You've never had a truly bad weekend until you've had a...
Vinegar Syndrome released the 1986 horror oddity, "Nightmare Weekend" in a Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack on September 22, 2015.
Synopsis: A brilliant computer scientist has just finished work on his greatest creation: a super computer with the ability to transform the personalities of bad and disobedient people. In anticipation of sharing his work with the scientific community, the scientist invites a fellow expert to test the machine on a group of debauched young women. Little does he know that his colleague intends to use the computer to turn their subjects into bloodthirsty mutants!
Made by a French crew in Florida, "Nightmare Weekend" is a non-stop assault on the senses. Head explosions, gratuitous nudity and softcore sex, bikers, roller-skating, and a telepathic hand puppet named George rank "Nightmare Weekend" among the weirdest and most jaw-droppingly absurd horror films of the 1980's. Long available only in low quality transfers of the R rated version, Vinegar Syndrome presents this forgotten trash masterpiece fully uncut and in widescreen, on Blu-ray for the first time!
D: Henri Sala / 1985 / 86 min / Color / 1.85:1
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Blu-ray/DVD Combo | Region Free | 1.85:1 OAR
Restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
“THANK GOD IT’S MONDAY” – Surviving Nightmare Weekend with Dean Gates (23min)
“KILLER WEEKEND” – An Interview with Marc Gottlieb (13min)
Shown above is the cover and what the reversible artwork for "Frightmare" will look like.
Conrad Radzoff (Ferdy Mayne) was the biggest name in horror movies for decades until, one day, he died of a heart attack. Determined to celebrate his life, and death, the members of a local horror film society steal his freshly buried corpse and decide to host a party, in his honor, at their old and lavish mansion. Unaware that Radzoff’s interest in horror extended beyond the silver screen and into the black arts, his corpse is soon re-animated and he begins exacting a bloody revenge against those who disturbed his final resting place.
Slyly combining 80's slasher tropes with an insightful and self reflective look at the meaning of horror movies and death itself, Norman Thaddeus Vane’s "FRIGHTMARE" (originally known as "THE HORROR STAR") is a quick witted and suspenseful tribute to classic horror cinema. With captivating cinematography by Joel King (JUST BEFORE DAWN) and supporting performances from Jeffrey Combs ("RE-ANIMATOR"), Luca Bercovici and Leon Askin, "FRIGHTMARE" has been newly restored from its original camera negative and is coming to Blu-ray for the very first time!
Director: Norman Thaddeus Vane 1981 | 86 min | Color | 1.85:1
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Blu-ray/DVD Combo | Region Free | 1.85:1 OAR
Restored in 2k from 35mm camera negative
All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
New video interview with Cinematographer Joel King
Archival audio interview with Director Norman Thaddeus Vane
Historical commentary track with David Del Valle and David DeCoteau
Commentary track by The Hysteria Continues
Original theatrical trailer
Reversible THE HORROR STAR cover art
English SDH subtitles
"Frightmare" is scheduled to be released on October 20, 2015. You can order it from their website.
Shown above is both sides of the reversible cover art.
At a dig in rural Mexico, a British industrialist accidentally unleashes an ancient evil: a severed hand, possessed by a vengeful demon, that attacks, kills and takes over the hand and mind of anyone who interferes with its ruthless quest for violence. Determined to stop the bloodshed, the wife of the industrialist (Samantha Eggar) joins forces with a renegade priest (Stuart Whitman), but will they be able to conquer the evil hand before the forces of hell overtake them?
Directed by Alfredo Zacarias ("THE BEES"), "DEMONOID" is a classic slice of early 80s horror sleaze, full of outrageous and violent deaths, ludicrous plot twists and a pounding musical score. Presented here is the first official DVD and Blu-ray release of "DEMONOID" in both its original US version as well as its radically re-edited international cut, known as "MACABRA," newly restored from the original negatives!
Directed by Alfredo Zacarias 1980 / 79 minutes / English / Color / 1.85:1
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Blu-ray/DVD Combo | Region Free | 1.85:1 OAR
Restored in 2k from 35mm camera negative
All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
Alternate International version: MACABRA (90 min)
New video interview with Director Alfredo Zacarias
Multiple theatrical trailers and TV spot
Original artwork gallery
Reversible MACABRA artwork
Optional French soundtrack for MACABRA
English SDH subtitles for both DEMONOID & MACABRA
"Demonoid" is also scheduled to be released on October 20, 2015. You can order it from their website.
There are 200 seniors at Midvale High. And seven days 'til Graduation.
The class of '81 is running out of time.
Released by:Vinegar Syndrome Release Date: September 9, 2014 Production Year: 1981 Region Code: ALL Running Time: 1:36:42 Audio: English DTS-HD MA Mono Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio) Subtitles: None THE FILM: After the death of a high school track star during a race, a mysterious, fencing-mask wearing killer begins murdering her friends and teachers. Who could the killer be? Her disgruntled coach? Her angry sister? Her violent boyfriend? As the bodies pile up, a twisted mystery unfolds, slowly revealing itself as it moves towards its bloody climax. Another slasher from the great 80's. This film, as the name states, takes place close graduation day for Midvale High. It was common at the time for films to try and capitalize on holidays or events and this movie is no different. This film does feature Scream Queen Linnea Quigley in a small role as well as Vanna White before she became famous for being on the game show, "Wheel of Fortune." Plus you can't forget the great Christopher George. "Graduation Day" makes good use of red herrings and does a good job at keeping you guessing as to the identity of the killer. It is somewhere around the middle of the road in regards to the amount of blood and gore appearing in the film. It does have some interesting death scenes, including one involving a "special" football.
AUDIO:
This Blu-ray comes with an English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. It does a fairly good job of reproducing the sound of the film. Sometimes the dialogue sounds a little tinny or has a little hissing to it. But it is not abundant and does not distract you from what is happening in the film. I thought the balance between the dialogue, sound effects and the score by Arthur Kempel, was handled well.
VIDEO:
"Graduation Day" graduates, pun intended, to high definition thanks to a new 4k restoration from the Editor's 35mm Answer Print, by Vinegar Syndrome. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio. Who would have ever imagined that "Graduation Day" would receive a 4k restoration? Thank you Vinegar Syndrome. The video quality looks excellent and easily the best it has ever looked. The colors look lively and rich. The black levels are adequate. Skin tones look natural and have a nice hue to them. The grain level looks very good throughout the film. It is a bit heavier in certain scenes, but that is to be expected. There is an inherent softness to the film but there is still a fair amount of fine detail present. There are some white specks and other light damage present in the film but I never found it to be a major detriment to the viewing experience.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Audio Commentary #1 - Producer David Baughn is joined by moderator Elijah Drenner. This is a fairly informative commentary with David Baughn sharing a number of person stories. Elijah Drenner does a good job of keeping the conversation going, despite a couple of quiet moments during the track. They discuss everything from the cast, including a young Vanna White, crew, shooting locations, death scenes and the outfit of the killer. Mr. Baughn shares an amusing story regarding the trailer for the film as well as a few bits of trivia. Audio Commentary #2 - This track features members of the podcast, The Hysteria Continues. The group does a good job at being entertaining throughout the commentary sometimes poking fun at what is happening in the movie and also providing some pertinent information. Interview with Patch Mackenzie (Anne) (8:48) - Miss Mackenzie speaks briefly about her start in the film business. She talks about her role in the film and her experience watching the film with an audience.
Interview with Herb Freed(Director) (12:22) - Mr. Freed talks about the film making process of "Graduation Day." He speaks fondly of working with actor Christopher George. The director also briefly talks about the performances of actors Michael Pataki and E. Danny Murphy. Interview with David Baughn (Producer) (11:34) - Mr. Baughn discusses his career in the film industry including working with famed sexploitation filmmaker, Russ Meyer. This is an interesting and honest interview. Interview with Martin Jay Sadoff (Editor) (7:20) - The "Graduation Day" editor talks about film school and his career, including working on the 3D for "Friday the 13th: Part 3" and editing "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood." Mr. Sadoff mentions some techniques he used in editing "Graduation Day." Theatrical Trailer (2:04)
IN CONCLUSION:
Vinegar Syndrome has released a great looking Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack that includes some nice extras. If you are a fan of this film or a slasher fan in general, this is one Blu-ray that you should buy. It may not be one of the best slashers out there, but it's still an entertaining one and not a bad way to spend 96 minutes.
"Madman" takes place, as stated on screen following the opening credits, at North Sea Cottages, a special retreat for gifted children. The opening scene shows children and camp counselors sitting around a camp fire creepily being sung to by T.P. (Tony Fish). Throughout the song, we see a montage of scenes, which is a bit of 'things to come' later in the film. Next up, the gang is treated to a spooky story by Max (Carl Fredericks), the caretaker at the camp, who tells the story of a farmer that used to live close by. As the story goes, he was married and had two children. He was a mean and ugly man who beat his wife and brutally punished his children. He liked to drink and fight. One time during a brawl, he had part of his nose bitten off and didn't feel a thing. For no apparent reason, he went mad one night and used an axe to chop up his wife, his son and lastly, his daughter. Next he walked into the tavern and hoisted his bloody axe onto the bar and ordered a drink. It didn't take long before the townspeople took justice into their own hands, hanging the farmer from a tree, only to find his body and the bodies of his family missing the following day. Max then further sets things up by telling the counselors and children that if you say his name (Madman Marz) above a whisper, he'll come for you. Richie (Jimmy Steele), one of the kids, proceeds to egg on Marz by calling him out, thus starting a night they'll never forget.
Richie decided to sneak off and do some investigating
AUDIO:
The DTS-HD MA Mono audio track does a fine job. It is clear and balanced throughout the film. There were not any real noticeable hisses, pops, or any other distracting sounds. Dialogue is easy to understand as well.
VIDEO:
"Madman" makes it HD debut via Vinegar Syndrome who really did a great job creating a new transfer, restoring "Madman" in 4K from the 35mm camera negative. For fans of the film, like me, I don't think anyone could have predicted it receiving this kind of treatment. The video quality looks incredible. Those unfamiliar with the film may think this Blu-ray release looks a bit soft, which is does at times, but I imagine that is due to how it was shot and the filming conditions, rather than any fault of Vinegar Syndrome. For the majority of the film, the video looks fairly sharp with good colors, skin tones and contrast. The video quality really shines in a number of close ups and well lit scenes. For a film shot at night, black levels look good. The level of grain looks great as well. I can't imagine that someone who has seen the previous Standard Definition releases, being disappointed with how this Blu-ray looks. One important thing to note is that Vinegar Syndrome made it a point to bring the blue tint back to the film. They were not heavy handed with it, as was the case with the Anchor Bay DVD in 2001, where everything was heavily bathed in a blue tint. When the title was announced for future release, a number of fans, myself included, inquired about the blue tint and if it would be brought back since the Code Red DVD released in 2010 eliminated it altogether. Thankfully Vinegar Syndrome was very much, on it, and spoke with the films producer, Gary Sales. What we have now more closely represents what the film looked like theatrically back in 1982. There is one negative thing regarding the video and that is some vertical scratches that appear several times throughout the film. They only last a second or two and while easily noticeable, I did not find them particularly off-putting as some might find. It would seem they are part of the negative and I am not an expert in that field so I can't begin to speculate what fixing them or the cost to do so, would involve.
Betsy, you better watch your back
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Another area that this release really shines is all the extras that are included. Thankfully it's all on a 50GB Dual-layered disc so there is plenty of room. You have the option when playing the film, to first watch a brief intro by producer Gary Sales. On the Main Menu there is a section called "Reels" which is a Chapter Selection screen. The cover art is reversible featuring work by Paul Ehlers.
Commentary Track #1 - Features director Joe Giannone, producer Gary Sales, actors Paul Ehlers (Madman Marz) and Tony Fish (T.P.). A good commentary track with plenty of insight from all involved.
Commentary Track #2 - This track features The Hysteria Continues! It is a mix of informative moments as well as times where they have a bit of fun with the film, cracking jokes about some scenes. I did notice at approximately (1:07:20) that the audio cuts out for a second while one of the members are talking. That's the only instance of it that I noticed. The commentary continued fine afterward.
Madman: Alive at 35! (21:00) - Here we have Gary Sales reuniting actors Paul Ehlers (Madman Marz) and Tom Candela AKA Jimmy Steele (Richie). They take a trip back memory lane and share some stories.
The Early Career of Gary Sales (14:15) - Here we have producer Gary Sales talk about his career including a foray in the adult film business.
Original Theatrical Trailer (1:48)
The Legend Still Lives! (1:31:42) - Here is a hefty documentary that fans should thoroughly enjoy. It was thankfully ported over from the Code Red DVD. It features interviews with members of the cast and crew including: Paul Ehlers, Gary Sales, Harriet Bass, Carl Fredericks and Michael Sullivan. Gary Sales and Paul Ehlers give the fans a look at the tree where Madman Marz was hung. The production of the film is covered as well as a variety of topics associated with the film. Some fans are interviewed as well and they give a look at their "Madman" collections.
Stills & Artwork Gallery (7:20) - Gary Sales does commentary while the slideshow plays.
Music Inspired by Madman (13:17) - Features songs inspired by the film as well as fan renditions of the feature song.
In Memoriam (5:46) - Gary Sales pays tribute to director Joe Giannone who passed away in 2006 and Tony Fish (T.P.) who passed away in 2009. A brief mention of Carl Fredericks (Max) is made as well. He also sadly passed away in 2012.
TV Spots (1:59)
Deadpit Interview with Gary Sales (3:37) - The interview mainly consists of Gary Sales talking about remaking the film and wanting to do more than one film.
Deadpit Interview with Paul Ehlers (5:15) - Similar to the other interview, most of the time is spent discussing a remake with Ehlers again playing the role of Madman Marz.
IN CONCLUSION
While the film never got the notoriety of the likes of Friday the 13th, Halloween, etc. it remains one of my favorite slashers. It goes against the grain a bit in regards to "final girl" and doesn't feature a cast of models like the majority of today's horror films. I was very excited when I first read that "Madman" was coming to Blu-ray and Vinegar Syndrome did a fantastic job! A 4K restoration and tons of extras. If you are a fan of the film you need this release in your collection! If you have never seen the film before, now is a good time to check it out. I also want to note that this release is a Blu-ray and DVD combo pack.
