COMBAT SHOCK (Buddy Giovinazzo, 1986) - from Severin Films in 2018!

[bruce holecheck]

From my Cinema Arcana FB Page:

“I go back there every night…” Add another excellent title to Severin Films’ 2018 roster – the much-requested Blu-Ray premiere of Buddy Giovinazzo’s legendary gut-punch, COMBAT SHOCK (1986)! Living in squalor since returning from a ‘Nam POW camp, damaged vet Frankie Dunlan wanders through his bleak existence, day after day, night after night. Spurred by his nagging wife and an endlessly-crying, Agent Orange-affected baby, he continues to hope for the means to turn things around, but the streets of New York only offer junkies, child prostitutes and worse, and eventually Frankie’s desperation leads him to a startling moment of clarity.

Even more relevant today than it was three decades ago, Giovinazzo’s nihilistic peek at the post-war breakdown of the American soldier remains a desolate, harrowing, nightmarish ride, just as it should. Filled with unforgettable sights—coat hanger fixes, brutal beatings, and that oven...—COMBAT SHOCK is unquestionably a depressing ride, but an extremely well-crafted one; you feel these characters and their situations, and it ain’t pleasant. Filmed as AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, the title was ultimately acquired by Troma, who added stock war footage to its opening and deleted some character beats and backstory to shorten the runtime for their general release. And while the company eventually issued an intact special edition in 2009, their DVD set still utilized older tape masters, which leads us to Severin’s upcoming Blu-Ray.

While it’s a little early for a specs announcement, you can pretty much guarantee the company will be performing a new restoration from its uncut elements—the first new scan the title’s seen in decades— and Giovinazzo himself has indicated the film’s wonderful synth soundtrack will also be included. As for extras, Severin co-founder David Gregory promises, “an embarrassment of riches.” Watch this space for further details!

© Bruce Holecheck, 2018

[GasmaskAvenger]

Yay, one of my favorite Troma titles is getting the royal treatment.

Will make a great replacement for my missing two disc DVD set.

[Damonstein]

Right on! I've never seen it but it looks right up my alley.

[bruce holecheck]

Original trailer:

Combat Shock (1984) trailer - YouTube

[cropduster]

Finally!!! This film is a goddamned masterpiece!!

[Dubstar]

oh THIS movie, oh I haven't seen this in ages ... it's pretty messed up. Day 1 purchase

[Carlos2992]

Omg!

[mikesncc1701]

Glad I held off buying the DVD all these years now. Definitely grabbing this one! Twisted shit!

[Wren]

Best blu-ray news for me this year! Hooray!

[Smegma]

For whatever reason, I was expecting Vinegar Syndrome to release this.

[DenOfEarth]

I saw this when i was 10 on video and thought it was quite interesting and shocking and depressing.

Should look better than ever.

[willtopower]

This has always been on my to-watch list. Now I can finally grab it!

[jmat91]

Troma has used the same awful video master for years. His is great news.

[ZeTi]

if it wasn't for them hilariously bad dressed henchmen, this would probably be my favorite movie of all time. Blu is bought of course.

[bruce holecheck]

From Severin's FB:

A few details coming this week on that very special, most intricate we've ever produced, Blu + CD + 96 page book + more strictly limited edition available only through our webstore later this month with our half-year sale. Also full specs and release date on that very big title we've been teasing coming this week too.

More Photos from the post:

[Show spoiler]

[bruce holecheck]

The reveal...

[redrunner97]

Do we know how much this is going to cost yet?

[themp3000]

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Do we know how much this is going to cost yet?

$39.99 and then whatever shipping&handling will be (More than likely $10).

[redrunner97]

Holy f*ck. I don't know if I am willing to drop $40 on this one... I don't care how limited it is. Damn.

[bruce holecheck]

The 2000-copy limited edition is now available exclusively at https://severin-films.com/ !

Full specs:

Special Features:

* American Nightmares Director’s Cut (new 4k scan from 35mm Inter-negative with 2k inserts from the Director’s personal 16mm answer print. Mono audio remastered from original mag tracks. New color correction supervised by Director Buddy Giovinazzo)
* Audio Commentary With Writer / Producer / Director Buddy Giovinazzo, Actor / Composer Rick Giovinazzo and Special Makeup Effects Artist Ed Varuolo

Interviews & Featurettes:
* The Brothers G – Interview with Buddy & Rick Giovinazzo
* Nightmare Effects – Interview with Special Makeup Effects Artist Ed Varuolo
* Combat Shots – Interview with Director of Photography Stella Varveris
* Playing Paco – Interview with Actor Mitch Maglio
* Mike the Junkie Memories – Interview with Actor Michael Tierno
* American Deep Red – Interview with Artist / Critic Stephen Bissette
* Shock Xpression – Interview with International Film Journalist Alan Jones
* Post Traumatic – An American Nightmare Featurette
* Hellscapes – Locations Then And Now
* Buddy Giovinazzo and Jörg Buttgereit at 2009 Berlin Film Festival

* Out-takes and Tests
* Combat Shock Trailer

* Mr. Robbie: Maniac II Promo (New 2k scan from Answer Print)
** Audio Commentary With Director Buddy Giovinazzo and Composer Rick Giovinazzo
** Out-takes

Other Shorts:
* Jonathan Of The Night Promo (New 2k Scan from Work Print)
* The Lobotomy (16mm Version)
* Leave This World (Music Video) (New 2k scan from Answer Print)
* A Christmas Album (16mm Version)
* The Lobotomy (8mm Version)
* A Christmas Album
* More Than A Mouthful
* Paranoiac
* Maniac Drummer

* Bonus Disc: Soundtrack CD (First ever release of the score, newly mastered from recently discovered original 1/4″ Tapes)