EARTH VS. The SPIDER

COLUMBIA TRISTAR is continuing their release schedule of AIP remakes. Their most recent release was the surprisingly entertaining killer mermaid film, “SHE CREATURE”. Special Effects Master Guru, Stan Winston, is the one responsible for these remakes, and while the films haven’t improved much over their predecessors in terms of dialogue and narrative, they’re still generally fun.

The quirky sci-fi/comedy/action/thriller, “EARTH VS. THE SPIDER” offers Devon Gummersall as a nerdy security-for-hire, working at a biotech company.  His geeky fantasy world has him obsessed with a comic book hero titled “Arachnid Avenger” as well as the beautiful girl who’s just become his neighbor.   After failing to even attempt in protecting his mentor during a raid on the facility wherein he works, he decides to experiment with a secret tarantula concoction on himself!  Of course, a variety of changes begin to occur, calling for some amazing special effects!

The film moves along at a brisk pace, and it’s fun for the most part.  Unfortunately, watching Dan Aykroyd as a cop whose wife, the aging(but still sexy)Theresa Russell,  is sleeping around with everyone, but him, lowers the film to a new level of trashiness, making it feel more like a bad episode of “The Colbys” than just a bad AIP cheapie!
 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the film with its proper 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  The image is sharp with a slick, glossy style to it. There’s great definition as well as bold colors in almost every instance.  Fleshtones appear natural, and contrast is fine, although blacks and grays have been more distinguished in other recent releases.
 

The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is excellent, offering some creative surround effects. The film score is boosted, though still unmemorable through all speakers. There is a brief featurette offered as an extra, and some trailers.