The Toxic Avenger (1984) [4K UHD review]

In the realm of cult cinema, few films have achieved the status of “The Toxic Avenger” (1984). Directed by Michael Herz and Samuel Weil, this low-budget horror-comedy became an instant sensation upon its release. With its unique blend of gruesome violence, dark humor, and socio-political commentary, “The Toxic Avenger” captured the hearts of audiences and spawned a franchise that has endured for decades. Now, thanks to MVD‘s recently released 4K UHD edition, fans can experience the film in a whole new light.

Troma means Family

“The Toxic Avenger” was the brainchild of Troma Entertainment, a production company known for its offbeat and often controversial films. Made on a shoestring budget, the film tells the story of Melvin Ferd, a mild-mannered janitor who transforms into a mutated superhero after falling into a vat of toxic waste. With its over-the-top violence, outrageous characters, and dark sense of humor, “The Toxic Avenger” quickly gained a reputation as a midnight movie favorite and a staple of the underground film scene.

Decades after its release, “The Toxic Avenger” continues to captivate audiences with its audacious blend of horror and comedy. While some elements may feel dated, the film’s underlying themes and social commentary still resonate today. Its tongue-in-cheek critique of societal norms, environmental issues, and corruption remains relevant, making it a timeless cult classic. However, it is worth noting that the film’s extreme violence and dark humor may not appeal to all viewers, particularly those with more mainstream tastes.

MVD does 4K UHD right

MVD’s recently released 4K UHD edition of “The Toxic Avenger” offers fans an opportunity to rediscover this cult favorite with enhanced visual and audio quality. The remastered transfer breathes new life into the film, showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the gory special effects. The 4K resolution elevates the viewing experience, allowing audiences to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating the film’s unique atmosphere.

What does the new Toxic Avenger 4K UHD bring to you? You get commentaries, intros, a postcard, prologue and more special features spread across the multiple discs of the set. Troma was meant for 4K UHD. Now if it could just dissolve your Steelbooks into a pile of silver goo, that would make it the best release ever to me.

Troma still looks like Troma

I can already feel people getting upset by my first statement, but let’s clarify something here. Much has been made over the various transfer quality issues. Out of all four movies in the box set, The Toxic Avenger looks the best. I did a Blu-ray to 4K UHD comparison of Citizen Toxie and that was the only film where I saw totally egregious issues from the start. They improved as the film went on before dipping back into A/V Quality issues in the final reel.

That being said, I can’t say if the issues on some of these discs are mastering, representative of the source elements or indicative of something else. There are several times in the first two Toxic Avenger movies when active film print damage shows up. Hell, one of the screenshot caught this nasty damage blur across a bad guy’s face. You’ll notice it when it pops up.

Some final words on The Toxic Avenger

“The Toxic Avenger” is a true cult classic that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary continues to captivate audiences, making it a must-see for fans of offbeat cinema. With the release of MVD’s 4K UHD edition, the film has received a stunning visual upgrade, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate details and vibrant colors like never before.

The accompanying special features provide a wealth of additional content, giving enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the film’s creation and enduring legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering “The Toxic Avenger” for the first time, this 4K UHD edition is a definitive and essential addition to your cult film collection. Prepare to be immersed in the grotesque and hilarious world of Tromaville.

The Toxic Avenger 4K Collection is available October 24th from MVD