Dawn of a New Breed of Heroes.
Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: April 25, 2016 (UK) / April 26, 2016 (US)
Production Year: 1986
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:28:55
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Stereo
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH
From cult director Nico Mastorakis, the man behind such eclectic offerings as the controversial "Island of Death" and the Oliver Reed-starring actioner "Hired to Kill," comes "The Zero Boys" – the genre-bending ’80s classic with gruesome sequences that anticipate the torture porn horrors of Hostel and Saw.
For a group of young friends, a weekend of survival games in the wilderness turns into a genuine battle of life and death when one of their number turns up dead. Finding themselves hunted by a bloodthirsty band of maniacs intent on slaughtering them one-by-one, the self-styled “Zero Boys” must now play their war games for real.
Starring Kelli Maroney ("Night of the Comet," "Chopping Mall") and featuring an early score from the legendary Hans Zimmer ("Inception," The Dark Knight Trilogy), "The Zero Boys" mixes action, survival and all-out slasher movie elements in a thrilling horror yarn that falls somewhere between "Friday the 13th" and "Deliverance."
This was my first time viewing "The Zero Boys." I had heard of the film before but honestly did not know anything about the plot otherwise I probably would have watched it by now. Anyhow, this is somewhat of an odd film. The first ten minutes or so plays like a much different film than what you end up with, eventually. It sort of goes through a metamorphosis throughout its run time, turning in to a bit of a backwoods survival film, which I do quite enjoy.
It's easy to see how the film could have veered off far more in to the slasher sub-genre with just a few more deaths and of course some added grue. Instead we get more of an action-horror type of film. It was hard not to think of the film as a slasher when part of the film takes place in the house used in "Friday the 13th: Part 3." But it's still a decent film. I thought some of the characters were interesting and the actors did a fine job in their roles. It's always a pleasure to see Kelli Maroney.
I won't spoil anything but the ending was something I was not expecting, at all, which I liked. I did some snooping around and it seems the ending gets talked about a bit so don't go searching before you watch the film so nothing in spoiled for you. It isn't something controversial or anything of the sort, just unexpected and welcomed.
AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
The Blu-ray features an English LPCM 2.0 Stereo audio track with optional English SDH subtitles. The sound quality was very good on this release with the Hans Zimmer and Stanley Myers score sounding great. The audio was balanced well as I never had an issue hearing the dialogue over the score or sound effects.
VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
"The Zero Boys" comes to Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio thanks to a new 2K restoration of the film, approved by writer-director Nico Mastorakis. The film looks excellent overall, looking superior in daytime or brighter scenes where film grain is more subdued. However in darker scenes the picture does not fare quite as well and as expected, there is a noticeable increase in grain where it becomes very heavy at times. With that said, the brighter scenes look great with a good amount of fine detail present. Colors as well look vibrant and standout. I did not notice any problems with the video or any use of DNR thankfully.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
Audio Commentary with star Kelli Maroney, moderated by Shock Till You Drop’s Chris Alexander - The pair provide a lighthearted look back on the film apparently watching the film on a laptop in a motel room. The commentary was fun and enjoyable, sometimes a little more entertaining than the film itself. Kelli was a delight to listen to and despite saying she hadn't seen the film in a long time, was able to provide some personal stories about the production and some information on a number of scenes. Chris Alexander did a really good job adding to the conversation and keeping things moving along.
Nico Mastorakis on… Nico Mastorakis (27:48) - A brand new interview with Mastorakis on the making of "The Zero Boys." Mr. Mastorakis talks about members of the cast and crew, including art assistant Frank Darabont, as well as the films production. A nice update on a number of cast and crew members and what they're up to today is also provided.
Zero Girl (8:20) - A new interview with Kelli Maroney, filmed in Los Angeles in August 2015. Kelli Maroney talks about her time working on the film and its somewhat cult following. Some information covered is repeated from the commentary but it was still a nice short interview.
Blame it on Rio (8:30) - A new interview with Nicole Rio, filmed in Los Angeles in August 2015. Nicole gives her thoughts on working with director Nico Mastorakis, actor Joe Estevez, shooting the scene with the snake and other topics.
Theatrical Trailer (3:09)
Stills Gallery (1:24)
Music Videos
Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by critic James Oliver.
OVERALL RATING - [ 3.5 / 5 ]
Zero Girl (8:20) - A new interview with Kelli Maroney, filmed in Los Angeles in August 2015. Kelli Maroney talks about her time working on the film and its somewhat cult following. Some information covered is repeated from the commentary but it was still a nice short interview.
Blame it on Rio (8:30) - A new interview with Nicole Rio, filmed in Los Angeles in August 2015. Nicole gives her thoughts on working with director Nico Mastorakis, actor Joe Estevez, shooting the scene with the snake and other topics.
Theatrical Trailer (3:09)
Stills Gallery (1:24)
Music Videos
- Main Theme (2:09)
- The Spelling of S.U.S.P.E.N.S.E. (1:09)
Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by critic James Oliver.
OVERALL RATING - [ 3.5 / 5 ]
