The Blob - Collector's Edition

Long before horror movie remakes became the new norm, a cult classic from the 1950s was remade – with mixed results.

"The Blob" touted larger and more expensive special effects, and also a bigger budget, than its predecessor. The end result, now seen on Shout Factory's latest horror release under their Scream Factory imprint, shows a mixed bag of gore and humor with some stilted acting.

The 1950s original edition of "The Blob" made a star of movie icon Steve McQueen. It was ahead of its time, but the 1988 remake upped the bloody shenanigans that were only hinted at in the '50s.

1988's "Blob" made a star out of, well, no one really. But leads Kevin Dillon and Donovan Leitch were already a bit established while they played town of Arborville residents on the run from an alien, slimy beast.

Most of the characters seem sweet and innocent, a throwback to the original. Yet actress Shawnee Smith kicks serious ass when it comes time for her character to go face to face with The Blob.

With this Collector's Edition you'll find an overabundance of 14 new extras. That alone is well worth a Blu-ray purchase, even if neither Kevin Dillon nor Shawnee Smith appears in any interview segments. (Smith does do a new audio commentary, though.)

Interviews with the charming Candy Clark ("Minding the Diner") and still-handsome Donovan Leitch Jr. ("They Call Me Mellow Purple") are most enjoyable, and it's nice to hear director Chuck Russell talk about his other work on such '80s horror staples as "Hell Night" and "Nightmare on Elm Street 3" in his two-part interview.

"From Haddonfield to Arborville" talks to Craig Sterns about his work on the original "Halloween" and "The Fog," and his transition to "The Blob."

"The Blob"
Blu-ray
$29.99
www.shoutfactory.com