The Stuff

When a film satirizes both the consumer world and the horror genre at the same time, it's usually a winner. "The Stuff" from 1985 is a perfect example; it's the epitome of a black comedy even though the somewhat sci-fi elemental movie was marketed as a horror film. Arrow Video release the Blu-ray debut of a cult classic from the 80s, one that still stands the test of time even with its obvious low-budget limitations.

A white and gooey substance discovered on Earth, seen at the prologue of this 87 minute film, suddenly becomes the premiere food and dessert of humans who can't get enough of "the stuff." A young boy knows that the alien-like substance turns people into zombies and he goes on the run with a marketing executive and a food company worker (Michael Moriarity).

Along the way, "The Stuff" takes jabs at consumerism and addiction, two vices that come into play often in the film. Marketing campaigns and overindulgence are two other themes that are spoofed and at times, the movie rips off "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" while also paying loving tribute to the 1950s sci-fi classic.

Famed low-budget director Larry Cohen helmed "The Stuff" and he can be seen in the quite extensive featurette on the Blu-ray called "You Can't Get Enough of the Stuff." The name of this special feature references the commercial that plays incessantly in the film and Cohen talks about the filming process, casting, and his career in general.

Other features include an audio commentary by Cohen and the film's trailer. The HD transfer does have slight limitations, but looks tremendously better that previous DVD releases.

"The Stuff"
Blu-ray
$39.95
www.arrowvideo.co.uk