Arrow Video Gives Fans of 80's Slashers Something to Cheer About With Their Top-Notch Quality and Extras Packed Blu-ray of 'The Mutilator'
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: February 15, 2016 (UK) / February 16, 2016 (US)
Production Year: 1984
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:26:20
Audio: English LPCM Mono
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH
THE FILM - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
Although the slasher film was in decline by the mid-1980's, there were still some grisly delights to be had… and they don’t come much grislier than writer-director Buddy Cooper’s sickening stalk-and-slash classic "The Mutilator!"
When Ed receives a message from his father asking him to go and lock up the family’s beach condo for the winter, it seems like the perfect excuse for an alcohol-fuelled few days away with his friends. After all, his dad has forgiven him for accidentally blowing mom away with a shotgun several years ago… hasn’t he? But no sooner are the teens on the island than they find themselves stalked by a figure with an axe (and a hook, and an onboard motor) to grind…
Originally entitled "Fall Break" (watch out for the incongruous theme song of the same name!), "The Mutilator" has earned a reputation among horror fans as one of the ‘holy grails’ of 80's splatter mayhem due to its highly inventive (and not to say, decidedly gruesome) kill sequences, courtesy of FX wizard Mark Shostrom ("Videodrome," "Evil Dead II"). Finally making its long-awaited bow in High-Definition, "The Mutilator" has returned to terrorize a whole new generation of horror fans!
Fans of "The Mutilator" (myself included) have been waiting a long time to see the film receive a proper release that also had improved picture quality. For years it was said that the original elements were lost and basically our hope was lost along with it. When word came that Arrow Video wanted to bring the film out on to Blu-ray it was a bit of a head-scratcher since the elements were lost right? Well, let's get to the point and good news. It turns out that the Library of Congress (yes, you read that correctly) had in their possession, a pristine uncut 35mm print of the film. So after several delays, which of course angered some fans, news broke that a date for the Blu-ray and DVD combo pack was set and we would finally get to see the fruits of their labor. I can easily and honestly say you won't be disappointed. At least you shouldn't be. As fans of the film, we have gone from having no glimmer of hope to being able to own the absolute definitive release of "The Mutilator" and while it may not be the most anticipated or celebrated release of 2016, it should at least be near the top of many "Best of" lists.
"The Mutilator" features some likable characters (Bill Hitchcock as Ralph being my favorite) and some very good practical gore effects. The film is part of my favorite horror sub-genre as well as my favorite era, 80's slashers. I can watch them numerous times and they just never get old. Any time one of them comes to high definition it is very exciting to see how good the film looks. Sure, the sound and extras are great to have as well but that picture quality is king because we want to see how the death scenes look now. With 80's slashers, the main selling point was either the killer or the kills. So if the film(s) didn't have an iconic killer, we at least wanted to see some great looking and entertaining death scenes. "The Mutilator" may not have an iconic killer but it does have some good death scenes and with Arrow Video's amazing looking 2k restoration of the uncut version of the film, those scenes look better than ever before.
"The Mutilator" has one of my favorite theme songs in horror films. Sure it might be a bit too upbeat for most typical horror films, but the tune is catchy and lighthearted. To me it sort of sets the mood for the kids at the start of the film. They're off to have a productive weekend yet still have some fun at the same time. It's too bad that someone has some diabolical plans in store for them. Their few days of fun and good times at the beach is about to become a terrifying nightmare.
AUDIO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
The only audio option available on this release is an English LPCM Mono track. The mono track sounds terrific. Dialogue was clear. The score and most notably the theme song sounded great. Whether it's an axe, machete or other weapon, the sound effects all seemed to be spot on while ripping or rending the flesh of the victims. I didn't hear any problems with the audio. English SDH subtitles are also included.
VIDEO - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:
"The Mutilator" slashes its way on to Blu-ray thanks to a new 2k restoration by Arrow Video. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.85 Aspect Ratio. I talked about the effort Arrow Video put in to securing the best source available for this Blu-ray release earlier in this review. The film looks amazing compared to any previous home video release of the film. The colors in the film look strong and robust for the most part. There are some scenes in the film where they look a little flat or faded but that it probably the way the film looked when it was filmed. Surprising there is a fair amount of detail visible in the film with close-ups looking even better. There is a fair amount of grain present and as you might expect, it is heavier in darker scenes which makes up most of the later portion of the film. Not only is it nice to be able to see the film with better clarity, it is great being able to get a better look at the gore during the death scenes. With this being the uncut version of the film, it makes this Blu-ray even more enjoyable. A few white specks pop up from time to time but it is never distracting. I did not notice any issues with the video portion of the Blu-ray.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 5 / 5 ]:
Play with Introduction (1:08) - When you play the film there is an option to play with film with an introduction by director Buddy Cooper and make-up artist Ed Ferrell.
Audio Commentary with Cast and Crew - This commentary is moderated by Ewan Cant of Arrow Video and includes director Buddy Cooper, co-director John Douglass, actor Matt Mitler and make-up effects artist Ed Ferrell. The participants did a fairly good job of sharing personal anecdotes from the production of the film. They also discuss how various cast members got along, special effects for death scenes and a number of other subjects. There are some fun and jokingly discussed matters like why certain characters were surely going to die due to them being promiscuous.
Audio Commentary with Buddy Cooper and Ruth Martinez - This commentary is also moderated by Ewan Cant of Arrow Video and features director Buddy Cooper and actress Ruth Martinez Tutterow. The participants for this commentary aren't as talkative and Ewan Cant poses more questions this time around to keep the conversation going. However, it is still worth listening to since some different information from the other commentary is shared. Plus it was nice to hear Miss Tutterow share some stories from the set. Mr. Cooper talks a bit more about the theme song for the film and other topics such as talking with New Line about the film.
Fall Breakers (1:15:01) - A feature-length documentary on the making of "The Mutilator" featuring interviews with writer-director-producer Buddy Cooper, co-director John Douglass, stars Matt Mitler, Ruth Martinez Tutterow and other key cast and crew members. All interviews were conducted at the Oceanana Motel in Atlantic Beach, North Caroline during June-August 2015. This documentary does repeat a little information from the commentary tracks but there is much more to take in with this in-depth feature. It was nice to hear from the actors in the film as well as hearing that several cast and crew members would be game for a sequel.
Mutilator Memories (15:57) - Special make-up effects artist Mark Shostrom ("Evil Dead II," "To All A Goodnight") looks back at one of his earliest film projects in this brand new interview, filmed in LA in October 2015. He talks about the original plan of how to dispose of the killer, the infamous "gaff hook" scene and more.
Tunes for the Dunes (8:13) - Composer Michael Minard on the creation of the film's unique score. Mr. Minard discusses the origin of the film's theme song and how it ended up having a different tempo than Buddy Cooper had wanted.
Screen Tests (13:03) A couple humorous and serious screen tests with Matt Mitler, Ruth Martinez Tutterow, Ben Moore and more.
Opening Scene Storyboards (4:27)
Trailers & TV Spots - Five trailers and TV spots and two radio spots are included.
Alternate Opening Titles (4:32) - Here we get to see "The Mutilator" title card for the film.
Music (3:30 each) - There are two options given for the "Fall Break" song, with and without lyrics.
Gallery (8:49) - Behind the scenes photos from the film are accompanied by the theme song.
Easter Egg #1 (3:23) - I came across this by highlighting Music in Special Features and then pressing the Right Arrow on my remote. Buddy Cooper and Ed Ferrell briefly talk about their experience attending a film premiere and an after-party at Studio 54.
Easter Egg #2 (4:16) - I found this by highlighting Gallery in Special Features and then pressing the Right Arrow on my remote. Ruth Martinez Tutterlow shows us her original shooting script for the film. She also reads from the script and shares some notes from cast and crew members.
Reversible sleeve featuring two versions of original artwork.
Fully-illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film alongside archive articles from Fangoria magazine.
IN CONCLUSION:
Arrow Video has given fans of "The Mutilator" the definitive home video release of the film in the form of this uncut, 2k restored Blu-ray release of the film. It has never looked better and the disc is packed with a plethora of extras. I may be a little biased since I am a fan of the film, but if you are a slasher fan, I cannot recommend this Blu-ray and DVD combo pack from Arrow Video enough. The film has been rescued from oblivion and this release is simply incredible. Thanks to Arrow Video for putting it all together and MVD Entertainment Group for U.S. distribution.
OVERALL RATING - [ 4.5 / 5 ]
