Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Heavy Metal Parking Lot Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 13, 2022

In 1986, filmmakers Jeff Krulik and John Heyn made their way to the Capital Centre arena in Largo, Maryland, paying a small fee to enter the parking area and record fan activity present before a Judas Priest concert. The short “Heavy Metal Parking Lot” was born, with the footage taking the slow road to cult fame, building a reputation as a comedy gem and delightful time capsule of an age when metal ruled the music scene, giving the faithful something to scream about as Judas Priest (and opening act Dokken) arrived to shred faces and blow minds, playing to what appears to be a mostly inebriated audience of enthusiastic locals ready for their time in front of a camera.

“Heavy Metal Parking Lot” winds through the crowds, with the helmers eager to ask question of the concertgoers, who, understandably, don’t quite understand why Krulik and Heyn are up to with their video camera a microphone. The intent appears to be an opportunity to capture atmosphere with a particularly animated audience, grasping the sheer energy of people ready to spend the evening with the original Metal Gods and their mid-80s sound, with many of the fans longtime followers of the group. We meet Davey, a young man about to join the Air Force, getting in his last moments of civilian freedom with his friends. There’s Graham, who dropped acid before arriving, happy to share the details of his drug preferences with the camera. Most of the interviewees offer their love of specific band members, with one young woman fond of singer Rob Halford, willing to “jump his bones.” It’s an offer I believe Halford would refuse. Another lady details her excitement over backstage passes, receiving them from Judas Priest after she wrote the group about her deceased friend. It’s not an amusing situation, but a hilarious shot of sobriety and opportunism in the short.

“Heavy Metal Parking Lot” collects life philosophies, offers a limp display of air guitar, and provides short assessments of Judas Priest and Dokken, with the latter appealing to female ticketholders, who are a little reluctant to admit their fandom with raging drunk men around. The short is only 17 minutes long, but it packs a lot of living into the run time, examining anticipation for the event from those who’ve come to play and those who can barely stand up, but still capable of showering "JUUUUUDAS PRIIIIEEEEST” with love.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Heavy Metal Parking Lot" deals with the inherent limitations of the original equipment and age of the source. Some restoration work was completed along the way (the original version of the short is also presented), showcasing the effort to clean up the SOV endeavor. A general appreciation of concertgoers is offered, exploring big hair and wild outfits. Fine detail isn't available, but general appearances are acceptable. Color shows age, with clothing choices adding some primary emphasis to the viewing experience. Source is in decent condition.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix opens with the fresh sound of Judas Priest, supplying some metal thump to the listening event. Interview segments retain decent audio quality, reaching the limitations of the recording equipment.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1

• Commentary on "Heavy Metal Parking Lot" features directors John Heyn and Jeff Krulik.

• "The Lost Footage" (5:25) offers unseen clips from the short.

• "Where Are They Now?" (18:59) is a 2006 short, catching up with a few of the stars of "Heavy Metal Parking Lot."

• "Exhibit Opening" (10:09) is a 2016 news story about the making of "Heavy Metal Parking Lot," which is celebrated with a small display and beer brand launch.

• "35th Anniversary Zoom Party and Reunion" (124:03) is a video conference celebration of "Heavy Metal Parking Lot," hosted by Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, featuring directors John Heyn and Jeff Krulik, and stars Jay Hughen, Zev Zalman Ludwick, Eileen Zelaya, Anette Hughes, Cori Coates, Nathaniel Buda Dodson, Michelle Comerford Jackson, and David Helvey.

• "In Memoriam" (2:43) pays tribute to the deceased personalities in "Heavy Metal Parking Lot."

• "Animated 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot'" (1:43) is a short tribute.

• "Last Days of the Capital Centre" (8:26) highlights the 2002 closing and demolition of the arena that once hosted the madness of "Heavy Metal Parking Lot" in 1986. A fan gathering is organized to remember to good old days of concerts and sporting events.

• "Heavy Metal Basement" (48:22) visits the home of Jim Powell, who's amassed an enormous collection of heavy metal ephemera, happy to show off his goods and provide band commentary.

• "Heavy Metal Picnic" (65:44) tells the story of The Full Moon Jamboree, a 1985 concert meant to become the "Maryland Woodstock." Interviews with participants and footage of the event are included.

• "Neil Dimond Parking Lot" (11:43) is the sequel to "Heavy Metal Parking Lot," with directors John Heyn and Jeff Krulik traveling to USAir Arena in 1996 to meet with mostly female concertgoers preparing to enjoy an evening of music and PG-rated lust. Beers are replaced by Diet Cokes, and fandom for Diamond shines brightly. Some footage of post-concert bliss is also offered.

• "Harry Potter Parking Lot" (7:13) visits the Politics and Prose Bookstore in 1999, with fans young and old gathering at a book signing event with author J.K. Rowling, who, amusingly, looks like she doesn't want to be there, burning through signatures while visibly nervous kids approach her.

• "Return to Heavy Metal Basement" (28:26) spends more time with Jim Powell.

• "Washington Capitals Time Capsule" (8:19) is an overview of the hockey team's 2007-08 season, with Krulik touring the MCI Center to meet with die-hard fans.

Disc 2

• "Long Term Parking" (2:23) observes a photo shoot with John Heyn and Jeff Krulik.

• "Ernest Borgnine on the Bus" (50:24) is a 1995 documentary chronicling the actor's travels across the Midwest.

• "Girls on Film" (1:57) is an art piece with music by The Passions.

• "I Created Lancelot Link" (15:17) is a short documentary on the 1970 family program, including interviews with creators Stan Burns and Mike Marmer.

• "Invocation of My Demon Bus Driver" (:52) is an art piece.

• "King of Porn" (6:41) is a short documentary about Ralph Whittington, a Library of Congress curator who has amassed one of the world's largest collection of adult entertainment.

• "King of Porn 2: The Retirement" (5:58) returns to Whittington as he exits his job.

• "Led Zeppelin Played Here" (80:11) is a documentary concerning the mystery of a concert performed at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center in 1969.

• "The Real Pinball Wizard" (7:08) is a documentary about collector Tom Hintenach Jr.

• "Scenes from the Last Drive-In" (3:59) is a brief look at the final days of Maryland's Hillside Drive-In.

• "Led Zeppelin Treasure Chest" (6:06) is a short documentary about collector Brian Knapp.

• "Punk & Tomatoes" (36:50) collects episodes of the web series.

• "You Can't Take Pictures in Here" (6:30) presents photos from a Rolling Stones concert, with commentary from photographer Hal Schmulowitz.

Heavy Metal Parking Lot Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

What Krulik and Heyn end up with is a joyous celebration of being alive and in the moment, with these extreme characters offering pure behavior for the cameras. Despite its short time, "Heavy Metal Parking Lot" is a ride, presenting a look at a wonderfully pre-internet world of friendships, fandom, and community. There's not much here, but it's all so irresistible.