Plot: What’s it about?
Dr. Paul Dean (Robert Glaudini) is a smart person and a capable scientist, but you might have your doubts after this next piece of news. In his work, he seems to have created a parasite and this one is bad news all around. An accident has released these bug-like parasites and these aren’t the kind of things you want running around. The parasites are big and bad, which means unless Dean and his assistant Patricia Welles (Demi Moore) can do something, the entire world is doomed to be infested. As if this isn’t enough pressure, these two also encounter a band of hoodlum rednecks and their leader Ricus (Lucio Bercovici), as well as a ruthless government agent. The rednecks want to cause all sorts of trouble and as for the government agent, he is not a good guy and he ends up slowing down Dean and Welles also. Can these two avoid the parasites and these humans long enough to stop the infestation before it begins?
Call me kooky, but I am always interested in storylines where massive bugs are involved. I might not like them all, but I am always willing the give big bug flicks a chance. This is such a film and while Parasite isn’t a household known movie, it does have serious star power in the form of Demi Moore. This was her second motion picture and her first leading role, but she seems right at home trying to survive this terrible bug attack. Add in the skills of veteran low budget producer/director Charles Band and I’d have to say, this one looks like it could be good. And the film does turn out to be good, though not in the typical sense of the word. It is always cool to see a huge star in an early role within a low profile horror flick, but this one also has some cool special effects (by Stan Winston & James Kagel) and the whole, has more fun moments than dull ones. This isn’t a masterpiece by any means, but Full Moon fanatics and low budget horror buffs will want to check it out. This new edition from Anchor Bay is the one to own, as it sports a new anamorphic widescreen transfer, not to mention a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. As Full Moon’s version was full frame only and had mediocre audio, its a no brainer to snatch Anchor Bay’s superior release.
We’ve seen Demi Moore as a stripper, a soldier, a juror, and many other roles, but this is her sole venture into the realm of low budget horror. Of course, no one knew who she was unless they watched General Hospital, but Moore still looks fine and turns in a decent performance, given the material she had to work with. I think fans of hers should check out the movie, as it offers the chance to see her within a genre she’s never went back to and that’s worth a look. She doesn’t show her charisma that much and she doesn’t have those implants just yet, but she still shines as brightly as she can. You can also see Moore in such films as Passion of Mind, A Few Good Men, Striptease, Indecent Proposal, Disclosure, G.I. Jane, and The Juror. The cast of Parasite also includes Robert Glaudini (Mississippi Burning), Lucio Bercovici (The Big Squeeze), and James Davidson (Gray Lady Down). At the helm of this movie is Charles Band, who knows a trick or two when it comes to low budget, but high entertainment horror movies. Band has produced a plethora of movies, as well as directing such pictures as Blood Dolls, Hideous!, Prehysteria, Dollman vs. Demonic Toys, and The Creeps.
Video: How does it look?
Parasite is presented in a 2.00:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I am pleased to have this in widescreen, but I do wish Anchor Bay could have worked some of their usual magic here, as the image is not too impressive. As with Full Moon’s release, the print shows some debris and in truth, is sometimes smothered in grain. In darker scenes, this causes some real problems, as detail is hampered and black levels are somewhat compromised. The lighter scenes look solid however, though the grain never lets up too much. The colors look good however, with bright hues and flesh tones are natural, so this isn’t a total lost cause. In any event, it looks better than Full Moon’s release and is in widescreen, which means even though it isn’t much of an improvement, it still outshines the competition.
Audio: How does it sound?
A new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack has been included and while it isn’t a reference level option, it does offer a more effective experience. The surrounds are used often, but never forced into action, which often happens in these remixes. In this case, the surrounds are used to enhance some scenes and add to the atmosphere, which means the elements sound natural, just with some added punch. The dialogue remains in fine form also, as the other audio ingredients never overpower or drown out the vocals. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, in case that better suits your home theater needs.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
