Why So Blu?

Shock Waves (Blu-ray Review)

Horror is a such an extensive genre in film that it even comes with its own set of sub-genres.  It goes further than that though.  Those sub-genres even have their own sub-genres, and its like there are sub-genres of sub-genres of sub-genres.  Surprisingly, one of those that branches out in many directions is the Zombie genre.  I even think there’s enough of them that today’s film could qualify for it.  And it might be one of the grand daddies of it.  I’m talking about Nazi zombie genre.  Of course during World War II, Adolf Hitler just HAD to have been experimenting with undead soldiers right?  Anyway, its one of those crazy concepts that is just so wild, it can’t be anything but fun when they do it in modern day.  How did it fair back in the 70s though?  That’s what we’re here to find out.  Join me as we take a trip back to the super low budget 16mm film, Shock Waves.

Film 

After being picked up by some fisherman at sea, Rose begins to account what had just happened to her.  She was on vacation and their boat experienced engine trouble.  They rowed off to an island where they found their ship captain drowned.  While treading further they find a building that houses an old Nazi commander.  This Nazi commander was in charge of these “Death Corps”.  Basically they are zombie Nazi soldiers that were to be sent on missions.  And, oh yeah, they inhabit this island!

If you’re looking for some sweet, gory, intense crazy zombie action that you get in modern zombie flicks; first be warned this is from 1977.  Also, if you’re looking for effects extravaganza late 70s and 80s zombie film that can be some good campy, cheesy fun…this possibly isn’t it either.  Shock Waves was done on the cheapest of cheap even though, impressively, there is a good number of scenes shot on boats on the water.  It was done in 16mm, just to get something of the commercial horror vein out there and make a buck for bigger more passionate projects.  Given what it is, though, its not all too bad.  Its a sort of novelty even if it does sort of drag along.  And there is some talent that seeps through the production as well.

These Nazi zombies look really cool.  They have a uniform appeal to them and the make-up work is actually pretty sweet.  Watching them rise from the water and stalk the forest is also a treat.  When it comes to kills, though, these Nazi zombies disappoint.  In lame fashion, pretty much all their kills are offscreen.  And the aftermath isn’t anything better either.  All they do is drown their victims.  Every time someone is found they are either underwater or floating, tongue out and eyes crossed.  This is the one thing that gets you really eager in a production like this, and their excellent makeup would lead you to believe some graphic kills are on the way.  Sadly not.

I know its a cheap production, and maybe my fandom places him higher than actuality, but they managed to get Peter Cushing in the film.  And as I always say, this guy is the ultimate professional  He’s terrific and as committed as always here.  Fun factoid, this film came out in 1977.  Meaning, Peter Cushing landed Star Wars likely after this film.  Also appearing is John Carradine.  Landing her first role here is the lovely Brooke Adams.  This was her first significant role.  Not too long after this she’d land some big parts in Days Of Heaven and Invasion Of The Body Snatchers.  Weirdly, this film wound up being one of her most known films she had a lead in.

I’m of two minds with Shock Waves.  On one hand, if people watch it and totally hate it,  I get that.  But, for as low budget as this was, there are things I can find to appreciate with it.  I think the cinematography is pretty terrific here and there were many great shots and sequences (That are allowed to seep through in this rough transfer).  I can’t say I totally enjoyed this movie, and for a zombie movie even its rather weak.  But, hey, if you’re looking for a safe zombie film for younger ones, this might work as its a rather bloodless affair.  Anywho, cult horror fans, this is definitely in your niche to check out and love/hate it.

Video 

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution: 1080p

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Clarity/Detail:  Shock Waves is never going to stun or look good on Blu-ray or any high definition.  It was shot in 16mm.  And when you’re not having the money for major restorations to massively enhance this image, you get the straight transfer.  And it looks rough.  The image has plenty of source issues, but also is very washed out.  There is also not much detail at all to be seen. The picture is very soft and at many times blurry.  Those of you who dig your super slick and polished studio releases might want to stray far away from checking this out.  It is what it is and its the best this has likely ever looked and may ever.

Depth:  Like a pancake, this thing is flat.

Black Levels:  Blacks are faded out and feature plenty of grain when they are dominant.  There is plenty of crushing in this as well.

Color Reproduction:  Colors are pretty faded.  Greens stick out most, but there is a boldness lacking here in the picture, likely do to age and the nature of the source.

Flesh Tones:  Skin tones are pretty washed out and flicker throughout.  Detail is the bare minimum. It took me a few scenes to notice that Peter Cushing had a rather glaring scar on his face.

Noise/Artifacts:  Heavy grain, film scratches, specs and dirt.  Also some light blocking was noticeable in a few areas.

Audio 

Audio Format(s): English Mono DTS-HD MA

Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Dynamics:  The audio is solid.  Its accompanied by a light analog hiss.  There is a pretty consistent clarity and volume to it.  The score sounds pretty lovely in this mix.  Foley sounds, vocals and the music all seem to have a nice loose balance here and never plod on the others foot.  For how rough the visual is on this, this audio is rather nice.

Low Frequency Extension:  N/A

Surround Sound Presentation:  N/A

Dialogue Reproduction:  There is a little audible analog hiss and maybe some slight pops, but the dialogue is clean and clear.  Not really any distortion, peaking or anything else to speak of.

Extras 

Shock Waves’ cover art has a promotional image on the reverse side.

Audio Commentary

• With Co-Writer/Director Ken Wiederhorn, Make-up Designer Alan Ornsby and Filmmaker Olen Ray

Nazi Zombies On A Budget (HD, 21:14) – An in depth interview with cinematographer Reuben Trane about making this film and his career.

Notes For The Undead (HD, 13:46) – An interview with composer Richard Cinhorn.

Sole Survivor (HD, 7:18) – Brooke Adams talks about landing her first “big” role and while it didn’t bring massive success, it mentally opened the door for her to continue.

From FLIPPER To SHOCK WAVES (SD, 7:45) – An vintage interview with Luke Halpin that looks to be taken from a previous release.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:52)

TV Spot (SD, :32)

Radio Spot #1 (HD, :32)

Radio Spot #2 (HD, :31)

Posters & Still Gallery – 144 images of posters, advertising materials, lobby cards, behind the scenes, concept art and VHS boxes.

Summary 

Blue Underground has assembled an impressive lineup of interviews to supply for Shock Waves to tell the story of how the film came to be 37  years ago.  I was quite surprised to see Brooke Adams come back.  But, I have made respect for the person who is always appreciative of where their career started or where they came from.  The transfer on this film is pretty challenging, and its likely the best it could be having been shot on 16mm.  Audio ends up being okay though, and the whole thing is still watchable.  Shock Waves is a film pretty much limited to cult film fans, and those interested in seeing the history of super low budget horror.