Decampitated Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Decampitated Blu-ray Movie Review

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep..."

Reviewed by Justin Dekker May 1, 2026

Part of their TromArchive Collection S2, D. Matt Cunningham's horror parody 'Decampitated' makes its world-wide Blu-ray debut courtesy of Refuse Films. Lampooning character types and horror tropes, the film was shot in a number of Colorado locations and the cast is populated by local actors. The film is notable for it's reliance on solid practical effects, over-the-top and "campy" performances, and infectious energy coupled with DIY sensibilities. Typical for a Refuse Films release, the disc is packed with a tent-full of extras that should keep fans busy long after the film ends. A slipcover and four-page booklet with information about the transfer and images of related cover art are also included. The slipcovered edition is limited to 3,000 units. This release is available directly from the Refuse Films website.

A group of young people head to Colorado park on a weekend camping trip to the nearby and infamous DeCamp acres. After a car accident stops them in their tracks before they get to their cabin, the group is forced to spend the night in their tents, intending to walk the rest of the way the following day. But their plan doesn't take into account a killer in a beekeeping mask and hip waders who has other far bloodier ideas.

Some films play their cards close to the vest. They take they take their time and slowly drop clues about the characters, their world, and where the entire affair is headed. In some instances, based on on their structure, films like Christopher Nolan's Memento can take some time to mentally reorder the scenes of the story into something that is more digestible. Others, like David Lynch's inscrutable Mulholland Drive which saw it's initial DVD pressing packaged with an insert entitled "David Lynch's 10 Clues to Unlock This Thriller", can require multiple viewings to truly decipher. While much more straightforward than either of these two films, it still takes a bit of time to get the lay of the land in Yorgos Lanthimos' Bugonia. And then there are films like Cunningham's Decampitated, where everything one needs to know about the film, its assets, liabilities, and intentions are made clear in the short pre-credits scene.

It all starts with a scream. It's a woman in the woods. She and (presumably) her boyfriend turn and run as if their lives depended on it. As a man in a beekeeping hat and hip waders comes into the frame, the forest somehow magically produces a rifle for him. Through the scope he tracks the man for several seconds before firing. We follow the spinning bullet toward its target and the man falls. As the woman continues her flight, the masked killer skips after her. He falls unceremoniously on his backside but quickly bounces back up acting as if he hopes no one saw him. Suddenly the woman stops. Her right foot is caught in a bear trap. So she does the only sensible thing - grabbing the machete from her pack, she chops of her trapped foot and then continues her escape by hopping on one foot. She's taken very few bounds before disaster strikes again. Now her left foot is caught in a bear trap. Cue the machete. Now footless, she crawls through the woods, until...another bear trap. This time it's her left hand that's trapped, and again the machete is her only means of extricating herself from its cruel jaws. Crawling now while holding the bloody machete in her remaining hand she soon runs headfirst into an obstacle. As she lifts her bloody face, she sees the unthinkable. It's the killer, and her pathetic scream will not stop the bullet he's intended for her. In the dizzying first two minutes and seventeen seconds Decampitated has fully revealed itself to us. There is a certain giddiness to be found the carnage. There are liberal doses of blood to accompany the gory practical effects. And, as it's most defining characteristic, it takes a great deal that horror fans hold dear and mercilessly yet lovingly lampoons it all. Nothing is sacred, even less is serious, and there will be gallons of blood.

(All apologies to Robert Frost whose "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is quoted at the top.)

Decampitated Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

To the best of my knowledge, the last time D. Matt Cunningham's Decampitated received a physical media release in the US was a in the form of a dodgy-looking DVD from the early 2000s. Things are much better here. Per the enclosed notes with this new release from Refuse Films, the search for the film elements in Troma's basement archives netted several DigiBeta tapes of the film, each with minor differences to the soundtrack and end credits. Director D. Matt Cunningham made the choice to use the original soundtrack and end credits for Refuse's release. The film was originally shot on 16mm and edited on video due to cost concerns resulting in the need for significant reconstruction to craft a 24p version. After initial issues were resolved, dirt and dust were removed prior to the film being upscaled to HD, with the overall process being similar to how Refuse handled their release of Cannibal! The Musical. The results achieved here are similarly impressive. There is not much damage to note beyond the occasional while speck. Colors are generally good, but stop just short of being well-saturated, giving the film a vintage look consistent with its origins. The greens in the forest setting are convincing enough. Detail levels are generally good, but given the source, impressively high levels of fine detail remain a bit elusive. Mid- and long-range shots can sometimes be a bit softer, though the location shots in downtown Colorado Springs look quite good. The cabin interiors likewise provide some the best moments to observe the best the film has to off relative to crispness. Once we arrive at the forest, the individual leaves on trees are not specifically visible, they're more of a suggestion in the large green masses, and the same is true for pine trees, where their needles are not specifically defined, but implied instead. Close-ups, though, allow for better inspection of facial and hair style particulars, and while improved, some softness persists. There is a good deal of blood on display, as one would expect of a film with this title, and it presents as a pleasing dark red. Skin tones are generally good, and blacks can be very deep and inky, though as one would expect, detail can quickly be consumed by the darkness. As with Cannibal! The Musical the image on display here isn't perfect, but it is a significant step up from what has come before and it provides for an enjoyable viewing experience that remains true to its low-budget roots.

Decampitated Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Dolby Digital 2.0 track is an excellent companion for the film. Dialogue is clean and intelligible in all instances, though in the early goings synch is a bit loose, and it could be argued that the lines being spoken by the actors are simply different than the dialogue being recorded. More a curiosity than a distraction, it eventually tightens up. Music, which is a decided focus of the film, is well-rendered, with vocals and instrumentation being precise. This being a 2.0 track bass support is thin. However that should do little to prevent fans from enjoying the punk infused soundtrack that consists of bands like H2O, Strife, and Sheer Terror, with guitars, vocals (with occasional harmonies), snares and cymbals sounding particularly impressive. While unfortunately not an option, this is a film I would have greatly enjoyed to view with an isolated score. The sound design is another of the film's quirky and campy charms, with cartoonish sound effects accompanying many of the casts actions, and again, making sure that viewers don't take anything done, said, or portrayed onscreen with anything remotely resembling seriousness. Likewise, the sounds of guns, chopping machetes, lawn trimmers, and other implements of destruction are accurately reproduced, lending believability to the killer's actions and resulting gore effects. It's a great track.

Decampitated Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Decampitated comes complete with an extensive collection of on-disc extras and a booklet as detailed below.

Audio Commentary

• 2025, D. Matt Cunningham Commentary -

Moderated by Zack Beins and recorded by Zach Eastman, Cunningham is on hand to discuss the project by explaining the Colorado locations where the film was shot and the influences for the film coming from such varied sources as Monty Python and the Holy Grail and The Evil Dead. Cunningham also reminisces about the good fortune of being able secure the artists for the film's soundtrack, and the film's score as well. He moves on to casting, noting that all of the women in the cast were under 18, and his quest desire to land actors who were willing to provide very physical and silly performances. He shares a great deal information and recollections regarding night shoots, crafting the practical effects, and numerous other topics. From time to time, Cunningham simply enjoys watching the film and, after just a few moments, Beins restarts the conversation. It's a pleasant and casual track.

Alternate Scenes

• Alternate Tent Scene & Original End Credits (10.53) - Sourced from the 1999 BetaCamSP Master found in Troma's NYC basement archives, an alternate soundtrack for the tent scene is found here as well as both versions of the end credits.

Archival Material

• 1999 FX Fast Food Films Episode (30.26) - Sourced from D. Matt Cunningham's video archives, this episode of the series gives Decampitated its usual and customary treatment, condensing the film down to just ten minutes, and also featuring vintage television ads.

• Original 'Decampitated' Sales Trailer (2.58) - Sourced from D. Matt Cunningham's video archives, Troma inked a deal fot the film based on its strength.

• 1997 Raw Audition Tape (18.42) - Going back to the beginnings of the project, we see a number actors auditioning for the film. The material is sourced from D. Matt Cunningham's video archives.

Interviews

• 2025 D. Matt Cunningham Interview (28.52) - Seated among the sizeable VHS library and various collectables at the "Alive Again" store in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and filmed by Keith Golinski in Michigan, Cunningham begins by discussing his earliest inspiration for the film and its first scene, based on his love for the absurd. He covers the film's effects, locations, and trying to balance the film's horror with comedy.

• 2025 Carl Crocker Interview (7.20) - Filmed by Keith Golinski at Croker's store "Alive Again" in Michigan, he tells of the origins and objectives of the horror-themed store, his love of horror films, and his affinity for Troma films in general and Decampitated in specific.

TromArchival Extras

• Troma Update Tape '02 () - After a warning about the condition of the elements, this extra is a collection of promo spots about all things Troma, including the Troma brand, their documentary on attending Cannes, a host of feature films a music video, and spots from various television shows. Kaufman, Toxie, and Kabukiman make frequent appearances. Sourced from the 2002 BetaCamSP Master.

• An Introduction to TromaDance (5.33) - A promo spot about the TromaDance film festival in Park City Utah, geared toward new filmmakers and their fans. Sourced from the 2000 BetaCamSP Master.

• Troma's EDGE TV Ep. 6 of 20 (24.18) - Hosted by Super Tromette Bullimia, we explore cow tipping, Julie Strain appears for a unique "in memoriam" segment, a Troma Intelligence Test, and Freak of the Week, Sourced from the 2000 DigiBeta Master

• 1999 CNN NewsStand Entertainment Tonight (13.27) - A quick retrospective about the studio, their films, and their fans. Sourced from the 1999 BetaCamSP Master

• 1998 Cannes E! Coverage Sex on the Riviera '98 (18.03) - E!'s Steve Kmetko spends time with Lloyd Kaufman and the usual suspects, including Tiffany Shepis, on their visit to Cannes to support Tromeo and Juliet in this lighthearted spot. Sourced from the 1998 BetaCamSP Master

• 1996 Troma Basement Ep. 6 of 16 (7.05) - With our usual trio of hosts including Miss Troma, segments include Troma News with Kaufman speaking about his latest film, Miss Troma covers the weather, a spot on wine making, and an installment of "Gun to her Head". Sourced from the 1996 BetaCamSP Master

Short Films

• Suitcases (5.23) - There's something in the luggage.

• Esther (9.58) - A young woman is bothered by an unusual occurrence in her house.

• Unholy Blood (12.52) - A spooky tale of nuns, flashlights, and stew.

• The Guests (10.02) - Strange messages tell of uninvited guests.

• Zombie Girl Go Boom Boom (2.53) - Time for a bathroom break.

• There's One Inside the House (6.43) - Late one night, a man contacts his partner about something in his house.

• The Grimace Shake Massacre (2.48) - Definitely not a happy meal.

• Motherhood Bites (6.43) - The baby is hungry.

Music Video

• "Strange Rumblings" by The Claws (3.25)

Tromatic Excess

• Troma Team 'Decampitated' Trailer (2.12)

• D. Matt Cunningham Trailer Tape (7.03)A collection of trailers for Cunningham's films.

• Troma Team Video 'Decampitated' Intro (1.19) - A Tromette introduces the DVD release of the film.

• 'Decampitated' Digital Excess (1:21.57) - A catch-all consisting of musical performances, animated segments, reviews of the film, and an episode of "Flesh Wound Horror" focused on Troma and Decampitated.

• Troma Trailer Tape 6 (10.53) - Trailers for several films including Tales From the Crapper, Parts of the Family, The Hall Monitor, Fanatic, The Sugar Cookies, and Frostbiter: Wrath of the Wendigo.

• Radiation March (0.54) - "If pollution grows, children won't."

• Booklet - The booklet contains information on the restoration as well as well as a collection of VHS, CD, and DVD cover art.

Decampitated Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

One could argue that Decampitated is essentially a Scooby-Doo movie at it's heart, except there's no talking and eternally hungry dog. There's certainly a mystery to solve, a bad guy to unmask, a couple of mysterious characters, and a group of teens/young adults looking to get to the bottom of things. But there are more than a few things that would never have made their way into Hanna-Barbera's beloved family-friendly property, the most obvious and least of which being the bloody stabbings, hackings, dismemberments, and other acts of cartoonish violence that would be too unwieldy to recount here. But that spirit is there. We're just missing a well-timed "Zoinks!" or "Jinkies!". It's a goofy, campy, experience, and while not every joke hits the target, they come at such a pace and enough of them do to keep us engaged from one bloody encounter to the next. Looking and sounding the best it ever has, for fans of Troma's output or horror-comedies in general, Decampitated comes highly recommended.