Sweet Sixteen (1983) - Code Red - August 11, 2015 - Blu-ray Forum

rdodolak · 08-17-2015, 06:54 PM

Spine # 16

Sold exclusively at Screen Archives Entertainment (SAE)

Quote:

SWEET SIXTEEN (1983 / Limited Edition of 1,700)

When Melissa Morgan (Aleisa Shirley), a sexy big-city girl, moves to a small Texas town, she creates quite a stir with her beauty and promiscuous attitude. She's 15 going on 25, and all the boys at her new school are anxious to get to know her. But when the younger brother of a local hellraiser (Don Stroud) is brutally murdered, the town sheriff (Bo Hopkins) must try to solve the killings before the killer strikes again. Along to help him is his Nancy Drew-ish daughter (Dana Kimmell, Friday The 13th 3-D).

SPECIAL FEATURES

Anamorphic high-def widescreen transfer of the original 35mm negatives
On camera interview with star Bo Hopkins, director Jim Soto and actress Alicia Shirley

rdodolak · 08-17-2015, 06:54 PM

The Great Owl · 08-17-2015, 06:59 PM

I watched Sweet Sixteen this weekend, and here are my thoughts that I shared in the Code Red thread...

Melissa, played by Aleisa Shirley, is the most physically mature 15 year-old girl in the entire history of 15 year-old girls, and she understandably attracts a lot of attention when she moves to a small desert town. Unfortunately, everyone who tries to meet with her has a way of ending up horribly dead. Bo Hopkins plays a sheriff on the case who receives some help here and there from his intelligent Nancy Drew-esque daughter, played by the wonderful Dana Kimmell, whom we all know from Friday the 13th: Part 3. Susan Strasberg (Picnic, Kapò) plays Melissa's mother, who has a few issues of her own with moving back to the town of her younger years, while Patrick Macnee (A View to a Kill, The Howling, The Avengers TV Series) plays her archaeologist husband. Don Shanks (Revenge of the Ninja) plays a Native American that is embroiled in the small town's struggles with racism. Don Stroud, who excels at playing a good ole' boy type, is quite good in this film as well.

Sweet Sixteen, while not exactly a game changer in the world of early 1980s slasher cinema, is a fast-paced and enjoyable film with a few fun twists here and there. Since it plays out like a Nancy Drew after-school special or something of the sort, there's a good-natured element that keeps it from stepping over the line.

This Blu-ray transfer is pretty good, considering the source material, and, while I was not as wowed over by this one as I was by the transfer of The Cheerleaders, I'm still quite pleased with the disc.

The interview supplementary is a fun viewing, and I'm glad that Bo Hopkins, Aleisa Shirley, and director Jim Sotos are still ticking.

davidjjanderson1981 · 08-02-2018, 03:57 PM

Ordered this from 88films in the Uk, heard mixed things about it but will give it a go. 88films have Some really good releases.

redrunner97 · 09-18-2018, 01:29 AM

SLASHTEMBER - DAY 16: SWEET SIXTEEN (1983)

Why are all the boys dying to meet Melissa?

I can’t remember when I first learned about Sweet Sixteen’s existence. It’s not exactly a top tier slasher, so I probably read about it online or something (probably on a site I used to frequent called RetroSlashers). Either way, the DVD was on my purchase list for quite some time. Thankfully, the Code Red blu-ray got released sooner rather than later, and I never had to suffer through an SD presentation of this one. This was only my second time watching it, and I’d say it definitely works better on repeat viewings. I knew what I was getting myself into and didn’t allow any of my expectations to override the experience.

A beautiful, rebellious girl named Melissa tries to make friends after moving to the remote Texas town her mother grew up in. The only problem is, each of the boys she takes interest in keep turning up dead at the hands of a brutal murderer. As her sixteenth birthday approaches, the body count continues to rise. It’s up to the local sheriff to uncover the killer’s identity. In the process, he’ll learn what terrors are unleashed when a girl turns sweet sixteen.

Sweet Sixteen opens with a nightmarish dream sequence, brought on by a young girl who fell asleep reading a mystery novel. That’s probably the best indication of how this movie plays out—like a cheap mystery novel that drifts into exploitation territory at times, and Agatha Christie territory at others. Set in a small town on the Texas range, this film makes the most of its haunting locale. Everything feels wide open and desolate, yet strangely claustrophobic at the same time. Not unlike summer camps or cabins in the woods, this setting seems like the perfect canvas for bad things to happen. I’m surprised it hasn’t been utilized more often, to be perfectly honest.

I’d definitely classify this film in the category of “underseen gems.” The script is more than serviceable, though some of the dialogue is a bit clunky at times (I dare you to take a shot every time someone cheekily says the word “cute” without dying of alcohol poisoning before the end credits). There are only a few murders, none being particularly gruesome. But what this movie lack in bloodshed, it makes up for in other areas. Part of the film takes place on an Indian Reservation and it quickly becomes a major plot point. The story never shies away from its inherent socio-political undertones, choosing to make them overtones rather than brush them aside in favor of more exploitation (which there is already plenty of). The climax is a bit uninspired and mildly convoluted, but it works with the recurring bargain mystery novel theme.

For a smaller movie, there are some surprisingly big names in this picture. Sandy-haired movie star Bo Hopkins play the role of Sheriff Burke. He’s an actor who always strikes me as cool as a cucumber, and this character is no different. He was perfectly cast as a charismatic lawman with a southern drawl. But Dana Kimmell is probably the standout here, playing his mystery-loving teenage daughter who tries to outwit her ol’ dad at every turn. Genre staples like Halloween 5’s Don Shanks, Bloody Birthday's Susan Strasberg, Graduation Day’s Michael Pataki, and The Goonies’ Steve Antin, also show up. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Aleissa Shirley’s turn as Melissa, our lead. She not the greatest actress in the world, but her character represents an interesting take on the traditional final girl. Melissa is rebellious, promiscuous, and far from the innocent virgin we typically have to work with. It’s actually pretty refreshing.

As a straightforward slasher flick, Sweet Sixteen doesn’t really do much to elevate the genre. But it has its moments and, if a slower, more character-driven mystery/exploitation hybrid sounds appealing, you might get a lot out of this one. It’s also got a catchy end-credits song that was composed for the film as well and, as you might have realized, that’s always a plus in my book! Recommended!

[Show spoiler]

barsalou · 09-18-2018, 02:21 AM

Good review!! I've always had a soft spot for Sweet Sixteen. That song is great... ''Melissa what are you thinking.. sweet Melissa''

redrunner97 · 09-18-2018, 03:43 AM

Yeah, I never realized just how many slashers have great original songs. The last three I watched all came with one: My Bloody Valentine, Happy Birthday to Me, Sweet Sixteen. My movie tonight, The Mutilator, has one too. Same goes for Prom Night, which I'm watching tomorrow.

Schizoid should break the streak on Wednesday though, unless I'm forgetting something (other than the entire movie, which I've only seen once). Lol.

DaveyJoe · 09-18-2018, 05:23 AM

I love that song from The Mutilator. So good.

barsalou · 09-18-2018, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Yeah, I never realized just how many slashers have great original songs. The last three I watched all came with one: My Bloody Valentine, Happy Birthday to Me, Sweet Sixteen. My movie tonight, The Mutilator, has one too. Same goes for Prom Night, which I'm watching tomorrow.

Schizoid should break the streak on Wednesday though, unless I'm forgetting something (other than the entire movie, which I've only seen once). Lol.

Those are all great... only one I've never seen is Prom Night (I know, I know, how is that even possible LOL) I can't remember the song from The Mutilator to save my life... but I know it was a good one, I need to re-visit the movie soon!! My favorite is probably this one:

[Show spoiler]

WesReviews · 09-18-2018, 02:21 PM

Much like The Dorm That Dripped Blood, Sweet Sixteen is another that just never really clicked for me. I will try to give both another chance this October.

redrunner97 · 09-18-2018, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesReviews

Much like The Dorm That Dripped Blood, Sweet Sixteen is another that just never really clicked for me. I will try to give both another chance this October.

I like both of them, but I think Sweet Sixteen is considerably more well-rounded than TDTDB.

Quote:

Originally Posted by barsalou

Those are all great... only one I've never seen is Prom Night (I know, I know, how is that even possible LOL)

Skip it and go straight to Hello Mary-Lou: Prom Night II. It's 10x's better and a legit '80s horror classic in my book.

Then double back around and watch the rest of the Prom Night franchise, but make the mostly unrelated and superior sequel a priority!

I dare you to watch the trailer and not immediately want to go watch it on Amazon Prime.

Pinot Grigio · 09-18-2018, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrunner97

Skip it and go straight to Hello Mary-Lou: Prom Night II. It's 10x's better and a legit '80s horror classic in my book.

Then double back around and watch the rest of the Prom Night franchise, but make the mostly unrelated and superior sequel a priority!

Prom Night 2 is great, but watching the first one over and over has given me new appreciation, and I consider them to be equals in different ways. The characters in the first Prom Night are well written.

mansonfan666 · 10-06-2018, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinot Grigio

Prom Night 2 is great, but watching the first one over and over has given me new appreciation, and I consider them to be equals in different ways. The characters in the first Prom Night are well written.

I watched Prom Night for the first time probably 5 years ago, and then rewatched it again earlier this year. I just find it to be INCREDIBLY dull.

TwiStedByDeSign86 · 10-07-2018, 03:03 PM

I grew up with both films and while seeing Hello Mary Lou first due to the fact that is all my local mom and pop video shop carried, I think the first one is the best. Nothing beats the dread and early 80s style of slasher. Real feeling characters, fun cheesy disco, while not overly bloody really fun suspenseful kills, and one of the best chase scenes in slasher history. I think my first encounter with this one was on tv back when I was very young. Then in the early 2000s the old sh*tty Alliance Atlantis dvd was terrible you could barely see anything especially during the dark night scenes. Then recently Synapse rereleased it and did amazing things with their release! Must own in my book.
Mary Lou shines while poking fun while not mocking the genre it came from. Great gory kills. Fun in your face late 80s characters. And Michael Ironside! This needsss a blu ray release!!!

Werdsniper2 · 10-07-2018, 03:51 PM

I'm not sure that I've ever purchased a Code Red BD. Do they put out some quality content?

I'm looking at buying this.

Monterey Jack · 10-08-2018, 03:06 AM

Gonna see this on the big screen this upcoming Thursday.

Never seen it, but an authentic, new-to-me 80's slasher in a theater?

tylerc904 · 10-08-2018, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monterey Jack

Gonna see this on the big screen this upcoming Thursday.

Never seen it, but an authentic, new-to-me 80's slasher in a theater?

Are you talking about New Haven Connecticut by any chance? I was there last week to see House on Sorority Row and saw this one being advertised as upcoming, part of a double feature I believe.

PrestonXI · 10-08-2018, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerc904

Are you talking about New Haven Connecticut by any chance? I was there last week to see House on Sorority Row and saw this one being advertised as upcoming, part of a double feature I believe.

Whoa...where in New Haven?! And are we talking 35mm?

dissention · 10-08-2018, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrestonXI

Whoa...where in New Haven?! And are we talking 35mm?

Bow Tie. No 35mm, unfortunately, it's part of the Bloody Disgusting Presents series with Multicom's new 4k restorations. I think Sweet Sixteen is paired with The Convent, which is a BLAST. Totally worth seeing Adrienne Barbeau kick ass on the big screen.

PrestonXI · 10-08-2018, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissention

Bow Tie. No 35mm, unfortunately, it's part of the Bloody Disgusting Presents series with Multicom's new 4k restorations. I think Sweet Sixteen is paired with The Convent, which is a BLAST. Totally worth seeing Adrienne Barbeau kick ass on the big screen.

Had no idea there was a theater doing screenings in CT like that. I live in the northeastern part of the state, but am more than willing to drive for great screenings (I got to the Alamo Yonkers multiple times a month, for example).

09-18-2018, 01:29 AM	#5
redrunner97 Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jun 2012 Location:US Blu-ray collection:385 Trading Score:24	SLASHtember - Day 16: "Sweet Sixteen" (1983) SLASHTEMBER - DAY 16: SWEET SIXTEEN (1983) Why are all the boys dying to meet Melissa? I can’t remember when I first learned about Sweet Sixteen’s existence. It’s not exactly a top tier slasher, so I probably read about it online or something (probably on a site I used to frequent called RetroSlashers). Either way, the DVD was on my purchase list for quite some time. Thankfully, the Code Red blu-ray got released sooner rather than later, and I never had to suffer through an SD presentation of this one. This was only my second time watching it, and I’d say it definitely works better on repeat viewings. I knew what I was getting myself into and didn’t allow any of my expectations to override the experience. A beautiful, rebellious girl named Melissa tries to make friends after moving to the remote Texas town her mother grew up in. The only problem is, each of the boys she takes interest in keep turning up dead at the hands of a brutal murderer. As her sixteenth birthday approaches, the body count continues to rise. It’s up to the local sheriff to uncover the killer’s identity. In the process, he’ll learn what terrors are unleashed when a girl turns sweet sixteen. Sweet Sixteen opens with a nightmarish dream sequence, brought on by a young girl who fell asleep reading a mystery novel. That’s probably the best indication of how this movie plays out—like a cheap mystery novel that drifts into exploitation territory at times, and Agatha Christie territory at others. Set in a small town on the Texas range, this film makes the most of its haunting locale. Everything feels wide open and desolate, yet strangely claustrophobic at the same time. Not unlike summer camps or cabins in the woods, this setting seems like the perfect canvas for bad things to happen. I’m surprised it hasn’t been utilized more often, to be perfectly honest. I’d definitely classify this film in the category of “underseen gems.” The script is more than serviceable, though some of the dialogue is a bit clunky at times (I dare you to take a shot every time someone cheekily says the word “cute” without dying of alcohol poisoning before the end credits). There are only a few murders, none being particularly gruesome. But what this movie lack in bloodshed, it makes up for in other areas. Part of the film takes place on an Indian Reservation and it quickly becomes a major plot point. The story never shies away from its inherent socio-political undertones, choosing to make them overtones rather than brush them aside in favor of more exploitation (which there is already plenty of). The climax is a bit uninspired and mildly convoluted, but it works with the recurring bargain mystery novel theme. For a smaller movie, there are some surprisingly big names in this picture. Sandy-haired movie star Bo Hopkins play the role of Sheriff Burke. He’s an actor who always strikes me as cool as a cucumber, and this character is no different. He was perfectly cast as a charismatic lawman with a southern drawl. But Dana Kimmell is probably the standout here, playing his mystery-loving teenage daughter who tries to outwit her ol’ dad at every turn. Genre staples like Halloween 5’s Don Shanks, Bloody Birthday's Susan Strasberg, Graduation Day’s Michael Pataki, and The Goonies’ Steve Antin, also show up. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Aleissa Shirley’s turn as Melissa, our lead. She not the greatest actress in the world, but her character represents an interesting take on the traditional final girl. Melissa is rebellious, promiscuous, and far from the innocent virgin we typically have to work with. It’s actually pretty refreshing. As a straightforward slasher flick, Sweet Sixteen doesn’t really do much to elevate the genre. But it has its moments and, if a slower, more character-driven mystery/exploitation hybrid sounds appealing, you might get a lot out of this one. It’s also got a catchy end-credits song that was composed for the film as well and, as you might have realized, that’s always a plus in my book! Recommended! [Show spoiler] Last edited by redrunner97; 09-18-2018 at 03:07 PM.

10-07-2018, 03:03 PM	#14
TwiStedByDeSign86 Expert Member Member since:Jul 2018 Location:Syracuse, New York 4K collection:11 Blu-ray collection:967 DVD collection:12	I grew up with both films and while seeing Hello Mary Lou first due to the fact that is all my local mom and pop video shop carried, I think the first one is the best. Nothing beats the dread and early 80s style of slasher. Real feeling characters, fun cheesy disco, while not overly bloody really fun suspenseful kills, and one of the best chase scenes in slasher history. I think my first encounter with this one was on tv back when I was very young. Then in the early 2000s the old shtty Alliance Atlantis dvd was terrible you could barely see anything especially during the dark night scenes. Then recently Synapse rereleased it and did amazing things with their release! Must own in my book. Mary Lou shines while poking fun while not mocking the genre it came from. Great gory kills. Fun in your face late 80s characters. And Michael Ironside! This needsss a blu ray release!!! Last edited by TwiStedByDeSign86; 10-07-2018 at 05:15 PM. Reason: Spell check sucks and corrected Ironside to Burnside.*

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08-17-2015, 06:54 PM	#2
rdodolak Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 4K collection:369 Blu-ray collection:2944 DVD collection:939 MA collection:338 Digital collection:1099 iTunes collection:75 Prime collection:11 Trading Score:20

08-17-2015, 06:59 PM	#3
The Great Owl Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Dec 2012 Location:Georgia 4K collection:524 Blu-ray collection:5446 DVD collection:31 Blu-ray reviews: 255 Trading Score:6	I watched Sweet Sixteen this weekend, and here are my thoughts that I shared in the Code Red thread... Melissa, played by Aleisa Shirley, is the most physically mature 15 year-old girl in the entire history of 15 year-old girls, and she understandably attracts a lot of attention when she moves to a small desert town. Unfortunately, everyone who tries to meet with her has a way of ending up horribly dead. Bo Hopkins plays a sheriff on the case who receives some help here and there from his intelligent Nancy Drew-esque daughter, played by the wonderful Dana Kimmell, whom we all know from Friday the 13th: Part 3. Susan Strasberg (Picnic, Kapò) plays Melissa's mother, who has a few issues of her own with moving back to the town of her younger years, while Patrick Macnee (A View to a Kill, The Howling, The Avengers TV Series) plays her archaeologist husband. Don Shanks (Revenge of the Ninja) plays a Native American that is embroiled in the small town's struggles with racism. Don Stroud, who excels at playing a good ole' boy type, is quite good in this film as well. Sweet Sixteen, while not exactly a game changer in the world of early 1980s slasher cinema, is a fast-paced and enjoyable film with a few fun twists here and there. Since it plays out like a Nancy Drew after-school special or something of the sort, there's a good-natured element that keeps it from stepping over the line. This Blu-ray transfer is pretty good, considering the source material, and, while I was not as wowed over by this one as I was by the transfer of The Cheerleaders, I'm still quite pleased with the disc. The interview supplementary is a fun viewing, and I'm glad that Bo Hopkins, Aleisa Shirley, and director Jim Sotos are still ticking.

08-02-2018, 03:57 PM	#4
davidjjanderson1981 Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Scotland Home Theater Gallery:4 4K collection:7 Blu-ray collection:195 Blu-ray reviews:4	Ordered this from 88films in the Uk, heard mixed things about it but will give it a go. 88films have Some really good releases.

09-18-2018, 02:21 AM	#6
barsalou Special Member Member since:Dec 2017 Location:Mausoleum Trading Score:1	Good review!! I've always had a soft spot for Sweet Sixteen. That song is great... ''Melissa what are you thinking.. sweet Melissa''

09-18-2018, 03:43 AM	#7
redrunner97 Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jun 2012 Location:US Blu-ray collection:385 Trading Score:24	Yeah, I never realized just how many slashers have great original songs. The last three I watched all came with one: My Bloody Valentine, Happy Birthday to Me, Sweet Sixteen. My movie tonight, The Mutilator, has one too. Same goes for Prom Night, which I'm watching tomorrow. Schizoid should break the streak on Wednesday though, unless I'm forgetting something (other than the entire movie, which I've only seen once). Lol.

09-18-2018, 05:23 AM	#8
DaveyJoe Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2014 Location:Maryland 4K collection:94 Blu-ray collection:2096 Trading Score:2	I love that song from The Mutilator. So good.

09-18-2018, 02:21 PM	#10
WesReviews Blu-ray Guru Member since:Feb 2013 4K collection:11 Blu-ray collection:1004 DVD collection:290	Much like The Dorm That Dripped Blood, Sweet Sixteen is another that just never really clicked for me. I will try to give both another chance this October.

10-07-2018, 03:51 PM	#15
Werdsniper2 Senior Member Member since:Oct 2017 Location:California 4K collection:25 Blu-ray collection:607 DVD collection:25	I'm not sure that I've ever purchased a Code Red BD. Do they put out some quality content? I'm looking at buying this.

10-08-2018, 03:06 AM	#16
Monterey Jack Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Oct 2011 Trading Score:625	Gonna see this on the big screen this upcoming Thursday. Never seen it, but an authentic, new-to-me 80's slasher in a theater?

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