With 2023 seeing the release of several major cinematic outings based onDC Comicsproperties, fromShazam! Fury of the GodstoThe Flash, fans have plenty of big screen adventures to enjoy. However, should audiences still not find themselves satiated by all of this year’s biggest blockbusters, they’ll be able to revisit a classic, asWes Craven’s 1982 filmSwamp Thingis getting a completely restored and remastered release.
With a release date of June 22, 2025, the film will make its premiere on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, featuring both its original PG-rated theatrical cut and the unrated international cut, which sees a release in North America for the first time.Swamp Thingis based upon the DC Comics character of the same name, which made its first appearance all the way back in July 1971, inHouse of Secrets#92, created byLen WeinandBernie Wrightson. Craven’s film follows the story of Dr. Alec Holland (played byRobocop’sRay Wise), a scientist who, alongside government agent Alice Cable (played byAdrienne Barbeau, ofJohn Carpenter’sThe Fogfame), has developed a formula with the potential to end world hunger and change civilization. However, unaware to them, Arcane (Louis Jourdan,Octopussy) plots to steal the formula to use for his own selfish endeavors. During the ensuing conflict, Holland is doused in the serum and left for dead, leading him to mutate into the Swamp Thing. Now a human and plant hybrid, Holland must set out to rescue Cable and defeat Arcane for good.
Following its theatrical release, the film became a cult hit when it was released on home video and saw countless airings on cable television throughout the 80s and 90s. CriticRoger Ebertpraised the film, awarding it three of four stars and saying the film “had already won my heart before its moment of greatness” adding that “when that moment came, I knew I’d discovered another one of those movies that fall somewhere between buried treasures and guilty pleasures.”
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Swamp Thing’s Legacy on Screen
Craven’s film marked the character’s live action debut, though it would not be its last appearance on screen. Beyond the 1989 sequel directed byJim Wynorski, the character would also appear in two separate television series from 1990 and2019. A new live action adaption iscurrently in the works, as announced byJames Gunn, withJames Mangoldslated to write the script.
The new 4K release of the film will feature audio commentary with Craven, who wrote the film as well as directed it, moderated bySean Clark, as well as a commentary track from makeup effects artistWilliam Munns, moderated byMichael Felsher. The release will also feature a mini-poster and limited edition slipcover.
