DVD Review: HI8: RESURRECTIO (2016)

HI8:  RESURRECTIO
Written & Directed by: Stefan Sierecki
Distributed by:  Black Lava Entertainment

 If you have never heard of Black Lava Entertainment, you are missing out on some of the weirdest underground horror films available today.   The latest one I have seen was called Hi8:  RESURRECTIO from filmmaker Stephan Sierecki.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the Black Lave Entertainment website:

  In "Hi8“ we follow Steven, a film student who intends to create the goriest horror movie of all time, his graduation film. The only problem is the lack of money. Even his lecturer does not support his plans. He claims the horror movie to be a inacceptable medium and does not honor any artist. Steven is aware that it is difficult to distribute genre movies in Germany but hope dies last. A mysterious website discovered by one of his friends raises hope. A single line framed by flames appears on the screen: 'God's messengers fall into hellfire, the angels' Stephen is not bothered by this phrase for he is more interested in the text's content. His eyes are fixed on the words 'filming', 'money', 'prompt cash'. Clicking the 'Send'-button unleashes an experience which affects his mind, flesh and bones. He will literally witness hell on earth.

 I had never heard of this film going into it, so I had no clue what to expect.   To me this film reminded me of a higher budget version of the AUGUST UNDERGROUND series, but a lower budget version of the HOSTEL films.  They are all in the same vein, though.  It basically follows Steven as he is kidnapped by the new "producers" of his horror film and is forced into a world of horror that Steven could have probably never imagined.  He is forced to torture and kill, all in the name of cinema! 

 The film is very well made, with what looks to be all practical effects, something I am always happy to see in horror films.   The acting is pretty good overall,  especially from the female victim that is caged and put through hell.   At times I actually wondered if they told her what all they would be doing and if some of the screaming and fear was actually real!  

 I'm not a huge fan of the torture films, but if you are into those films, you should definitely check this one out.   Hi8:  RESURRECTIO is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Teaser #1
*  Teaser #2
*  Trailer
*  English Subtitles
*  Bonus Movies:
-Fütterung der Raubtiere
-Herzstück
-Interimere
-Raum der Ausschweifung
-Tote reden nicht
-Vergeltung
-Weihnachten
*  Bonus CD with the complete Soundtrack (~80min Music)


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD