Blu-ray Review: FRIGHTMARE (1983)

FRIGHTMARE

Directed by:  Norman Thaddeus Vane

Distributed by:  Troma Films / MVD Entertainment 

  I am always excited when I get a film to review that I have not seen before.   The new release of FRIGHTMARE from 1983 is one of those films.  In fact, I actually own the old Troma DVD of the film, but it's one that has set on my shelf for years and has yet to be watched.  Today I sat down to watch the newly released Blu-ray, and I am now mad at myself for not watching this sooner!   Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Troma Films website:

Following the death of legendary horror actor Conrad Radzoff (Ferdy Mayne, The Howling II, Conan the Destroyer) , a group of overzealous drama students steal his corpse from his crypt and take it to the decrepit haunted house where his finest fright films were made. As the night goes on, the students lean the true meaning of terror, as Conrad’s vengeful spirit takes them out one by one. Featuring incredible special effects by Chuck E. Stewart (Critters, The X Files Bruce Almighty) and early performances by Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), Nina Talbot (Night Shift, Puppet Master II), Scott Thomson (Police Academy I-IV) and Donna McDaniel (Hollywood Hot Tub), Frightmare is a bloody terror trip from the Tromatic 1980s.

  The movie is from 1983 and stars a pre RE-ANIMATOR Jeffrey Combs.   It was fun seeing him in something that was not any of the RE-ANIMATOR films, as those are the films he is most known for, of course.   Ferdy Mayne plays the star of the film, Conrad Radzoff.   Radzoff is a cult horror actor / icon, kind of like a Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff type.   He has tons of fans and is one of the biggest stars there is.  It's no wonder that with his untimely passing, that fans of his don't want to let him go.   In fact, this certain group of teenagers want to party with him!   So, they break into his mausoleum to steal his body.  Sounds pretty normal right?    They successfully exhume his body and take him to a deserted house throw a wild party.  All goes good at first, until people start dying! 

 It seems that Conrad Radzoff is not one to stay dead!  He awakens and starts killing off the teens one by one.  I don't think they really explained how he came back to life, or if they did I missed it.  Regardless, once Radzoff wakes up and goes on his killing spree, we get treated to a very fun movie!  Practical effects are a plenty here, with one of the greatest beheadings I have seen on film.    The head rolling down the stairs with a loud "splat" sound on each step became almost laughable as it lasted so long. Kudos to the sound designer for that one!  

 While not a masterpiece by any means, FRIGHTMARE is a fun and entertaining film.  If you love 80's films, this is one you'll want to check out.  It definitely has that 80's vibe to it.    

 FRIGHTMARE is available now from Troma Films and contains the following Special Features:

• * Original DVD Intro Featuring Lloyd Kaufman and Debbie Rechon
• * Archival audio interview with Director Norman Thaddeus Vane
• * Historical Commentary with David Del Valle and David DeCoteau
• * The Hysteria Continues (audio commentary from 'The Hysteria Continues' Podcast)
• * Original Theatrical Trailer
• * Artwork Gallery
• * Man With A Camera: Video Interview With DP Joel King
• * A Gory Lesson From The Set Of Meat For Satan’s Ice Box
• * INNARDS! Music Video
• * Radiation March

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray