Nail Gun Massacre - Blu-ray Review - 88 Films

A Very Penetrating Story!

Released by: 88 Films

Release Date: September 28, 2015
Production Year: 1985

Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:25:27
Audio: English DTS-HD MA Mono
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 / 1.33 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None

THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:

No pennies??? No plot??? No problem!!!

With innovation comes influence - and so it was that, in 1985, another group of backwoods filmmakers from the Lone Star State gave us another legendary Texas-set splatter-shocker: "Nail Gun Massacre."

An icon of the VHS age, sleazier and cheesier than any of its contemporaries- and featuring more power tool plasma-spillage than you can shake a chainsaw at - "Nail Gun Massacre" introduces a motorcycle-helmet wearing psychopath with a range of amusing one-liners. This mysterious marauders get their kicks from tracking down tempestuous teenagers and lowbrow locals so that they can be turned into human pin cushions. The motivation behind this macabre path of plasma-provocation may be linked to a psycho-sexual crime that took place years prior - although the local police force are understandably baffled as each new dead body turns up...
Oh "Nail Gun Massacre," you are not a particularly good film, but you are a fun horror film. The cheese level is high in Terry Lofton's 80's slasher. From the nail gun that makes noise yet you never see it firing to the cop whose badge changes locations on his uniform to the breathing, yet deceased victims. This movie has a lot going for it. There is plenty of eye candy for the guys and the ladies get a few glimpses or male nudity, even frontal. Oh my. This won't be the best horror film you've ever seen, but it's not one you would soon forget, which can't be said of many other horror movies.


AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

"Nail Gun Massacre" comes with an English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. Overall, I thought the sound quality was excellent. There were a couple of instances where it was difficult to understand what a character was saying, but I would expect that to be due to the original recording. The film had a nice balance between the dialogue, sound effects and score and the audio sounded fairly clean. I didn't notice any real issues with the audio such as hissing or pops. 

This picture was not taken from the Blu-ray.

VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

"Nail Gun Massacre" shoots its way on to Blu-ray thanks to UK distributor 88 Films. The film is presented in 1080p with two options to watch, a 1.33 or 1.78 Aspect Ratio. First off in case anyone plans to ask, I do not own the Blu-ray that Code Red released, so I cannot comment as to which looks better. I am happy with my choice though as the 88 Films release is on a BD-50 as opposed to a BD-25. So, double the space gives the film a lot more room to shine. I think this Blu-ray looks great. I can see some people being disappointed when comparing it to other films from the same era, but this film never looked exceptional. I do think that anyone familiar with the film will be pleasantly surprised and happy with how good the film looks. The film has a somewhat faded look but the colors still look rather good. Skin tones have a pleasant and natural appearance. The grain level looks very good and consistent. 


SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:

Audio Commentary with Texas Frightmare Weekend creator Loyd Cryer - Mr. Cryer is joined by his wife on this commentary track. First off, one thing I learned is that Loyd Cryer owns the rights to "Nail Gun Massacre." This track does have numerous quiet moments throughout the film. However, I found the track both interesting and entertaining as Mr. Cryer provides a fair amount of behind the scenes tidbits on the film. I learned that the woman running the store was Terry's mother and the funny part is when they point out the script is on the counter for her to look at while filming the scene. Fans of the film should listen to this track.

Audio Commentary with The Hysteria Continues - If you've heard one of their commentaries before, you know what to expect. This was a pretty fun track to listen to with the crew having some fun with the film while watching it. Some of the behind the scenes information shared may also be found in other extras on the Blu-ray. The conversation moves at a steady pace and someone is always ready to share some information or make a comment about what is occurring on screen. 

Alamo Drafthouse Screening (7:44) - This features a few words from fans who attended the films screening as well as a short Q & A with a couple of cast members.

Interview with Terry Lofton (16:10) - Mr. Lofton talks about where his idea for "Nail Gun Massacre" originated. He speaks about the films production and how once it they started editing, he realized they needed more footage and shot some new scenes. Terry shares some great stories from film concerning the cast and the production.

Interview with Whitey Thomas (12:10) - Mr. Thomas provided the sound effects and score for the film. He speaks about getting started in the sound effects business, his work on the film and some of the sounds were created.

Locations of Nail Gun Massacre (3:37) - A short but fun then and now comparison offers a look at a few scenes used in the film.

Nail Gun Massacre Q&A (2006) Hosted by Joe Bob Briggs (17:16) - Viewers get another chance to learn some more about the film. The video quality fluctuates and is full of digital artifacts, but I doubt it could be helped due to the source of the recording. Being a Q&A, it's more about what you hear than what you see and the audio is pretty good. 

Trailer Reel (21:55)


IN CONCLUSION:

88 Films has released a great product. The Blu-ray has great audio and video quality and also offers a plethora of special features. If you are a fan of this film and do not own the film on Blu-ray, you owe it to yourself to add this release to your collection. It's hard to say whether those unfamiliar with the film would like it. You can watch a trailer and see if that helps make your decision any easier.  


OVERALL - [ 4 / 5 ]