Microwave
Massacre (1983/Arrow Films Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B/B- Sound: B/C+ Extras: B Film: C-
Wayne
Berwick's 1983 horror/comedy Microwave Massacre is so bad,
that is almost mesmerizing. Starring comedian Jackie Vernon whose
direct camera addresses, deadpan jokes, and horrific acting are at
times hard to watch. The special effects are absolutely terrible and
many scenes are so out of left field, I guarantee you won't see them
coming. Still, there is something charming about this terrible movie
that makes you want to keep watching, seeing what will happen next.
Arrow has pulled all the stops as usual with this release and
presents it in a great new 2K restoration from the original camera
negative and great new special features.
Donald
(Vernon) is a disgruntled construction worker that is dissatisfied
with his nagging wife May and her gross and terrible cooking. One
night, he comes home intoxicated and gets in a scuffle with her,
which ends in him choking her to death. The real craziness for
Donald has just begun, however, when he ends up chopping up his wife
and eating her. Soon, he grows an appetite for human flesh and ends
up with an appetite for having sex with women (one in a chicken
costume), killing them, and eating them for dinner.
Presented
in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and
an original mono audio (uncompressed PCM), this 2K restoration looks
really impressive on Blu-ray disc, especially considering its budget
and when it was shot. Also included is a DVD of the film in standard
definition with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and a
lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track. While it looks fine on standard
definition, it doesn't compare to the superior high definition
presentation. Still, it is nice to have both versions in one
edition.
Special
Features include...
-
Brand new audio commentary with writer-producer Craig Muckler,
moderated by Mike Tristano
-
My Microwave Massacre Memoirs - brand new Making-Of featurette
including interviews with Muckler, director Wayne Berwick and actor
Loren Schein
-
Trailer
-
Original treatment and 8-page synopsis (BD/DVD-ROM content)
-
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork
by Wes Benscoter
-
First pressing only: fully-illustrated collector's booklet featuring
new writing on the film by Nightmare USA author Stephen
Thrower
If
you like some offbeat humor, bad horror movies, or on-the-nose
comedy, then this 1983 screwball horror/comedy may make you chuckle.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
