88Films is a UK film distribution company started by industry experts holding the UK rights to many classic, horror, and sci-fi films. They recently started to release Blu Ray editions of FullMoon films, including the first three Puppetmaster series.
Since Movie Prop Collectors owns the original screen used and matched “evil grin” Jester head used in the first 5 Puppet Master films, I wanted to own the best available copy of each film. Only the DVD version of the films were available for many years and unfortunately, the picture quality (PQ) & sound were lacking in quality due to both the age of the films and the DVD mastering of them. Regardless of those issues, I was able to definitively screen match the Jester puppet head with what was available at the time.
However in 2012 Full Moon released the Blu Ray version of Puppetmaster at San Diego’s Comic Con and I acquired a copy. That Blu Ray version of Puppet Master was the best Puppetmaster had ever looked or sounded. The faded colors were restored and much of the films noise and artifacts cleaned up. The film was totally digitally restored and remastered in 16 X 9 widescreen and included 5.1 surround sound. The disc also included a special introduction by Full Moon creator, film director, producer, and Puppetmaster co writer, Charles Band, along with a promo for Puppetmaster: Axis of Evil, the original “making of” Puppetmaster entitled, “No Strings Attached“, as well as the original trailers for the first 12 Full Moon feature films. I was very happy with the disc.
Not too long after purchasing the FM BR disc I discovered the UK film distribution company, 88films. 88Films recently made an exclusive deal with Full Moon Features in the US and over the next few years will be releasing all their classic movies and new productions. Many on Blu Ray and DVD.
According a few Blu Ray forums, the 88Films Blu Ray versions of the PM films were of better PQ (picture quality) and better sound quality, as well as included more extras not found in the previously released US versions. Upon hearing this, I decide to purchase all three PM Blu Ray versions created by 88Films from AmazonUk. I just received them today and my instant reaction was “Wow”.
88Films 1080P 1:85:1 transfer of Puppetmaster is a cleaner, clearer, and better Blu Ray than the US Full Moon version. Details are sharper as well as consistent throughout most of the film without adding unwanted noise. Colors pop and are vibrant and flesh tones are accurately rendered.
DVD screen grab of Blade
88Films Blu Ray screen grab of Blade
DVD screen grab of the Puppetmaster himself
88Films Blu Ray screen grab of the Puppetmaster himself
DVD screen grab of Jester
88Films Blu Ray screen grab of Jester
Full Moon Blu Ray screen grab of Jester
Audio on the disc is a newly created DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack created just for the 88Films release and it sounds great. The score has never sounded better and the dialogue and other sound effects are clear and properly balanced.
Fortunately it doesn’t end there. 88Films has managed to include many exclusives to this pressing. Included in the extras not found in the Full Moon US version are:
- Commentary by Puppetmaster co-writer (with Kenneth J. Hall) & producer Charles Band
- UK Exclusive Audio Commentary with Justin Kerswell (Author of “Teenage Wasteland“) and entertainment critic, Calum Waddell
- Full Moon Trailer Park with trailers from 9 Full Moon Films
- Reversible Sleeve Incorporating Original Artwork
- 8 page color booklet written by Calum Waddell with a 2 page interview with Puppet Master co – writer, Kenneth J. Hall, adapted from Dark Side magazine, issue, 149.
The disc also includes these extras from the US Blu Ray version:
- Special Introduction by Charles Band
- No Strings Attached:”making of” featurette for the original “Puppet Master“
Reviews of 88Films, Puppet Master 2 & 3 Blu Rays coming soon.
