5.5 | / 10 |
Users | 3.9 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.7 |
A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop an alien invader.
Starring: Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, Tim Robbins, Ed Gale, Chip ZienComic book | 100% |
Fantasy | 92% |
Sci-Fi | 89% |
Comedy | 88% |
Dark humor | 16% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: DTS 2.0
French: DTS 2.0
English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 1.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
When Howard the Duck released in 1986, there weren't many bigger, or more revered, names in Hollywood than George Lucas, the man behind the Star Wars phenomena and a certain box office revenue generator. While he didn't direct Howard, his name attached as a producer carried a lot of weight and helped generate some excitement and momentum around the film. Then the reviews began to pour in. Howard the Duck, the live-action adaptation of the Marvel comic series, flopped with critics. Hard. It also didn't sit well with audiences, either. The film barely recouped its budget but has gone on to carve out an interesting niche in the annals of recent cinema history, remembered as a bonafide disaster but also, and almost fondly, as a must-see curiosity. The film hasn't gotten better with age, but reaction to it certainly has. The movie is abysmal, but it's charming at the same time, an example of bad storytelling and filmmaking softened by the glow of nostalgia goodhearted jabs in the cult-favorite arena where bad movies go to find a second chance not at redemption, but at accomplishing what most every movie sets out to achieve: satisfy its audience, one way or another.
The Odd Couple.
Howard the Duck's 1080p transfer offers a nice step forward from the old DVD. Universal's presentation enjoys a light, even grain structure that accentuates the film's cinematic characteristics. Grain only spikes on the rare occasion. Details are rock-solid, for the most part. While human faces are curiously flat and processed, general film detail impresses. Howard's fur, clutter around Beverly's apartment or back alleys, and even texturing on cheaper set pieces and props (particularly during the final confrontation) are nicely revealing and sharp. Color balance is good. Beverly's red jacket and umbrella are highlights, particularly against some of the darker early film backdrops, but brighter daytime exteriors and a well-lit diner, for instance, help ensure a neutral and pleasing palette. Black levels are satisfyingly deep. Flesh tones sometimes struggle, favoring a red-tinted push. Minor wear and tear is evident, but is never intrusive. Compression anomalies are not particularly problematic. Fans should be very pleased with what is an imperfect presentation, but that certainly represents the best the movie has ever looked for home viewing, and by a wide margin.
Howard the Duck sports an impressively balanced and oftentimes exciting DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The movie's sound design offers plenty of opportunity for involved and detailed movement. Howard's journey through his apartment features loads of heavy zipping and swooping about the soundstage. Surrounds are fully engaged and while the low end doesn't rumble, there's a nice support structure to enjoy. Additional action scenes are never shy about engaging the entire stage, whether a major chase scene in an Ultralight plane or during the movie's chaotic, monstrous climax. Rock music is nicely aggressive with a naturally sharp edge to instrumentals and fine vocal definition. Score is likewise a highlight, presenting with plenty of space along the front and pleasing clarity. Background ambience impresses when called upon, an example coming partway through the movie when Howard, Beverly, and Dr. Jenning meet in a diner; light background music and other supportive environmental details work together to create a believable atmosphere, and the action that follows enjoys sustained aggression and stage saturation. Dialogue delivery is clear and detailed with no prioritization problems. As with the video, this is an impressive presentation and easily a big step forward from the film's previous home video releases.
Howard the Duck contains a handful of old extras. No top menu is included. All extras must be accessed in-film from the pop-up menu.
Howard the Duck is worth watching if only for its pop culture stature as one of the most beloved and widely known of all the bad movies. It's not at all entertaining in the traditional sense, even when trying to view it from the perspective of the movie's tongue planted firmly in its own cheek, but it's a good party movie that should elicit some laughter, intentional or otherwise. Universal's Blu-ray delivers a good all-around home video experience, yielding satisfying 1080p video and lossless audio. Extras are comprised of a collection of vintage features. Recommended, because no home video library is complete without Howard the Duck.
1980
2016
Collector's Edition
2024
2015
2024
1953
The Love Factor
1969
Extended Edition
2016
1996
2010
1990
Collector's Edition
2023
1988
1984
2019
2014
DC Universe Animated Original Movie #19
2014
1993
Marvel Knights
2009
2008