Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Point of Terror Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 14, 2017

Much like “Blood Mania,” “Point of Terror” isn’t a movie that lives up to its title. Instead of embarking on a series of murders or macabre events, it’s more of a psychodrama about ambitious, overly sexual people trying to use one another for various reasons. Part of it is music industry melodrama, the rest is a weirdly slack domestic drama, and it’s only interrupted by a few deaths along the way. Star Peter Carpenter (who also receives a story credit) imagines a chance to go full Brando with his take on the loser trying to make something of himself in the worst way possible, and his thespian commitment helps “Point of Murder” reach a few of its dramatic goals.

Tony (Peter Carpenter) is an aging singer performing for peanuts at the Lobster House, watching his dreams of stardom evaporate, finding support from girlfriend Sally (Paula Mitchell). Bumping into Andrea (Dyanne Thorne) on a beach, Tony invites the amorous blonde to a show, well aware she’s part of National Records, a leading label run by her hostile, wheelchair-bound husband, Martin (Joel Marston). Trading sex for a record deal, Tony begins to see a brighter future for himself, but Andrea is a special challenge, using drugs and drink to silence her demons, having played a part in the murder of Martin’s first wife years ago, regretting it ever since.

“Point of Terror” often plays like a rock star resume for Carpenter, who takes time to show off his performance skills throughout the picture. In the Lobster House and in the studio, Tony is vocal force, trying to win over the world with his ambition and gifts, but he’s not there yet. There’s actually a poignant scene between Tony and Sally where the entertainer shares his fears of failure, understanding that his forwardness with Andrea may be his final shot at stardom. “Point of Terror” wears sincerity shockingly well, but it’s not long before B-movie interests show up, transforming Andrea from a buxom dream to a drunk nightmare, though even she has motivations for her actions, living in Hell with Martin, her bullying husband. These two are responsible for the only fright factor the effort has, detailed in a flashback to their masked murder of Martin’s wife. The rest of the feature doesn’t aspire to the same style of overt violence.

Point of Terror Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Point of Terror" is a surprisingly colorful movie, and the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation does a terrific job bringing out powerful primaries. Hues are especially strong with nightclub lighting and costuming, paying respect to period choices, and skintones are natural. Detail is exceptional at times, delivering a crisp viewing experience that pulls out facial particulars and set decoration, reaching as far as original cinematography will go (focus issues are easy to spot). Grain is filmic, and delineation doesn't threaten solidification. Source is in strong shape, lacking any significant displays of damage.

Point of Terror Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't waste time testing out sonic limits, opening with a musical performance by Tony that reaches a few mildly distortive highs due to the age of the source. Crispness isn't available here, but the essentials of dramatic exchanges are preserved, handling emotional extremes as tempers flare up. Soundtrack selections are adequate, delivering a heavy bass and percussion presence. Sound effects are periodically shrill. Hiss is present throughout, and a few brief passages of damage are discovered as the film unfolds.

Point of Terror Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (14:04, HD) with Simms covers her early years as an actress before transitioning into anecdotes covering the production of "Blood Mania" and "Point of Terror." Simms is kind but honest about her experience, recalling freezing temperatures and struggles with characterization, and she shares kind words about O'Neill and co-star Peter Carpenter.

• Still Gallery (2:56) collects ad sheets and marketing materials for "Point of Terror."

• Two T.V. Spots (:50, HD) are offered.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:23, HD) is included.

Point of Terror Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Point of Terror" takes on more insidious behavior with the introduction of Andrea's daughter, who catches Tony's eye. It sets up a climax of fiery tempers and actual wrestling between Tony and Andrea, and it's a surge of disease the rest of the movie could've used. There's a lot of filler in "Point of Terror" to beef up its run time, but once it decides to make a mess of domestic situations, physical vulnerability, and sexual gamesmanship, it reaches a few hysterical highlights, offering viewers a slow slide into camp with a few surprises to keep things interesting.