Fans of the horror-comedy anthology Creepshow have two exciting Blu-ray releases to anticipate this fall. In addition to Arrow Video`s upcoming 4K restoration of Creepshow 2, a unique Blu-ray box set collecting all four seasons of Shudder’s recent anthology series is now available for pre-order. This new set promises a distinctive collectible experience for enthusiasts.
The Complete Series Collector`s Edition
The Creepshow: Complete Series Collector`s Edition packaging pays homage to the franchise`s origins. It features a nostalgic CRT TV display box, housing disc cases designed to resemble classic comic books. This thoughtful design makes it an exceptional collectible for any Creepshow fan.
While a full product description is still pending, the image of the CRT TV display shows The Creep and the Creepshow logo on a red background. It suggests the possibility of switching between screens, perhaps using a front dial, or perhaps through interchangeable cards. Each of the four seasons is housed in its own case, modeled after the in-universe Creepshow comics and Stephen King`s original graphic novel.
The box set also includes a comic book based on “Skeletons in the Closet,” a vignette from Season 3, Episode 2. The Creepshow series, which premiered on Shudder in 2019, quickly became a flagship original for the horror streaming service. It ran for four seasons and 25 episodes, including two TV specials, concluding in 2023. Each episode features a pair of distinct vignettes, typically 20-25 minutes in length.
Although franchise creators Stephen King and George A. Romero were not directly involved in the production of the series, several episodes are based on King`s short stories. These include the very first vignette, “Gray Matter,” adapted from his collection Night Shift, and “Survivor Type” from Skeleton Crew, featured in the 2020 Halloween special. Another segment from that special was based on “Twittering from the Circus of the Dead” by Joe Hill, Stephen King`s eldest son.
This 9-disc box set boasts a total runtime of approximately 18 hours. All 23 episodes and the two specials are presented in 1080p resolution with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 support. Bonus features include cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and photo galleries. For those eager to delve deeper into the production, Shudder`s Creepshow: From Script to Scream, a 240-page coffee-table book with a foreword by Stephen King, is also available.
Creepshow 2: 4K Limited Edition Restoration
The Creepshow 2 Limited Edition offers a native 4K restoration sourced from the original camera negative, complete with HDR (Dolby Vision and HDR10) and three audio formats: 5.1 DTS-HD, stereo, and lossless monaural. This edition comes with two limited-edition booklets, most notably a comic adaptation of “Pinfall,” one of Stephen King`s two stories originally cut from the 1987 film. This story has never been published as a short story or filmed, making this booklet the exclusive way to experience it.
The 4K special edition also includes an illustrated booklet with commentary. Arrow Video had previously released a 2K restoration in 2016, and many of the on-disc special features for this 4K release mirror that earlier edition.
The Original Creepshow (1982)
While Creepshow 2 can be enjoyed independently, the original 1982 anthology offers a rich collection of horror-comedy tales that shouldn`t be missed. The film is already available on 4K Blu-ray, with a Collector`s Edition released in 2023 and an impressive Steelbook Edition that debuted last Halloween. Both editions include 4K Blu-ray and standard 1080p Blu-rays, featuring identical special features. The film was remastered in 4K from the original camera negatives, supporting HDR (Dolby Vision and HDR10), Dolby Atmos audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0. Bonus content includes audio commentary by George Romero and a roundtable discussion on the making of the anthology.
A Brief History of the Creepshow Franchise
Creepshow and its various iterations masterfully blend horror and comedy, drawing inspiration from classic comic books 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. Stephen King made his screenwriting debut with this film, adapting two of the five stories from his own short fiction. King also adapted the film into a graphic novel in the same year it premiered.
The screenplay for Creepshow 2 was penned by Romero, with Michael Gornick, the original film`s cinematographer, directing. Initially planned for five vignettes, only three made it to the screen: “Old Chief Wood`nhead,” “The Raft,” and “The Hitch-hiker.” All three are based on King`s short stories, with “The Raft” being the only one published in his celebrated collection Skeleton Crew.
King`s story “Cat from Hell,” which was cut from Creepshow 2, later found its way into Tales from the Darkside: The Movie in 1990. This spin-off film was based on a TV series created by Romero in 1983. Given the timing, it is clear that Tales from the Darkside—also a horror-comedy anthology—emerged following Creepshow`s unexpected box office success.
Available Creepshow Editions and Related Anthologies
Beyond the highly anticipated collector`s editions, the first two Creepshow anthologies are widely available on standard Blu-ray. The franchise technically extends to a third film, Creepshow 3 (2006), though it is generally not well-regarded by fans. Both individual films and a 3-Movie DVD collection are accessible. Additionally, the first Creepshow film is featured in the King of Horror 8-Film Collection on Blu-ray or DVD.
Creepshow Movies
- Creepshow (1982): Available in 4K Blu-ray Steelbook Edition, 4K Blu-ray Collector`s Edition, standard Blu-ray, and DVD.
- Creepshow 2 (1987): Offered in 4K Blu-ray Limited Edition, Blu-ray Special Edition, standard Blu-ray, and DVD.
- Creepshow 3 (2006): Available on region-free Blu-ray, and as part of a 3-Movie Collection on DVD.
- King of Horror 8-Film Collection: Includes the first Creepshow movie on Blu-ray and DVD.
Creepshow TV Series
All four seasons of Shudder`s anthology series are currently available on Blu-ray and DVD. The upcoming complete series collector`s edition offers a comprehensive way to own the entire run.
- Creepshow: TV Series on Blu-ray: Individual seasons (1-4) are available, with a Complete Series Collector`s Edition forthcoming.
- Creepshow Series on DVD: Individual seasons (1-4) are available.
Related Anthologies: Tales from the Darkside / Tales from the Crypt
For those who enjoy the horror-comedy anthology format, Tales from the Darkside and Tales from the Crypt offer similar thrilling experiences.
- Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (4K and DVD)
- Tales from the Darkside: Complete Series (DVD)
- Tales from the Crypt / Vault of Horror (Blu-ray)
Creepshow Comics and Graphic Novels
- The Making of Creepshow 2 (Paperback)
- Shudder`s Creepshow: From Script to Scream (Hardcover)
The Shudder series also sparked a revival of Creepshow in print. Since 2022, Skybound and Image Comics have published 19 Creepshow comics, with 15 collected into paperback volumes. Each volume features five stories crafted by a rotating roster of industry luminaries, including Garth Ennis and Joe Hill. Joe Hill, who as a child appeared in the prologue and epilogue of the original film, later penned an official Creepshow comic titled Joe Hill`s Wolverton Station.
The first three volumes of the modern series are available, with a fourth volume anticipated for release next year. A hardcover Deluxe Edition compiling the first two volumes was also published. In addition to these collected editions, several one-shot digital comics are available, including special holiday issues and Joe Hill`s contributions. Before diving into the new series, Stephen King`s original graphic novel adaptation of the first film comes highly recommended.
Creepshow Graphic Novel & Comic Collections
- Creepshow by Stephen King (Paperback)
-
Modern Creepshow Series (2022-Present)
- Creepshow Deluxe Edition: Book 1 (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 Volume 4 (No. 1-5, Paperback) — Forthcoming.
Creepshow Digital Comics
- Creepshow by Stephen King (Kindle)
- Creepshow Comic Book Series (Kindle, 19 Issues)
- Creepshow: Joe Hill`s Wolverton Station (Kindle)
- Creepshow: Holiday Special 2023 (Kindle)
- Creepshow: Holiday Special 2024 (Kindle)
- Creepshow in Love No. 1 (Kindle)
Other Creepshow Books
- Creepshow: The Taker (YA Novel, Paperback)
- Creepshow: The Cursed (YA Novel, Paperback)
Creepshow 2 Limited Edition Special Features
- `Pinfall` comic booklet (adaptation of unpublished King story)
- Illustrated booklet with commentary on the film
- Collector`s sleeve with original artwork and reversible cover art
- Native 4K (2160p) restoration from original camera negative
- HDR: Dolby Vision and HDR10
- Audio: 5.1 DTS-HD surround sound, stereo, and lossless mono (original)
- Optional English subtitles
- Audio Commentary: Director Michael Gornick
- Screeplay 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 interviews with original crew
- Still Galleries – Behind-the-scenes pictures, movie posters, special effects makeup, color stills, and poster and lobby cards