Blu-ray Review: SCREAM DREAM (1989)

SCREAM DREAM

Directed by:  Donald Farmer

Distributed by:  Visual Vengeance / MVD Entertainment

  Visual Vengeance is back, with another horror film from the 1980's you have probably never heard of!  This was the case for me, at least.   The film  is 1989's SCREAM DREAM from Director Donald Farmer.  Here is the basic plot synopsis of the film from the MVD Entertainment website:

When heavy metal front woman Michelle Shocked is fired from her band for bad press related to Satanic rumors, she proves everyone right by transforming into a bloodthirsty demon who embarks on a spree of killing and possession.

Donald Farmer's Scream Dream is both the perfect example of a regional Shot-On-Video film, and one of the most insane heavy metal horror movies of all time. Made during the height of 1980s 'Satanic Panic' in the USA, Scream Dream is overflowing with rubber monster action, gore-drenched murders, unisex teased hair and more bar band metal music than you can shake a studded wristband at.

  If you are a fan of SOV films, you will want to get your hands on a copy of this one.  If you like the nostalgic feeling of watching movies on VHS, this is the film for you!  

  SCREAM DREAM is not great by any means, and the story is a little lacking, but I still enjoyed it.  It is VERY low budget, so know that going into it.  I was really hoping being newly released on Blu-ray that the picture quality would be vastly improved.  It if is improved any, I sure couldn't tell, and I would have hated to see it before!   I will say though, the rough VHS look of the film gave it some of it's charm, and actually might have helped with the enjoyment of this film. 

  The acting is sub-par, although Gene Amonette who plays the band's manager, Lou, was quite hilarious.  It was probably more so due to the dialog and some of the lines he has in this film than his acting, but either way he was hilarious. 

  The true star of the show here is the gore and the special effects.   While a lot of the kills are offscreen, unfortunately,  the few we do see are very good.   This includes one of the best throat slashing scenes I have seen in quite some time. It was actually very impressive.  The makeup of the demon itself was very good as well, even by today's standards.   I guess I should mention that not ALL of the effects are good.  There is a hand puppet used as a demon that chews on people's necks and ankles and it is quite silly looking. 

 Oh, let me also mention that the heavy metal band in this films is pretty laughable by today's standards.  I guess that's what we considered as heavy metal back then! 

  I will say this for Visual Vengeance,  they do a remarkable job with their marketing of these films and the production value on their physical releases. The cover art, slip covers, and bonuses inside the Blu-ray cases are top notch.  These films they are releasing are getting a lot better of a physical release than they should, most likely!  SCREAM DREAM is no exception to that, as it has some cool treats packed inside!  I do like the fact Visual Vengeance is bringing these lesser known films to the mainstream, though.  I know a lot of people like these old SOV films, so they are definitely catering to that specific audience. 

 SCREAM DREAM releases on July 28 from Visual Vengeance and contains the following Special Features:

• *  SD master version from original tape elements
• *  Commentary with Producer/ Director Donald Farmer
• *  Heavy Metal Horror Primer - Video Essay with Justin Decloux and Adam 'Riot' Thorn
• *  Actor Nick Riggins Interview
• *  Actress Jesse Raye Interview
• *  The Art of the Scream: Special Effects Artist Rick Gonzales Interview
• *  Behind the Scenes Image Gallery
• *  Donald Farmer Theatrical Q&A Excerpts
• *  Trailers
• *  Visual Vengeance trailers
• *  Reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art
• *  Folded mini-poster
• *  ‘Stick Your Own’ VHS sticker set - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Limited Edition O-Card - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Limited Edition Scream Dream Guitar Pick - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Optional English subtitles

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment