THE DEADLY SPAWN
Release Date: November 10, 2026
Formats: 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray
Director: Douglas McKeown
Genre: Sci-Fi / Horror
Synapse Films is bringing director Douglas McKeown’s cult sci-fi horror classic THE DEADLY SPAWN back to life with a brand-new 4K restoration sourced from the original uncut 16mm camera negative. The film will be released in separate 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray editions on November 10.
When a meteorite crashes into the woods of New Jersey, two curious campers discover that something far more dangerous than a space rock has arrived on Earth. A terrifying extraterrestrial creature emerges, killing and devouring the campers before making its way to a nearby home.
Inside the house, the family has no idea what is waiting beneath them.
While the children upstairs believe their parents have already left for vacation, the creature takes refuge in the basement and begins feeding. Young Charles, played by Charles George Hildebrandt, is too busy watching a horror movie to realize that a real-life monster is lurking directly below him.
And the creature isn’t alone.
The extraterrestrial begins producing hundreds of vicious, toothy offspring, creating an ever-growing army of creatures hungry for human flesh. Now, a horror-loving teenager may be the only person capable of saving what remains of his family — and possibly preventing the creatures from spreading beyond the house.
McKeown directed the film alongside producer Ted A. Bohus (Nightbeast) and special effects director John Dods. The cast includes Tom DeFranco, Richard Lee Porter, Jean Tafler, Karen Tighe, James L. Brewster, and Charles George Hildebrandt.
The Deadly Spawn
- Director: Douglas McKeown
- Starring: Charles George Hildebrandt, Tom DeFranco, Richard Lee Porter, Jean Tafler, Karen Tighe, James Brewster, Elissa Neil, Ethel Michelson
- Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
- Runtime: 81 mins
- User Rating: ★ 5.6
NEW 4K RESTORATION
The 4K Ultra HD edition features Synapse Films’ new restoration of the original uncut 16mm camera negative, presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision, compatible with HDR10.
The accompanying Blu-ray features a 1080p remaster sourced from the same 4K restoration and retains the original 1.37:1 presentation.
Both releases include the original producer’s feature mix and the 21st Century Film Corporation theatrical mix, presented in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The releases include:
- Three audio commentaries featuring producer Ted A. Bohus, director Douglas McKeown, and cast and crew
- A Visit with John Dods and the Deadly Spawn featurette
- The Deadly Spawn comic prequel sampler
- Original audition tapes
- Alternate opening credits sequence
- Behind-the-scenes footage
- Still gallery
- TV spot
- Theatrical trailer
THE DEADLY SPAWN
4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray: November 10, 2026
Restoration: Original uncut 16mm camera negative
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio
Director: Douglas McKeown
