Close your eyes for a second...and sleep forever.
Released by: Scream Factory
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:16:14
Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English
THE FILM:
When Trish (Michele Michaels) decides to invite her high school girls basketball teammates over for a slumber party, she has no idea the night is going to end with an unexpected guest - an escaped mental patient and his portable power drill - crashing the party in the cult classic, "The Slumber Party Massacre."
A girls slumber party, the thing that teenage boys dream about. Well, in the movies they do. As usual you have twenty somethings playing high schoolers who this time, attend a slumber party. They'll soon wish they stayed home. Not much really needs to be said about the film as you get a good idea of what to expect just from the title or viewing the trailer.
AUDIO:
The only audio option on this release is English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. The track does a good job and the score, dialog and sound effects are balanced fairly well. I did not notice any issues with the audio. You'll be able to hear the girls.. and guys, scream just fine.
VIDEO:
"The Slumber Party Massacre" drills its way into high definition via a Blu-ray from Scream Factory. The film is presented in 1080p with an Aspect Ratio of 1.78:1 thanks to a new HD transfer from the original camera negative. If you're not familiar with the film, do not set your expectation level too high in regards to the video quality. This film was made and shot cheaply. However, this Blu-ray looks pretty good and better than its previous DVD releases. There are minor scratches, pops, and other blemishes here and there but they are not overly distracting. The film grain is fine and not nearly as heavy as I would have expected. Although it is heavier in dark scenes. Viewers will find a fair amount of fine detail in the film as well. As is normally the case, well lit scenes fair the best. Colors are solid and vibrant. Skin tones look natural as well.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
In addition to the following, this Blu-ray also has a Chapter Selection Screen and English Subtitles.
Commentary Track - Director Amy Holden Jones, Actors Debra De Liso, Michael Villella and moderated by Tony Brown of The Old Hockstatter Place. The group discusses the films production and Amy Holden Jones meeting with Roger Corman. They cover many topics including shooting locations, the cast, the crew, the 'required' nudity and death scenes. This commentary was ported over from the previous DVD. It's an interesting track and well worth a listen.
Sleepless Nights: The Making of "The Slumber Party Massacre" (23:04) - This is a portion of a longer documentary from the previously released DVD box set of The Slumber Party Massacre trilogy from Shout Factory. This features interviews with Director Amy Holden Jones and several members of the cast.
Interview With Rigg Kennedy (13:22) - An interview with the actor who played neighbor, Mr. Contant. He talks about his role in the film and some of his recollections from the set. He also reads some sort of poem and sort of sings and makes sounds during the reading. It doesn't have anything to do with the movie except some clips from the film are played throughout.
The Slumber Party Massacre Trailer
Slumber Party Massacre II Trailer
Slumber Party Massacre III Trailer
Still Gallery (3:20)
IN CONCLUSION:
"The Slumber Party Massacre" is not held in as high regard as many other slashers. But it is fun with the slumber party gone wrong aspect. The Blu-ray looks pretty good considering its source. If you are a fan and owned the movie on a previous format, you can buy the Blu-ray with confidence. This film always hits the nostalgia button for me because I remember renting it on VHS with a friend back in the late 80's and having a good time with it. I hope that the two sequels will find their way on to Blu-ray someday as well.
OVERALL: 3.5/5