The shooting experience is recalled, identifying locations, equipment, horse issues, crepe hair beards, costuming, extras, and publicity. The post-production journey of "Cannibal! The Musical" is tracked, extending to an outsider screening at Sundance, which connected Parker to Brady, launching his career.

• "Nineteen and Horny" (20:00, HD) is an interview with actor Dian Bachar, who met Trey Parker and Matt Stone in college, developing a love of film production in Colorado, which eventually led to move to Los Angeles. An overview of his career is offered, including roles in "Nightmare Alley" and "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place." The production process on "Cannibal! The Musical" is recalled, which blended into many student movies made at the time. The interviewee also goes into detail about the river crossing sequence and his chance to do some singing.

• "Despite all the Cannibalism" (17:03, HD) features interviews with producer Jason McHugh and theater directors Lisa Gardner and Raleigh Lench, and delves into the effort to bring "Cannibal! The Musical" to the stage.

• Image Gallery (7:44) collects BTS snaps and local production and premiere clippings, where it was shown under the title "Alferd Packer: The Musical."

Disc 2

• 2008 Interviews (SD) include Trey Parker (20:44), Matt Stone (26:10), and Jason McHugh (21:52).

• "A Tromatic Visit with the Creators of 'Cannibal! The Musical'" (7:06, SD) is an interview with Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Jason McHugh at Parker's beach house, tracking the development and execution of the feature.

• Behind-the-Scenes Footage (14:24, SD) is a decent assembly of moments from the "Cannibal! The Music" shoot.

• "Various Troma Introductions" (5:42, SD) highlight Lloyd Kaufman's various attempts to hype up "Cannibal! The Musical," occasionally joined by other Troma Entertainment icons, and a young James Gunn.

• Deleted Scene (7:46, SD) offers additional time with the Native American tribe.

• Image Gallery (3:24) collects poster art, film stills, and BTS snaps.

• Alternate Titles (2:34, SD) identify the film as "Alferd Packer: The Musical."

• VHS Promo Video (1:44, SD) is push by Troma to use the success of "South Park" to sell videotapes.

• "'Cannibal! The Musical': Close Ups!" (22:55, SD) provides an overview of theatrical versions of the film.

• "'Cannibal! The Musical' Compiled Footage" (15:43, SD) offers additional footage from theatrical productions.

• "Lloyd Kauffman: Live on Stage" (3:37, SD) is a 2006 clip of the Troma Entertainment honcho appearing in a staging of "Cannibal! The Musical."

• Trailers (SD) include "Alferd Packer: The Musical" (2:48) and "Cannibal! The Musical" (1:30).

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

There's a lot of insanity in "Cannibal! The Musical," and even in student filmmaker mode, Parker shows some command of jokes and performances, working to keep the movie rolling along as silliness while dealing with the darkness of human suffering. Not everything connects in the picture, and overlength is an issue as a few scenes feel endless, but the core adventure is solid, and laughs are plentiful, especially when taking on the madness of the journey and its eventual detour into flesh-eating extremity. "Cannibal! The Musical" is an extremely fun offering, connecting as its own B-movie exploration into filmmaking ingenuity and inspiration. And it clicks as a debut for Parker, who would go on to refine his talents for future musical endeavors.