The Mutilator isn’t a very good movie, that’s for sure and even compared to others from that era, it’s below par, which said, watching it with a group of friends is probably the only way to go as its all kinds of fun, but on its own, it is pretty lackluster. All of that said, this release from Arrow is fantastic.
The Mutilator
a/k/a Fall Break
(1984)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Horror/Slasher
Arrow Video | NR – 86 min. – $39.95 | February 16, 2016
Date Published: 02/20/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE – 2.0/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: When Ed (MATT MITLER) receives a message from his father (JACK CHATHAM) asking him to go and lock up the family’s beach condo for the winter, it seems like the perfect excuse for an alcohol-fueled few days away with his friends and girlfriend (RUTH MARTINEZ). But no sooner are the teens on the island than they find themselves stalked by a figure with an axe (and a hook, and an outboard motor) to grind. Quick Hit Review: The Mutilator, a.k.a. Fall Break, is yet another in the long line of 1980s slashers and although it has its fans, and no doubt the filmmakers, writer/director Buddy Cooper especially, had more passion than most in the genre, the film meanders and goes from utterly dull, with thinly developed characters who were annoying to boot, to just a lame plot. Save for one kill, and a nasty one it is, the rest is just utterly forgettable. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 4.75/5 |
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This two-disc release (BD, DVD) comes with a matted slip cover. Inside is a nice essay booklet plus a reversible cover revealing the film’s original poster artwork. Audio Commentaries – There are two tracks: 1) Cast and Crew members Bud Cooper (Writer/Director), John Douglass (Co-Director), Matt Mitler (“Ed Jr.”) & Ed Ferrell (Special Make-Up); 2) Buddy Cooper and Ruth Martinez Tutterow (“Pam”). Both tracks are moderated by Ewan Cant from Arrow Video and generally speaking were informative and with Cant able to keep some energy with back and forth Q & A. Fall Breakers (1:15:01; HD) is a feature-length documentary about the making of The Mutilator and includes new interviews with writer/director Buddy Cooper, stars Matt Mitler, Ruth Martinez Tutterow, and other key cast and crew members. Mutilator Memories (15:57; HD) – Mark Shostrom, the special make-up effects artist, looks back at one of his earliest film projects. Tunes for the Dunes (8:13; HD) – Composer Michael Minard talks about the creation of the film’s unique score. Behind the Scenes Reel (16:31; HD) is some raw footage from back in 1984. The disc also includes some Screen Tests (13:03; HD), Opening Scene Storyboards (4:27; HD), Trailers & TV Spots (TRT 6:12; HD), Alternate Opening Titles (4:32; HD), Music (TRT 7:00; HD) where you can listen to the catchy opening song (lyrics and instrumental), and a Gallery (8:49; HD). |
VIDEO – 4.0/5 |
| The Mutilator arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video offering up a nice video transfer presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and in 1080p high-definition. Colors generally move toward darker elements while detail is at least half decent. Given this was a cheap 1980s slasher, the producers of this release did a pretty damn good job hunting down prints to put together this uncut version. Although there were some noticeable dust marks, specs and scratches, it’s still an impressive transfer. |
AUDIO – 4.25/5 |
| Not to be outdone, the movie has been given a PCM Mono track which is more than serviceable with crisp and clean dialogue levels and that catchy opening title song comes through the center channel with a certain robustness and depth. It’s nothing outstanding but I’d call it reference quality work for the ‘80s slasher genre. |
OVERALL – 3.25/5 |
| Overall, The Mutilator (a.k.a. Fall Break) isn’t a good movie, that’s for sure and even compared to others from that era, it’s below par, which said, watching it with a group of friends is probably the only way to go as its all kinds of fun, but on its own, it is pretty lackluster. All of that said, this release from Arrow is fantastic. The audio and video transfers were both great and the features were put together with a lot of passion and love, as is usually the case from Arrow Video. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.