Not only was Sharknado restored for the film’s 10th anniversary in 2023 but there is an upgrade in visual effects and new shots altogether.
When Sharknado premiered during the summer of 2013, it became a cultural phenomenon. For better or worse, everybody was talking about it online. As a result, more sequels would make their way to TV–five sequels in all. Not just this but they got funnier in nature and an increasing number of celebrities would make a cameo. After all, it’s the Sharknado franchise that we’re talking about! Anyway, the 10th anniversary DVD was released on January 30, 2024. My review copy finally arrived on March 1.
The gist of the film is simple: Los Angeles is first attacked by Hurricane David as it comes ashore. But this is no ordinary hurricane. No, no, no. This hurricane just happens to bring with it sharks, sharks, and what do you know, even more sharks. They appear everywhere as the water goes in-land. Fin Shephard’s (Ian Ziering) bar is destroyed so his priority is going after his family. He brings barmaid Nova Clarke (Cassie Scerbo), friend Baz Hogan (Jaason Simmons), and frequent customer George (John Heard) along for the ride. Getting to April Wexler’s (Tara Reid) home in Beverly Hills becomes easier said than done. She’s not happy about it and neither is her new boyfriend, Collin (Christopher Wolfe), or April and Fin’s daughter, Claudia (Aubrey Peeples). It becomes a family affair to reach their son, Matt (Chuck Hittinger), at flight school all the way in Van Nuys.
There are some 300 VFX shots but doing a 10th anniversary restoration with up-res into 4K was easier said than done. In short, they redid the entire film because of the change in upgrade. One of the new shots in the film is a shark landing on the Capitol Records spire. Anyway, the film now looks so much better than my initial viewing back in 2013. Of course, my 4K Blu-ray player automatically upconverted the DVD. Another thing about the restoration is that they dedicate the film in John Heard’s memory.
According to the making-of, Anthony C. Ferrante said that they had six months to finish the film upon its original release. This includes the initial 18 days of filming. For context, studio films traditionally have a longer post-production period. In this way, it makes a lot of sense to finish the film for its anniversary. Behind the scenes, they built a house onto a Olympic-size swimming pool. The more you know!
I don’t care what bad things people say about this film–hell, Ian Ziering only took the job because he needed to qualify for the Screen Actors Guild health insurance. This really says something about America’s healthcare system! But I digress.
Sharknado is the little Asylum B-movie that could and it’s absolutely glorious! It’s a brisk 90 minutes but you could do a whole lot worse. The last thing I’m going to say is that there is a missed opportunity in not releasing the restored film on Blu-ray. I mean, if you’re going to restore the film for a special theatrical release, why not go all the way and release the film on Blu-ray?!?
Bonus Features
- Director’s Commentary
- Making Of Featurette and Gag Reel
- Trailers
DIRECTOR: Anthony C. Ferrante
SCREENWRITER: Thunder Levin
CAST: Tara Reid, Cassie Scerbo, Jaason Simmons, with John Heard and Ian Ziering
Sharknado premiered July 11, 2013 on SyFy. The film is now available on a 10th Anniversary DVD. Grade: 4.5/5
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