Willard: Blu-Ray Review

Arriving on Blu-ray this week is Glen Morgan’s 2003 remake of “Willard”.  Although Crispin Glover has had numerous memorable supporting roles over the years, he was finally given the chance to headline a film, playing the title role in “Willard”.  It wound up being a box office bomb upon its’ release but did mange to garner a large group of fans over the years (myself included).  I was not a huge fan of the 1971 original, but Morgan’s version is darkly fun. Original “Willard” star, Bruce Davison does get a few nods in the remake in the form of paintings and pictures as Willard’s late father.

If you have a serious fear of rats, “Willard” is a film you may want to shy away from, but if don’t mind having your skin crawl, I can’t recommend this one enough. I love Morgan’s camera work here, which is superior to that of his work in another remake, 2006’s “Black Christmas”. However, it is the combination of the direction and Glover’s performance that elevates the material.  Jackie Burroughs and R. Lee Ermey are also great as Willard’s mother and boss respectively.

“Willard” may not have been labeled as a “Collector’s Edition” but that doesn’t mean Shout! Factory didn’t pack it with plenty of bonus content.  Aside from a new 2K scan, there are new commentaries with Glen Morgan, DP Robert McLachlan as well as the animal trainers. They also included new interviews as well. If you are a fan of “Willard” , this release is definitely worth adding to your collection.

Bonus Features

• NEW 2K Scan Of The Original Film Elements
• NEW Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Glen Morgan And Director Of Photography Robert McLachlan
• NEW Audio Commentary With Animal Trainers Mark Harden And David Allsberry Of Animals For Hollywood
• NEW The Road To Willard – An Interview With Writer/Director Glen Morgan
• NEW Destination Willard – An Interview With Director Of Photography Robert McLachlan
• NEW The Rat Trainer’s Notebook – Behind-The-Scenes Footage From Animals For Hollywood
• Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Glen Morgan, Producer James Wong, Actors Crispin Glover And R. Lee Ermey
• The Year Of The Rat – A Documentary On The Making Of Willard
• Rat People: Friends Or Foes? – A Real Rat Documentary
• Deleted/Alternate Scenes With Optional Commentary
• Music Video Ben By Crispin Hellion Glover With Optional Commentary
• Behind-The-Scenes Footage And Interviews From The Electronic Press Kit
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots

By: Marc Ferman