Vestron Video continues its Collector's Series with C.H.U.D. II Bud the Chud, which works as a light-hearted horror/comedy, but as a sequel where absolutely nothing is even remotely related, it only confuses fans of the original.
Official Synopsis:
“Kevin, Steve, and Katie are an inseparable trio of friends doing some extracurricular snooping in the school science lab when, among the test tubes and beakers, they discover a corpse! But before they can say “Abra Cadaver,” the body disappears, rolling down Route 51 strapped to a gurney. The kids need a spare stiff, and fast. What they find is “Bud the Chud,” a half-dead decomposing humanoid, the result of a military experiment gone haywire. When Bud sets out on a killing spree, the kids, the Army, the police and the FBI are hot on his trail, trying to save the entire town from becoming “Chudified!”
One of the first concerns I had about watching this film was not having seen the first one. After watching both, I can put your mind at ease that you do not in any way need to know anything about the first movie. In fact, it is probably best you don’t see it, as to avoid any confusion why nothing is the same, why they say C.H.U.D. stands for something else in the first and completely disregards this fact.
Another glaring difference between the two is the first film is a horror film. Albeit campy, there is plenty of low budget gore, scares and grotesque deaths to keep the avid horror fan entertained. What we are presented with from C.H.U.D. II Bud the Chud is a straight to video comedy where the so called Chuds look nothing like what they did in the first.
Why then, even call this a sequel? Perhaps it is one of those mysteries that will never be solved. But the question remains, despite all these inconsistencies, does this translate into an entertaining film? The horror/comedy genre has a very particular niche, and the balance between the two is critical for success in this genre. After all, what is the best thing to do after a terrifying scare? Laugh of course, and while other films in the genre find the balance between scare and laughter, there doesn’t seem to be much of any balance here. C.H.U.D. II Bud the Chud sees itself strictly as a comedy with elements of horror. The tongue in cheek playfulness of a self-aware zombie that has a crush on a high school girl who is spreading the disease to everyone he encounters can make for a few good laughs, but that’s it. Regardless, the fact that it doesn’t strive to achieve anything more than that is respectable, and those that can understand that going in will have a much better time.
As far as the production of the film goes, for a low budget, straight to video film this was impressive to say the least. The acting from everyone involved was far more impressive than one might normally expect. This goes for the make-up and effects as well. Although this film might not have the substance some may be looking for after the bit of environmental commentary from the first film, C.H.U.D. II still manages to garner some laughs, as long as you accept the film for what it is.
Video
C.H.U.D. II Bud the Chud is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1. The transfer is relatively free of defects. Color balance seems good, although a bit muted at times, and although there is some noticeable grain in some of the darker scenes, the overall quality is better than I would have thought it to be.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo. The score for the film is part of the quirkiness, and that comes out well here. There are no other noticeable issues.
Special Features
There are some great new special features and interviews with some of the cast. On this set you’re going to get:
Audio Commentary with Director David Irving
Interview with Actor Gerrit Graham
Interview with Actress Trivia Leigh
Interview with Special Effects Artist Allan Apone
Video Trailer
Still Gallery
C.H.U.D. II Bud the Chud has quite a few funny moments with its silly, quirky nature, but the lack of connection in any way with the first leaves a very confusing taste for fans of the original. Fans of the horror/comedy genre in the same vein as Return of the Living Dead will enjoy the light heartedness of this film. Vestron Video continues its Collector’s Series and treats each of these films with great respect. It’s great seeing the dedication to lesser-known films and making sure they find a new audience. I hope this trend continues with some other great titles.
