Official Synopsis:
“On a desolate country highway, two homeward-bound teens (Gina Philips, The Sickhouse, and Justin Long, Drag Me To Hell) are nearly run off the road by a maniac in a beat-up truck… and later spot him shoving what appears to be a body down a sewer pipe. But when they stop to investigate, they discover that the grisly reality at the bottom of that pipe is far worse than they could have ever suspected… and that they are now the targets of an evil far more unspeakable – and unstoppable – than they could have ever imagined!”
I have always found Jeepers Creepers to be one of those films you either love or you hate. When this first came out, I had no love for Justin Long at all, and found his whiney voice almost unbearable. Since then, his range beyond a smarmy teen has increased my appreciation for him, and allowed me a more unbiased view of the film.
For those that haven’t seen it, Jeepers Creepers brings a simple and low-budget story to life with an air of mystery of the antagonist that leaves you wanting more. The first act of the film really starts off with a bang, as two teenagers are almost run off the road by a very creepy looking truck. Anyone who has driven cross-country in the middle of nowhere can appreciate the subtle fear of nothingness in every direction with no signs of civilization. After they see the driver throw what looks like a body down a sewer pipe, the teens do something totally unbelievable and turn all forms of logic upside down; they investigate. To make matters even worse, and inform us the collective IQ of this brother/sister duo are close to zero, one of them is lowered down the pipe to see what is down there.
The second act of the film brings a little more urgency, as the teens desperately run from whatever force is coming for them. Pretty much all the scenes with the demon are very well done with such little effects. There is also an air of humor about him as he casually tosses decapitated heads into the back of his truck. Despite a story about a demon driving a truck and eating people, the story location is so isolated that it seems as though it could be real. Indeed the handling of the antagonist is probably the best thing about Jeepers Creepers.
The third act continues with the last stand of the teens in a police station. Another thing that makes it so real is the fact this isn’t a type of creature who hides in the shadows with no one seeing it. This thing busts into police stations with heavily armed officers with little care. It makes for a very climactic conclusion to a little film that delivers a lot more than the typical creature feature.
Video
The video is presented in High-Definition 1080p 1.85:1. The transfer comes courtesy of a new 2K Scan of the Interpositive, but despite this there is still quite a bit of grain throughout the film, especially in the darker scenes, most likely due to the low budget. Regardless, the more lit scenes look great, and there are no defects or blemishes noticed throughout the film.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-Master Audio 5.1. Levels are really good, as the use of surrounds are utilized just right, with clear dialogue coming from the center channel. No problems or defects were noticed.
Special Features
A great set of extras from Scream Factory for this cult classic! You’re going to see:
Disc 1:
NEW 2K Scan Of The Interpositive
NEW Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Victor Salva And Stars Justin Long And Gina Philips
Audio Commentary By Writer/Director Victor Salva
Disc 2:
NEW Jeepers Creepers: Then And Now Featuring Interviews With Writer/Director Victor Salva, Producer Barry Opper, Director Of Photography Don FauntLeRoy, Editor Ed Marx And Actor Tom Tarantini
NEW From Critters To Creepers – An Interview With Producer Barry Opper
NEW The Town Psychic – An Interview With Actress Patricia Belcher
Behind The Peepers: The Making of Jeepers Creepers Featuring Writer/Director Victor Salva, Producer Tom Luse, Actors Gina Philips, Justin Long, Eileen Brennan, Jonathan Breck And More…
Deleted & Extended Scenes Including An Alternate Opening And Ending Sequence
Photo Gallery
Theatrical Trailer
Radio Spot
Jeepers Creepers gets a great treatment from Scream Factory, and is highly recommended on picking up and adding to your collection!
