Vinegar Syndrome Review: Nightmare Sisters (1988, David DeCoteau)

  “Sex isn't their only weapon...”

Melody (Linnea Quigley, SAVAGE STREETS), Marci (Brinke Stevens, SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE) and Mickey (Michelle Bauer, LUST FOR FREEDOM) are your typical geeky college girls who just can't seem to find a man. When their fellow sorority sisters leave to have parties and spend time with their significant others, the nerdy trio are left to their own devices and decide to have a little party of their own. With slim pickings in the male department, they call the equally geeky Kevin (Richard Gabai, DEMON WIND) to come over with his friends Freddy (Marcus Vaughter, THE VISITANTS) and Duane (William Dristas in his only role). It seems perfect; three boys, three girls and a house to themselves. That is until they decide to have a séance with a crystal ball that flea market obsessed Marci bought earlier that day. The group unfortunately summon a succubus, possessing the girls in the process and turning them in to beautiful sex crazed demons who are hungry for blood. Thankfully, the boys have some breathing space when a trio of their overbearing frat housemates crash the party and find themselves on the receiving end of the beautiful yet deadly succubi. This gives them time to call rent-a-exorcist Perrin (Jim Culver, LADY AVENGER) to hopefully help them get out of this bind and defeat evil. College should be a safe space after all!

Now before I get in to what I think of the film, it should be noted that the film was shot in around four days using a script that took seven days to write and was shot using loose ends of film from DeCoteau's previous film; Sorority Babes in the Sliemball Bowl-O-Rama. With that out of the way, I have to say that Nightmare Sisters wasn't the greatest cinematic experience I've ever had. For an erotic horror comedy, it didn't really deliver on any of those aspects. Sure, there is a hearty amount of nudity, but it really didn't do too much for me, even though the female cast are easy on the eyes and probably the best thing about this movie. Although overly long, the scene involving nubile bath action did stand out however. Comedy wise, it was your typical schlock humour with more jokes missing than hitting. Aside from one genuinely clever and well executed reference to the The Exorcist, there's really nothing there that will even raise a chuckle. What this film does have going for it is a somewhat intriguing story penned by Kenneth J. Hall (CRITTERS) that ultimately suffered with pacing issues, but did bring something unique to the table. There were also moments that reminded me of Evil Dead that I got a kick out of. That's really all that I can say about this film to be honest. It's one of those films that isn't awful, but just quite dull. However, I will say that under the circumstances, they pulled off a film that actually looks like a film. So it's not all bad.

  Although the film is something to be desired, props should be given to Vinegar Syndrome for not only giving this obscure cheapie a proper release, but for giving it a release it probably shouldn't really have. The film is presented in 2k from the original camera negative. It looks and sounds great with the only visual issues coming from some the film's actual cinematography in places. In terms of extras there's a director's introduction and an intriguing commentary from DeCoteau and Quigley that is more enjoyable than the actual film. To compliment that, there is an alternate TV version of the film that pretty much tones down the sleaze factor and uses alternate takes, an interview with Hall, outtakes, bloopers and some really cool alternate artwork. If you're a fan of this film or those involved, you probably already own this. If not, you have to buy it. Those looking for an entertaining piece of 80's teen sex comedy, you may want to give this one a miss.

Nightmare Sisters is available as a DVD / Blu-Ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Vinegar Syndrome Review: Luther the Geek (1988, dir: Carlton Albright)

  “A movie with a fowl bite!”

When Luther (Carlton Williams in his only role) was a young boy, he witnessed a group of rowdy locals egging on the local Geek (Tom Brittingham also in his only role) to bite the head off a chicken. This combined with him getting his teeth accidentally knocked out by one of said locals in the ruckus leads young Luther to develop a taste for blood. Naturally, this turns him in to a bloodthirsty psycho and paves the way for a life of crime. After serving 20 years and thanks to prison board member Mrs. Butler (Karen Maurise, Dark Skies), a much older and balder Luther (Edward Terry, The Children) is set free. Armed with a set of homemade metal teeth, Luther carries on from where he left off and sets off to continue his reign of terror, one neck at a time! It's not just the chickens who need to watch out. On his rampage, Luther invades the farm of Hilary (Joan Roth, In Transit) and her daughter Beth (Stacy Haiduk, Superboy). Can Beth's hunky boyfriend Rob (Thomas Mils, Bean) and / or bumbling local trooper (Jerry Clarke, Tracks) stop Luther before it's too late? You better clucking well hope so!

  I won't lie, I really found this to be quite a dull film. I know that this is a cult classic for some, but I just don't see what's so special about it. Let's get the positive out of the way; the gore. Both Mike Tristano (Evil Dead 2) and William Purcell (Invasion USA) do a fantastic job with some genuinely gruesome special effects. Unfortunately, that's really the only positive I can give for this film. OK, maybe some of the scenes including the busty Stacy Haiduk “elevated” things slightly, but boobs and blood don't always make a film. Some may be surprised by this, but Luther himself isn't really a memorable character. I mean no disrespect to Edward Terry, but his portrayal of Luther is unintentionally comical and rather camp in places. I know his constant clucking and wide eyes are supposed to inject fear in to the audience, but he seriously makes the quacking killer in The New York Ripper seem like one of horror's true greats. The only unsettling thing about Luther is that he looks like me if I was the balding offspring of Klaus Kinski. Now THAT is truly a terrifying thought! As for the rest of the film? Average in every way. The acting is pretty lame, David Knox's (Captain America: The First Avenger) cinematography is about average and the score from Vern Carlson (Vigilante) is one of those unmemorable late 80's / early 90's synth scores that just exists. Yeah, really finding it hard to even really write about this film because I don't know if I told you this, but it was just so dull! Even though the film may be nothing to shout about, the release itself is!

  You got it folks! This is Vinegar Syndrome once again taking a Troma property and giving it a must own release for fans of the film. The film is scanned and restored in 2k from the original 35mm camera negative and looks and sounds great. To top off another great restoration job there are a whole bunch of extras. All of the extras from previous Troma releases are included as well as an introduction and commentary from Carlton Albright himself, there's a video interview with Jerry Clarke, reversible artwork and the original theatrical trailer. It's a bumper package and even though I am really not a fan of the film itself, listening to Albright talk about the film and those involved is insightful and entertaining. It's one of those instances were the extras are actually much more entertaining than the actual film! If you are already a fan of this film, there's no reason why you shouldn't pick this up. For those wanting to experience Luther the Geek for the first time, this is also a release you should check out, just be warned about the actual film.

Luther the Geek is available as a DVD / Blu-Ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome.

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Amsterdamned Shameless Screen Entertainment DVD Review

Oh Amsterdam. What a beautiful place. The beautiful architecture, the cosy cafe's and the wonderful nightlife. All of these pale in comparison of course to the wonderful canals. Ah yes, those canals where couples can have a romantic couple of hours on or off the water. Those wonderful canals where no matter who you are, you have a wonderful chance of getting butchered by one of the local divers. Wait... what? Ah yes! Amsterdamned, a film directed by Dick Maas in 1988. Set against the backdrop of the stunning streets of Amsterdam, there's a killer on the loose roaming the canals and attacking all those that are unlucky enough to be basking in the delight of the seemingly tranquil waters. Essentially this is a rather contemporary take on the "who did it" gialloesque films of the 60's and 70's. However, this isn't a homage or a film that just follows the same old formula. We have excitement including a rather fantastic speedboat chase. I could leave the review here as to say anymore would be giving away too much. Shameless where kind enough to send me a copy of this film so let's not stop there. Have a look at these screen grabs:

What we have here is another great release from Shameless. Although this isn't one of those "first time on UK DVD" releases (you can find an already existing release from Nouveax Pictures from 2009) it is presented nicely and has the high standard as most Shameless releases. The special features on this disc are a rather extensive making of feature which shows how much hard work went into this picture (who the Hell needs CGI?), a selection of trailers for the film as well as the typical Shameless trailers which are always welcome. On the presentation front, this is a great release and if you have only ever seen this film on VHS or have never seen this film before (like me) then you should definitely pick this edition up when it's released because it's worth every penny.

That being said, the film itself wasn't bad but not the greatest. I appreciate this film more from the technical and film making aspect as this film looks great and once you see how some scenes where filmed, you will be pleasantly surprised. I also like the fact that this isn't really a sleazy flick as there is little no female nudity or sexual content which is refreshing for a film of this genre. The thrills and the gore are there but maybe I need a second viewing to truly appreciate the film itself but overall, if you are a lover of giallo films and European cinema then this title could very well be for you. Once again I applaud Shameless on this release, I may not have really liked the film but the hard work that went into this release makes this a great edition for fans of the film. It's a lot better than the recent output of a certain other company here in the UK.

The film will be released on the 22nd October by Shameless Screen Entertainment.


If you want more information on this film please check out the Shameless page:
Amsterdamned Official Shameless Page

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