To celebrate the landmark 35th anniversary of Jim Wynorski’s (Chopping Mall, Not of This Earth) The Return of the Swamp Thing, everyone’s favourite muck-encrusted plant-man is is all set to return with a new restoration of the film sprouting on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-Ray on February 7, 2023 through Lightyear Entertainment.
This must-see sequel to the Wes Craven’s original cult classic based on the award-winning DC Comics finds Swampy falling roots over leaves in love with Abigail Arcane (Heather Locklear – “Melrose Place”, “Dynasty”), stepdaughter to the world’s maddest scientist, Dr. Anton Arcane (Louis Jourdan – Swamp Thing, Gigi, Octopussy). Abby owns a plant store, and is more comfortable talking to her plants than to men in the local singles bar. However, when she meets the half human/half plant, she immediately sees beyond the horror of his physical form and falls in love with Dr. Alec Holland, the man behind the muck, who also happens to be busy saving her from her father’s nefarious and murderous plans.
This two-disc 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray set comes packing never-before-seen special bonus features which include a “Reflections on Swamp Thing 35 Years Later” interview with producer Michael E. Uslan and the RiffTrax music video for “Your Ever-Lovin’ Swamp Thing” by The RiffTones. This edition will also include the original bonus features comprising of an audio commentary with Director Jim Wynorski, Composer Chuck Cirino and Editor Leslie Rosenthal, Greenpeace PSA’s and much more!
In addition to the home entertainment releases, Lightyear will also be releasing the RiffTrax digital single and music video for Your Ever-Lovin’ Swamp Thing worldwide on Lightyear Records through Virgin/UMG. The hilarious ode to Swampy’s romance with Abby was originally composed and performed as part of the RiffTrax skewering of The Return of the Swamp Thing in 700 theatres. The toe-tapping bluegrass ditty by Kevin Murphy and The RiffTones (featuring Brian Murphy) will be released on February 10 in time for Valentine’s Day.
Commenting on the film having been restored from the original interpositive with Dolby Vision HDR Mastering for an optimal viewing experience, Wynorski told SCREAM: “Zoran Hochstätter shot the movie and he did an amazing job. He worked so well working in all those prime locations. I know that they colour corrected the movie again and I can’t wait to see it. I was unhappy with the original VHS pan and scan but they went back and redid it and I’m just so happy that people love the movie and they are going to enjoy this new version.”
To whet your appetite for this feature-packed new release, we’ll leave you with an exclusive clip taken from the newly-restored version:
WORDS: Howard Gorman
