Street Trash (Blu-ray Review) - Synapse Films

USA/1987
Directed By: James Muro
Written By: Roy Frumkes
Starring: Mike Lackey, Bill Chepil, Vic Noto
Color/102 Minutes/Not Rated
Region Free

The Film
The 80s were a wonderful time in film. Sure they weren't perfect, and many films relied too heavily on excess instead of quality film making during the decade many of these films were a load of shitty fun. STREET TRASH was to be director James Muro's film school thesis and while it was denied at being a thesis it became a cult classic. A very messy, dirty and colorful cult classic.

An auto wrecking yard is home to a group of derelicts who live in the towers of tires out back. The movie is little more than the story of these bums and their encounters with the law, each other, and a case of Tenafly Viper, a decades old case of wine that a local liquor store owner has set out for a dollar a bottle. At that price even our dirty friends can afford it. The only problem is that when you drink it you get really sick... and melt into a pile of day-glo colored slop. You also have to watch out for your penis being ripped off and tossed around.

This isn't high art folks. The plot of the film is thin and just sturdy enough to hold together our scenes of violence, gore and comedy, and there is plenty of each. The melted neon mess will have you smiling until the next joked comes about and cracks you up (the grocery store scene remains one of the single funniest things I've ever seen in a movie). If you like gross out horror comedies you'll love STREET TRASH.

The Video
I have to put it bluntly- Synapse Films' transfer for STREET TRASH on Blu-ray is simply a revelation. For a low budget, student made horror, gross out comedy splatter fest, made in the early 80s this disc is breathtaking. The DVD released several years ago by Synapse was a fine release itself, one I didn't think could be topped for this particular film, but I was wrong. If you've never seen the film, the bright neon colors of the melting bums explodes off the screen without ever being "too hot". Flesh tones look nice and natural, and there is no sign of any DNR or edge enhancement. This is pretty much a perfect transfer for this particular movie.

Note: Images do not represent Blu-ray Disc quality and are for reference to the film only.

The Audio
The sound side of things may not blow you away but with two options, a 5.1 surround DTS-HD mix and the original 2.0 mono mix in DTS-HD. I prefer the original 2.0 mix myself as I've found many soundtracks that are remixed for surround sound that didn't originally have that many channels to sound awkward and not true to their production. The 2.0 track is totally enjoyable and just how I've always remembered loving this movie.

The Extras
This Special Meltdown Blu-ray edition ports over all the previous extras from the special edition DVD with the same name from a few years earlier including:
Audio Commentary w/ director James Muro
Audio Commentary w/ producer Roy Frumkes
The Meltdown Memoirs - A feature length "making of" documentary featuring rare footage and interviews
The original short film version of STREET TRASH
Original trailers and teasers
Replica Tenafly Viper bottle sticker

And new to this Blu-ray edition:
Video interview w/ Jane Arakawa
Deleted scenes

Can we say "stacked"?

The Bottom Line
If you own the previous DVD you'll want to buy this release. If you don't own the previous DVD you'll want to buy this release. If you've never seen the film and like funny, clever and just all around awesome splatter horror flicks you'll want to buy this release. Honestly, this is an incredible release that will surely be a staple for best release of the year lists in a few months. Don't be left out.

STREET TRASH: Special Meltdown Edition Blu-ray is available HERE

Nurse Diary: Wicked Finger (DVD Review) - Impulse Pictures

Japan/1979
Directed By: Shinichi Shiratori
Written By: Rokuro Kumagai
Starring: Etsuko Hara, Asami Ogawa, Hiroshi Unayama
Color/68 Minutes/Not Rated

The Film
 Ryoko is a young nurse who has just moved out of the nurse's dormitory in order to keep her affair with one of the doctors at the hospital a secret. The doctor is a married man but certainly not committed as he also has an ongoing affair with a burlesque dancer who regularly visits him complaining of fake symptoms to get his sexual attention. The doctor loves Ryoko though, and their relationship is quickly becoming public knowledge as Ryoko has a very nosey neighbor who has fallen for her along with a shy, younger nurse who wants to be like her and be around her all the time. The affair between doctor and nurse falls apart when the doctor's wife finds out about it. 

NURSE DIARY: WICKED FINGER is a slapstick driven sexual romp around the hospital. The comedy is poured on in heavy doses, even in moments where you wouldn't normally expect comedy. The skin factor is of course on display frequently and that is the star of the show. This movie is fast moving and greatly gratifying to the viewer who gets plenty of what they came to see, with some laughs and silliness on top. 

The Video 
Impulse Pictures presents NURSE DIARY with a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer that is a rather nice looking presentation. The colors within the houses standout nicely compared to the drab looking interior of the hospital scenes. The image is clean and stable and has a nice natural look to it.

The Audio
The 2.0 Mono track is in the film's native Japanese and includes optional English subtitles. The track has a bit of background noise at times but is a perfectly satisfactory track with dialogue never getting lost in the mix with the soundtrack. The subtitles are newly translated and read perfectly. 

The Extras
The original theatrical trailer, accompanies reversible cover art and liner notes from Jasper Sharp.

The Bottom Line
This is the 15th entry into the Nikkatsu series from Impulse Pictures and it continues to provide a very diverse and entertaining series of skin flicks from Japan. You'll be doing yourself a disservice if you're a fan of the series and don't pick this one up.

NURSE DIARY: WICKED FINGER is available HERE 

The Vixens Of Kung-Fu / Oriental Blue (DVD Review) - Vinegar Syndrome

USA/1975
Directed By: Bill Milling
Written By: Cho En Young / Valentine Mu Rana
Starring: Bree Anthony, Peonies Jong, Jamie Gillis
Color/175 Minutes/Not Rated 

Films
Who knew there was so much cock in Kung-Fu? Paula is a young woman is walking alone in the woods when she encounters a trio of sleazy men (including sleaze kings Jamie Gillis and Bobby Astyr) who proceed to shoot her with a tranquilizer gun and have their way with her in full juicy hardcore action. After they're done Paula is rescued by the leader of an all woman Kung-Fu group, who like to practice outdoors in the nude. Of course they train not only physically and spiritually but also sexually to be able to take on any man who may attack them.

It just so happens that a fellow Kung-Fu-er does attack them, during a lesbian sex session of course. The ladies handle him easily with some of the most hilarious editing used in place of special effects I've ever seen. And apparently their prize is to have sex with him. Embarrassed, the man tracks down a master of the Golden Dragon Raising Head technique and studies under her to get his revenge. His training includes jerking off wildly in the woods and little else that we see. The rematch involves a lengthy fuck session between him and Paula where the man apparently emerges victorious, though when you see what happens to him you'll question if he is the real winner and the girls bow down to his master.

What a fucking ridiculous plot and porno flick, and that is exactly what this is... a 70 minute, almost entirely outdoor public fuck fest. The Kung-Fu has so little to do with the movie it wouldn't make a difference if it was removed or not. However the movie is entertaining on a "What the fuck am I watching?" level and I fully appreciate it for that alone.

Another porno featuring Gillis and Astyr, ORIENTAL BLUE features the shady dealings of Madame Blue, the woman running a brothel that specializes in "acquiring" exotic women for her clients. Madame Blue also deals a bit in blackmail and often using her body to get what she wants.


There isn't a ton of plot to ORIENTAL BLUE, it is simply another vintage porno flick, full of hardcore scenes with various races of women. Technically speaking it is a competently made erotic film that fans of the genre will appreciate. The downfall is that someone looking for something a bit different within the genre could pass this up as "standard" fare after viewing the oddball VIXENS OF KUNG-FU.

Video
THE VIXENS OF KUNG-FU has a 16:9 transfer that looks pretty good considering the natural light used during filming which doesn't always translate to a great looking product. There is some wobble in the early parts of the film but overall Vinegar Syndrome does a nice job on this weird movie that nobody would think twice if they dumped a much worse looking effort on disc. The transfer on ORIENTAL BLUE is even better. Another anamorphic widescreen presentation has good detail and black levels, with skin tones looking nice and natural. There is some speckling of dirt but it doesn't take away from the presentation at all. These look quite a bit nicer than I expected them to.

Audio
Both films have instances of crackling and pops but it never reaches a level of distraction or annoyance. The majority of both films dialogue is just moaning and groaning but it sounds solid and does its job nicely. 

Extras
Bare bones.

The Bottom Line
This double feature of Bill Milling directed pornos will prove to be an excellent addition to fans of the genre. If you've made it this far into the review chances are you're a fan and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to you.

THE VIXENS OF KUNG-FU/ORIENTAL BLUE Drive-In Collection Double Feature is available HERE

Punk Vacation (Blu-ray Review) - Vinegar Syndrome

USA/1990
Directed By: Stanley Lewis
Written By: Lance Smith, Harvey Richelson
Starring: Sandra Bogan, Stephen Fiachi
Color/93 Minutes/Not Rated

The Film
By 1990 the vigilante revenge film had dozens and dozens of entries and more than a few became legitimate cult classics. From Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey in the Death Wish series to the wonderfully gritty Exterminator, PUNK VACATION was a late entry into the popular genre that helped close the door on it. 

When a young motorcycle riding punker is pissed off that a soda machine doesn't have orange soda and then eats his money without giving him his drink he begins unleashing his rage on the machine. The owner of the diner where the machine sits comes out, immediately shoving a shotgun into the youth's face, telling him to leave. The punk returns shortly, bringing his gang with him and they begin to torture the diner owner's young daughter and end up murdering the man. When the cops show up the leader of the gang, our extremely tight wound orange soda fan, is injured in the incident and brought to the hospital to heal while being watched by the police.

After trying to get revenge for her fallen father, the diner owner's older daughter is kidnapped by the gang and tortured. This is where the movie really gets its meat and potatoes from as the small, tight-knit town tries to recuse one of their own as the gang of punks tries to do the same. It is a bit of cat and mouse from the punks and the desire for cold blooded revenge for the town which culminates in a wild shoot out climax in the hills of California. 

PUNK VACACTION is an entertaining enough revenge story but never goes far enough to make it a must-see in the genre. The small town setting is never utilized as the punks stay out in the hills and woods outside of town. This is a missed opportunity as seeing them confront other townsfolk in their shops, restaurants and neighborhoods could have made for a more exciting and tense viewing experience. From a technical standpoint this was Stanley Lewis' only directing credit and he does a fair job at the helm of the film, but there are a few instances with awkward framing and poor focusing of the camera. The cast is a bit hammy at times, especially the punks early on in the film, who come across as more of a bickering group of teens than a vicious group of outlaws. They do eventually come around to become a nasty bunch, thankfully. 

A bit fun, a bit violent, PUNK VACATION doesn't go the distance into exploitation classic but it does manage to be an overall decent and entertaining flick.


The Video 
This Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is region free on both discs courtesy of Vinegar Syndrome and is another knock out for the company. The 16:9 anamorphic widescreen transfer is taken from a 35mm print and looks pretty damn good from start to finish, with flesh tones looking nice and natural and colors of the punk's wardrobe and makeup being vibrant but not too hot. There is a bit of dirt and debris throughout the film but it doesn't take away from the quality of the transfer. I didn't notice any nasty mess-ups with the transfer such as excessive DNR or edge enhancement.

Please Note: Screenshots taken from DVD copy of the film

The Audio
The audio portion of the disc also fares very well with a DTS-HD track that is free of any pops, crackling or hissing.

The Extras
Along with an extensive still gallery, there are a pair of video interviews with actor/producer Stephen Fusci and Steven Rowland (producer's assistant and stuntman). Both men provide some insights into shooting the film.

Oh and if that isn't enough there is a bonus feature film, NOMAD RIDERS. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but hell yes, what a great special feature. 

The Bottom Line
If the entertainment value of PUNK VACATION wasn't enough, the high quality package that Vinegar Syndrome has put together should be. Oh yeah, the fact that you get a bonus film in the special features makes this one a no-brainer.

PUNK VACTION is available HERE

Stitches (2012)

Stitches the clown is hired to entertain Tom and his friends at his birthday party. The rather nasty looking clown is ridiculed and taunted by the children who are more amused by their own jokes than his juggling and balloon animals. When a prank involving tying Stitches' shoelaces together goes wrong, Stitches ends up face down in the dishwasher with a butcher knife through his face, leading to his death. While spying on the funeral for Stitches Tom witnesses an ancient clown ritual inside one of the buildings and is discovered by the clowns who tell him that no clown who dies during his show can ever rest in peace until he can finish the show.

Six years later the kids are now in high school, having grown up and gone on to their separate cliques Tom is a quiet kid, with a long standing crush on Kate, one of the girls from his party. When his friends find out he will have the house to himself on his birthday weekend they plan a big party inviting everyone they know and then some. While the party rages on around him, Tom does his best to strike up conversation with Kate when a fake clown scare sends him crashing to the ground and cracking his head. The bigger problem is that an invitation to the party found its way to Stitches' grave and now he has found his way to the party to claim the lives of all the kids that were at the party where he lost his.

It is surprising how many horror movies have been made revolving around killer or evil clowns and how few of them are any good. STITCHES isn't anything groundbreaking but it does rise above many clown horror films and is an entertaining slasher flick. The special effects, part practical and part CGI are all well done, filled with blood and rather amusing. The cast is full of high school character cliches but everyone does a good job in their role from "emo" girl to gay boy and everything in between.

If you're looking for a new horror flick, or a slasher in particular, I suggest grabbing a bowl of popcorn, a few beers and a couple friends and enjoying STITCHES.

Maniac (2013)

A while back when the idea of remaking William Lustig's MANIAC came about the idea was largely met with shuttered feelings and jeers. I was among the naysayers. Then the casting news came out that Elijah Wood was taking on the role of Frank Zito portrayed in the original by Joe Spinell. Many were appalled at this casting choice, how could Frodo from The Shire portray a mentally disturbed psychopath? I was among the critics once again.Then several months ago the trailer was released. The reaction was mixed but still largely negative. This looked very little like the 1980 splatter fest we loved. I again was among the critics voicing my disapproval for the trailer. I didn't like too much about the production, I didn't have high hopes and I certainly didn't think it would be good. Well now that MANIAC has finally been released to limited theaters and On Demand programs how does it stack up?

MANIAC follows Frank Zito, a young man, probably in his mid to late 20s, carrying on the family business of mannequin restoration and sales. Frank cares a great deal for his work in restoring these antiques which he seems to care for more than people. Frank also cares for beautiful women, but his encounters with them usually ends up with their bloody scalp in his hands. Frank comes in contact with a beautiful young woman named Anna, a photographer who wants to use Frank's mannequins as a center piece in her next gallery opening. Frank and Anna have a blossoming relationship both in their work and personally until Frank's secrets come spilling out.

While following the same basic plot of the original some critical changes were made to set it apart and make the film work. The Freudian ideas of the original are left behind while the seedy streets of New York City have been traded in for the glitz and glam of Los Angeles. NYC at the time of the original is a place that can't be recreated, and it would've been a mistake to try. The street and surroundings of L.A. work perfectly for the very clean looking cinematography. This was one of the main points I was worried about, Lustig's MANIAC is very much a film of it's time and place while Frank Khaloun's remake takes the idea and makes it work in what is a very different type of setting. The physical change in our lead lends a bit of credibility to the story that you can argue the original lacked. Joe Spinell certainly had a look to him that would make your skin crawl and make sure you don't find yourself alone in a dark alley with him but it also made his love story with Caroline Munro a bit hard to believe. Elijah Wood not only looks like he would be able to start up a relationship with the beautiful Anna his performance also adds a bit of sympathy to Frank.

The sparkling clean cinematography and artistic flashes in the direction are exactly what I was afraid wouldn't work and they totally spun me on my ass as they work very well. The first person view through much of the film and seeing Frank's hallucinations let us inside his head and allow us to connect with the character a bit more. The violence in MANIAC won't disappoint any fans of the original as there is no shortage of it and it is particularly nasty. The score is largely synth-driven which adds a feeling of the 80s and it works very well within the context of this remake.

Lustig's MANIAC is one of my favorite horror films of the 1980s and I was never excited to see this remake, but damn if I'm not a fan of it now. The changes that were made were all successful in bringing the film to a modern day audience and setting without losing its personality and soul of where it came from. MANIAC sets itself apart just enough that it should pick up fans of the original and new fans alike. It isn't a perfect film but I have to say it is one of the better new horror films I've seen lately.

Body Melt (1993)

The Australia and New Zealand area were making some fucking crazy and messy horror movies back in the late 80s and early 90s and BODY MELT is right up there with all of Peter Jackson's early offerings.

Vimuville is a new trendy health spa that is releasing a line of dietary supplements with the same name. Their test market is a single small town neighborhood on Pebbles Court. They receive free samples of the drink mix and pills in their mailboxes and who can resist trying a free sample? A former test subject at the Vimuville headquarters tries desperately to warn the residents of Pebbles Court but ends up in a car crash and dies at the doorsteps of the soon to be victims he was trying to warn. The police investigating the man's death begin to patch together a trail leading to the headquarters of the new dangerous drug that will causes hallucinations before far more deadly and disgusting side effects such as cellular mutation, elongated tongues, literally melting from the inside out, and various other brightly colored nastiness.

As the police piece together the puzzle more and more residents of Pebbles Court begin taking the supplements and one family even takes a vacation to the new health spa. As the addiction to the pills grows within each character the ooze and gore piles up, even taking over a police station until almost everyone has been effected in some way. It is up to the team of police to try and stop the distribution of these incredibly unhealthy supplements before they reach any more of the public.

BODY MELT will fit right along side Bad Taste and Dead Alive for sure. It is similar in tone with a rapid, fast paced slapstick element and filled with satire and humor. Director Phillip Brophy obviously pulls no punches in his view on the image obsessed society we continue to live in and how dangerous these "cure-all" pills are. The gore is used as a platform to showcase the damage they can do to a person, and while it is incredibly over the top and full of entertainment it certainly brings the viewers attention to the deeper issues at hand. The frantic pace of the cinematography is matched with the soundtrack from Brophy himself (former member experimental electronic group Tsk Tsk Tsk) to add to the feeling that the viewer is on pills themselves. The cast does a good job blending the humor and the drama of the film which really brings the writing to life.

If you're looking for a fun horror film that is extremely sloppy in the gore department look no farther than BODY MELT.

8/10