No Holds Barred (Blu-ray Review) - Image Entertainment

USA/1989
Directed By: Thomas J. Wright
Written By: Dennis Hackin
Starring: Hulk Hogan, Kurt Fuller, Tommy "Tiny" Lister
Color/94 Minutes/PG-13
Region A
Release Date: April 1, 2014

The Film
With the worldwide popularity of Rip (Hulk Hogan, more or less as an action movie version of himself) the World Wrestling Federation owns the airwaves. With each title defense more and more fans latch on to Ripmania. The World Television Network does their best to bribe Rip away from the WWF, going far enough to hand him a signed check and let him fill out the amount. Rip won't be torn away from where his loyalties lie so the WTN goes to the real world of fighting holding an open invitational fight called Battle Of The Tough Guys. The winner of the contest is Zeus (Tommy "Tiny" Lister) who will now fight a new challenger each week. Eventually the challenge is issued to Rip but Rip won't accept due to the violent nature of Battle Of The Tough Guys but when his brother is badly hurt as a result of his negative response towards the program the only thing to do is be a real American and fight Zeus in a No Holds Barred fight to the death.

There are few things in pop culture that were as widespread as Hulkamania in the 1980s. It had no barriers of gender, age, race, nation, it was insane. Hulk Hogan was the biggest name on the planet and WWF flourished. Entering the world of film was a logical step and Hulk essentially portrayed himself against a hulking, imposing beast of a man in Tiny Lister. It is interesting that Vince McMahon (Owner of WWF, now WWE) had tried to build Zeus into a legitimate wrestler around this movie but he just never got over with the wrestling audiences due to his minimal training. That didn't stop him from having a few high profile matches against Hogan, though always in a tag team setting to minimalize Zeus' responsibility.

NO HOLDS BARRED is 80s through and through. From the ridiculous one liners, to Rip's trademark gesture after he roughs up the baddies, to the corny and forced love story, it could be seen as the Lifetime channel's version of Rocky. That isn't a bad thing, NO HOLDS BARRED is a charmingly stupid popcorn flick with ridiculous re-watchability. It certainly isn't art and it isn't particularly well made but we are talking about a wrestling movie from 1989 starring Hulk Hogan, who hasn't improved his acting skills since, it was made for fans and holds up as a movie to watch with a group of friends and a few drinks.

The Audio & Video
Image Entertainment upgrades their previous DVD of NO HOLDS BARRED to HD with this new Blu-ray. The 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer is a nice upgrade from the previous standard definition release. Skin tones are natural, and detail from sweat to textures of clothing or hair are strong. The image is mostly strong with a few areas of softness that seem inherent to the film's production. The DTS-HD 5.1 audio track is very nice and at times boisterous. From veteran WWF(E) composer Jim Johnston's soundtrack to the hilarious dialogue throughout it is a great mix. 

The Extras
Extras include a pair of matches featuring Hogan vs Zeus:
-Summerslam '89 - Zeus & Macho Man Randy Savage vs Hulk Hogan and Brutus The Barber Beefcake
-"NO HOLDS BARRED" Match Revisited - Tag Team Steel Cage Match 12/27/1989

The Bottom Line
This Blu-ray doesn't smell like dookie, and there's no heel turns here. The movie is a riot and the disc is a squash over the previous DVD. How many more wrestling references can I fit in before I tell you to just buy it? Well everyone has a price and this disc is the excellence of execution. 

NO HOLDS BARRED is available HERE

Meet Him And Die (Blu-ray Review) - Raro Video

Italy/1976
Directed By: Franco Prosperi
Written By: Antonio Cucca, Cluadio Fragasso, Peter Berling, Alberto Marras
Starring: Ray Lovelock, Martin Balsam, Elke Sommer
Color/94 Minutes/Not Rated
Region A
Release Date: April 1, 2014

The Film
Ray Lovelock stars as an undercover cop sent to prison to infiltrate a drug ring and get a bit of personal revenge on the men who crippled his mother at the same time. Upon gaining the trust of higher ups and escaping prison with them he begins to climb the ranks of the family, sent on important jobs and drug runs. While trying to continue climbing the ranks to bring the drug ring down from the top he has to keep his identity secret which results in bullets flying and blood spilling from both sides.

Franco Prosperi (not of Mondo Cane fame, the other Franco Prosperi) delivers a really solid and prototypical poliziotteschi in MEET HIM AND DIE. Plenty of car chases, shoot outs, fights and blood. From the start of the film the adrenaline runs high with Lovelock's botched jewel heist, to the motorcycle chasing the freight truck which is probably the most exciting scene in the film Prosperi knows how to get us excited. MEET HIM AND DIE won't be held among the best Euro-crime films like Almost Human as it suffers from a few under developed characters, including Martin Balsam's character and an ending that leaves the viewer (and Lovelock) unsatisfied. MEET HIM AND DIE provides enough entertainment enter the good graces of genre fans along with being a suitable introduction to the genre for new viewers. I'm grateful that Raro Video released this disc.

The Audio & Video
Raro Video delivers the Blu-ray debut of MEET HIM AND DIE with mixed results. The 1.76:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer suffers from a waxy appearance and a layer of noise over the picture. Detail levels suffer as a result. On the other hand colors look pretty good so it isn't all bad. It's not the worst Blu-ray transfer I've seen (not by a long shot) but it isn't up to par with what Raro can do. Two audio tracks are available, both 2.0 stereo tracks. I listened to the Italian track which has optional English subtitles and it was a good track. Dialogue came through clearly and the soundtrack was crisp. Levels were mixed nicely. And English track is also available. 

The Extras
-Video interview with genre historian Mike Malloy
-13 page fully illustrated booklet

The Bottom Line
MEET HIM AND DIE is a typical example of the polizotteschi genre and one that you should add to your collection even if the Blu-ray isn't a slam dunk, it certainly is watchable and the film deserves your attention.

MEET HIM AND DIE is available HERE

The Flesh And Blood Show (Blu-ray Review) - Kino Redemption

UK/1972
Directed By: Pete Walker
Written By: Alfred Shaughnessy
Starring: Ray Brooks, Jenny Hanley, Luan Peters
Color/96 Minutes/Rated R
Region A
Release Date: March 18, 2014

The Film
An aging seaside theater prepares to open its doors for the first time since a tragic performance of Othello. Now the actors and crew have moved into the theater to begin rehearsal on their musical comedy show but shortly upon moving in people start dying, apparently falling victim to the cursed theater. It takes a bit of investigating the theater's history and people around the area to get to the bottom of the bloody mystery that runs deep into a severely damaged psyche.

The back of this Blu-ray states that THE FLESH AND BLOOD SHOW is Pete Walker's homage to the Grand Guignol. It doesn't take more than a single viewing to cement that statement into fact. There is plenty of bloody horror on display, and even more flesh as girls run around naked like it is the latest trend. This is very much Pete Walker's gift to the slasher genre, almost a decade before the body count film really took off in the 1980s. It is artfully down however, and certainly not based around the plentiful tits and gore, which helped earn it an X rating from the British censors. The 3D sequence could be seen as a bit gimmicky but it aids in really hammering home the nightmarish aspect of the scene. When it is all said and done, THE FLESH AND BLOOD SHOW may not be Pete Walker's finest effort, but it will rank up there as one of most exploitative and deserves to be seen by horror fans everywhere.

The Audio & Video
Kino Redemption brings THE FLESH AND BLOOD SHOW to Blu-ray with a nice looking HD transfer. The 1.66:1 anamorphic transfer has fleshy skin tones and strong detail. The movie was filmed on location so there are some foggy exteriors. The print is in good condition with minimal scratching and wear. The 2.0 stereo audio track comes through loud and clear with no background noise. A simple yet effective track.

The Extras
-"Flesh, Blood, And Censorship" - An interview with Pete Walker
-3-D sequence in both Stereoscopic and Anaglyphic formats
-Original theatrical trailer

The Bottom Line
Another fine Pete Walker film given a loving restoration and release from Kino Redemption. Your collection will only benefit from adding this Blu-ray. Recommended, obviously.

THE FLESH AND BLOOD SHOW is available HERE

Schoolgirl Report Vol. 12: If Mom Only Knew (DVD Review) - Impulse Pictures

Germany/1978
Directed By: Walter Boos
Written By: Gunther Heller, Gunther Hunold
Starring: Sascha Atzenbeck, Willy Adler, Eva Berthold
Color/83 Minutes/Not Rated
Region 1
Release Date: March 11, 2014

The Film
In the twelfth entry of the German sexploitation series we get several stories that were sent to a high school newspaper dealing with the sexual acts of several girls. The letters are fleshed out onscreen and perhaps director and creator of the series Walter Boos felt that in this late stage of the series life he had to go a bit further because these chapters feel a bit more exploitative than previous entries. From the girl that seduces her much older brother on summer vacation to a nymphomaniac that turns to prostitution to fuel her drug addiction. There is also the lighter fare including a family that mistakenly brings in a male exchange student to live with their daughter and the class trip that ends in just about everybody having sex in the woods including the teacher and let's not forget the plumber who poses as a Gynecologist while the doctor is away.

SCHOOLGIRL REPORT has always been a bit silly and and funny on top of being sexed up exploitation filled with beautiful young women. This chapter adds a bit more filth and sleaze to the mix to help us feel just a bit more uncomfortable. It's more naughty and fun that way, isn't it?

The Audio & Video
Impulse Pictures gives a the anamorphic widescreen (1.66:1) treatment to SCHOOLGIRL REPORT 12. The print used is in good condition, with some age related issues like scratches and dirt present but for the most part it is far from intrusive and it is a pleasing, quality print. Colors are strong and there is a natural grain to the picture. The mono audio track is in the film's native German and feature optional English subtitles that have been newly translated. The track is loud and clear, free of background noise and does its job just fine.

The Extras
Bare bones. 

The Bottom Line
Sexploitation fans should have taken note of the SCHOOLGIRL REPORT series by now and if they haven't they're not doing their collection any justice. IF MOM ONLY KNEW that your collection didn't have SCHOOLGIRL REPORT 12 in it she'd probably be disappointed. She raised you better than that.

SCHOOLGIRL REPORT VOLUME 12: IF MOM ONLY KNEW is available HERE

A Saint A Woman A Devil (DVD Review) - Vinegar Syndrome

USA/1976
Directed By: Peter Savage
Written By: Peter Savage
Starring: Joanna Fields, Pam Serpe, Peter Savage
Color/108 Minutes/Rated X
Region FREE
Release Date: March 11, 2014

The Film
Sylvia suffers from Schizophrenia. Each of her personalities is a bit different and has different levels of sexual deviancy. Her sister knows that the real Sylvia is a goodie goodie church going girl and seeks help from a Psychiatrist to get to the root of Sylvia's mental issues that have put her lust level into the red. Sylvia's past and childhood could very well be the reason her psyche is split into a few different people inhabiting her head and why they crave loving!

A SAINT... A WOMAN... A DEVIL... oringally had the simple title of SYLVIA. Either way, the title works as does the film itself. There is so much sex on hand here that if you aren't paying attention you may forget just why Sylvia (or her various other selves) is having yet another sexual romp but with another man. Or why is she beating up her mother? Or... well, you'll figure it out. The great thing about this film is that you get inside the head of one beautiful woman three different times. And that isn't all you get inside of!

The Audio & Video
Vinegar Syndrome has a gorgeous looking DVD here. The color and skin tones are lively and vibrant, and the picture quality is largely clean, with natural grain and the source material used was in good condition. The audio track is also very good with little to no background noise. 

The Extras
The R rated cut of the film is included as a bonus!

The Bottom Line
I could say "same shit different day" but that would make it sound like a bad thing. No, the "same shit" here is another lovingly restored and presented entertaining oddball of a porno from Vinegar Syndrome. 


A SAINT... A WOMAN... A DEVIL... is available HERE

Odd Thomas (Blu-ray Review) - Image

USA/2013
Directed By: Stephen Sommers
Written By: Stephen Sommers, Dean Koontz
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Addison Timlin, Willem Dafoe
Color/96 Minutes/Not Rated
Region A
Release Date: March 25, 2014

The Film
Odd is a young man with the power to see dead people along with other supernatural entities. He uses his abilities to help solve paranormal crimes and mysteries. His personality matches his name but his beautiful girlfriend Stormy adores him and they both believe they're destined to be together forever thanks to a 25 cent crystal ball machine. Lately Odd has been seeing an alarming amount of bodachs around, a supernatural monster that appears before a violent and deadly event. Odd begins his investigation with help from Stormy and the town sheriff (Willem Dafoe) to put the pieces of the puzzle together before the tragic event strikes the town and he loses the people closest to him.

ODD THOMAS is based off the novel of the same name by Dean Koontz. I've never read the book but apparently this film is a very faithful adaptation. On top of being a faithful adaptation it is a very entertaining film. Stephen Sommers previously directed the first two Brendan Fraser Mummy films, which I find to be decent popcorn adventure flicks to pass the time on a lazy afternoon. ODD THOMAS ends up being better than that, with it's extremely likeable lead, to the attractive Stormy who you can't help but love for her endless love of Odd and Willem Dafoe's portrayal of the sherriff who has one major love in his life and that is date night. The CGI effects on the Bodachs is quite good, never looking cheap or obvious. The rest of the CGI also has the same level of success. ODD THOMAS ends up being a heartfelt, comical, and well made supernatural adventure flick that works on all the levels it wants to.

The Audio & Video
Image has done a very nice job on this modern supernatural adventure flick. The Blu-ray features a full 1080p HD transfer with a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen ratio. Detail levels are high and colors are rich and vivid. Skin tones are natural and there is no edge enhancement or DNR that I could notice. The DTS-MA 5.1 English audio track (optional English subs are available) sounds excellent. The mix is full and powerful. A nice job working the sound effects, dialogue and music together to perfection as well. There are no audible hiccups present.

Please note: Images have been taken from DVD copy of the film

The Extras
Unfortunately this disc is bare bones. Some behind the scenes featurettes, a commentary track or even interviews would have been nice from the very likeable cast.

The Bottom Line
Despite the lack of special features I still have no problem recommending this Blu-ray because the film is well made and entertaining on top of a great technical presentation.

ODD THOMAS is available HERE

42nd Street Forever: The Peep Show Collection Vol. 1 (DVD Review) - Impulse Pictures

USA/1970s-80s
Directed By: Various
Written By: Various
Starring: Various
Color/119 Minutes/Not Rated
Region FREE
Release Date: March 11, 2014

The Film
Imagine a world where porn and adult films are still very taboo. There is no such thing as DVD. Hell, VHS is in its infancy and won't be an affordable option for a long time to come. Obviously if someone mentioned the internet to you at this point you would wonder what the hell fishing equipment they were talking about. This is the world that stag films were born into. The only options were 8mm reels, either at a viewing booth in an adult store or at a viewing party called a Stag Party.

These films were cheaply made, with virtually no production value and no talent. It is almost funny to think how they managed to blow the doors open for the world of porn we know in the 21st century. This collection features 15 different loops, restored for the first time, preserving them for future generations to watch and enjoy. And to learn from. Yes, there is quite a bit of valuable history here. Lives were changed by these films, careers launched and money made. The world of film was forever changed by directors who couldn't frame a shot, actors who were barely legal aged kids who were happy just to get to screw but these films sold and sold and sold. The changing public wanted a way to see something they've never seen before and these 8mm peepshow films are it. It may seem like little more than porn, and porn it is, but it is far more important than that.

We can be honest with ourselves though, this IS vintage smut, and there are some of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen in any film on this set. It is endlessly entertaining.

The loops included are:
-Sheep Weren't Never Like This
-Deeper Throat
-Come On My Eggs
-Friends And Lovers
-It Takes A Thief
-Jailhouse Fuck
-One Hung Low
-Untitled
-Spice Of Life
-Nurse's Aid
-Lesbian Lovers
-Ladies Of Lesbo
-Dildo Heaven
-Afternoon Dildo Party
-Wet And Wild

The Audio & Video
With each reel being remastered directly from an original 8mm source condition varies greatly. At best the prints are clean and vibrant and at their worst they are covered with scratches and dirty. Luckily the prints largely lean toward the former and are in good shape. Each reel is a full frame 1.33:1 aspect ratio, maintaining their original aspect ratio. The only audio is that of the whirl of the projector which would normally qualify as background noise but here it is simply a part of the experience brought to us by Impulse Pictures

The Extras
Liner notes from Robin Bougie, publisher of Cinema Sewer, are included. 

The Bottom Line
Set up a chair in front of your tv and put a curtain around it and you have your own peep show booth without needing a pocket full of quarters or a bottle of hand sanitizer! It is up to you if you want to wear a trench coat or not when this DVD transports your to a few decades ago, in the back of a dirty bookstore.

42ND STREET FOREVER: THE PEEP SHOW COLLECTION VOL. 1 is available HERE