There are 200 seniors at Midvale High. And seven days 'til Graduation.
The class of '81 is running out of time.
Released by: Vinegar Syndrome
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Production Year: 1981
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:36:42
Audio: English DTS-HD MA Mono
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None
THE FILM:
After the death of a high school track star during a race, a mysterious, fencing-mask wearing killer begins murdering her friends and teachers. Who could the killer be? Her disgruntled coach? Her angry sister? Her violent boyfriend? As the bodies pile up, a twisted mystery unfolds, slowly revealing itself as it moves towards its bloody climax.
Another slasher from the great 80's. This film, as the name states, takes place close graduation day for Midvale High. It was common at the time for films to try and capitalize on holidays or events and this movie is no different. This film does feature Scream Queen Linnea Quigley in a small role as well as Vanna White before she became famous for being on the game show, "Wheel of Fortune." Plus you can't forget the great Christopher George.
"Graduation Day" makes good use of red herrings and does a good job at keeping you guessing as to the identity of the killer. It is somewhere around the middle of the road in regards to the amount of blood and gore appearing in the film. It does have some interesting death scenes, including one involving a "special" football.
AUDIO:
This Blu-ray comes with an English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. It does a fairly good job of reproducing the sound of the film. Sometimes the dialogue sounds a little tinny or has a little hissing to it. But it is not abundant and does not distract you from what is happening in the film. I thought the balance between the dialogue, sound effects and the score by Arthur Kempel, was handled well.
VIDEO:
"Graduation Day" graduates, pun intended, to high definition thanks to a new 4k restoration from the Editor's 35mm Answer Print, by Vinegar Syndrome. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio. Who would have ever imagined that "Graduation Day" would receive a 4k restoration? Thank you Vinegar Syndrome. The video quality looks excellent and easily the best it has ever looked. The colors look lively and rich. The black levels are adequate. Skin tones look natural and have a nice hue to them. The grain level looks very good throughout the film. It is a bit heavier in certain scenes, but that is to be expected. There is an inherent softness to the film but there is still a fair amount of fine detail present. There are some white specks and other light damage present in the film but I never found it to be a major detriment to the viewing experience.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio Commentary #1 - Producer David Baughn is joined by moderator Elijah Drenner. This is a fairly informative commentary with David Baughn sharing a number of person stories. Elijah Drenner does a good job of keeping the conversation going, despite a couple of quiet moments during the track. They discuss everything from the cast, including a young Vanna White, crew, shooting locations, death scenes and the outfit of the killer. Mr. Baughn shares an amusing story regarding the trailer for the film as well as a few bits of trivia.
Audio Commentary #2 - This track features members of the podcast, The Hysteria Continues. The group does a good job at being entertaining throughout the commentary sometimes poking fun at what is happening in the movie and also providing some pertinent information.
Interview with Patch Mackenzie (Anne) (8:48) - Miss Mackenzie speaks briefly about her start in the film business. She talks about her role in the film and her experience watching the film with an audience.
Interview with Herb Freed (Director) (12:22) - Mr. Freed talks about the film making process of "Graduation Day." He speaks fondly of working with actor Christopher George. The director also briefly talks about the performances of actors Michael Pataki and E. Danny Murphy.
Interview with David Baughn (Producer) (11:34) - Mr. Baughn discusses his career in the film industry including working with famed sexploitation filmmaker, Russ Meyer. This is an interesting and honest interview.
Interview with Martin Jay Sadoff (Editor) (7:20) - The "Graduation Day" editor talks about film school and his career, including working on the 3D for "Friday the 13th: Part 3" and editing "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood." Mr. Sadoff mentions some techniques he used in editing "Graduation Day."
Theatrical Trailer (2:04)
IN CONCLUSION:
Vinegar Syndrome has released a great looking Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack that includes some nice extras. If you are a fan of this film or a slasher fan in general, this is one Blu-ray that you should buy. It may not be one of the best slashers out there, but it's still an entertaining one and not a bad way to spend 96 minutes.
OVERALL: 4 / 5
