Blood Rage (1987)

[NoirFan]

IT’S NOT CRANBERRY SAUCE!!!

What do you get if you combine Thanksgiving, American TV star Louise Lasser (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman), killer 80s synths and some truly gruesome special effects courtesy of Ed French (Terminator 2: Judgement Day). Why, it’s Blood Rage of course!

Twins Todd and Terry seem like sweet boys – that is, until one of them takes an axe to face of a fellow patron at the local drive-in. Todd is blamed for the bloody crime and institutionalised, whilst twin brother Terry goes free. Ten years later and, as the family gathers around the table for a Thanksgiving meal, the news comes in that Todd has escaped. But has the real killer in fact been in their midst all along? One thing’s for sure, there will be blood – and rage!

Shot in 1983 but not released until 1987, Blood Rage (re-cut and shown in theatres as Nightmare at Shadow Woods) is a gloriously gruesome slice of 80s slasher heaven – now lovingly restored (in 3 versions no less!) from original vault elements for its first ever official home video release.

3-DISC DIRECTOR-APPROVED LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
•Three versions of the film – Blood Rage, the original home video version, Nightmare at Shadow Woods, the theatrical re-cut, and an alternate “composite” cut combining footage from both versions
•Original Stereo 2.0 sound (Uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
•Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
•Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Marc Schoenbach
•Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Joseph A. Ziemba, author of BLEEDING SKULL! A 1980s Trash-Horror Odyssey

BLU-RAY DISC 1 & DVD - BLOOD RAGE
•Brand new 2K restoration of the “hard” home video version, transferred from the camera negative and featuring the original title card Slasher
•Audio commentary with director John Grissmer
•Both Sides of the Camera – an interview with producer/actress Marianne Kanter
•Double Jeopardy – an interview with actor Mark Soper
•Jeez, Louise! – an interview with actress Louise Lasser
•Man Behind the Mayhem – an interview with special make-up effects creator Ed French
•Three Minutes with Ted Raimi – an interview with actor Ted Raimi
•Return to Shadow Woods – featurette revisiting the original locations in Jacksonville, Florida
•Alternate opening titles
•Motion still gallery featuring rare behind-the-scenes make-up photos

BLU-RAY DISC 2 - NIGHTMARE AT SHADOW WOODS [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]
•Nightmare at Shadow Woods – the re-edited 1987 theatrical cut featuring footage not seen in the Blood Rage
•home video version
•Alternate composite cut of the feature combining footage from the home video and theatrical versions
•Never-before-seen outtakes

Blood Rage (1983) Trailer - YouTube

Site listing

Originally Posted by Arrow Video

***BLOOD RAGE US RELEASE – DVD DISC FAULT***

Calling all US Arrow fans! As some of you have already noticed, the DVD copy of Blood Rage included in our US release has been incorrectly region-locked. We can only apologise for this oversight.

The good news is we will be running a replacement scheme for those of you that wish to get your DVD copy replaced. Indieigogo backers, a replacement disc will be sent to you automatically so you won't have to do anything!

If you have a US edition of Blood Rage and require a replacement DVD disc please contact: customerservice@musicvideodistributors.com with a copy of your proof of purchase (this can be a screengrab or photo of your order confirmation) and your address details. You do not need to send your set to us to obtain a replacement disc.

Please note that ONLY US copies of this release have been affected. If you have the UK version your disc is a-okay and will NOT need to be replaced.

[dissention]

Love this movie, can't wait!

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by dissention

Love this movie, can't wait!

Same here! I'm not normally a big slasher fan at all but this is one of the better ones from the period. There's a genuinely effective atmosphere of chilly isolation to the film, enhanced by one of those repetitive synth scores that burrows into your head. Add some well-done gore FX, a memorable ending and Mary Hartman herself, and you've got a solid slasher that I'm really looking forward to watching the 2k restoration of.

[demonknight]

Ooh. Thought this was the one where Body By Jake was the killer. Nope. The other Thanksgiving slasher has that.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by demonknight

Ooh. Thought this was the one where Body By Jake was the killer. Nope. The other Thanksgiving slasher has that.

Home Sweet Home. That one's virtually unwatchable. Blood Rage is far superior.

[cakefactory]

I like how the review quote on the back of that VHS box is not credited to anyone. You'd think if they just made it up for the box they could have at least given it 4 stars!

[HorrorBlu]

Originally Posted by demonknight

Ooh. Thought this was the one where Body By Jake was the killer. Nope. The other Thanksgiving slasher has that.

Technically, Madman is a Thanksgiving slasher as well. Sort of. I think it takes place around the holiday, although not necesarily on the day.

[Camp_Crystal_Lake]

Arrow hit this release out of the park! They have given us a 2k transfer for not one, but three cuts of the film. I can't wait to see this Blu Ray. Even though I'm a big slasher fan, I have to admit to having never seen this movie. If this release is any indication of how slasher films are treated by Arrow, then I truly hope they release more in the future. I'd love to see The Mutilator rumors be true, and Arrow release it on BD. Maybe Arrow can rescue a film like Death Screams a.k.a House of Death, Funeral Home, or other slasher and slasher type films.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by Camp_Crystal_Lake

They have given us a 2k transfer for not one, but three cuts of the film.

I'm wondering if they will/can utilize seamless branching for the three cuts. With the various TBA featurettes, things could get pretty tight. Not that I don't have full confidence in Lyris, of course!

[AKORIS]

all over this one!! haven't seen it since HBO days many many years ago but I remember it being really good!

[vidjunkie]

Where can this be ordered from to get the limited O-card? I see the UK link but is there one for the US?

Thanks

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by dissention

Love this movie, can't wait!

Same Here! This movie rocks and has been neglected on home video formats...UNTIL NOW

[RiFiFi1955]

Truthfully now the only big horror title for me that still linger in a full screen only edition is Chopping Mall...would love to see Arrow pry that one away from Lionsgate.

There are other horror title I would like to see get decent releases too, don't get me wrong but Chopping Mall I believe is the last on the Come on already list for me.

[Pizzamorg]

I love slashers and am always happy to see new ones released that I can watch as a Region B'er.

[Member-222782]

Looks like we finally have a label we can truly call the Criterion of Slasher Films. A truly spectacular release for a film in a subgenre thats been neglected for far too long. I hope it does well for Arrow so they will release more of them. I'm guessing if they do, in fact, have The Mutilator, it probably hasn't been announced yet because they're working on the extras. Judging by the Blood Rage BD, their Mutilator release may turn out to be even bigger. And it warrants the special treatment as the film is one of the genre's best. Very exciting development.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by vidjunkie

Where can this be ordered from to get the limited O-card? I see the UK link but is there one for the US?

North American pre-orders links should be live soon!

Which means Amazon, Best Buy, Deep Discount, the usual sites.

[NoirFan]

Originally Posted by NoirFan

I'm wondering if they will/can utilize seamless branching for the three cuts.

I sent an inquiring email, will post any response.

[Randall Flagg]

Never heard of this but the kills look great. Why did the lady just stand there and scream instead of run away? LOL.

[HorrorBlu]

Originally Posted by NoirFan

I'm wondering if they will/can utilize seamless branching for the three cuts. With the various TBA featurettes, things could get pretty tight. Not that I don't have full confidence in Lyris, of course!

If I'm not mistaken, a few scenes are rearranged between the two cuts, which would make seamless branching even more difficult (although not impossible).

[FarewelltotheFlesh]

This kind of announcement always make me happy. These 80s slashers never looked all that great before and seeing them with legitimate restorations is like seeing them for the first time. Hoping Arrow really has The Mutilator as well. Keep em coming Arrow!