Dismissed as “a cut-rate ‘Gremlins'” by some film critics, how many are aware that Ghoulies was actually in production at the same time as Joe Dante’s 1984 film Gremlins? Yes, that is right, and Warner Bros. actually sued to stop Ghoulies Productions from using the title. Losing the court case, Ghoulies were able to keep their name, but with Empire Pictures (run by Charles Band) being a much smaller entity, they ran out of money halfway through shooting. Thus, Gremlins arrived at the finish line first in the little monster film race prior to Ghoulies.
A very interesting fact, while it is true that Gremlins is a much higher production, and masterfully done by Joe Dante, Ghoulies still deserves some credit as well. Initially premiering in Los Angeles back in January of 1985, Ghoulies may have not lit up the box office or impressed all that many film critics, but it did find a place in the hearts of a niche audience in the years to follow. King at local video stores across America, Ghoulies developed a cult-like following, and subsequently has continued to find new fans via various home viewing formats including the release of various DVD and Blu-ray editions. However, now in 2023, the little toilet dwelling ghouls find their way to 4K within the realm of the MVD Rewind Collection.
Released on September 12, 2023, MVD has put together by far the best release of Ghoulies to date. Featuring a lovely slipcase that is reminiscent of a VHS cover, there is also a really nice mini-poster of the classic feature art, plus a 4K and Blu-ray disc of the film. The 4K disc of course includes the 4K restoration with a 16-Bit scan of the original camera negative that is both sharp and colorful. There are also archival auto commentaries on both discs, and the Blu-Ray offers more interviews and a really cool documentary entitled From Toilets to Terror.
All in all, MVD did a really fine job putting this together and this could possibly be their best entry into the MVD Rewind Collection to date. Released on the same day as Ghoulies II, some are let down that the latter is not presented in 4K, but do not fret, there are still future plans for that too. Until then, it is well worth upgrading your collection with MVD Rewind Collection’s Ghoulies in 4K, because Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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