Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I haven't seen these actual DVDs so I can't comment on the quality of the transfer or how badly they chopped the pan-and-scan. (And keep in mind that most of the films, with the notable exception of the two bigger-budget flicks, look like the directors were prepared for them to be chopped for TV presentations.)
This assortment is all over the map. I reviewed all the films in detail on my blog (the bit maelstrom) but of course those are just my opinions. I've noticed people have wildly different reactions to all the films. So whereas I was very favorably impressed by "Borderland" and thought "Lake Dead" would've been stale in the '70s, you might have the exact opposite reaction.
A short capsule:
The Unearthed: A small group of people is terrorized by a monster. High point: Lots of great outdoor shoots of southwestern desert. Low point: The actual monster. It's a CGI mess. It was about as convincing as "Large Marge" from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure".
The Deaths of Ian Stone: A man is repeatedly killed, and reborn into new life situations by mysterious demonic creatures. High point: Effective SFX and a deliciously evil performance by Jaime Murray. Low point: A "Buffy"/"Angel"-esque/superhero feel to the ending.
Borderland: Surprisingly taut thriller about some American boys who run afoul of an evil Mexican cult/drug cartel. High point: Sean Astin as the movie's Dennis Hopper. Low point: Based on a true story. Also, torture porn.
Lake Dead: Inbred hillbilly psychos terrorize college-age city kids trying to collect inheritance. High point: No shocking twists and turns to upset those of a delicate constitution. Low point: They're dead serious about this.
Mulberry Street: Brooding, atmospheric tale of New York taken over by wererats. High point: Strong characterization, film treatment radiates a claustrophobic, humidity, feels like summertime in a slum. Low point: 28 Days Later Youse Guys.
Tooth and Nail: Campy post-apocalyptic survival story. High point: A lot more humor than your average post-apocalyptic film and it can't ALL be accidental, can it? Low point: As badly thought out as every other post-apocalyptic thriller. Also, a lot of the humor probably IS accidental.
Nightmare Man: Man tries to check crazy wife who believes she is possessed by demonic spirit into hospital. Car trouble ensues, adjoining cast of college-age students end up holed up with crazy lady in isolated cabin where murder and mayhem ensues. High Point: Fairly brisk treatment of topic. Some might be surprised by ending (I wasn't). Low point: Still pretty constrained by ideas that were old when Sam Raimi did them in Evil Dead.
Crazy Eights: Relatively "big budget" cast (Frank Whaley, Dina Meyer, Gabrielle Anwar, Traci Lords) return with childhood friends to the asylum/laboratory/habitrail where they were raised. High Point: Good editing highlights the good acting. Low Point: Unfocused story makes the whole thing feel static.
There ya have it folks. I watch these things so you don't have to, folks. But most of the movies have something to recommend them, though I'd be hard-pressed to say that about "Lake Dead". That and the very professional, not low-budget at-all feeling "Unearthed" struck me as particularly boring.
Suggested serving: Get together with 6-10 of your similarly deranged friends and buy the set between you for the cost of a movie ticket each. Hold your own "After Dark" film festival (with popcorn! and hookers! In fact, forget the movies and the popcorn.)
Click Here to see more reviews about: After Dark Horrorfest 8 Films to Die For (Borderland / Unearthed / Tooth and Nail / Crazy Eights / Nightmare Man / The Deaths of Ian Stone / Lake Dead / Mulberry St.)
AFTER DARK HORRORFEST - DVD Movie
