The Blob | 1958 vs 1988
Hello Fellow Stardust. Welcome back to another comparison discussion. This month I talked about The Blob movies from 1958 and 1988. I was joined by a special returning guest, Albert of Blood and Brews. He was a guest on my channel when we did our first Monster Fam Live live stream, we discussed Midnight Meat Train. But this discussion was all about an alien killer!
The Classic: The Blob (1958)
The 1958 version of The Blob is a sci-fi horror classic. A meteor from outer space lands near a small town in Pennsylvania, carrying a carnivorous alien blob that engulfs its victims, growing bigger and more menacing. Steve and Jane witness the blob’s destruction but struggle to convince the authorities and townspeople of the danger.
Whenever you watch a film from this era, it’s essential to view it through a different lens. Despite the era’s limitations, the 1958 The Blob remains engaging. The use of darkness to create suspense was particularly effective, making viewers feel like the creature could emerge from anywhere. Though not necessarily scary by today’s standards, the film’s atmosphere and commentary on authority were noteworthy.
I appreciated the film’s fun and campy nature. The blob itself, a slimy, amorphous threat, was a unique villain for its time. The film’s portrayal of teenagers as heroes against a dismissive authority added a refreshing layer to the story. Despite the talking-heavy scenes making the movie feel longer, it captured the essence of 1950s drive-in B-movies.
Steve McQueen’s performance was a mixed bag. While he became an international icon, his acting here felt stiff. However, Anita Corsaut portrayal of Jane was commendable, bringing strength and depth to her character. The film’s production, led by director Irvin Yeaworth, had a modest budget, but the creative use of practical effects and Miniatures gave the blob life.
The Remake: The Blob (1988)
The 1988 remake brings The Blob into the 80s with more gore, better special effects, and a darker tone. This version introduces a government conspiracy, revealing the blob as a biological warfare experiment gone wrong. Meg and Brian, who witness the blob’s devastation, must now contend with both the creature and a corrupt government.
The 1988 version shines for its practical effects and the quintessential 80s horror vibe. The remake’s twists and turns kept the viewer engaged, and the character development made us care about the protagonists. The film’s ability to maintain the essence of the original while adding new layers of complexity was impressive.
This remake is one of my favorite horror films of the 80s. The practical effects were top-notch, with many still holding up today. The story stayed true to the original while introducing new elements, such as the government conspiracy, that added depth. Meg’s character transformation into a strong, independent lead was particularly noteworthy.
The remake’s production was helmed by Chuck Russell, with Frank Darabont co-writing the script. The special effects, led by Tony Gardner, were a highlight. Gardner, who had worked on Michael Jackson’s Thriller, brought his expertise to create some of the most memorable horror visuals of the decade. Despite its box office failure, the film has since found a dedicated audience.
Which Is Better?
Original (1958):
Style: Fun, campy, and atmospheric
Special Effects: Creative use of practical effects and Miniatures
Characters: Teen heroes vs. dismissive authority
Tone: Light-hearted with a modest horror approach
Remake (1988):
Style: Darker, more intense, quintessential 80s horror
Special Effects: Advanced practical effects, memorable gore
Characters: More development, stronger female lead
Tone: Gritty, with government conspiracy angle
Final Thoughts
Both versions of The Blob offer unique takes on the story. The 1958 original is a fun, nostalgic trip to the golden era of teen drive-in movies, while the 1988 remake provides a darker, more visually stunning experience.
While I appreciate the original, the remake nudges it out slightly for me. The practical effects, character development, and overall 80s vibe make it a film I’d rewatch more often.
I’m all in for the remake. It took the original to new heights with its effects and storytelling. It’s a memorable horror film that will continue to hold up for years to come.
Until next time, stardust, peace.
Albert’s Channel | Blood & Brews | https://www.youtube.com/@MrAwilson2