The Story of Swamp Thing (1982) - Review & Retrospective

[@LaytonEversaul]

Enjoy everyone! Sorry for the delay and thank your for your patience! If you're new to the channel, and like monster movies, check out my horror movie retrospectives here: kzbin.info/aero/PLHCKhocvM_m6aKikU2o4UDlya-MdRXTml

[@LaytonEversaul]

@Tim Muldoon Always honored to be compared to Oliver!

[@Hewylewis]

Jumanji next? LOL

[@stewartfennell8926]

Another great retrospective Layton.

[@LaytonEversaul]

@@stewartfennell8926 Thank you!

[@dudelebowskithe2nd373]

I love 1982 Swamp Thing. I can watch it over and over. The 2019 series was amazing also . North Carolina promised the studio a budget break and then when it came out, reneged on that deal, forcing the studio to cancel. Bunch of jerks. It was so good

[@smeagle3295]

That’s what they get for choosing NC in the first place. There are a few other Southern states that are known for swampland that would’ve been more than ok.

[@TomBennett1]

Wait that's the only reason why it got canceled??? Shoot pay the extra money because it was going to make double and triple the way the season ended and could finally bring in the real Anton Arcane. Aka. Dr. Arcane.

[@gocsa]

"MONSTERS AND MIDGETS" hahaha that's priceless

[@p.d.l7023]

If that was a video game I'd buy it.

[@georgereynolds3422]

Fun fact: the stuntman doing the fire gag (called a "burn" ) is named Tony Cecere. He performed similar stunts in John Carpenter's "The Thing", as well as "A Nightmare On Elm Street".

[@theshapesbiggestfan]

I LOVED this movie as a kid! I watched it countless times and I had no idea Wes Craven directed it! He's awesome!! Great job Layton!

[@blodguizer]

I was fortunate to find a copy of the original DVD release with the longer cut on Ebay for 40 dollars.

[@p.d.l7023]

The one with Adrian Barbo's knockers in it?

[@blodguizer]

@@p.d.l7023 thats the one.

[@davidthieroff9452]

I bought it on a whim when I saw it in the discount bin for $10 at Tower Records back when DVDs were still pretty new. I remember seeing that scene and thought, "uhhh, i don't remember this." I still have my copy.

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

That’s crazy that Craven grew up in such an Anti-Swamp Thing family!

[@alleahsasseville]

I absolutely LOVED this film (event hough they always showed #2 on TV) I love the cast for this.... especially Louis Jourdan & Dick Durock!! ❤❤❤

[@fakeshemp9599]

I always look forward to your retrospectives! You deserve more subscribers! Keep it up! 👍

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you! And thanks for continuing to watch.

[@Hewylewis]

Clever using Reb Brown's Captain America as an example of bad comic book movies of heh 70s. Spoony would be proud. LOL

[@dudelebowskithe2nd373]

I still like watching that lol

[@YouTube-tied]

Man, that was an incredible year for movies and an even funner one for my 16 year old self and my buddies at the drive ins all summer long. Literally 5 nights a week at least and by the second movie we'd had friended the cars next to us especially the trucks in the farther-back rows. Rowdy times with lawn chairs and kiddie pools in the beds of trucks and plenty of "measured" drunkenness and weed-smoking so as not to get in trouble.

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

The consistency of quality in your uploads is amazing. Love every minute, cheers mate 🙌 also RIP Dick Durrock

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you!

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

Man, Saturday morning, waking up, Saturday morning Layton!

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thanks again!

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

Lol that "So...THIS was the state of comic book movies..." intro was perfect. Also "Low Budget Charms" should be a garage band name.

[@WRA82]

And PS a ton of the interiors in Return of Swamp Thing are filmed in Mercer-Williams House (Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil) in my hometown of Savannah. We used to talk about it when I gave tours!

[@LaytonEversaul]

Good to know for the future video!

[@claytonbb5]

Wow thats my Uncle Reggie. It’s great seeing someone mention him. Everything you said is correct. He still does some acting too

[@jaynkorea]

Your retrospective documentaries are the best! Always look forward to them. Kudos to you and thank you for all of your hard work!!! I'm waiting for a boutique DVD/Blu-ray label to hire you for their bonus features. lol. These are of the highest quality! All the best!

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you! I'm waiting too ...

[@edvaira6891]

I probably saw this movie ten or fifteen times on HBO as a latchkey kid during the mid-80’s (it ALWAYS seemed to be on around 3:30 in the afternoon, for some reason...) and I did not have any clue until the 90’s that this was a Wes Craven movie...one of my all time favorites-Thanks so much for this, (By the way, there are actually 10 episodes of the 2019 series that were produced for DC Universe, although there were supposed to be 13...it had its order shrunk due to budget cuts, and CW picked up most of DC Universe’s shows, like Stargirl and Doom Patrol , cheaply, but most, like Swamp Thing, flopped)

[@TheBeird]

Was thinking that this reminded me of Darkman, which I re-watched the other day, and then one of the henchmen from Darkman shows up in this one. And also suffers a horrible fate. Good review!

[@ravensane2823]

I remember seeing this movie and really liked it you can feel everyone trying their best

[@jokertdk]

WAY BETTER than anything that was on the special features on the official bluray! Bravo, sir! This was yet another VERY well done documenary! Thank you my friend.

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you!

[@jokertdk]

@@LaytonEversaul Just wanted to ask, what is your opinion of the Bixby/Ferrigno Incredible Hulk series, and would you ever cover it in the future? To me, I think the show is very significant in the history of Marvel Comics being adapted cinematically. As TIH was, by far, Marvel's greatest success story in those terms. Right up to, I believe, Blade in 1998.

[@LaytonEversaul]

@@jokertdk I grew up watching re-runs of the show and have always loved it. I would agree that it was a game-changer for comic book based TV. As far as covering it in a video, it's definitely in the cards! I've been thinking about doing TV for a while.

[@jokertdk]

@@LaytonEversaul Thank you, sir!

[@ebxj1418]

Loved itwhen I was little and still love it now, a great monster movie 🎥 classic. Unforgettable soundtrack when I hear it and I'm not near the TV I know what's on.

[@audralachausse]

I love Swamp Thing…a favorite from childhood

[@PerpetratorOfTruth]

It\s impressive how adept Hollywood is to ostracizing everyone and everything that's actually good.

[@WRA82]

THIS is a masterpiece. Your work is amazing my friend. I liked this better than most movies. I’m just breathless. By far my favorite channel.

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you very much!

[@looking_glass8736]

I have that blu ray! There are things I still like better about this movie than I like about the new series. After I read the comics, I realized how awesome it was that Ferret and Bruno are in it (not to mention Arcane). It was a really clever re-invention of the characters.

[@PavyMac]

This movie is still one of my favorites from my childhood. I was 7 and watching TBS The Superstation when I came across this.

[@travisa7669]

I watched this movie a lot of times on HBO and the final act of it freaked me out with all of the screams of pain due to the transformations. Looking back, it is an important film if you take into account that it took a fairly new comic book character and put them on the big screen. It was a gamble that initially didn't pay off but in the long run, the film has quite a bit of nostalgia for a few generations. Great video!

[@EnigmaticVayne]

I clicked it on this knowing it was gonna be a great review. It exceeded my expectations. Incredible video! Love this movie

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you!

[@dukexix1901]

Damn who would've thought that watching the new Werewolf by night special from Marvel which featured Man Thing would sprung me to realise its DC counterpart along with its 1980s movie by out of all people Wes Craven would lead me to finding your channel...thanks for the information provided in your retrospec,it was interesting.

[@laplace5412]

I absolutely love the content of your channel, and the way you review these timley classics, you have a new subscriber mate, keep them coming

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you!

[@md.saunders6625]

I'm 42 years old and saw this when I wasn't supposed to when I was 5 yrs old and loved it and still do. That weird wolf lizard monster scared the hell out of me lol

[@eddiee8478]

A child hood favorite of mine. thank you for the retrospective. great channel.

[@paulboucher3487]

Loved the movie when it came out, being teenagers we left our good taste and brains at the door and enjoyed every moment of the movie, great memories.

[@vasilypugh1516]

What a superb channel! I love hearing about the slightly less appreciated films in such depth. Channels like these are the reason KZbin has value in my eyes.

[@wstine79]

Louis Jourdan was great as the villain in SWAMP THING. Speaking of which, will we see a retrospective of his OTHER villain performance against a certain English secret agent from England?

[@LaytonEversaul]

Definitely. I can't wait to make a 50 minute video about Faberge eggs.

[@dudelebowskithe2nd373]

@@LaytonEversaul Octopussy baby!!

[@doomsinval369]

Oh no! It's 3am here in Australia. Why won't you let me sleep haha. I get so excited every time you release one of these Review & Retrospective videos. They are so well done.

[@LaytonEversaul]

Aussies awake at 3am is my main demographic!

[@cjgonzilla7676]

One of my all time favorite films, sir! Excellent review! Thank you so much for this. Your channel is amazing, and I love it!!!

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thanks for watching!

[@nadafilms31]

ANOTHER BANGER MY DUDE

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thanks again!

[@nadafilms31]

@@LaytonEversaul no prob dude just stating facts

[@Kels1701e]

I love this movie. I had it on VHS and eventually bought it on dvd. One of my fav comic book movies

[@ronanderson6837]

I’ve loved this movie since I first saw it in its first run on HBO! I was 6 or 7 and it ingrained itself into my memory

[@Checker222]

This is so well researched and presented! WELL DONE!

[@p.d.l7023]

Anton Arcane = Underrated DC villain.

[@deebojordan7406]

I was even more hooked after part 2!!!

[@TheRoboG]

Ah... looking forward to this! Your videos are excellent :-)

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you!

[@davidimrie6916]

Once again my friend you have outdone yourself with this documentary. I always say, if you want quality, Better Call Eversaul.

[@LaytonEversaul]

Haha I appreciate that!

[@davidimrie6916]

@@LaytonEversaul No problem!! I love the Halloween 4 and Jaws 2 documentaries and I learned quite a bit. Do you think you will be tackling Jaws the revenge anytime soon??

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

Crazy to think the original title for Kasper Hauser was actually “The Enigma of Swamp Thing, Esq.”...you learn a lot watching 80s horror movie reviews on KZbin. Thank you!

[@MLJ7956]

I loved the 1982 film as well as the 1989 sequel (I have both on Blu-Ray in my movie collection)... Would you please do an in-depth retrospective & review of the sequel 'The Return Of Swamp Thing' because I think the behind-the-scenes making of that film every bit as fascinating & interesting as the actual movie itself (plus I feel that the sequel film is highly underrated as far as super hero films & sequel films go). Yes it may be more campy in tone (much like the 60s Batman TV series was but that was intentional to appeal to their target audience - mainly younger kids. However it did have a lot of innuendos/winks & nods to adult situated humor aimed for adults that kids might not pick up on much like the original Batman TV series did also. The film works on those two levels...btw, Roger Ebert also very much liked the sequel as well)....I would truly appreciate that (because not many people, including on KZbin, have done a retrospector and/or review on the sequel film & the information available on that film is scarcely & seldom spoken about, unless one has the Blu-Ray version themselves, which is a shame for vast audiences)... I give 1982 'Swamp Thing' an A rating & and I give 1989 'The Return Of Swamp Thing' an A rating also (but vastly different reasons and criteria especially when compared to the first film. It is linked to the first one but is different enough to stand on it's own - a rarity in many sequels. It is not the same film done all over again with a slightly larger budget as many sequels have done)... Thank you & keep up these retrospectives & review. I enjoy all of them. 😁✌️

[@LaytonEversaul]

I'll definitely be covering the sequel down the road, and likely the USA tv show as well.

[@mkproductions2.042]

My fav live action DC comics films--- Batman,Batman Returns,Batman Forever,The Batman,Suicide Squad(2016), Wonder Woman,Wonder Woman 1984, & then there's Swamp thing films!!!!! I'd like to see another Swamp thing movie made!

[@timrob12]

Though cancelled, the Swamp Thing is not forgotten as both Crisis on Infinite Earths and a current episode of Titans had him briefly show up as part of an exploration of the multiverse, which is lovely.

[@sartainja]

Superb analysis and presentation. 👍

[@HeyMykee]

It should have been "The movie almost swamped Wes Craven's career as a serious filmmaker." Of course hindsight is 20/20, and it's easy for me to sit here and armchair quarterback. Excellent job as usual!

[@ickcubs102]

Loved this movie as a kid, kinda hard to get through as an adult. When the villain transforms it had me hooked

[@Silver-Sliver]

Strangely for me, I've seen this movie several times just randomly through the years, mostly as a kid in the 80's but never the more widely shown (?) Return of the Swamp Thing. I enjoy this movie.

[@archmage7813]

There is no nudity in this movie...well not in the American release. The nudity was only included in the European release. Fun fact, the European release was "accidentally" sent to US video rental stores and Adrian actually sued and won a large settlement because she hadn't been compensated for her nudity here in the states.

[@LoepkeVisionFilms]

Another great video! Can't wait for the next one!

[@danbieselart]

The most recent Swamp Thing show originally aired on DC's unsuccessful streaming service. It received good reviews from critics but was purportedly canceled due to financing issues and ended up being a couple episodes short of the intended run. CW aired Swamp Thing because they needed content due to delays from the pandemic and the show actually did fairly well to the point where it was at least considered to pick it up for a second season though it seems that's not happening.

[@natefrye9777]

Vertigo Comics, also known as DC Vertigo or simply Vertigo, was an imprint of American comic book publisher DC Comics started by editor Karen Berger in 1993.

[@ast3663]

grear review again..swamp thing is just another unforgettable classic like last house on the left, hills have eyes or robo cop.

[@STAYFREE707]

Another great one Layton!

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thanks again!

[@wstine79]

I'd be happy with a Justice League DARK live action movie. We already have a Swamp Thing, a John Constantine, and a Zatanna to put in the movie already.

[@p.d.l7023]

I didn't realize that Steve Erkel's country cousin was in Swamp Thing.

[@georgehgordy1690]

Better call Eversaul...👀 Sorry i couldn't resist.. My Dad took me to see this when i was a kid

[@badbabybear1]

Underrated movie. It's a fun little campy film. Would like to see Swamp Thing get a new and more serious film adaptation. Good documentary, as always.

[@p.d.l7023]

I was today years old when I realized that Swamp Thing and Darkman have a nearly identical plot.

[@p.d.l7023]

Trivia: The guy that turned into a dwarf in Swamp Thing also played "Paulie" in Darkman nine years later.

[@brockbaby]

All I remember is I couldn't understand a dam word Jude would say. Lots of giggling as children wondering 'what the heck is this guy saying?" Intentional? Who knows but it added to the movie :)

[@krisorgan]

Not even 1ooo likes, what wrong with people? Your content is very educational, so carry on and dont stop ffs.

[@briangreene7085]

HEaring that this movie nearly sunk a Hollywood legend, tbh, it helped, as bad as that sounds..... I worked my arse off as a chef since 2020, and made it a success, but it all fell apartand now I'm borrowing money off friends just to survive, when a year ago I was set, good wage, great girl(she disappeared as soon as I needed help, father died, had to take over his home)..... but if Wes can turn it around, went through several bad years, I've only been through 9months, well, that gives me hope, it's not over, it's just a new beginning, ..... won't write A Nightmare on Elm Street!, or achieve that level, but there's hope, if Wes can, I can. Thanks Layton, love your video's, they've really helped me through a tough time this year xx

[@p.d.l7023]

Outstanding full-body burn. That's a stunt I've not done myself and I would want to. I usually ride horses and motorcycles and shit.

[@thickerconstrictor9037]

I had no idea that Wes craven directed swamp thing haha I love craven. Scream is not only my favorite horror movie but it's in my top three favorite films of all time. And I loved the first second nightmare on elm Street and New nightmare as well although I know that he did not direct second one.

[@SPFLDAngler]

For the looooooongest time as a kid all I could remember from this movie was the scene where he takes a corn cob off of his body for the woman to eat... It's so weird.. I literally still don't remember anything else about the movie.

[@asunserrano6996]

Great job Pal ! 👏

[@LaytonEversaul]

Thank you!

[@leroyreed1215]

What he did with what he got was amazing and he should have been given an applause for at a time and for working under such a tight budget because it looks at least like a 5 to 10 million dollar film so just imagine if you're giving that much I think people were hating on him because obviously it made money and became a classic

[@coryhellerer3425]

The budget was 3 million.

[@powellp]

Great choice for a retrospective as I think it’s a film that’s been forgotten thru the years.

[@Sebastiankuonen]

Love this movie. Great review too.

[@WillisWheeler]

More comic book stuff u did a damn good job with it

[@919ENTERTAINMENTLLC]

Still one of my faves.

[@phillophotographer7366]

Good review buddy-boy

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

Layton!

[@mattblackwell789]

Was at the age where I first started noticing ummm Adrian's 🥥🥥... fond memories.

[@Morgil27]

Have you seen the unrated cut of the movie? 😉

[@deadpan80]

51:27 going through this kid's mind at the moment: "Mustn't look down... mustn't look down... whatever you do, for the love of God and everything holy - don't look down!"

[@promnightdumpsterbaby9553]

Adrian barbeau is a fox

[@ivane5110]

I saw this (opening week I think) and wasn't disappointed. I had been a fan of Swamp Thing in the comics throughout the 70s. More importantly I hoped this would tie into Reeves Superman universe and would also lead to more superhero movies. Even got the comic adaption which was not only faithful but good on its own. Unfortunately not only did neither medium cameo Reeves or anyone else but the movie seemed to come and go without making an impact at the time. The sequel I could've easiky done without, but the TV series was a worthy addition. Shame Superman IV didn't go the Captain Planet route and go all eco so ST could've been included. Oh well. Enjoyable video and fun facts I hadn't heard before.

[@jonvisser1509]

Love Craven Hills have eyes and Deadly Blessings with the beautiful Maren Jensen from Battlestar Galactica. Swamp thing is my favorite Super Hero so cool.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

I'd like to see a stop-motion animated Swamp Thing.

[@-MrFozzy-]

Swamp thing swiping the boat looks awesome …very surprised! Was never really a swamp thing fan…but I actually quite enjoyed the CW series….better than any of the rest…but of course…we now never get to find little gems over time…everything that’s not INSTANTLY popular gets cancelled…..(I’m still INSANELY upset about firefly…..also to a lesser extent, the river)

[@bsim5138]

23:45 I would have fond memories too!

[@hiddentruth1982]

I remember wonder woman, flash gorden, super man, and the swamp thing. I don't recall captain america and spiderman.

[@shawnbliss]

I ♥️ this movie

[@TheUndert0ker]

Seen this as a kid in the early 80s and it disturbed the fuck out of me lol. The irreversible and nightmarish transformations by mad scientist chemicals has always been a scary idea in sci fi and horror.

[@deadpan80]

the tag line for any great 80's horror movie should read "monsters and midgets!"

[@TheRealOzMuerte]

GAH! 😱 This has to be the most in-depth doc I've seen on Swampthing. You did a crap-ton of research my dude! 😵 Guess I'll post this here: www.deviantart.com/oz-muerte/art/Arcane-Monster-Swampthing-Custom-Action-Figure-784533341 When I made it, I ended up having to do a ludicrous amount of research myself. And I discovered the same thing you did, that the Arcane Monster was meant to be a generic werewolf but Munns took it in his own direction making it a sort of "chimera" of different animals. One interesting point though is that Munns had built a replica of the Gillman from Creature from The Black Lagoon as an FX student years before, and I get the impression he used that as a jumping off point for Arcane. You can see the similarities in the scaley nature of the arms, legs, torso, etc. It's just neat seeing how one generation of monster inspired another.

[@LaytonEversaul]

Great work! And thanks for the fun fact!

[@66cuda]

B movie classic, liked it since I saw it as a kid in the theater

[@mikeandre9052]

I have heard that the European release includes a nude scene with Ms Barbeau? That would be TV worth watching IMO.

[@toyLizbian]

great vid^ I was so disappointed by the latest attempt at a swamp thing series - hes been so failed in tv/film. id be so hyped ab a serious, marvel-budget size film. Sure, theres not as much of a fan base and wouldnt rake as much money, but I'd pay to watch smthn like that several times over as someone who's never taken an interest in the superhero genre but adores the swamp thing

[@chrismize2738]

Adrienne Barbeau, many teenage boys dream back in the day. Suit was cool too.

[@AJAT800]

Update, MVD Rewind Collection recently release of both cuts of the film in 2023 for the U.S. on 4K/Blu-ray

[@El-Chad]

I would agree A+ for guys like us.

[@ShaneKixmiller]

The 2019 thing show was not created for the CW. It was a creation of DC universe, their streaming service before HBO Max came along. It aired on that platform and was not canceled after only one episode but allowed to finish out the first season, in a shortened fashion. The original episode order was something like 13 episodes. They were cut down to 10. The show was too expensive though, and the budget not being monitored well. Eventually, on the CW. But it was not created for that. In all honesty, it’s not perfect but it’s actually a really great show. Adrianne Barbeau even makes a cameo.

[@joblo7]

This is a great video. Excellent work. I would like to point out, that when you showed make up artist Bill Munns work on Return of the Living Dead, that was not all his work. He was fired off the film and a most of the work was done by Kenny Myers and Tony Gardner. Most of the "tarman" is Bill's, with facial articulation by Kenny Myers. In the documentary "More Brains", they cover it quite well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqfYdpd8eq1-r6s At 51:32, they start to speak on how Bill's makeup fx were not what they were expecting. To be fair, he does seem like a good guy. He just wasn't the right person for the job.