Blu-ray Review: DEAD-END DRIVE-IN (1986)

DEAD-END DRIVE-IN
Directed by  Brian Trenchard-Smith
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  I am loving these Arrow Video U.S. releases.  Arrow has been releasing some great films for years over in the U.K.,  and they are fairly new to the U.S. market, but man they are making a name for themselves very quickly here in the U.S.   They have released some great films from the past, lots of films that I have heard of, but have never had the opportunity to see.  DEAD-END DRIVE-IN is one of those films.  I have always heard of it, but had never seen it.   Now I have thanks to Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment!
 Here is a brief plot synopsis from the MVD website:

  THE PRICE OF ADMISSION IS THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. One of Quentin Tarantino's favourite directors, Brian Trenchard-Smith was a key figure in the Ozploitation movement, responsible for The Man from Hong Kong, Stunt Rock, Turkey Shoot, BMX Bandits... and dystopian cult classic Dead-End Drive In! Set in a near-future where the economy has crumbled and violent gangs play havoc in the streets, the powers-that-be have decided to lure the delinquent youth into drive-in cinemas and keep them there. No longer just a place to watch trashy movies and make out, these outdoor picture shows have become concentration camps for the unruly and unwanted. With its day-glo colour scheme, new wave soundtrack and extraordinary stunt work, Dead-End Drive-In is in the tradition of Ozploitation milestones Mad Max and The Cars That Ate Paris only very, very eighties.

  There is no denying this is an 80's film, it has the feel to it in every aspect.   It's like a cheesy, light-hearted version of MAD MAX.   It also reminded me of such films as 1990: THE BRONX WARRIORS and ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX, except set in a drive-in theater.   Now I will admit, it's a strange concept for sure, and it's never really explained what they are planning on doing with all these kids they trap at the Drive-In, but I guess that doesn't really matter here.   Mainly what we are here to watch are the cool action scenes, some of which are very cool and contain some amazing camera work. 

  As always, the picture quality on this release is excellent!  Also, just like with every Arrow release, we are treated to tons of special features including the following:

*  Brand new 2K restoration from original film materials
*  High Definition (1080p) Presentation
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
*  Audio commentary by director Brian Trenchard-Smith
*  The Stuntmen, Trenchard Smith's classic television documentary on Grant Page (Mad Max, Road Games) and other Australian stunt performers
*  Hospitals Don't Burn Down, Trenchard-Smith's 1978 public information film told in pure Ozploitation fashion
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Chris Malbon


 DEAD-END DRIVE-IN will be available this Tuesday, 9/20,  from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray