For the first time in the United States, John Carl Buechler’s 1986 fantasy horror film Troll has received its own standalone Blu-ray release. Until now, the film was only available as part of a double-feature with Troll 2—a sequel in name only that bears absolutely no connection to the original. This limited edition is currently exclusive to the MVD Shop.
Watching Troll today, it’s hard not to notice how closely young actress Jenny Beck resembles Poltergeist star Heather O’Rourke. One has to wonder if the filmmakers were intentionally searching for someone with a similar look, because Beck certainly fits the bill as Wendy Anne Potter. It’s also a bit disappointing to see Noah Hathaway, who had just captivated audiences as Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story two years earlier, taking on a considerably less prestigious role. While Troll has earned a devoted cult following over the decades, it still feels like a significant step down for the young actor at that point in his career.
The Potter family is ready to begin a new chapter when they move into an aging apartment building in San Francisco. Harry Potter Sr. (Michael Moriarty), his wife Anne (Shelley Hack), and their children, Wendy Anne (Jenny Beck) and Harry Potter Jr. (Noah Hathaway), are barely settled in before something sinister begins lurking beneath the building. After Wendy is abducted by the ancient troll Torok, he uses a magical ring to assume her appearance and infiltrate the family. Harry quickly realizes that the girl who returned is no longer his sister, and it soon becomes clear that something far more dangerous has taken up residence in the building.
Harry finds an unlikely ally in his neighbor, Eunice St. Clair (June Lockhart), who is secretly a powerful witch dedicated to protecting humanity from Torok. Meanwhile, the troll continues transforming the apartment’s residents into bizarre mystical creatures as he converts the building into his own enchanted kingdom. Along the way, viewers are treated to appearances by Sonny Bono, Phil Fondacaro, and a very young Julia Louis-Dreyfus in one of her earliest film roles.
Your enjoyment of Troll will largely depend on your appreciation for mid-’80s creature features like the Ghoulies films. The puppet work and creature designs share a similar low-budget charm, with Torok’s facial features standing out as the film’s most impressive practical effect. Buechler fills the movie with practical creature effects and unapologetic camp, embracing its B-movie sensibilities from start to finish. Yes, many of the effects look dated and inexpensive, but that’s also part of the film’s enduring appeal.
That said, Troll never quite reaches the level of fun its premise promises. Despite its colorful monsters, quirky cast, and imaginative fantasy elements, the pacing occasionally drags and the film never fully capitalizes on its potential. Even so, for longtime fans, it’s great to finally see Troll receive the dedicated Blu-ray treatment it has deserved for years.
Special Features:
- High Definition (1080p) presentation of the main feature in 1.85:1 aspect ratio
- Audio: LPCM 2.0 Stereo
- Optional English Subtitles
- “The Making of Troll” featuring Director John Carl Buechler, Producer Charles Band, Writer Ed Naha, Composer Richard Band, and more!
- Still Gallery of Behind-the-Scenes Photos
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Reversible Artwork
- Collectible Mini-Poster
- Limited Edition Slipcover
