Dead End Drive-In is the typical 1980s movie, attempting to replicate the dystopian future storyline that started with 1979’s Mad Max, a fellow Aussie action-thriller. It’s not a very good movie but with its limited budget and so-so acting, it’s not a terrible horror-thriller and holds some entertainment value especially for fans of the era.
Dead End Drive-In
(1986)
Genre(s): Thriller, Action
Arrow Video | NR – 88 min. – $29.95 | September 20, 2016
Date Published: 09/15/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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PLOT SYNOPSIS
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| Set in a near-future where the economy has crumbled and violent gangs play havoc in the streets, the powers-that-be have decided to lure the delinquent youth into drive-in cinemas and keep them there. No longer just a place to watch trashy movies and make out, these outdoor picture shows have become concentration camps for the unruly and unwanted. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.0/5 |
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This release comes with reversible cover artwork and a 27-page booklet. Audio Commentary – Director Brian Trenchard-Smith The Stuntmen (48:46; SD) is Trenchard-Smith’s television documentary on Bob Woodham, Grant Page and other Australian stunt performers. Hospitals Don’t Burn Down! (24:10; SD) – This is Trenchard-Smith’s 1978 public information film told in pure Ozploitation fashion. Also included is Vladimir Cherepanoff Gallery and Theatrical Trailer (1:36; HD). |
VIDEO – 4.0/5 |
| Arrow Video releases Dead End Drive-In shown in its original 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and giving it a 1080p high-definition transfer (AVC codec) from a 2K restoration based off of the original 35mm negative. From the booklet, thousands instances of dirt, debris and light scratches were removed and looking at it in person, though there still are a few minor flaws, this looks pretty dang good. Colors do look vibrant and detail looks nice and sharp. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 similarly got the once over also from the 35mm original negative and this track offers decent dialogue levels while the music is fairly dynamic even if the depth is limited due to presumably a limited budget and its age. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
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Overall, Dead End Drive-In is the typical 1980s movie, attempting to replicate the dystopian future storyline that started with 1979’s Mad Max, a fellow Aussie action-thriller. It’s not a very good movie but with its limited budget and so-so acting, it’s not a terrible horror-thriller and holds some entertainment value especially for fans of the era. This Blu-ray released through Arrow offers nice video/audio restoration though the features aren’t anything special outside of the commentary. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.