If you think you're safe... you're DEAD wrong!
Released by: Blue Underground
Release Date: July 27, 2010
Region Code: All
Running Time: 1:28:16
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 7.1 / English Dolby Digital 5.1 EX / English Dolby Digital Mono
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
THE FILM:
Also known as "Rosemary's Killer", this gruesome shocker is one of the cruelest "body-count" movies of the 1980s, thanks to razor-sharp direction by Joseph Zito (Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter) and graphic gore effects by Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead). Hollywood legends Farley Granger (Strangers on a Train) and Lawrence Tierney (Reservoir Dogs) star in this rarely-seen sleeper from the golden age of slasher films
AUDIO:
Blue Underground's Blu-ray features three English audio tracks; DTS-HD MA 7.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, and Dolby Digital Original Mono. I'm a bit old fashioned or as some call us, purists, in that I prefer the original audio tracks over new mixes. I have nothing against new remixes and some sound good. It's just a matter of preference. All tracks sounded fine with most of the sound coming from the center and front right and left speakers. Dialogue sounded fine as did the score and sound effects.
VIDEO:
"The Prowler" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Blue Underground. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio. The film looks good overall. As usual, brighter scenes fare better than those that are darker in nature. There is a nice layer of grain for most of the film except in darker scenes where it is a bit heavier. Colors are mostly subdued and flat, giving the film a look that makes it seem older than it actually is. That's not a complaint though or necessarily a detriment to the film. The picture has a bit of softness to it that may be inherent in the original materials. Skin tones look fine for the most part but they too are a bit flat in tone. Fine detail as usual, is more evident in bright, close up shots as opposed to the wider shots in the film. There are some instances of bloom (thanks wikipedia/google search for the term) mainly with the lights in the scenes from the 'past' like the lights on the bridge and gazebo. As a said, the overall video quality is good and it should be pleasing enough for fans.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
In addition to the following, this release also has a Chapter Selection Screen and English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles.
Commentary Track - Director/Producer Joseph Zito and Special Make-up Effects Artist Tom Savini do a great job at entertaining the listener in this commentary. They cover everything from stories about the cast, details of death scenes, information on the shooting locations and much more. Listening to them talk, joke, reminisce and just have a good old time makes this even easier to enjoy.
Tom Savini's Behind the Scenes Gore Footage (9:34) - Here viewers get to see, as the title of the piece says, a behind the scene look at footage of gore from the film. You get an idea of the amount of time and effort it can take to get the right shot in a death scene.
Theatrical Trailer
IN CONCLUSION:
"The Prowler" which features effects by Tom Savini is a must see for slasher fans and general horror fans as well. With CGI becoming more prevalent and practical effects going by the wayside, there aren't many opportunities to see 'old school' effects outside of independent films anymore. So fans should check this film out if they have not already, even if it is only to admire Tom Savini's work, which is great. However, the film has more going for it with a killer who implores an unusual weapon of choice, a pitchfork. Yes, other weapons are used as well, but the pitchfork is always a fun one to see and you get to see it a few times here. With good audio and video and a couple nice extras as well, this should be on a lot of shelves.
OVERALL RATING: 3.5 / 5
