Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		2.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		3.0

Blood Tracks Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 24, 2025

Rock and roll will never die! Unless, of course, the band chooses a remote area of Sweden to shoot a music video in, triggering the rage of feral locals desperate to defend their terrain. Then, obviously, rock and roll will die. And painfully too. 1985’s “Blood Tracks” is a riff on Wes Craven’s “The Hills Have Eyes,” putting director Mats-Helge Olsson in the mood to generate some sex and violence in the middle of a snowbound location, using musical trends of the day to keep things hip while going through the same old stalk-n-kill business. It’s not inspired work, as the production deals with tired material and thin characterizations, and while horror isn’t known for its stunning displays of drama, “Blood Tracks” is too routine and bland to make an impression, even for exploitation entertainment.

Bob (Michael Fitzpatrick) is a committed director attempting to create a dazzling music video for the glam metal band, Solid Gold (portrayed by Easy Action). This involves a trip to the mountain community of High Ridge, as Bob is eager to use the snow to backdrop the group, bringing with him a trusted crew and a slew of background women. Nick (Brad Powell) is local help, ready to assist the production as filming commences, and Suzie (Naomi Kaneda) is hesitant to deal with the cold. The shoot is soon interrupted by an avalanche, which traps the crew in their cabin. Trying to contact Nick for assistance, curiosity gets the best of people, finding a few visitors exploring a condemned factory that’s nearby, accidentally triggering the anger of Lee and his hidden family, who turn violent on the intruders.

“Blood Tracks” offers a prologue for Lee and his family history, witnessing his mother murder his hostile, drunken father. In a panic, she disappears with the kids, never to be seen again, and “40 years later,” Solid Gold arrives in the area to make metal magic with their latest single, which just so happens to be titled “Blood Tracks.” The shoot means professionalism for Bob, who’s trying to corral a small crew and get his footage, but the band and groupies have other plans, allowing Olsson to add nudity and sex to the picture, giving it some sellable elements. “Blood Tracks” spends time with the couplings, also keeping an eye on Nick, who wants to be a of service to Bob, especially when a group of scantily clad women are around. And that’s pretty much it for plot in the endeavor, which settles into a groove of toplessness and exploration, as the factory becomes an irresistible area for the crew to examine, despite ample warnings to stay away from the condemned building.

Olsson mostly sticks with investigation, as sound man Dave (Peter Merrill) is the first to disturb Lee and his clan, triggering a plan of revenge through the use of booby traps. Admittedly, a few of these encounters offer decent shock value, especially a character torn in two by a speeding cable, but most of “Blood Tracks” is devoted to people walking around dark areas and Lee’s siblings coming after them. Gore is present, but so is sluggishness, as Olsson shows little appreciation for suspense, offering a basic display of death and torment.

Blood Tracks Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.40:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm internegative." The feature offers a reasonably textured look at the world of "Blood Tracks," which involves tours of the factory and the cabin. Makeup additions also do well, presenting ruined flesh and gushing wounds. Skin particulars on the music video stars is also appreciable, along with feathery hair. Interiors are dimensional, capturing the expanse of the factory setting, and the open world maintains depth during mountain visits. Colors are alert, delivering strong primaries on glam metal appearances, and blood stays a deep red. Woodsy hues remain potent with cabin life, and the cooler, concrete and steel atmosphere of the factory is preserved. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory, making sense of shadow play and nighttime action. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in good condition, with a little wear and tear.

Blood Tracks Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is a strange one, as it shows signs of age and damage that sustain throughout the listening event. There's phasing-like volume fluctuation that creates an uneven track, but intelligibility isn't completely threatened. Broadly dubbed performances remain appreciable, but never truly comfortable to listen to. Scoring is also hit by source unevenness, which doesn't help.

Blood Tracks Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features special features producer Ewan Cant and film historians Amanda Reyes and Rickard Gramfors.

• "Playing it Straight" (15:52, HD) is an interview with actor Jeff Harding, who recalls his early interest in acting, working his way through theater productions. Making his way to London, Harding found employment on television, eventually asked to join "Blood Tracks," believing in the "fun" of the project, not the quality. The shoot in Sweden is dissected, with focus on director Mats Helge Olsson and his on-set behavior, backed by a crew of local convicts. Co-stars are recalled, including the band Easy Action, who enjoyed themselves more when female extras arrived. The interviewee shares a few tales from production, dealing with the locals and gore demands.

• "I'm With the Band" (19:46, HD) is an interview with actress Naomi Kaneda, who found her way to acting via work as a flight attendant, gradually getting closer to her Los Angeles dream with early parts in "Star 80" and "Looker." Days on "Blood Tracks" are recalled, sent to the far reaches of Sweden participate in the movie, noting a few of the locations. She also celebrates time with director Mats Helge Olsson and co-stars, even running into one of them decades after the shoot.

• "Bang for Your Buck" (21:27, HD) is an interview with actress Harriet Robinson, who pursued acting in college, learning to love the vocation. Making her way to London for experience, Robinson found plenty of work for Americans, soon picked up by the "Blood Tracks" production team. The interviewee recalls various locations in Sweden, and the living experience of the country, taking note of "elusive character" Mats Helge Olsson, finding the director quite fun. Memories from the shoot are shared, including Robinson's mission to avoid nude scenes, and she provides anecdotes concerning time with the locals and their culture.

• "This is Going Too Far" (21:12, HD) is an interview with actor Frederick Offrein, who moved from Holland to Sweden to pursue opportunities, finding early success in disco and as a club owner offering movie nights. Offrein also explored the world of magazines, which connected him to the production of "Blood Tracks," building on his modeling history. The interviewee shares some memories from the shoot, and explores other professional opportunities and collaborators.

• Audio Interview (28:21) is a conversation with actress Tina Shaw.

• Archival Featurette (27:06, SD) is a 2012 exploration of "Blood Tracks," sitting down with Easy Action bassist Peo Thyren and singer Bo Stagman, and journalist Stefan Malmquist as they enjoy lunch at a restaurant, sharing memories concerning their time on the movie.

• Image Gallery (2:28) collects film stills, BTS snaps, and publicity shots.

• And a Video Trailer (2:08, SD) is included.

Blood Tracks Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's some potential for excitement in "Blood Tracks," including the development of an avalanche threat, and there's a snowmobile escape worked into the climax. Sadly, these are brief scenes in an otherwise snoozy chiller. Olsson can't get the feature up and running with its clash of outsiders and locals, leaning too hard on formula to get through a surprisingly dull picture that initially seems to have all the ingredients for a decent B-movie ride.