Scream for Help is an odd little 1980s movie where the first two-thirds are kind of Nancy Drew like but the final third was genuinely thrilling, negating any issues I had.
Scream for Help
(1984)
Genre(s): Suspense/Thriller, Horror
Shout Factory | R – 90 min. – $29.99 | September 18, 2018
Date Published: 09/22/2018 | Author: The Movieman
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Shout Factory provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 3.5/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Terror invades an upper-class New York community as 17-year-old Christie Cromwell (RACHAEL KELLY) cleverly uncovers her stepfather’s (DAVID ALLEN BROOKS) horrifying plot to murder her wealthy mother (MARIE MASTERS). She’s on to him, yet no one will believe her because she’s just a kid: smart, imaginative, maybe she’s just taken a crazy idea to the limit. Alone, afraid and helpless, terrified Christie and her mother are held prisoner in their own at the mercy of ruthless killers (ROCCO SISTO, LOLITA LORRE).
Quick Hit Review: Scream for Help is one of many horror-thrillers to come out of the early-to-mid 80s and although the premise is a bit too “Nancy Drew” in some respects (sans nudity and a sex scene), and even reminded me of a R.L. Stine book from the 1990s, there is some fun despite the odd tone. However, it’s almost all negated for an incredible and thrilling finale. The acting isn’t the best but adequate, including from Rachael Kelly who was actually 17, so brilliant casting there, though this was her final movie with only a TV film and 3-episode stint on a soap opera prior to this. The film was directed by Michael Winner known more for three Death Wish movies as well as the original Mechanic (not to mention being swept up in the Me Too movement years after his death), Scream for Help is by no means great or terribly memorable, but I did have a lot of fun watching for some of the more outlandish, if not darkly comedic, moments such as one character getting the Home Alone treatment getting electrocuted. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.5/5 |
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This release comes with a reversible cover artwork. It is noteworthy this is the first time this film was released on home video outside of VHS and never received a DVD release, so it is the only way to view the movie. Features include an Audio Commentary with Hysteria Lives, new interviews with Screenwriter Tom Holland (13:29; HD) and Actor David Allen Brooks (15:57; HD) and the Theatrical Trailer (2:40; HD). |
VIDEO – 3.75/5 |
| Scream for Help is presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and shown with a 1080p high-definition transfer. Although this is not a fantastic looking picture as there are some very minor dust marks, the colors are fairly good and detail sharp enough. Clearly this is likely an incredible upgrade over the VHS version… |
AUDIO – 3.75/5 |
| The movie comes equipped with a satisfactory DTS-HD MA Mono track which does output clear dialogue and some reserved depth for some of the on-screen action or the 1980s-era music score. Nothing remarkable or extraordinary but for a film of this type and, as I said, making its disc debut, not bad at all. |
OVERALL – 3.5/5 |
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Overall, Scream for Help is an odd little 1980s movie with a story that seems more appealing to teens yet has an R-rating that, at the time, only anyone over 17 would be able to attend. But that aside, the final third of the movie is genuinely thrilling overtaking any issues I had. This Blu-ray release from Shout is rather special as previously you were only able to get this on VHS. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.