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Cherry Pop

Creature From Black Lake [Blu-ray]
(Jack Elam, Dennis Fimple, John David Carson, Dub Taylor, et al / Blu-ray / PG / (1976) 2022 / Synapse Films - MVD Visual)

Overview: There�s a hairy humanoid beast lurking in the Louisiana swamps, but only trapper Joe Canton (Jack Elam, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST) has seen it and lived to tell the tale, and the other residents of Oil City, Louisiana don�t talk about it.

But that�s not about to stop intrepid grad students Pahoo (Dennis Fimple, HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES) and Rives (John David Carson, EMPIRE OF THE ANTS), who are determined to track down the Bigfoot-like creature.

Defying local sheriff Billy Carter (Bill Thurman, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW), the duo trek deep into the wilds of Black Lake, and a series of frightening encounters make it clear the monster is no mere legend.

Following in the (big) footsteps of THE LEGEND OF BOGGY CREEK and similar docudramas, 1976�s CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE is a fictional Sasquatch saga, albeit one inspired by real reports.

With a colorful cast, also including Dub Taylor (THE WILD BUNCH), and plenty of rural atmosphere courtesy of cinematographer Dean Cundey (HALLOWEEN, JURASSIC PARK), scripter Jim McCullough Jr. - who also co-stars - and director Joy Houck Jr. Bring touches of humor and humanity that complement the mystery of the monster, and the terror of it�s attacks.

Blu-ray Verdict: A longtime late-night TV favorite, CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE now roars onto it�s Blu-ray debut with a new 4K restoration and a boatload of special features!

Personally, I was expecting, for some reason, a dreary, tame Bigfoot film in the vein of Legend of Boggy Creek 2, and while Creature from Black Lake is similar to that film (students heading into the wilds to research the Big fella), this film is infinitely more enjoyable, thanks to some tense scenes, great acting, goofy seventies charm, and some full on Bigfoot action. Bigfoot ain�t hiding here - he�s full on mental and all up in people�s faces!

Rive and Pahoo head to Oil City to find a trapper by the name of Joe (Jack Elam) who claims Bigfoot killed his mate. After being warned off by the local sheriff, our students track down various locals who relate anecdotes about the Bigfoot. Soon, they have their own encounter with the creature (it�s got quite a scream on it) and before you know it, Bigfoot everywhere they want to be.

The acting in this film is way above par, with loads of likable characters (you care about these two guys), some Deep South charm and a nice dose of humor thrown in. When Bigfoot goes completely mental at the end, there�s a good battle between our students and the creature, and kind of an upbeat ending which isn�t the usual for a seventies film.

They would never make a film like this these days. No way. Highly recommended, although I�d like to point out that Night of the Demon is still the craziest, most outrageous and daft Bigfoot film out there!

Special Features:
Exclusive slipcover design from Justin Coffee (Limited to only 2500 slipcovers)
Brand-new 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative
Audio commentary with author/filmmaker Michael Gingold and film historian Chris Poggiali
SWAMP STORIES � All-new featurette with Director of Photography Dean Cundey
Original theatrical trailer and radio spot
Newly translated optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
BLU-RAY SPECIFICATIONS: VIDEO: High-Definition 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1) Presentation / AVC Codec; AUDIO: DTS-HD MA English 2.0 Original Mono; and SUBTITLES: English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

www.synapsefilms.com

www.MVDvisual.com





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