Slaughterhouse - Blu-ray Review - 88 Films

Buddy Has An Axe To Grind. A Big Axe.

Released by: 88 Films

Release Date: February 23, 2015
Production Year: 1987

Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:25:25
Audio: English LPCM 2.0
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None

THE FILM

From the back cover of the Blu-ray, "If you loved THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE and THE HILLS HAVE EYES then you are sure to pig-out with the sicko-shocks of eighties fright-favorite SLAUGHTERHOUSE. This corpse-ridden classic introduces one of the screen’s most memorable madmen in Buddy a cleaver-wielding backwoods baddie who, along with his father Lester, doesn’t take kindly to trespassers. Buddy was brought up killing and packing meat, but now his rage turns to teens and market-capitalists seeking to buy-out his dad’s property. The end result is a tongue-in-cheek terror totem that returns from the VHS vaults to Blu-ray in this great new HD master scanned from the original negative by director Rick Roessler!"

The first time I watched "Slaughterhouse" was back in the late 80's when a friend and I rented it on VHS from the local mom and pop video store. Naturally we were taken in by the cover. Who could resist that big brute Buddy there on the cover. Plus it even says he has a big axe. SOLD! Okay, it's not a great film. But, it is a fun film that does a good enough job at entertaining the viewer. Buddy is a bit charismatic in his own weird way with his grunting and crazy antics. The film doesn't take itself too seriously and I think the key to enjoying this is to do the same while watching.  

AUDIO: 

The sole audio option is an English LPCM 2.0 track. The audio quality is good, not great. But considering the source, its age and condition, good is just fine here. The track has good balance and clarity. I did not encounter any noticeable issues.

VIDEO:

"Slaughterhouse" makes it high definition debut thanks to 88 Films. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio via a new HD master scanned from the camera negative and approved by the films Director, Rick Roessler. This is quite an upgrade from the previous DVD release. Viewers may find the film to be darker than before but if you go back and look at the DVD now, it appears to have been artificially brightened. Colors are much bolder than before. If you look at the DVD now, the colors look very washed out. Some detail in darker scenes is lost due to the films now darker look. But there is more overall clarity and the colors looks much better. Skin tones look more natural as well. There are many instances of spots, scratches and other marks throughout the film. But I think it only adds to the dirty and gritty feel of the movie. Grain can be heavy at times, mainly during the darker scenes as one might expect. Black levels are okay. I don't believe this film could look much better without a lengthy and costly restoration. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

In addition to the following extras, 88 Films has included a Chapter Selection Screen, reversible cover art and a booklet by Calum Waddell. This is all housed in a nice looking red case as opposed to the standard blue case.

Commentary Track - This new commentary was created for this Blu-ray release and features Director, Rick Roessler and Executive Producer, Jerry Encoe. There are some quiet lulls throughout but overall it is an interesting commentary with Mr. Roessler doing the majority of the talking. They discuss the making of the film and share some personal stories from the process of getting the film made.

Rick Roessler Interview (15:11) - This interview covers some of the same subjects that is discussed in the commentary. Mr. Roessler has a good time comparing Buddy to other, more famous horror film characters.

Jerry Encoe Interview (10:34) - Mr. Encoe discusses how he became involved in the film. He also talks about how the money to make the film, was raised. Again, some other information that was repeated in the commentary is mentioned.

Raw On-Set Footage (10:59) - This mainly consists of footage from one death scene. It's worth a watch since it's not something that is often found on most home video releases.

Buddy Meets the Public (25:13) - Here viewers are treated with a featurette of actor Joe B. Barton (Buddy) meeting with the public to help promote the film. He signs autographs and takes photos with fans. Mr. Barton also visits a few movie theaters where the film is playing. 

Theatrical Trailer

TV Spots (2:03)  

No Smoking Trailer (0:28) - A short trailer with Buddy and Lester Bacon telling moviegoers to not smoke in the theater. A pretty funny ad. I wish there were more of these type of ads used today, but for cell phones. 

Trailer Reel (21:55) 

IN CONCLUSION:

Buddy makes for an entertaining killer. I'm sure I am not alone in wishing they had made a sequel. But at least we have "Slaughterhouse" and 88 Films did a fine job at bringing the film to high definition and introducing it to a new generation of horror fans. The film has never looked better and fans of the film should be pleased with how this Blu-ray looks. Slasher fans, if you have yet to see the film, give it a chance or else Buddy may come for you!

OVERALL: 3.5/5