You can do a lot with a brand name, even many decades after the fact, even if the original people behind the brand have since left, and for whatever reason, will not return. If the fanbase fondly remembers it, they’ll probably come. In 2006, and without the involvement of the previous creative titans, the Creepshow brand was revived by a new organisation, which produced a direct-to-D.V.D., with more stories, and the same budget, almost two decades on, in Creepshow 3.

Viewers who seek the third instalment of Creepshow will be treated to a surprisingly interconnected collection of short stories, ranging from a young girl desperate to get back home, having a disturbing case of Déjà vu; A radio that gives a depressed loser some advice; a jerk who learns a lesson in humility from a less fortunate soul; A scientist’s wife, might be a little too perfect for his students to believe; and A call-girl who has a murderous streak, picks up a client, but who is the predator, and who is the prey?

While Creepshow has had a track record of being economical with its resources, with Taurus Entertainment inheriting the name and only that. With this direct-to-D.V.D. sequel, The golden rule of anthologies is that your mileage will vary throughout. With two more stories than the previous film, Creepshow 3 gives you a lot to sample. They put in the effort to maintain the links with the other stories in the film, in subtle ways. Still allowing the tales to stand on their own, but at the same time not feel like they are entirely unrelated entities. The ideas are interesting, and you can tell that they try to make do with the budget they have, without sacrificing any of the creative imagination behind them. This is often the case with anthology T.V. series of the past, with some even benefiting from the ingenious ways they bypass these physical limitations.

While $3.5 million could get you a lot in 1987, the financial barriers are exemplified in 2006. On the other hand, you can do a lot with a lot less these days. Creepshow 3 much like Creepshow doesn’t rest entirely on the usage of a proven cast. Allowing the stories to more stand on their merits, and not be blinded by the star quality as with other anthologies. Loyal viewers are treated to another animated wraparound, but this time is done in a very distinct style, one that evokes the delightful intro to the Cabin Fever sequel.

Creepshow keeps the legacy of its predecessors going, a tricky task considering it is a continuation in name only. Yes, it would be nice to have a bigger, possibly theatrical release for such a stabled franchise. Still for a cheap thrill, or five stories of intriguing premises and creepy conclusions. You cannot go much further. Although, you get the impression that with further resources, a lot of these could be expanded, possibly into standalone feature films. You can still see the franchise’s heart remains, and the Creepshow franchise still preservers in the changing landscape of the new millennium, without the need for a magic remote or a talking radio.

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