Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell Blu Ray Review (Universal)
Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell is a 2018 horror action hybrid film directed by Don Michael Paul (Tremors 5: Bloodlines, Death Race 4: Beyond Anarchy, Half Past Dead, Lake Placid: The Final Chapter, Company of Heroes, & Kindergarten Cop 2). Former actor turned director Don Michael Paul has become the go to guy for direct to video sequels in recent years. He has made movies for the Tremors, Sniper, Death Race, Lake Placid, Jarhead, & Kindergarten Cop franchises. He was the one responsible for the last Tremors film Bloodlines & it was successful enough to spawn this new production. Rumors of a new TV series has been talked about for awhile with original cast members interested in returning to their roots. A Cold Day in Hell is the 6th installment in the Tremors universe. In 2003, Tremors had it’s own Television series also that produced 13 episodes & only lasted one season. Michael Gross as Burt Gummer has been involved in every Tremors project since the beginning!!!!
Burt Gummer (played by: Michael Gross from the entire Tremors franchise, ER, Family Ties, & Cool as Ice) is back with his son Travis Welker (played by: Jamie Kennedy from Tremors 5: Bloodlines, Scream 1/2/3, Bowfinger, Enemy of the State, & Boiler Room) find themselves up to their ears in Graboids & Ass-Blasters when they head to Canada to investigate a series of deadly giant-worm attacks. Burt is broke & desperate for money to save his store. Contacted by Dr. Rita Sims (played by: Tanya van Graan from Starship Troopers 3, Lost Boys: The Thirst, Death Race 2/3, & 24 Hours to Live) & Valerie McKee (played by: Jamie-Lee Money from Troy: Fall of a City, 3 Way Junction, & The Empty Man). Notice the familiar last name for Val? Yeah, she’s the daughter of you know who. After arriving at a remote research facility in the arctic tundra, something doesn’t feel right! Burt starts to suspect that Graboids are secretly being weaponized & used for the wrong reason. Before he can prove his theory to everyone, he has a fatal encounter with some Graboid venom. Burt only has 48 hours to live, they have to do everything possible to help him survive this deadly mess. The only hope is to create an antidote from fresh venom but that requires a huge risk for others since they have to figure out how to milk a Graboid! Can they stop this evil again or has their time & luck finally ran out with these dangerous creatures?
One of the best features about the Tremors franchise is every film is different & has it’s own vibe compared to others. That’s a really rare thing when it comes to a series with multiple takes that include a prequel, multiple sequels, & a TV series. You can always expect something unique when it comes to these films. Michael Gross as Burt Gummer is the highlight of the Tremors universe & I hope that connection never goes away when it comes to the sequels. Michael Gross & Jamie Kennedy have great chemistry together in these last two releases. You can really see them as father & son. The water attack was AWESOME! I kinda expected it to be more set in the snow like it’s advertised as but it didn’t spend much time in that setting but it still cool to see. Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell has a good balance of horror, action, & comedy. The special effects are very impressive also. I had lots of fun with this new chapter into this entertaining world. Since his daughter was in this & his proposed TV series is most likely not happening I wonder if Kevin Bacon will return to this since he’s obviously already interested.
Let’s talk about the high definition presentation for this. The 1080p (1.78:1) transfer is honestly the best you can get for a direct to video release. Everything shows up in great detail for Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell & it feels like something that could have been in theaters. The budget doesn’t show while viewing this, it’s given the same respect as any other big feature would. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack is top notch! Everything roars through the speakers & it feels like you are on the adventure with Burt in this. Lots of action so it has plenty of nice moments to enjoy when it comes to the sound on this. It also features French: DTS 5.1 & Spanish: DTS 5.1 audio tracks. Plus English SDH, French, Spanish subtitles are included.
It’s time to discuss the special features for this new release. First off, there’s the 14 minute “The Making of Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell” which is separated in six different parts. Setting the Scene, Cast of Characters, The Head of the Beast, The Frozen Tundra, Graboid Guts, & The Gift That Keeps on Giving pretty much catches you up on everything in a decent amount of time. Next, you get the 4 minute “Anatomy of a Scene” which is a unique look at a first in Tremors existence. “Inside Chang’s Market” is an almost 3 minute tour with director Don Michael Paul at one of the favorite spots in the Tremors universe. It also comes with a digital & a DVD of the film. I haven’t been disappointed with anything Tremors related over the years & Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell was just as fun as expected! This comes highly recommended from me!
