Howard the Duck DVD review

The Film:

Howard the Duck has held a special place in the Hall of Bad Movie Fame. Long-time stain of the Lucas Empire, that is until Episode I graced us, it wasn’t until recently had a mention of a DVD release was going to be offered, that I had decided to think about this film.

I had run into Howard the Duck in my childhood, and that (I’m assuming) single viewing had lodged a little memory of how bizarre this film is. When the DVD came out, I stared blankly at the cover, realizing I pretty much had forgotten most of the film. Universally blasted by critics in the summer of 1986, could this really have been a bad movie, so bad that it belongs with the likes of Manos: the Hands of Fate, Santa Clause Conquers the Martians, and Plan 9 from Outer Space? Or was it unjustly ass-kicked by critics and is a pretty decent movie?

The simple answer is that Howard the Duck isn’t as bad as those films, but it isn’t really a lost gem either. It is a hybrid of mediocrity and fun, something campy and goofy, wrapped in an over-long package. I can clearly see why this tanked in 1986; it’s at times really cheesy, odd, and wasn’t the promised blockbuster that the studio and fans expected from the man who gave us light sabers and Dr. Jones. One could argue that this could have been a prelude to the end of Lucas’ iron-fisted rule over Hollywood, since it was a bomb, something I would argue Lucas have never recovered from, especially on an artistic point of view.

The critics had a point; we see a nude female duck’s breasts, outside of a game Lea Thompson, everyone really over-acts and it’s probably 20 minutes too long, for such of a bizarre concept. Now, I know there’s a cult of Howard the Duck lovers (isn’t there a cult for all “bad” movies?) and they too have a point. It’s a unique picture. It’s meant for nothing other than a fun time, and it’s strangely watchable, even if it doesn’t all gel together. The film’s biggest flaw is that Howard is too nice, unlike the Marvel comic from which it came from, where he was a rude, ill-tempered character. Lea Thompson is beautiful and fun in her role of Beverly. Like I said, she’s game for the film’s absurdist attitude. Case in point: she has a near sex scene with Howard!

I think my feelings on this film, is a mix of the two views I brought up. I dig the strange nature of the humor and the idea, but only if they focused it more, because the over-acting is a hard pill to swallow, as are the one-liners. But I guess that is part of the fun. From kooky scenes on Duck World, to 80′s new wave rock songs, to Tim Robbins, Howard the Duck is a just one of those wacky films that only a few wacky people will love. What’s wrong with that?

The DVD:

Audio/Video: Hell must have frozen over, because I’m reviewing Howard the Duck on DVD, and after a punishing battle to get here, Universal does a decent job with a solid looking picture and audio presentation. The DD 5.1 mix is better than I thought, full of energy and surround usage, and while the opening scenes look grainy, most of the film is bright and detailed. Throw away your bootlegs; this is the one to own!

A Look Back at Howard the Duck: Even with no special features, I’m sure fans would’ve snatched it up in a hurry, but thankfully Universal gave us some decent material. An all new featurette, running near a half-an-hour, we get interviews from all of the cast members (except Tim Robbins) and production team (sans Lucas). We’re offered some solid material of Howard the Duck‘s production, with candid talks on how the special effects weren’t working right, the nature of the studio’s thoughts, and of course, some love given to the film. Good stuff.

Releasing the Duck: This offers some even more candid talks on the reaction of the film from critics, to Lucas, to Universal’s input. I love hearing the woes more than the accolades, so bravo to Universal for allowing this type of extra to be included.

Archival Featurettes: Included here are some fun, little EPK material from 1986 promoting the film, and talking about stunts and the music, all quaint and worth a look, if for just nostalgic purposes.

Teaser Trailers

Conclusion: Howard the Duck is back, and I’m sure fans of cult films and bad movies will take note. I did.

Rating: