Meat's Meat And A Man's Gotta Eat
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: May 20, 2013
Production Year: 1980
Region Code: B
Running Time: 1:41:22
Audio: English LPCM 2.0
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH
THE FILM:
“It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent fritters!” cackle the brother-and-sister team behind the finest smoked meats in the county. They also run the friendly Motel Hello (the ‘o’ in the neon sign sometimes goes on the blink), and no matter how many times you’ve seen Psycho or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, you can be sure that everything will be perfectly above board here as Vincent’s brother Bruce is the local sheriff. Western veteran Rory Calhoun gives a lipsmackingly demented performance as Farmer Vincent, whose twinkling bonhomie conceals a deeply depraved secret.
Directed by Kevin Connor (maker of much-loved British genre classics The Land That Time Forgot and Warlords of Atlantis) and with legendary DJ Wolfman Jack as a fire-and-brimstone TV preacher, this is a gleefully twisted horror-comedy that climaxes with a showstopping chainsaw duel.
"Motel Hell" to me is sort of like a tame version of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)" in respect to the tone of the film. Here Vincent and Ida seem to be a bit more methodical yet very easy going. This film does not necessarily have the scares or very intense moments either. But it's antagonists do have an odd charm about them and the film is a bit comical in nature as well. I've always enjoyed the movie for it being a bit of an off-beat and kooky film, especially being from 1980 when most horror films were either more serious fare or were starting to hop on the slasher craze bandwagon. Fans of the film "Porky's" should recognize Nancy Parsons (Balbricker) here playing Ida. Both she and Rory Calhoun are terrific in this film.
AUDIO:
The lone audio option for this release is an English LPCM 2.0 track. It does a fine job reproducing Ida's evil cackling along with the hisses of, well, you'll find out later. There is a good balance of the dialogue, sound effects and score with no real issues of note. Considering the budget and age of the film and also its elements, the audio is in surprisingly good condition.
VIDEO:
"Motel Hell" saws its way on to this Blu-ray thanks to UK distributor, Arrow Films. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio. Colors are strong but not overly bright, giving the film a more 'cool' look. Skin tones are very natural in appearance. Black levels look fine. There is a nice looking, thin layer of grain present and while it does get heavier in darker scenes as most would expect, I do not feel that it impairs the look of the film. Viewers should be happy with the amount of fine detail present in the movie. Clothing textures look terrific in close up shots. The film looks really great and easily the best it has ever looked before.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Along with the following extras, a Chapter Selection Screen and English SDH Subtitles are also included in this release. There is also a Region 2 DVD copy of the film included in this combo pack.
Audio Commentary - Director Kevin Connor is joined by moderator Calum Waddell on this commentary track. The pair discuss a variety of topics having to do with the process of making this film. They do a very fine job of keeping the commentary lively with plenty of information on the cast, filming location, the practical effects and more. Fans will definitely want to listen to this because it is entertaining.
Another Head on the Chopping Block (14:50) - Actor Paul Linke (who plays Bruce) is interviewed. Mr. Linke starts by saying he believes the part of Bruce was written for him. He says what appealed to him was that his role initially appeared to be more comedic in nature, but as the film went on it became more serious as they reduced the comedic aspect of the part. Paul talks about cast members including what it was like working with Rory Calhoun and Nancy Parsons. An interesting note is that Mr. Linke said the chainsaw fight scene took five 12 hour days to film.
From Glamour to Gore (11:26) - Actress Rosanne Katon (who played Suzi) is interviewed where she talks about how she got started in acting and being a Playboy Playmate. She also discussed working with other cast members including Nancy Parsons, Rory Calhoun and Monique St. Pierre (Debbie) who was a Playboy Playmate of the Year.
Ida, Be Thy Name (18:07) - Shelagh M. Rowan-Legg (critic for Twitch Film), Scream Queens Chantelle Albers and Elissa Dowling and Staci Layne Wilson (author and critic) discuss what makes Ida a good villain. They also talk about other actresses and female villains in film.
Back to the Backwoods (10:09) - Director Dave Parker (The Hills Run Red) discusses the importance of "Motel Hell." He talks about bizarre aspects of the film including the black humor, relationship between Vincent and Ida and more. Mr. Parker also briefly mentions the talk of remaking the film.
Trailer
Reversible sleeve - Featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jeff Zornow.
Collector’s booklet - Featuring new writing on the film by Kim Newman, illustrated with original archive stills and posters.
Along with the following extras, a Chapter Selection Screen and English SDH Subtitles are also included in this release. There is also a Region 2 DVD copy of the film included in this combo pack.
Audio Commentary - Director Kevin Connor is joined by moderator Calum Waddell on this commentary track. The pair discuss a variety of topics having to do with the process of making this film. They do a very fine job of keeping the commentary lively with plenty of information on the cast, filming location, the practical effects and more. Fans will definitely want to listen to this because it is entertaining.
Another Head on the Chopping Block (14:50) - Actor Paul Linke (who plays Bruce) is interviewed. Mr. Linke starts by saying he believes the part of Bruce was written for him. He says what appealed to him was that his role initially appeared to be more comedic in nature, but as the film went on it became more serious as they reduced the comedic aspect of the part. Paul talks about cast members including what it was like working with Rory Calhoun and Nancy Parsons. An interesting note is that Mr. Linke said the chainsaw fight scene took five 12 hour days to film.
From Glamour to Gore (11:26) - Actress Rosanne Katon (who played Suzi) is interviewed where she talks about how she got started in acting and being a Playboy Playmate. She also discussed working with other cast members including Nancy Parsons, Rory Calhoun and Monique St. Pierre (Debbie) who was a Playboy Playmate of the Year.
Ida, Be Thy Name (18:07) - Shelagh M. Rowan-Legg (critic for Twitch Film), Scream Queens Chantelle Albers and Elissa Dowling and Staci Layne Wilson (author and critic) discuss what makes Ida a good villain. They also talk about other actresses and female villains in film.
Back to the Backwoods (10:09) - Director Dave Parker (The Hills Run Red) discusses the importance of "Motel Hell." He talks about bizarre aspects of the film including the black humor, relationship between Vincent and Ida and more. Mr. Parker also briefly mentions the talk of remaking the film.
Trailer
Reversible sleeve - Featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jeff Zornow.
Collector’s booklet - Featuring new writing on the film by Kim Newman, illustrated with original archive stills and posters.
IN CONCLUSION:
Arrow Films has put out a great product. The film looks better than ever before. Fans of the film will not be disappointed and should upgrade right away from their DVD or VHS copies if they have not already done so. If you a horror fan, especially an 80's horror fan, I would imagine that you would like this film. As usual, if you are not familiar with the film then you may want to watch a trailer, rent it or maybe you could watch it at a friends house before deciding whether the movie is for you or not. Besides the excellent job Arrow Films has done in regards to audio and video, they have included a nice assortment of special features as well. I first saw this film on VHS many years ago when I was a teenager and I am so glad I bought this release.
Arrow Films has put out a great product. The film looks better than ever before. Fans of the film will not be disappointed and should upgrade right away from their DVD or VHS copies if they have not already done so. If you a horror fan, especially an 80's horror fan, I would imagine that you would like this film. As usual, if you are not familiar with the film then you may want to watch a trailer, rent it or maybe you could watch it at a friends house before deciding whether the movie is for you or not. Besides the excellent job Arrow Films has done in regards to audio and video, they have included a nice assortment of special features as well. I first saw this film on VHS many years ago when I was a teenager and I am so glad I bought this release.
OVERALL: 4/5