Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Frostbiter Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 2, 2023

Director Sam Raimi is a Michigander who created “The Evil Dead.” Tom Chaney is a director from Michigan who would love to be considered a peer to Raimi, fashioning his own version of “Evil Dead”-like happenings with “Frostbiter,” which brings viewers to a cabin in the woods for a haunting rooted in unreality. It’s a tiny picture shot over many years, and there’s something feisty about “Frostbiter” that’s appealing, with Chaney overseeing a plan to create a mess of monsters, demons, and survival panic, doing so with some serious DIY energy.

The sacred ground at Manitou Island has been disturbed, with The Guardian losing a challenge to protect the remains of the evil Wendigo. The Guardian calls out to Sandy (Lori Baker) to come to the island and take her place as the chosen successor, forcing her to battle sentinels to reach her destination. This special place is a cabin in the woods, with deer hunting goons Pete (Patrick Butler), Jerry (John Bussard), Leo (Devlin Burton), and Tony (Tom Franks) enjoying beer and chili, but peace is shattered by Gary (Ron Asheton), a fellow hunter who committed the crime of releasing the Wendigo, now on the run to escape its wrath.

“Frostbiter” has a defined fantasy foundation, with opening scenes establishing the importance of The Guardian and his protection of the Wendigo’s remains, hoping to avoid a disastrous resurrection with help from a “spiritual shield.” That plan doesn’t work, as ancient magic is no match for a beer-swilling hunter from Michigan, with Gary playing a part in the breakdown of Wendigo order, commencing a battle between forces of light and dark. Well, somewhat light, as the deer hunters aren’t the brightest bulbs, trying to enjoy a weekend of games, pornography, and chili, which is ruined by the unleashing of an unholy threat.

“Frostbiter” isn’t a polished production, but it gets by on genre ambition, with Chaney trying to keep the movie rolling along with attack sequences, including appearances from a she-beast and a chili-monster. He turns to basic filmmaking tools to achieve his vision, offering puppetry and stop- motion animation to visualize doomsday participants, giving “Frostbiter” some low-budget entertainment value. It’s no “Evil Dead,” but the endeavor has a certain charm when it tries to go a little crazy.

Frostbiter Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Frostbiter" is sourced from a 2K scan of the original camera negative. It's quite a refreshing for the endeavor, which offers strong detail throughout the viewing experience, finding helpful textures on monster appearances and human skin particulars. Interiors highlight plenty of decorative additions, and Michigan exteriors are deep, offering a feel of the remote location. Costuming is fibrous, especially with cold weather wear. Colors are active, with certain scenes favoring blueish lighting, and crisp winterscapes are inviting. Primaries on clothing are distinct, along with skin tones. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition.

Frostbiter Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There's some controversy with the original sound mix on "Frostbiter," which is addressed in the supplements. Short version: a producer elected to pump up soundtrack selections, crowding out dialogue exchanges, hoping to use music to make money. The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track certainly reflects such a creative choice, with songs cranked up throughout the listening event. The tunes often threaten intelligibility, but little is completely lost, save for a few lines even the subtitles can't process. It's very strange, but this is the way "Frostbiter" was originally released.

Frostbiter Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features co-writer/director Tom Chaney.

• "Wendigo Make a Movie" (25:38, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director Tom Chaney, who began work on "Frostbiter" in college, encouraged to actually put the script into production, piecing together a movie over the course of many years. Living in Michigan, Chaney found inspiration from "Evil Dead," pushing through a difficult production period that pulled resources from everywhere, receiving help from talented people. The perils of low-budget moviemaking are recalled, with Chaney battling long days, frigid weather, and an initially short film, forced to beef it up. Technical challenges are recalled, dealing with puppetry and old planes, and the interviewee goes into the joys of stop-motion animation. Eventually, the endeavor was purchased by Troma Entertainment, and Chaney recalls their enthusiasm for the project, and their demand that the title change from a simple "Wendigo" to "Frostbiter."

• "The Many Hats of a Wendigo" (14:39, HD) is an interview with producer David Thiry, who was with co-writer/director Tom Chaney from the beginning, helping to maintain some order as a "set dad" for the production. Anecdotes from the shoot are shared, with Thiry highlighting a few very dangerous stunts pulled off by the filmmakers. While a behind-the-scenes figure on "Frostbiter," Thiry ended up in front of the camera as well, playing a small part. The interviewee also highlights the future beyond "Frostbiter," staying with Chaney to achieve additional moviemaking dreams.

• "What Were We Thinking?" (18:59, HD) is an interview with actor Alan Madlane, who was pulled into production by co-star Ron Asheton, asked to join the strange days of "Frostbiter." The shooting experience is recalled, with Madlane sharing amusing anecdotes concerning physical challenges and time with co-stars, also recalling his numerous interactions with hockey legend Gordie Howe. The interviewee also explores the strange cult longevity of "Frostbiter," almost unable to process how the feature has a fanbase.

• "Frankenstein's Wendigo" (13:11, HD) is an interview with stop-motion animator Dave Hettmer, who recalls his first connection with co-writer/director Tom Chaney, building on his early interests and employment in the animation industry. Talk of technique is included, with Hettmer playing tribute to his heroes, trying to deal with the low-budget requirements of "Frostbiter." The interviewee pulls out a character from the feature, highlighting his artistry and the nuance of the work. Hettmer's time on "Army of Darkness" is also spotlighted, pointing out the scenes he worked on.

• "A Friend in Need" (7:40, HD) is an interview with actor John Bussard, who made a connection with co-writer/director Tom Chaney as teenagers, sustaining their friendship into film production, sacrificing hours at Red Lobster to join the "Frostbiter" team. A homemade fire gag is detailed, with Bussard's arm set ablaze, miraculously avoiding injury. The interviewee spent a single day on set, offering a few memories from the shoot.

• "Sound of a Wendigo" (11:34, HD) is an interview with sound editor/actor Paul Harris, who made his technical debut with "Frostbiter," getting into the DIY spirit of the endeavor. With the film coming up quite short, Harris was brought in to act, helping to pad the picture with new scenes. The interviewee details the battle over the final mix, which emphasized music over dialogue to help sell the soundtrack.

• Image Gallery (7:31) collects BTS snaps, poster art, and promotional materials.

• Archival Extras (SD) offer "Ron Asheton Featurette" (6:33), "Promo Video" (2:46), "Video Trailer" (1:00), "Behind the Scenes Footage" (6:34), "Michigan Premiere" (9:12), "Troma Introduction" (2:24), and "Troma Promo Video" (2:14).

Frostbiter Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Frostbiter" doesn't offer incredible make-up, strong performances, or a ripping pace (the picture is padded with faux news reports). And it features an irritating soundtrack of jokey songs offered at an intrusive volume. There's not a lot to love here, but "Frostbiter" certainly has the glow of small-time filmmakers working extra hard to deliver an R-rated comedy-horror experience of some worth, with Chaney looking to scratch some serious "Evil Dead" itches with this valentine to deadites and apocalyptic happenings occurring in a cabin in the woods.