Theatrical Release Date: Canada / USA, 1982
Director: William Fruet
Writer: John Beaird
Cast: Henry Silva, Nicholas Campbell, Barbara Gordon, Gina Dick, Joy Thompson, Ralph Benmergui, Allan Royal, Sam Malkin, Stuart Culpepper, John Rutter, Danone Camden, Jeff Toole, Jere Beery, Ervin Melton, Wallace Wilkinson, Lloyd Semlar, Randall Deal, Leonard Flory

DVD released: August 18th, 2009
Approximate running time: 93 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Mono English
Subtitles: N/A
DVD Release: Code Red
Region Coding: Region 0 NTSC
Retail Price: $22.98

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Synopsis: While examining an abandoned mine a group of explorers are attacked by a creature that year’s before had kill the last miners who dared to enter his lair.

The plot is non–existent, the acting is mediocre, the direction is uninspired and the monster in the film is beyond description. Another area that this film comes up short is its tedious pacing which makes the films ninety three minute time length, a chore to get through. Made on a minuscule budget it is not surprising that some many areas of this film are lacking. To its credit The Strangeness went against the current horror trends of the day and centered the film on its monster made out of the archaic process known as stop-motion animation. While the term “a film that is so bad it is good”, is thrown around way to often. The Strangeness is a film that epitomizes this cliched saying.

The DVD:

Code Red presents The Strangeness in an anamorphic widescreen that preserves the film’s original aspect ratio. This transfer has been flagged for progressive playback. This film was shot on 16mm and the image fares well with colors and flesh tones look accurate and black levels look strong throughout. Print damage is mild and there is noticeable grain that varies in degree throughout.

This release comes with one audio option a Dolby Digital mono mix in English. Outside of a few minor issues with distortion the audio sounds balanced and dialog is clear throughout.

Extras for this release include a stills gallery with music from the film playing in the background and six shorts films Origins (7 minutes 3 seconds), Eat at Joes (40 seconds), It Stalked the Night (6 minutes 38 seconds), Grave Sight (6 minutes 42 seconds), Daddy’s Gone Hunting (3 minutes 42 seconds) and The End (1 minutes 54 seconds). These six shorts film’s where made by Mark Sawicki made while attending USC film school. Their inclusion is a welcome addition even if they are nothing more than an interesting curiosity. Other extras include three interviews, the first with screenwriter / director Melanie Anne Phillips (15 minutes 11 seconds), the second interview with actor / special effects Mark Sawicki (8 minutes 54 seconds) and the third interview with actor / screenwriter / producer Chris Huntley (12 minutes 25 seconds). The main extra included with this release is an audio commentary with Melanie Anne Phillips, Mark Sawicki, Chris Huntley and moderator Jeff McKay. The three interviews and the audio commentary give a solid overview about the production. Also include with this release is a very brief clip titled “Blinky” which is an approximation of what the monster from The Strangeness would look like now. Rounding out the extra are trailers for Brute Corps, The Statue, Trapped, The Visitor, Night Warning, Weekend Murders and Stunt Rock. Overall The Strangeness gets an exceptional DVD release from Code Red that is highlighted by an informative audio commentary.