Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Revenge Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 9, 2024

1986’s “Revenge” is the third film from writer/director Christopher Lewis and his United Entertainment Pictures, with the company aiming to provide low-budget productions for the burgeoning home video rental marketplace. It’s a sequel to 1985’s “Blood Cult” (which isn’t included in the “Home Grown Horrors: Volume 3” set), providing a new chapter in the saga of a serial killer who appears to be working toward an end game with his violence, putting a widow and a concerned sibling on the case to stop this reign of terror. Lewis doesn’t have much in the way of style or suspense for the endeavor, which plods along in detective mode for far too long. Viciousness makes basically a cameo in the movie, with “Revenge” trying to generate an air of unease as cult activity is uncovered by the main characters, with Lewis unsure how to work surprises into the feature, which could definitely use more shock value to help engage viewers.

The horror of the Sorority House Killings has increased, with Joel murdered by Sheriff Wilbois’s daughter, Tina. Returning to his hometown is Michael (Patrick Wayne), Joel’s sibling and a man looking to make sense of the loss, reuniting with his sister, Liz (Stephanie Kropke). Murder follows Michael home, as local vet Carlton (James Potts) is taken down by a mystery man with a hatchet, leaving behind his widow, Gracie (Bennie Lee McGowan), to run their farm, and she’s determined to do it. Interested in the land is Dr. White (Peter Hart) and Dean (Fred Graves), two members of the Cult of Caninus, a dog-worshipping force of darkness hunting for a special area to host their “grand initiation” ceremony. Michael wants to know more about his brother’s death, looking around town for clues, eventually pairing with Gracie, who’s being terrorized by the cult, eager to reach the source of evil and end such influence.

The opening sequence of “Revenge” tries to connect with “Blood Cult,” detailing the aftermath of Joel’s murder and Tina’s suicide, with Dr. White visiting the mess. He’s approached by a reporter seeking information about the crime scene, picking up on the Sorority House Killings and the placement of golden amulets next to bodies, suggesting there’s something more to the massacre. She doesn’t last for long in “Revenge,” which switches over to Michael’s return to town, encouraged by his sister to say goodbye to his brother. Lewis has typical B-movie interests, lingering on long car rides and clinging to meandering dialogue as the main character locks into position as a detective of sorts, hoping to learn more about his sibling’s demise.

“Revenge” follows Michael around the area, eventually meeting Gracie, and she’s experiencing a lot of trouble from the Cult of Caninus, who try to terrorize the older woman into giving up her precious land. The writing develops evil happenings with Dr. White, while Dean shows some hesitation with the plan, complicating the takeover. Tautness isn’t part of the filmmaking approach to “Revenge,” as Lewis shows a general reluctance to encourage a snappier pace for the chiller. He does indulge in a little gore, following a trail of dead bodies claimed by a killer, who attacks a biology student studying wildlife, while another victim is simply trying to enjoy a little hot tub heavy petting with her partner. Stranger visuals enter the feature in the final act, but for those who only demand blood from their horror entertainment, Lewis does his best to offer some.

Revenge Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 16mm original camera negative." "Revenge" doesn't have an outstanding visual presence, but the viewing experience preserves original intent, offering a nicely film-like appearance with heavier grain. Detail reaches as far as possible, capturing facial particulars on the aged cast, and gore zone visits are nicely textured, joined by a few rubber masks. Rural locations are dimensional, and interiors offer a glimpse of decorative additions. Color is sharp, with defined greenery throughout the viewing experience. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in good condition.

Revenge Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix shows its age, hitting a specific trouble spot around the 51:00 mark, where the volume lowers for a few minutes. There are inherent technical limitations as well, but unintelligibility isn't a problem. Dialogue exchanges are basic, and they do some battle with scoring cues, which maintain a synth presence. Sound effects are basic.

Revenge Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features producer Linda Lewis and film historian John Wooley.

• Commentary #2 features director Christopher Lewis, producer Linda Lewis, and composer Rod Slade.

• "Working Her Guts Out" (15:07, HD) is an interview with actress Andrea DeLesDernier, who was originally employed on 1985's "The Ripper," receiving an opportunity to spend a single day on "Revenge," shocked to be working on a film-based production. She wasn't offered a full script, challenging her to form a character, and she found happiness in the violence presented with the part. The interviewee recalls her time on the set, including some risky moves from cinematographer Steve McWilliams, and her experience with post-production, learning to loop with the best of the best. DeLesDernier discusses some of her others endeavors, including 1987's "Blood Lake" and "Slaughterville," and she details her post "Revenge" life, joining the world of music.

• "Back for More" (8:47, HD) is an interview with producer Linda Lewis, who endeavored to build on the success of "The Ripper" and "Blood Cult," while director Christopher Lewis wanted a "name" to help sell the feature, settling on John Wayne's son, Patrick Wayne, and John Carradine. Tripling the budget from the last movie, production began on "Revenge," with Lewis determined to shoot on film for "legitimacy." Lewis details actor demands and excitement in Tulsa, who flipped for Wayne, causing a commotion. Gore zone efforts are examined, with the production inching its way into more graphic content.

• "Revenge is Sweet" (4:17, HD) is an interview with VCI president Bob Blair, who's also the son of producer Bill F. Blair. The interviewee tracks the development of the home video industry in the 1980s, inspiring the production to push harder for a more polished product, including to move to film. Blair lists "Revenge" as his personal favorite of the Lewis oeuvre, and he shares his pride in VCI's position as an early industry leader.

• Archival Making-Of (4:46, SD) is a short but interesting look at the creation of "Revenge," merging cast and crew interviews with BTS footage. The focus of the featurette is on the rise of home video industry and the use of film to elevate the low-budget appearance of the picture.

• Image Gallery (3:06) collects BTS snaps and film stills.

• And a Trailer (1:47, SD) is included.

Revenge Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Lewis struggles with screenwriting, occasionally ruining reveals meant to add sharp turns to the plot. He's not great with actors, though McGowan does manage to offer some welcome energy to the movie as the defiant widow. And his editorial efforts aren't judicious, with minutes of screentime devoted to a motorcycle menace zooming around Gracie's property. "Revenge" is going somewhere with its tale of doom, but it's a long journey to a resolution, with the picture lacking snap and mood as it stumbles through the basics in cult horror.