Vinegar Syndrome cited this as a "fresh cinematographer-approved transfer restored in 2k from its original 16mm camera negative" and give us "Blood Hook" on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc. The MPEG-4 AVC Video at a max'ed out bitrate and looks fantastic, especially given its age. Grain is evident but not overwhelming. The colors look as they should, with the mid-eighties clothing looking scarily accurate. I do not recall seeing any damage, though if there was it was minimal. The film is presented in 1.66:1 aspect ratio.

Vinegar Syndrome go authentic with a DTS-HD Master 1.0 mono track (24-bit) and it supports the film's effects (those cicadas!) and especially the score by Thomas A. Naunas (Mystery Science Theater 3000) which adds some haunting tones to the film experience, as well as mid-eighties appropriate fare (The Red Echoes song is also Naunas). It is a very full and robust mono track. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles on the Region FREE Blu-ray disc.

Vinegar Syndrome gives us many great interviews on this Blu-ray, starting with the half-hour "Hook, Line and Sinker" w/ director Jim Mallon. Jim starts by talking about what got him into filmmaking, through childhood experimental home-movies to working in TV production and comedy shorts. Jim talks about how the script came to be, how they got investors, and eventually how they marketed the film. But most fascinating is the stories of filming the movie. They used 4 or 5 lakes (including lake Owen, Round Lake, and Spider Lake) to shoot the film. There is a great story about the crew building the 'Bait Shop' on the waterfront. Casting the film is also discussed, as is the difficulty in actually finding a Muskee for the shoot (the film was originally called 'Muskee Madness'). Jim closes out the interview explaining just how he got the job at Mystery Science Theater 3000. Next up we get an almost 20-minute "First Blood Hook" interview with Lisa Todd ("Ann"). Lisa has trouble remembering some details of the shoot but what she does recall is quite revealing. She remembers a chainsaw-carving-contest scene that did not make it into the film. Also revealing are stories of her and the other cast members. Her relationship with Mark Jacobs ("Peter Van Clease") was so fraught that he wasn't speaking to her for the whole shoot. I don't want to spoil much else, but suffice to say that this is a fun interview. Next up is the 23-minute "What's in the Tacklebox?" interview with Jim Suthers, one of the fx artists on the film. Jim was a self-described "Monster-kid" growing up, and his love of special effects make-up got him into the business. He met fellow fx artist Dale Kuippers on the sets of Bill Rebane films (they got to blow up Ralph Meeker's head). Sadly, Dale is no longer with us but Jim speaks of him fondly. Jim mentions that he spent most of his time on set in the hotel working on various props/effects, so he didn't interact much with the rest of the cast/crew. He does tell a great story about getting pulled over by a local cop, that I won't spoil here. Another great watch. Next up is an audio interview with cinematographer / editor Marsha Kahm. This interview is conducted by phone (or Skype? who knows) and the audio quality isn't perfect, though it is easy to understand what is being said. Vinegar Syndrome co-founder Joe Rubin interviews Kahm, and this is a very detailed account of her experiences in film. Kahm was the cinematographer for the wonderful documentary, "I Am Divine". The film's theatrical trailer is also included, as well as a still gallery. The cover is reversible and the first copies have a limited edition slipcover (see below) designed by Chris Garofalo (limited to just 1,000 units and apparently already sold-out). Garofalo also did the cover art for "The Hearse", "Psycho Cop Returns" and "Jack Frost".

Blood Hook is a real catch! The film rises above the usual Troma fare, thanks to a wicked sense of humor and a unique setting. Vinegar Syndrome have once again outdone themselves. Normally I would want to see a commentary track but the interviews are so informative that I'm sure any info gained on such a track would be redundant. The audio visual aspect of the release is probably as good as it is ever gonna get. Highly recommended to fans of offbeat horror films and comedies.