Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		4.0

Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov March 7, 2017

"Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Australian label Umbrella Entertainment. The supplemental features on the disc include an original trailer for the compilation and large gallery with original theatrical posters. In English, not subtitled. Region-Free.

I have seen two very interesting trailer compilations that are currently available on Blu-ray in the United States. The first, 42nd Street Forever, came via Synapse Films in 2012 and grouped a number of vintage trailers for genre films the majority of which I was unfamiliar with. So I had a great time going through the collection and even took some detailed notes because there were various films that piqued my interest. Since then quite a few have appeared on Blu-ray domestically and overseas and I have added them to my library, and I even ordered a few on DVD. These are basically wild exploitation films and a few that can probably be categorized as period thrillers.

The second compilation was just released by Severin Films. This release is a little different than the one Synapse Films produced as it focuses strictly on kung fu films, which is why it is appropriately titled Kung Fu Trailers of Fury. It has a number of trailers for what I consider to be classic Hong Kong martial arts films as well as informative bonus features in which the history and significance of some of these films are discussed. Later this month, Severin Films are bringing a second volume titled Return of Kung Fu Trailers of Fury, and the press release confirms that this release will also have a substantial number of vintage trailers as well as a nice selection of bonus features. (I am aware that another boutique label, Garagehouse Pictures, has also released three trailer compilations, but I have not seen them yet. I am, however, planning to pick up all three shortly. See them here, here, and here). I wanted to mention the domestic releases because until yesterday I was unaware of other similar releases that are available for purchase outside of the United States.

This has all changed now, as I just received two brand new very similar releases from Australian label Umbrella Entertainment. The first gathers 116 theatrical trailers for a wide range of ‘80s films, while the second combines 146 theatrical trailers for various ‘60s and ‘70s films. Both are Region-Free and are perfectly playable on North American Blu-ray players and the PS3.

The first release, Drive-In Delirium: Maximum ‘80s Overdrive, is easily the most mainstream trailer compilation that I have seen -- but do not expect it to be any less intense than 42nd Street Forever because it still includes a very large number trailers for horror and exploitation films. The major difference between the two is that in this compilation there are plenty of trailers for films that are now considered ‘bigger’ than they were during the '80s. For example, there are original trailers for Brian De Palma’s Dressed to Kill and Blow Out, Ken Russell’s Crimes of Passion, John Carpenter’s The Thing, and Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop. So there is a greater variety of content here from the wide spectrum of genres that made the ‘80s such an exciting period.

The content is broken into two large sections, The Crackdown and Stalk’N’Slash, though the trailers cannot be accessed in chronological order. (You can see the entire list of trailers if you go to the screencaptures that are included with our review).

The compilation is the best that I have seen done to date. I spent two days going through these trailers (including the second release I mentioned above) and to be honest I am now ready to revisit a number of favorite films that I haven’t seen in years. Trust me, if you occasionally feel nostalgic about the ‘80s and what was lost as digital technology changed the way films were made in Hollywood, you will fall in love with this release.

Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Obviously, there are various trailers that are framed differently, and according to Umbrella Entertainment they are presented "uncut, uncensored and remastered". The overwhelming majority of them do in fact look very good in 1080p, but you should keep in mind that time has definitely left its mark on them. So you would see some light fading, scratches, and other minor age-related imperfections; density can also vary between different trailers. However, with a few small exceptions the quality is certainly above the average mark that we typically set for films and virtually all of the trailers have pleasing organic qualities. All in all, considering the enormous amount of content that is loaded on the Blu-ray the end result is very pleasing. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location. For the record, there is no problematic PAL or 1080/50i content preceding the disc's main menu).

Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: Dolby Digital 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are not provided for the main feature.

A lossless track most likely would have been a better optional for this release, but I am not convinced that there would have been a substantial gap in quality because its clear that source materials for some of these trailers had various limitations. The important point to make here is that the overall quality of the sound is actually surprisingly good and there are no digital/mastering anomalies.

Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Trailer - original trailer for Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Poster Gallery - a gallery with original posters for the many films included in this excellent compilation.(6 min).

• Sleeve - reversible sleeve.

Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While I was viewing this terrific compilation of vintage trailers, I honestly felt like I had jumped in a time machine because I suddenly remembered so many favorite films that I had not seen in years. There is a lot of content on the Blu-ray and I was glued to my screen for hours. I absolutely loved it. If you remember the '80s and the films that made them special, go ahead and order your copy of Drive-In Delirium: Maximum '80s Overdrive. I guarantee you will have a terrific time with it. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.