Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Horror High Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 24, 2022

The torment and terror of “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is brought to a Texas high school in 1973’s “Horror High.” Screenwriter J.D. Feigelson turns to author Robert Louis Stevenson for inspiration, using the basic idea of weird science to inspire a slight but determined chiller concerning a teenager who’s done with his problems, turning to a special serum to help trigger his violent side. The picture isn’t a refined genre offering, with director Larry Stouffer handling occasional troublemaking while tending to teen concerns involving bullying and burgeoning romance. “Horror High” keeps things simple with chiller moments and detective focus, helped along by engaged performances, which help to hold attention as the material figures out things to do between scenes of revenge.

Vernon (Pat Cardi) is a teenager trying to make it through high school, maintaining his love of science as he works closely with his beloved guinea pig, Mr. Mumps. Vernon is trying to perfect a special serum as a class project, and one that’s capable of altering physical form and mood, preparing Mr. Mumps for a trial. Disrupting this focus is mean custodian Griggs (Jeff Alexander) and his cat, English teacher Ms. Grindstaff (Joye Hash), P.E. teacher McCall (John Niland), and bully Roger (Mike McHenry), who’s currently dating Robin (Rosie Holotik), Vernon’s object of desire, and she’s starting to return such feelings. When disaster strikes, Vernon is forced to consume the serum, which turns him into a vicious beast, targeting those who’ve wronged him. On the case is Lieutenant Bozeman (Austin Stoker), who begins his investigation, showing particular interest in Vernon’s elusive demeanor.

Vernon doesn’t have it easy in “Horror High.” He’s largely on his own, with his sole parent always away on business. Ms. Grindstaff hates him, destroying his biology homework when he accidentally submits it to the wrong teacher. Coach McCall barely tolerates his presence, labeling him weak when he refuses to commit to the glory of gym class. Roger torments him, getting others to do the same. And Griggs is the school custodian who keeps a cat to deal with a rat infestation, with the feline eager to devour Mr. Mumps. It’s enough to drive any person crazy, but Vernon is imagined as a smart kid struggling through life, finding brightness in Robin, who’s developing feelings of her own for the outcast, which offers a rare burst of hope.

“Horror High” isn’t complex, but the story turns when Vernon drinks his own serum, changing him into a madman with a specific to-do list of targets, leading to suspense sequences where victims are stalked by the shadowy figure. Stouffer is no horror master, working with limited resources, but he finds a drive-in cinema vibe to the effort, goosing violence with aggressive scoring, and he keeps things bloody. The other side of “Horror High” concerns Bozeman’s investigation, and cop interests aren’t compelling, watching the character try to outwit Vernon and spring traps on those inside the school after dark. This lukewarm subplot disrupts the pacing of the endeavor, limiting the picture’s fear factor.

Horror High Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from "the only known and fully uncut 16mm lab print." While a grungy feature to begin with, Vinegar Syndrome breathes life into "Horror High" with this release, which reaches as far as possible with fine detail, offering a textured sense of rough facial surfaces, hair, and period costuming. School interiors showcase decoration and depth. Color is secure, with more pronounced science hues on serums and signage, and clothing choices register with defined primaries. Skin tones are natural. Exteriors deliver appealing greenery. Delineation is satisfactory, occasionally working with a very dark movie, but nothing is lost. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition, with some brief scratches.

Horror High Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix works with a simple sound design. Dialogue exchanges are clear, periodically reaching equipment limits with argumentative encounters, and elements of age are noticeable. Funky scoring selections provide clean bass lines and percussion, and electric guitar stings are appreciable. The film's theme song is comfortably defined, with pronounced vocals. Sound effects are blunt but effective.

Horror High Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features actor Pat Cardi.

• "Cheerleaders on Tap" (18:37, HD) is an interview with actor Pat Cardi, who knew at the age of five that he was going to be an actor. The interviewee shares his casting story for "Horror High," eager to be the star of a film, and he shares a little bit about his next project, "Battle for the Planet of the Apes." Details from the Dallas shoot are offered, including the production's procurement of a high school for unwed mothers, leaving Cardi with strict rules to keep his hands to himself. Director Larry Stouffer is assessed, and co-stars are recalled, with a few football players showing up in the movie. Fan reaction to "Horror High" is analyzed, and Cardi remains impressed with the cult longevity of the picture, finding T.V. airings helping to make the feature a popular choice for fans of the genre.

• "Looking Back" (14:03, HD) is a 2017 interview with actor Pat Cardi.

• "Gossip" (8:16, HD) is an interview with actress Michelle Falerne, whose father was a film distributor in Texas, actively helping his daughter claim small parts in local productions. Falerne never read the script, and she details her body and makeup issues at the time, and her struggle to scream, with her voice eventually replaced by another actress. Memories of director Larry Stouffer are shared, along with co-star anecdotes, including the presence of football players on the set, who enjoyed sabotaging the cast with their antics.

• "Still Amazed" (6:47, HD) is an interview with screenwriter J.D. Feigelson, who explores his inspiration for "Horror High," looking to create a "high school" version of Jekyll and Hyde. The interviewee shares his reason for using a pseudonym at the time of production, and he reveals he had nothing to do with the production after the script sale. Cult longevity is also analyzed.

• "I Would Do It Again" (10:05, HD) is an interview with actor John Niland, who shares his casting story, revealing how he was an initial investor in "Horror High," with director Larry Stouffer offering him a part. As a member of the Dallas Cowboys football team, Niland had access to players with nothing else to do, bringing them in for small parts. The interviewee has tremendous confidence in his performance, and explains why he didn't pursue acting.

• T.V. Spots (1:37, HD) present two commercials for "Horror High."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:21, HD) is included.

Horror High Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

For a low-budget endeavor, "Horror High" has quality performances, finding Cardi a bright presence in the feature. He's credible as a worn-down kid and a potential killing machine, and while Bozeman brings little to the effort, Stoker retains authority in the part. "Horror High" coasts on thespian commitment, and it occasionally delivers on eeriness and ugliness. It's not consistent, but there are genre highlights to be found for those with patience.