The Initiation is your common 1980s slasher film with some shoddy performances but at least a fun quotient that will entertain fans, though for myself this is probably a one-and-done viewing.
Slugs is a classic 1980s B-movie that is less scary and more hilarious fun that probably would appeal to the B-movie realm of films or grew up in the 1980s. It’s far from amazing but the idea of killer slugs is in itself amusing.
A mixture of 1980s teen comedy with 1980s horror, Vamp technically speaking isn’t a good movie per se but there is some fun to be had and seeing what was likely the inspiration for Tarantino’s From Dusk Till Dawn is interesting.
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.
Blood and Black Lace is easily one of the better in the giallo sub-genre and the place to start for those new to it. The suspense is generally intense and the plot is well developed with true intrigue throughout. This Blu-ray released through Arrow Video offers excellent video/audio transfers and a fine selection of bonus material.
Neither The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave nor The Red Queen Kills Seven Times are ‘great’ films, though I’d probably give the nod to Red Queen, they are at least passable Italian giallo flicks however anyone new to the genre would be better served checking out Blood and Black Lace (also available on Arrow Video).
The Zero Boys might have somewhat of a cult following but for me, it’s not very enjoyable even in the old so bad it’s good kind of way. The acting isn’t good and the horror elements never quite clicked either. I suppose it works as a time capsule from the 1980s as everyone tried to put their spin on the slasher genre but this one failed.
Hired to Kill is dumb, poorly written and terribly acted action film from the tail-end of the 1980s but even though it doesn’t measure up to the guilty pleasures like Cobra, Commando or Raw Deal, it still has some appeal thanks in part to a semi-hamfest performance from Oliver Reed.
Black Mama White Mama is a classic 1970s blaxploitation starring Pam Grier and while this isn’t her best role of the era, it’s still a solid entry. It’s a fun little movie that’s ever the more enjoyable for just how it looks and feels like the ‘70s.
The Death Walks Twice set is another homerun from Arrow Video. The two-movie collection, which should’ve been three if they included Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion, are two examples of the giallo genre (which I’m still new to) and although a bit lengthy, both are entertaining
Rage of Honor is a blissfully cheesy 1980s action/martial arts flick that might not feature great performances but the fight scenes aren’t terribly choreographed and it has enough of the fun factor to make it so entertaining.
Sheba, Baby isn’t one of Pam Grier’s great movies from the blaxploitation era but it’s still an entertaining and cheesy romp between the 1970s style, soundtrack and all around acting particularly on the part of D’Urville Martin and some of his cohorts (“that’s right”). This Blu-ray released through Arrow Video offers good video and audio transfers and a so-so selection of bonus material.
Blood Rage is by no means a great horror flick but it is kind of typical of the 1980s. The acting is mostly awful and the plot isn’t exactly top notch, though I suppose as a relic of the era it might be worth some time, including checking out the Nightmare at Shadow Woods versions also included in this 3-disc set.
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.
Pit Stop isn’t a very well known film and especially not amongst Jack Hill’s semi-lengthy filmography which includes Foxy Brown and Spider Baby but for my money, I enjoyed the heck out of it especially with the impressive stunt work and a generally unpredictable finale. The Blu-ray release by Arrow Video offers great video/audio transfers and a fair selection of bonus material making this a worthwhile purchase.