When Creepshow hit theaters in November 1982, it was a success, topping the US box office in the opening weekend. A major surprise, considering the film came out just weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday and Christmas season, Creepshow went on to be one of the biggest Horror films of that year, accompanied by a ton of fanfare in the decades to follow.
Making sense that Creepshow is so beloved by the Horror community, it had the big name of George A. Romero acting as the director. At the same time, Stephen King handled the writing of five delightful tales of terror. Almost instantly becoming one of the best anthology-format films of all time, there is no question that it stands as a classic in all areas of Horror cinema. Clearly paying homage to EC Horror comics of the 1950s, the success of Creepshow would eventually pave the way for a second film entitled Creepshow 2.
Arriving in theaters in May 1987, the five-year lapse between Creepshow and Creepshow 2 could be attributed to budget restraints, plus internal changes with the cast and crew. Eventually, all being ironed out, this time around Romero returned as the screenwriter based on stories by Stephen King, while Michael Gornick (who handled the cinematography for Creepshow) stepped in as director. Meanwhile, talented Make-up Artists Howard Berger and Greg Nicotero (who co-founded the special effects company KNB EFX Group with Berger and Robert Kurtzman) handled the effects in the film.
A winning combination, along for the ride in a less demanding position was the famed Make-up Artist Tom Savini, who assumed the role of The Creep who appears as a live person in the wrap-around store at the start and end. Again, constrained by budget and time, Creepshow 2 was initially intended to have five stories, like the original, but that was inevitably cut down to three. A bit of letdown, some would argue that Creepshow 2 is not nearly as good as the original film, but perhaps those opinions are selling it somewhat short.
Of course not the same as Creepshow, which had five killer stories that stood out, Creepshow 2 still has its charm with stories like Old Chief Wood’nhead (starring George Kennedy), The Raft (which still makes many weary of swimming in lakes or ponds), The Hitch-hiker (which had the exceptionally diverse seasoned Tom Wright handling the role of the relentless undead hitchhiker). Stories that are full of memorable scenes and great effects, standouts have to include when Old Chief Wood’nhead comes to life on the path toward vengeance, plus when the ‘oil slick’ devours each co-ed one by one. Furthermore, pretty much any time the hitchhiker appears more and more mangled throughout is figuratively and literally eye-popping.
All of this said, Creepshow 2 still holds a place in the heart of many fans, and that is more of a reason to get excited about the 4K Ultra HD release of the film via Arrow Video. Set for release on September 30, 2025, it is similar to the 2016 Blu-ray release from Arrow Video, but only this time on a 4K Ultra HD disc. Something that 4K collectors will covet, those who are true fans of Creepshow 2 will appreciate that Arrow Video goes the extra mile by including hours of additional goodies. Joined by a stunning 4K Ultra HD restoration from the original camera negative, without reservation, this is the best home media edition of Creepshow 2 to date.
Explaining the bonus features further, you get interviews with George Romero, Tom Savini, Howard Berger, and Greg Nicotero, along with Actors Daniel Beer and Tom Wright. As stated, all worth watching, you are giving a much closer look into the efforts and times on the set of Creepshow 2 that offer profound insight. If that were not enough, there is also a must-have limited edition booklet featuring the comic adaptation of the unfilmed segment Pinfall, illustrated by Artist Jason Mayoh, and a lovely resealable sleeve with the original art and newly drafted artwork by Mike Saputo.
In all, it is a perfect upgrade to any Creepshow fan’s collection and a perfect Halloween season gift for yourself or a loved one. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Arrow Video’s Limited Edition Creepshow 2 4K UHD release 5 out of 5 stars.
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