The 4K Restorations of Dead Alive, Bad Taste, and Meet the Feebles

I’m absolutely thrilled to hear the news that one of Peter Jackson’s early Horror masterpieces, Dead Alive, is reportedly getting the 4K UHD treatment in 2024! As a lifelong fan of Jackson’s unique cinematic vision, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the day when this delightfully gory cult classic would receive the restoration it deserves.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there – it seems Dead Alive will be joined by two other seminal entries in Jackson’s filmography, with 4K UHD and Blu-ray releases also planned for his 1987 splatter film Bad Taste and the 1989 puppet-filled madness of Meet the Feebles. This is truly a banner year for physical media enthusiasts and devotees of Jackson’s early, boundary-pushing work.

Dead Alive, also known by its international title Braindead, first graced the silver screen in 1992, showcasing the director’s penchant for practical effects-driven Horror and a wonderfully twisted sense of humor. The film’s premise – a Sumatran rat-monkey bite transforming Lionel’s mother into a ravenous zombie, leading to a town-wide outbreak of the undead – is the stuff of Horror comedy legend. Jackson’s unflinching, gleefully over-the-top approach to the carnage is what has cemented Dead Alive’s status as a cult classic among genre fans.

But the impending 4K release is just the tip of the iceberg. Meet the Feebles, Jackson’s 1989 puppet-centric dark comedy, is equally deserving of the restoration treatment. This insane behind-the-scenes look at the making of a variety show features a cast of characters grappling with drug addiction, extortion, and even murder. It’s a deliciously twisted take on the classic showbiz narrative, with Jackson’s singular voice shining through in every frame.

And let’s not forget about Bad Taste, the director’s 1987 alien invasion splatter film that first put him on the map. This delightfully bonkers tale of a fast-food chain’s extraterrestrial plans to make human flesh the “newest taste sensation” is a must-see for any fan of Jackson’s early work. The prospect of seeing this cult gem in stunning 4K is enough to have me giddy with anticipation.

As a passionate advocate for physical media, I can’t express how thrilled I am to see these formative films from Peter Jackson’s career finally receiving the care and attention they deserve. The 4K UHD and Blu-ray releases will undoubtedly be must-have additions to the collections of Jackson devotees and Horror enthusiasts alike. I, for one, can’t wait to immerse myself in the creative carnage of Dead Alive, the puppet-fueled insanity of Meet the Feebles, and the alien-infused mayhem of Bad Taste, all in the highest possible quality. Bring on 2024 – it’s going to be a banner year for physical media and Peter Jackson fans!