Edge of the Axe (1988) coming from Arrow

[SeanJoyce]

The Prowler's dull, sagging midsection knock it down a couple pegs. With some tightening it could have been THE slasher.

[Matt89]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

The Prowler's dull, sagging midsection knock it down a couple pegs. With some tightening it could have been THE slasher.

100% agreed. I think the movie has a fantastic atmosphere, the score is really well-done, the acting is above average for a slasher movie, the effects are probably Savini's best and most realistic (that pool kill is EPIC) but yeah the middle of the film where they just wander around Major Chatham's house DRAGS LIKE HELL. Otherwise this is a really solid slasher flick.

That being said, I hope BU reissues this soon. I watched the blu-ray in October after not having seen it in maybe 10 years and it needs a new scan.

~Matt

[DukeTogo84]

I've avoided the Prowler only because I've heard so so thoughts on the video on this. Lets say there are no prospects for a new scan. Would this current release be worth it?

[Matt89]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

I've avoided the Prowler only because I've heard so so thoughts on the video on this. Lets say there are no prospects for a new scan. Would this current release be worth it?

Seeing as how it's the only blu-ray release and it's better than the DVD, I'd say yes.

It's naturally a very grainy film. It doesn't currently have a good enough encode that renders the grain well, but for now it's definitely serviceable. It's not like it's slathered in DNR or anything either, it's just an old scan, and compared to a lot of BU's recent remasters, it's obviously not up to par. The film itself is worth it, though. The gore scenes are incredible.

EDIT: just saw that there's a release in Australia from Umbrella, but my guess is that it uses BU's transfer.

~Matt

[DukeTogo84]

Originally Posted by Matt89

Seeing as how it's the only blu-ray release and it's better than the DVD, I'd say yes.

It's naturally a very grainy film. It doesn't currently have a good enough encode that renders the grain well, but for now it's definitely serviceable. It's not like it's slathered in DNR or anything either, it's just an old scan, and compared to a lot of BU's recent remasters, it's obviously not up to par. The film itself is worth it, though. The gore scenes are incredible.

EDIT: just saw that there's a release in Australia from Umbrella, but my guess is that it uses BU's transfer.

~Matt

Thanks for that. I'll probably wait 2 months and if I don't hear anything about a new scan, I'll probably buy the current release.

[mikey horror]

I’m really hoping The Prowler is on Blue Underground’s list to get the special treatment that their recent re-releases have received.

[TripleHBK]

Originally Posted by DukeTogo84

I've avoided the Prowler only because I've heard so so thoughts on the video on this. Lets say there are no prospects for a new scan. Would this current release be worth it?

Yes, if only because it's all you have in regards to owning the film in HD on a physical format. All the comments made earlier in this thread aren't wrong in regards to the pacing and some of the other issues with the film but it is a bit of a slasher staple and essential viewing from my perspective. If I were to make a (poor) comparison I'd say that I view The Prowler in much the same way that I view The Burning. Cool concept/ideas and great effects that were brought down my mediocre scripts and delivery. I'm happy to own both and would consider both essential for slasher fans to own but don't rate either particularly high when directly compared to their kin.

[Cinema84]

Originally Posted by mikey horror

I’m really hoping The Prowler is on Blue Underground’s list to get the special treatment that their recent re-releases have received.

I hope so too. The Prowler was one of BU's very first titles, and it was excellent, but I'd gladly double dip for the premium treatment.

[SeanJoyce]

I paid $10 for The Prowler through an MVD sale last year, which is just right...I'd be wracked with "guilty" vibes spending anything more than that.

If a remaster were to come down the pipeline I'd probably hold out as long as possible before ultimately caving.

To resuscitate an old topic elsewhere, here's my ranking of the '81 slasher class (still haven't seen Night School):

10. Happy Birthday to Me
9. The Prowler
8. Hell Night
7. Final Exam
6. Halloween II
5. Friday the 13th: Part 2
4. The Funhouse
3. The Burning
2. Just Before Dawn
1. My Bloody Valentine

Debating on moving The Prowler up a few spots because its strengths are VERY strong...

[Kakihara]

I don't mean to change this thread to a The Prowler thread but I have a used BU copy in my hands right now thinking about buying it for $8 at a local Rasputin Music Store. It's only $8 but I hate double-dipping...if I get it now, I can already see the headline on this site tomorrow, "Blue Underground announces 4K remaster of The Prowler!"

[mikey horror]

Originally Posted by Kakihara

I don't mean to change this thread to a The Prowler thread but I have a used BU copy in my hands right now thinking about buying it for $8 at a local Rasputin Music Store. It's only $8 but I hate double-dipping...if I get it now, I can already see the headline on this site tomorrow, "Blue Underground announces 4K remaster of The Prowler!"

I think it’s been their most requested for a re-release, so unless they no longer have the rights, I can’t see them not doing it at some point.

[Kakihara]

Originally Posted by SeanJoyce

I paid $10 for The Prowler through an MVD sale last year, which is just right...I'd be wracked with "guilty" vibes spending anything more than that.

If a remaster were to come down the pipeline I'd probably hold out as long as possible before ultimately caving.

To resuscitate an old topic elsewhere, here's my ranking of the '81 slasher class (still haven't seen Night School):

10. Happy Birthday to Me
9. The Prowler
8. Hell Night
7. Final Exam
6. Halloween II
5. Friday the 13th: Part 2
4. The Funhouse
3. The Burning
2. Just Before Dawn
1. My Bloody Valentine

Debating on moving The Prowler up a few spots because its strengths are VERY strong...

Top lists are always welcome. Here are mine:

10. Bay of Blood(I know it's really more of a Giallo but still)
9. The Burning
8. My Bloody Valentine
7. Prom Night
6. Alice, Sweet Alice
5. The Funhouse
4. The Prowler
3. Hell Night
2. April Fool's Day
1. Halloween

[Kakihara]

Originally Posted by mikey horror

I think it’s been their most requested for a re-release, so unless they no longer have the rights, I can’t see them not doing it at some point.

Thanks...I shall hold off.

[Matt89]

Oh man love me a good list lol, my top 10 slashers of 1981:

10. Happy Birthday to Me
9. The Prowler
8. The Funhouse
7. Graduation Day
6. The Burning
5. Halloween II
4. My Bloody Valentine
3. Just Before Dawn
2. Hell Night
1. Friday the 13th Part 2

~Matt

[Cinema84]

I don't have a list of favorite slasher movies. I don't think I could ever compile one since it's such a varied genre and I find something to like in many of them. The ones I grew up watching, like The Final Terror and Splatter U, are obviously my personal longtime favorites but I've discovered so many since getting into DVD collecting that any favorites list would become impossibly long. I've yet to watch my copy of Edge of the Axe (a blind buy) but I have a feeling it'll become a favorite because it already gives me good vibes (if that makes any sense).

[HuggyBear73]

I want... THE PROWLER.... and ...DEAD AND BURIED... next.

Not sure if BU still holds the rights to DAB.

I was hoping for STAGE FRIGHT... but I think I read that ain't gonna happen.

What about ...ANGUISH? Does BU still have the rights to that one? Love that flick.

[Matt89]

Speaking of Edge of the Axe, though, has anyone who ordered directly from Arrow had their order ship yet? My order status is still "awaiting release".

~Matt

[Matt89]

Originally Posted by HuggyBear73

I want... THE PROWLER.... and ...DEAD AND BURIED... next.

Not sure if BU still holds the rights to DAB.

I was hoping for STAGE FRIGHT... but I think I read that ain't gonna happen.

What about ...ANGUISH? Does BU still have the rights to that one? Love that flick.

BU still own the rights to Dead & Buried. They haven't given an official press release or anything but they said they do plan on remastering it.

~Matt

[HuggyBear73]

Originally Posted by Matt89

BU still own the rights to Dead & Buried. They haven't given an official press release or anything but they said they do plan on remastering it.

~Matt

Nice!

[Kakihara]

Originally Posted by Cinema84

I don't have a list of favorite slasher movies. I don't think I could ever compile one since it's such a varied genre and I find something to like in many of them. The ones I grew up watching, like The Final Terror and Splatter U, are obviously my personal longtime favorites but I've discovered so many since getting into DVD collecting that any favorites list would become impossibly long. I've yet to watch my copy of Edge of the Axe (a blind buy) but I have a feeling it'll become a favorite because it already gives me good vibes (if that makes any sense).

Honestly, I'm not married to the list I put up because of the reasons you stated. Sometimes, I end up mixing Gialli and Slashers together when compiling these lists too lol.