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Eric Stoltz, Daphne Zuniga, Lee Richardson, John Getz, Frank C. Turner, Ann Marie Lee, Gary Chalk

The fly who dreamed he was a man never dreamed he would have a son like this. Martin Brundle (Eric Stoltz) has both human and fly DNA which causes accelerated growth and aging for the young man. Clearly brilliant like his father, Martin becomes an adult in five years and is taken care of by the head of Bartok Industries Lee Bartok (Lee Richardson). As time progresses the fly genes begin to assert themselves causing Martin to change in…disturbing ways. When he meets Beth Logan (Dahne Zuniga) they gradually fall in love and she’s determined to save him. As with all Greek plays and horror movies tragedy follows those around who mess with being God. ***

The buzz on this film when it was released was that it was bad. Although the sequel can’t hold a candle to David Cronenberg’s original film novice film director Chris Walas (who handled the make up effects in the first film) creates a convincing horror movie. If “The Fly II” is routine that’s because it’s a sequel and most sequels tend to be leftovers with the best bits already used but the hungry consumer still wants more. Flawed as it is, “The Fly II” is entertaining and the over-the-top gore continues the tradition established by Cronenberg in the first film. Walas succeeds best as a director during the sequences where make up and effects are involved and that’s no surprise as he was the make up designer on the previous film. His actors do an admirable job and, again, part ofthat credit goes to Walas but most sequels are like little boys trying to walk around in their daddy’s oversized shoes; they tend to move forward but stumble around and fall a lot before they reach their destination. ---

A much improved transfer for “The Fly II” is a higher here. The rich colors and sharp imagery come across with crystal clarity. Colors are bold and although there is some noticeable grain, it’s a minimal distraction. I detected occasional flecks in the print here but that’s to be expected given that the film (like its daddy) is over ten years old. The 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound format fills the room flying around the room from speaker to speaker. ---

“The Fly II” has evolved from a bare bones larva to a full blown monster on this deluxe DVD. Featuring a top notch documentary on the making of the entire series of films from the 1950’s original through to the two botched sequels Fox produced in its aftermath and the remake & its sequel, “The Fly Papers” will give fans of the 80’s revivals a buzz. Filled with interviews, vintage behind-the-scenes footage and photographs, it’s a very good documentary on the films. “Transformations” is an all new behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the film. Filled with interviews and clips from both films as well as behind-the-scenes video footage, it’s a solid glimpse into the brief revival of an early Fox franchise. There is a single deleted scene as well as a misguided alternate ending included as well. Finally we get a videotape film production journal on the making of the movie which is quite interesting if a bit over long nd three storyboard-to-film comparisons with insightful comments from director Walas. ---

If you’re a fan of the 1986 film you’ll probably enjoy this gory sequel to the original Cronenberg horror feast. The film never does take flight like Cronenberg’s film but has solid performances and interesting direction from Walas. Mick Garris’ script doesn’t offer as much potential as the original film’s script did for character development and pathos but has its share of nice set pieces. This deluxe edition from Fox finally gives this film the recognition if not the respect it deserved as a solid sequel to a great horror film.