5.1 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
This time out, it's an urban family who picks up one of the fast-multiplying beasties while on vacation, although they are warned by Charlie, a veteran of the creatures' earlier attacks. Once widower Clifford and his kids Annie and Johnny return home to their apartment building, the critter begins to reproduce, and the tenement becomes overrun with diminutive, hungry killers. With the appearance of the resourceful Charlie and the heroics of Clifford, the critters' days are soon numbered.
Starring: Aimee Brooks, John Calvin, Katherine Cortez, Leonardo DiCaprio, Geoffrey BlakeHorror | 100% |
Thriller | 21% |
Sci-Fi | 7% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.86:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
BDInfo
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
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.
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.
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" 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.
(Still not reliable for this title)
1992
1988
1986
2002
Fox Studio Classics
1958
Collector's Edition
1988
4K Restoration
1981
Collector's Edition
1988
1988
Collector's Edition
2006
1972
2001
1977
2010
2017
2010
2-D Version
2012
Night Shadows / Limited to 2,000 Copies
1984
Mark of the Vampire
1957
Collector's Edition
1978