Creature from the Black Lagoon 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Creature from the Black Lagoon 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

'Creature from the Black Lagoon 4K' returns in this Walmart-exclusive steelbook courtesy of Universal. The 1954 film features the last of the classic Universal movie monsters, a fraternity that began with 'Dracula' (1931) and includes 'Frankenstein' (1931), 'The Wolf Man' (1941), 'The Invisible Man' (1933), 'The Mummy' (1932), 'The Bride of Frankenstein' (1935), and 'Phantom of the Opera' (1943). All of the legacy special features are brought forward to this release. A Blu-ray with a 2D and 3D presentation is also included, as is a Digital Code. Please scroll down to the 'Special Features and Extras' section below for a discussion of this new steelbook.

Creature from the Black Lagoon 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For a review of the 4K 2160 presentation, please read Martin Liebman's review of the 2023 UHD release. To learn more about the 1080p 2D and 3D presentations, please revisit the 2013 Blu-ray release.

Creature from the Black Lagoon 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

For an analysis of the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono lossless audio track that accompanies each video presentation, please refer to the review of the 2013 Blu-ray release.

Creature from the Black Lagoon 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Comic legend Alex Ross' beautiful black-and-white art of the Creature from the Black Lagoon, which fans first saw as part of his Universal Monsters series at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, graces the cover of this Walmart-exclusive steelbook. The image features the Creature (or Gill-man) rising from the murky depths and reaching out for unaware swimmer Julia Adams. Various fish swim through the lower half of the artwork while the top half is dominated by Adams' mostly submerged body. The menacing Creature is, as he should be, perfectly centered, his right arm extended and mere seconds away from his quarry. Ross' signature is found in the lower right corner. The original giclee on canvas limited edition sells for a princely sum these days, so this is a very economical way for collectors to add this moody and evocative artwork to their collection. The reverse is simply the film's logo floating in a textured black-and-white field. Opening the steelbook we find a collage of images from the film, with a profile of the Creature as the main image on the left side, and Richard Carlson holding a frightened Julia Adams serving as the focal point for the right (under the discs). The text of the title on the black spine is centered and is very similar to the font used on the back.

Creature from the Black Lagoon 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Alex Ross' artwork has always been stunning and the piece used for the cover of this steelbook is no exception. In this one image, the tension and emotional core of the film are captured perfectly. While the image of the Creature on the standard 4K UHD release of Creature from the Black Lagoon is certainly attractive, this release provides a beautiful alternative for fans of the film and steelbook collectors alike. Recommended.