Vinegar Syndrome Review: Unveiled (1986, Suze Randall)

“Your Most Sensual Secret ... Isn't a Secret Anymore.”

Bob (Mike Horner, Oriental Madam) is a lawyer who has the money, unique sexual tastes and his uptight wife Cindy (Krista Lane, Sensations) who won't fulfil any of his needs. Naturally, Bob turns to his favourite hooker (Patti Petite, For Your Thighs Only) to act out his sexual fantasies. Just like his buddy Bob, Ted (Jake Scott, Flesh Tones) also likes to get his kicks away from home and wife Julie (Erica Boyer, Loose Ends). Unlike Bob however, Ted doesn't need to pay for his thrills as he utilises the “administrative skills” of his secretary (Alexis Greco, The Ultimate Lover). After a hard days “work”, Bob and Ted hit up their favourite bar leaving their wives to do some “catching up” back at Bob's place. Whilst at the bar, the conversation unsurprisingly turns to sex. Sex with each other's wives whilst they are asleep (sure would make an interesting episode of Wife Swap!). The morning after their late night antics, the guys decide to hit up their local sex club and unbeknownst to them, they'll be getting a nasty little surprise of their own!

  After the sheer joy that was Too Naughty to Say No, I have to say that I was pretty underwhelmed with Unveiled. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad film, but I just found it to drag, especially in the final third. There's a feel of scuzziness about it, but at the same time there's also a light-hearted and almost slapstick style of humour. Horner's portrayal of Bob often reminded me of the characters Will Forte played in Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! That being said, he was a joy to watch. The stars of the show for me are Krista Lane and Erica Boyer. What they get up to whilst their husbands are away was for me, the highlight of the film. That's not to say there aren't other memorable moments. Another stand out is the mime sex show performed by Taija Rae (Urban Heat) and Horner in his alternate role. A very strange scene indeed. I think the aspect I enjoyed the most was the style. From the cheesy snyth music credited to Cinema Symphony's (Droid) to Steve Aussi's (Sky Foxes) neon and pastel set decoration; this is definitely a film for fellow 80's style enthusiasts! Aside from that, not one of the most interesting or sensual offerings I have ever seen.

Although the film lacked for me, Guido's (Fleshdance) fantastic cinematography looks even better thanks to Vinegar Syndrome's restoration and overall presentation. The colours really pop out of the screen and the sound is of equally high quality. In terms of extras, there is the original theatrical trailer and a nice video interview with Mike Horner himself. All in all, not a bad little release, especially for those who are already a fan.

Unveiled is available on DVD from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Vinegar Syndrome Drive-In Collection Review: In Search of Bigfoot (1975) / Cry Wilderness (1986)

IN SEARCH OF BIGFOOT
(dir: Lawrence Crowley & William Miller, 1975)

"The Documented Proof of the Mysterious 'Bigfoot'"

 Usually it’s a lot easier and quicker for me to review films one by one but I thought for this release from Vinegar Syndrome, it’s only right to review the release as a whole. First up on this Drive-in Collection double feature, we have the 1975 documentary In Search of Bigfoot, directed by Lawrence Crowley (BIGFOOT: MAN OR BEAST) and William Miller (COWBOY SPIRIT, MYSTERIES FROM BEYOND THE TRIANGLE). The documentary focuses on Robert Morgan (BLOOD STALKERS, MAKO: THE JAWS OF DEATH) and his team who set out to locate the legendary Bigfoot. While on their expedition they meet loggers and eyewitnesses who all claim to have either witnessed or interacted with the mythical creature. There are highs and lows for Robert and his team and although an often hard faced and determined chap, Robert has lots of respect and good intentions.

 I’m not really too interested in the whole obsession with Bigfoot usually, but this documentary had me entertained from start to finish. Being made in the mid 70’s, there is that instant charm and it reminded me of the wonderfully kooky Mystery of the God’s presented by William Shatner, which I reviewed here. There are plenty of ‘interesting’ characters on show throughout the documentary, especially the locals who claim to have had contact with Bigfoot. To accompany the goings on within the expedition, we have some nicely shot scenes of the American wilderness and nature. Overall, this is an entertaining and sincere documentary about a group of people who have a passion for Bigfoot and the drive to prove their critics wrong. You really want Robert to succeed even if you yourself, don’t believe. I wonder if Wes Anderson watched this before he made The Life Aquatic? You’ll understand when you watch!

CRY WILDERNESS
(dir: Jay Cohen, 1986)

"'Legends Do Live' If You Believe It"

 Eric Foster (THE WONDER YEARS, DARKROOM) plays as Paul, a young boy who once had an encounter with the legendary Bigfoot. One night, he gets a message from his hairy friend that his park ranger dad Will, played by Maurice Grandmaison (NIGHT TRAIN TO TERROR, CATACLYSM) is in serious trouble. Paul escapes and meets his father and Indian friend Jim, played by John Tallman (LUST FOR FREEDOM, CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH PART 3) who are being pressured by the establishment (in true Jaws fashion) to get rid of the mysterious creature on the loose because it's tourism season soon. With the help of hot headed hunter Morgan Hicks (Griffin Casey in his only acting credit) the gang go on the hunt to find their prey, well Morgan definitely is. Will Paul save his father and prove that Bigfoot is real? Of course he will, all films like this end that way!

 If you want a film that tops Troll 2 for being so bad it's good, then this is the film for you. It's silly, hilariously acted out and just downright entertaining from start to finish. Paul and his father are so close, that they both share hilariously awful hair. To match the awful hairstyle and acting, we sometimes have some fantastically dire ADR work. The story mashes up the basics of Jaws with pretty much every other family-oriented Bigfoot film ever. This time however, we have a Bigfoot that loves Coca-Cola and likes to gets down to soft rock in his spare time. We also have a Native Indian called Red Hawk played by Foster Hood (BRANDED, LOVE IS A FUNNY THING) who lives in the wood and hammers down the message that us humans are scum. Don't forget lots of footage of animals, sometimes Bruno Mattei level stock footage use and some cheesy late 80's music. We also witness Morgan Hicks nearly strangling a raccoon to death. Lovely! I could go on more about some of the absurdity within this film but that would be no fun for potential first time viewers!

Overall, both films on this disc are entertaining in their own right. In Search of Bigfoot goes extremely well with the family friendly Cry Wilderness. Watching these together reminds me of obscure cable channels having a themed night. There is much fun to be had with this double feature. Both films once again have received top notch treatment from Vinegar Syndrome. They look and sound great as they are both presented in 2K, restored from original camera negatives. As I said at the start of the review, Bigfoot in general really doesn't interest me, but damn did I enjoy these flicks and will definitely be watching again (Cry Wilderness is a great film to share with your friends over a few beers and pizza). If you are interested in the legend of Bigfoot, this is a release for you. If you are in to obscure gems, once again, Vinegar Syndrome have you covered with this. Go buy it NOW!

You can buy the release directly from Vinegar Syndrome here as well as your favourite online retailers.

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