Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Critters 3 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 1, 2018

Of course, there’s only one reason why people are still aware of 1991’s “Critters 3.” It’s the one addition to the Crite saga that maintains outsider curiosity and fan endearment, and it’s the only part of the feature that shows any sort of inspiration. That’s right, when one thinks of the second sequel to “Critters,” the only thing that comes to mind is…Crites in the big city! Okay, okay, perhaps the real reason there’s still chatter about the effort is a supporting turn from Leonardo DiCaprio, who makes his film debut here, battling tiny monsters in a low-budget sequel a mere six years before he would hit a career grand slam in James Cameron’s “Titanic.” DiCaprio has come a long way since the direct-to-video endeavor and his refusal over the years to even discuss the movie is understandable, but there’s really no shame in starting small. After all, while “Critters 3” doesn’t maintain quality low-wattage frights and laughs like the two previous chapters, it does relatively well with the little it has to offer, making for an entertaining Crite attack offering that tries to bring a few new things to the franchise.

Still mourning the loss of their mother, siblings Annie (Aimee Brooks) and Johnny (Christian & Joseph Cousins) are happy to spend some quality time with their overworked father, Clifford (John Calvin), but a flat tire brings their vacation to a halt. Stopping to fix the issue, the kids meet Josh (Leonardo DiCaprio), whose stepfather, Briggs (William Dennis Hunt), owns their urban apartment, making plans to evict all the tenants and collect a fortune. Unfortunately, during the stop, Clifford’s truck picks up some hitchhiking Crites, bringing the ferocious aliens to their building, where they soon set out to devour the residents. While the adults deal with panic, Annie and Josh try to find a way out, finding some help from Charlie (Don Opper), who’s on the hunt for Crites, tracking them to the city.

While “Critters” managed to do some business at the box office before becoming a success on home video, “Critters 2” didn’t share the same luck. The picture tanked during its theatrical release in 1988, crippling plans for a proper New Line Cinema horror franchise, at least an expensive one. For “Critters 3,” the focus is on frugality, limiting scope to a rest stop and the apartment building, which becomes the battleground between the humans and the Crites. Director Kristine Peterson doesn’t have much money to do something eye-popping with the continuation and, even worse, she has to share production coin with “Critters 4,” which was shot right after “Critters 3,” with plans to bring both straight to VHS to keep superfans happy. It’s an uphill climb for Peterson, who’s tasked to make an installment of the PG-13 series without utilizing many of the tricks present in the previous efforts.

Limitations are apparent from the get-go, but Peterson finds a way to keep things compelling, working with screenwriter David J. Schow to give Annie some emotional weight, finding the teen sick of her inattentive father, forced to mother him and her younger brother. And there’s antagonism from Briggs, who’s looking to make quick cash by tearing down the building, making time to berate his stepson in the process. It’s not a finely shaded drama, but “Critters 3” has some character work to handle before the Crites bust out and begin their rampage. Or maybe half a rampage, with budget limitations keeping critter encounters less populated, forcing Peterson to come up with some fresh ways to restart the furry nightmare, including the super-powering of their rolling abilities and clearer communication, making them more of an alien gang than space rodents.

Critters 3 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

While "Critters" and "Critters 2" have been gifted new scans for their Blu-ray debut, "Critters 3" isn't afforded such luxury. However, Shout Factory tries to spruce up an old master for the AVC encoded image (1.86:1 aspect ratio) presentation, giving colors a refreshing to help the picture compete with its predecessors. Primaries are pronounced, offering a satisfactory view of period costuming, which delivers bold oranges and blues. Bloodshed keeps a deep red, while Crite death is supported by pea-soup green slime. Skintones run a little hot at times, but remain within the realm of natural. Detail isn't commanding, with only the strongest of texture emerging with any sort of authority, usually found with Crite close-ups and panicked human reactions. Softness remains, while grain is zombified, lacking filmic freshness. Delineation struggles at times, with the movie's immersion into dark apartment building corners and evening attacks challenging frame information, threatening solidification. Source has some speckling and scratches, a few jumpy frames, but no sustained damage.

Critters 3 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix isn't built to overwhelm, possibly reflecting the feature's direct-to-video origins, but the basics are presented without much concern. Scoring is inherently thin, with a feeble synth presence remaining a low priority for the track, only coming alive during prolonged Crite antics and human chase sequences. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, while they lack some technical punch at times, intelligibility isn't threatened, sustaining heightened response to Crite attacks. Monster calls and laughs are also easy to understand. Sound effects are appealing, offering louder gunplay and explosions, while alien spacecraft flybys deliver a modest sense of directional movement.

Critters 3 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features producer Barry Opper and star Don Opper.

• "You Are What They Eat" (26:27, HD) picks up the "Critters" story in the early 1990s, where the decision was made to create two sequels for the home video market for one low price. The glue holding the story together was the return of Don Opper as Charlie, while screenwriter David J. Schow was hired to craft the film, only to be called into duty on "Critters 4" when that movie's writer quit, leaving him to quickly assemble the epic tale. Dealing with a limited budget and no time, pressure was on director Kristine Peterson (who isn't pictured) to make a feature while facing many problems, including improper handling of the Crite puppets, which were more high-tech this time around. Such carelessness is detailed by the Chiodo Brothers, who also share anecdotes about the physical strain incurred while puppeting the monsters. Casting is celebrated, and while Leonardo DiCaprio is praised for his professionalism, his refusal to even discuss his screen debut seems to bum out the interviewees.

• Still Gallery (2:16) collects publicity stills, BTS snaps, and VHS cover art.

• A Trailer (1:39, SD) and a VHS Promo (1:46, SD) are included.

Critters 3 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Critters 3" doesn't have the manic energy of the first two films, and its handling of the details can be somewhat frustrating at times, especially when it comes to Charlie, whose true purpose on Earth is clouded until midway through the end credits. That's not how storytelling works. Bright performances generally save the day, along with a few enjoyable battles with the Crites. Peterson does fine with the single location, focusing on broad personalities to give the static nature of the sequel some life. Clearly, there are diminishing returns from this reunion with the Crites (which concludes with a cliffhanger for "Critters 4"), but lowered expectations help "Critters 3," which is a satisfactory sit for those simply in the mood to watch little monsters go crazy one more time.