The horror-comedy anthology `Creepshow 2` is finally coming to 4K Blu-ray. Fans of the 1987 film can pre-order this edition. Restored in 4K by Arrow Video, the Limited Edition includes several collectibles, notably a comic book adaptation of an unpublished Stephen King story that was cut from the film.
Only the first printing will include this comic booklet. The first printing of the 2016 Blu-ray release also featured the comic but sold out years ago.
While you await `Creepshow 2,` you might consider checking out the original 1982 anthology, also available on 4K Blu-ray.
The `Creepshow 2` Limited Edition boasts a native 4K restoration from the original camera negative, supporting HDR (Dolby Vision and HDR10) and offering three audio formats: 5.1 DTS-HD surround, stereo, and lossless monaural.
Arrow Video previously released a 2K restoration as part of the 2016 Blu-ray Special Edition. The on-disc special features for the 4K release largely mirror those of the Special Edition. The reversible sleeve and cover art by Mike Saputo also match the 2016 version.
Like the first printing of the 1080p Blu-ray, the 4K release includes two limited-edition booklets. These booklets, previously limited to 3,000 units and no longer included with the standard Blu-ray, are now available again. For reference, the first printing has a red sleeve, which will likely switch to a blue sleeve after it sells out, similar to the Blu-ray edition.
Most notably, you`ll receive a booklet with the comic adaptation of `Pinfall,` one of the two stories cut from the film. This story, written by Stephen King, was adapted into a screenplay by George Romero, and Jason Mayoh later transformed it into a comic for the 2016 Blu-ray release. Additionally, an illustrated booklet with commentary from Michael Blyth is included.
`Pinfall` has never been published as a short story or filmed, making this edition the only way to experience one of Stephen King`s previously unreleased narratives.
Creepshow 2 4K Limited Edition Bonuses:
- `Pinfall` comic booklet (adaptation of an unpublished King story)
- Illustrated booklet with film commentary
- Collector`s slipcase with original artwork and reversible cover art
- On-disc special features: featurettes, audio commentaries, and interviews
`Creepshow` and its numerous follow-ups blend horror and comedy while paying homage to classic comics like `Tales from the Crypt` and `The Haunt of Fear.` The 1982 original film, directed by George Romero, is an anthology featuring five distinct vignettes. Stories include a murdered man rising from the dead, a mysterious meteor landing on a remote farm, and an army of cockroaches hunting a man with entomophobia.
Stephen King made his screenwriting debut with `Creepshow,` and two of the five tales were adapted from his short fiction. The film openly displays its comic book influences, and King himself adapted it into a graphic novel the same year it premiered.
The screenplay for `Creepshow 2` was written by Romero and directed by the original film`s cinematographer, Michael Gornick. Although initially planned to mirror its predecessor with five vignettes, only three made it into the movie: `Old Chief Wood`nhead,` `The Raft,` and `The Hitch-hiker.` All three are based on King`s short stories, but only `The Raft` was published and collected in the author`s acclaimed `Skeleton Crew` collection.
`Cat from Hell,` another King story cut from `Creepshow 2,` was later included in `Tales from the Darkside: The Movie` (1990), a spin-off of the TV series created by Romero in 1983. Given the timing, it`s no surprise that `Tales from the Darkside` — also a horror-comedy anthology — emerged shortly after `Creepshow` performed well at the box office the previous year.
All Creepshow Film & TV Anthologies
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Creepshow (1982):
- Available in 4K Blu-ray Steelbook Edition, 4K Blu-ray Collector`s Edition, standard Blu-ray, and DVD.
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Creepshow 2 (1987):
- Available in 4K Blu-ray Limited Edition, Blu-ray Special Edition, and standard Blu-ray.
- Creepshow 3-Movie Collection (DVD)
- Creepshow 3 (Blu-ray)
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Creepshow: Shudder TV Series on Blu-ray:
- Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, and a Complete Series set are available.
- Tales from the Darkside: Collector`s Edition (4K)
- Tales from the Darkside (DVD)
Beyond the collectible editions, both anthology films are available on standard Blu-ray. The `Creepshow` franchise technically includes three films, but `Creepshow 3` (2006, direct-to-video) is widely regarded by fans as of poor quality and often disregarded.
Fortunately, `Creepshow 3` was not the end of the franchise on screen. In 2019, Shudder debuted a `Creepshow` anthology series that successfully captured the original`s tone. The series ran for four seasons (25 episodes) until 2023, with each episode featuring two vignettes. All four seasons are available on Blu-ray.
Creepshow Comics and Graphic Novels
Shudder`s series also led to a revival of `Creepshow` in print. Skybound and Image Comics have published three volumes of comics so far. Each volume contains five distinct stories written and illustrated by a rotating group of prominent industry names, including Garth Ennis and Joe Hill (Stephen King`s eldest son). Joe Hill, who appeared as a child in the prologue and epilogue of the original film, wrote an official `Creepshow` comic titled `Joe Hill`s Wolverton Station` over 40 years later.
Volume 4 is scheduled to begin in September. The first three volumes are available in trade paperback. Last November, Image Comics released a hardcover Deluxe Edition compiling the first two volumes.
Joe Hill`s `Creepshow` comic and three others are one-shots not included in the collected volumes but are available as digital editions. All 19 `Creepshow` comics released to date can be purchased as a digital bundle. We highly recommend Stephen King`s original graphic novel before delving into the new series.
- `Creepshow` by Stephen King (Paperback Graphic Novel)
- `Creepshow Deluxe Edition Book One` (Vol. 1-2, Hardcover)
- `Creepshow Volume 1` (No. 1-5, Paperback)
- `Creepshow Volume 2` (No. 1-5, Paperback)
- `Creepshow Volume 3` (No. 1-5, Paperback)
- `Creepshow: Joe Hill`s Wolverton Station` (Kindle)
- `Creepshow: Holiday Special 2023` (Kindle)
- `Creepshow: Holiday Special 2024` (Kindle)
- `Creepshow in Love No. 1` (Kindle)
- `Creepshow Comic Book Series` (Kindle, 19 Issues)
- `Creepshow: The Taker` (YA Novel, Paperback)
- `Creepshow: The Cursed` (YA Novel, Paperback)
Creepshow 2 Limited Edition Special Features
- `Pinfall` comic booklet (adaptation of an unpublished King story)
- Illustrated booklet with film commentary
- Collector`s slipcase with original artwork and reversible cover art
- Native 4K (2160p) restoration from original camera negative
- HDR: Dolby Vision and HDR10 support
- Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD surround sound, stereo, and lossless mono (original)
- Optional English subtitles
- Audio Commentary: Director Michael Gornick
- Screenplay for a Sequel – Interview with screenwriter George A. Romero
- Tales from the Creep – Interview with actor and makeup artist Tom Savini
- Poncho’s Last Ride – Interview with actor Daniel Beer
- The Road to Dover – Interview with actor Tom Wright
- Nightmares in Foam Rubber – Archive featurette and interviews on Creepshow 2 special effects
- My Friend Rick – Howard Berger talks about special effects mentor Rick Baker
- Behind-the-scenes footage
- Image gallery
- Trailers and Commercials
- Original screenplay galleries
Creepshow Steelbook + Collector`s Edition Special Features
Disc 1: 4K Blu-ray
- Audio commentary with director George A. Romero and makeup effects creator Tom Savini
- Audio commentary with photography director Michael Gornick
- Audio commentary with composer/first assistant director John Harrison and construction coordinator Ed Fountain
- Interviews: Michael Gornick, John Amplas, Bruce Alan Miller, Darryl Ferucci
- Mondo Macabre – A look at Creepshow posters with Mondo co-founder Rob Jones and events planner Josh Curry
- Collecting Creepshow – Creepshow prop collector Dave Burian shows off his collection
- The Colors Of Creepshow – How Creepshow was restored in 4K
- Into The Mix – Sound re-recordist Chris Jenkins talks about remastering the audio
- Still Galleries – Behind-the-scenes pictures, movie posters, special effects makeup, color stills, and poster and lobby cards
Disc 2: 1080p Blu-ray
- Terror and the Three Rivers – Roundtable discussion on the making of Creepshow
- The Comic Book Look – Interview with costume designer Barbara Anderson
- Ripped From the Pages – Interview with animator Rick Catizone
- Horror`s Hallowed Grounds – Sean Clark tours original filming locations
- Tom Savini`s Behind-the-scenes footage
- Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailers in English and Spanish
- TV and radio commercials
- Audio commentary with photography director Michael Gornick
- Audio commentary with composer/first assistant director John Harrison and construction coordinator Ed Fountain
- Audio interviews with original crew
- Mondo Macabre – A look at Creepshow posters with Mondo co-founder Rob Jones and events planner Josh Curry
- Collecting Creepshow – Creepshow prop collector Dave Burian shows off his collection
- The Colors Of Creepshow – How Creepshow was restored in 4K
- Into The Mix – Sound re-recordist Chris Jenkins talks about remastering the audio
- Still Galleries – Behind-the-scenes pictures, movie posters, special effects makeup, color stills, and poster and lobby cards