The Angel Collection Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

The Angel Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 15, 2020

With “The Angel Collection,” Vinegar Syndrome strives to bring a trio of video store staples to Blu-ray, exploring some of the most famous offerings of the sexploitation subgenre of the 1980s. Granted, none of these efforts are truly invested in providing a sleazy good time, more interested in chasing ideas on psychological abuse, community defense, and sibling protection. Such tonal diversity makes the “Angel” series interesting, but not always effective in terms of storytelling. They do make quite the viewing odyssey, with 1984’s “Angel,” 1985’s “Avenging Angel,” and 1988’s “Angel III: The Final Chapter” exploring all sorts of excesses and limitations from the decade, often with passable enthusiasm.

Click here for a review of Angel

Click here for a review of Avenging Angel

Click here for a review of Angel III: The Final Chapter

The Angel Collection Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

The Angel Collection Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

The Angel Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

ANGEL

• "Discovering an Angel" (30:14, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director Robert Vincent O'Neil, who initially shares his industry history as a set dresser, impressing the likes of Richard Rush with his talents, encouraging him to move up to a helming career. Directorial challenges are presented, with O'Neil carful about planning to make the most of his limited budgets and equipment, while "Angel" presented the issue of working without a permit on Hollywood Boulevard, necessitating speed and some cooperation from the local cops. Character inspirations are revealed, as the image of an underage prostitute fueled the early days of writing, and casting is explored, with John Diehl sharing his special egg- sucking gift to win the role of the killer. Technical achievements are noted, and an appreciation for Craig Safan's score concludes the conversation.

• "Playing Both Sides" (12:09, HD) sits down with Donna Wilkes, who was working on a soap opera when she won the titular role in "Angel." She recalls her audition and her personal research with Hollywood Boulevard prostitutes, aiming to bring authenticity to her performance. Wilkes details her relationship with O'Neil, praising the director and his availability, and she recalls the breakneck pace of production, which was completed in a matter of weeks. Answering a major question about the making of "Angel," the interviewee shares the experience of running down a crowded street with a prop gun, frightening those unaware a movie was being made. Co-stars are assessed, with cast camaraderie fondly remembered. Wilkes highlights her life after the film, turning down the sequels to eventually close her career, valuing the importance of motherhood and all the focus it requires.

• "A Chance Meeting" (16:48, HD) is a chat with co-writer Joseph Michael Cala, who details his early life and career before getting into the business, sharing an educational history with O'Neil, making for a comfortable partnership. While hatching the idea for "Angel" was easy, Cala shares his anxiety over the production's swift development, with the screenplay written in January and the film completed in June. The interviewee talks inspirations, including "The Wizard of Oz," with Angel the Dorothy figure surrounded by her fantasy pals, and he praises O'Neil's work ethic as a director, especially during his cameo as a porn theater manager. Safan's score is commended, along with the cast. Cala recalls his initial viewing of "Angel," and its unexpected box office performance, knocking rival "Hot Dog: The Movie" out of large theaters in Los Angeles when audience demand increased.

• "Angel's Theme" (9:50, HD) is a brief discussion of music with composer Craig Safan, who had five days to fully rescore "Angel," working furiously to complete the job. Early interest in music led to a curiosity about a potential career, getting his start with an unreleased John McTiernan horror film. Highlighting the challenges of "Angel," Safan describes his plan to break down moods and deal with different instruments. The project boosted his developing career, joining "The Last Starfighter" as calling cards for future employment. Safan also lovingly examines ancient equipment used in the 1980s to record and master audio.

• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes (6:35, HD) are an assortment of lost moments from "Angel," presented without sound.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:48, HD) is included.

AVENGING ANGEL

• "Chasing an Angel" (8:44, HD) is a surprisingly candid discussion of "Avenging Angel" with co-writer Joseph Michael Cala and co-writer/director Robert Vincent O'Neil. With 1984's "Angel" a significant hit for producer Sandy Howard, the moneyman quickly reminded O'Neil of his contractual duty to make a sequel, forcing the helmer back into action mere months after the release of the original film. O'Neil and Cala couldn't put together a respectable screenplay, while Howard rushed the movie into production, getting rid of "Angel" star Donna Wilkes when she asked for a pay raise. Confronted with new star Betsy Russell, O'Neil had to change his approach, dealing with an inexperienced actress who didn't have the same presence as Wilkes. The interviewees share their frustration with the picture, which ended up becoming a hit in Europe. There's also a brief discussion of the "Angel" franchise, with the next two sequels moving on without their participation.

• "Street Smarts" (10:01, HD) spends time with actress Betsy Russell, who shares her early professional accomplishments before making her screen debut in "Private School." While auditioning for "Avenging Angel," Russell wasn't a seasoned performer, basically tasked with learning to act while making the feature, receiving help from co-star Robert F. Lyons. Russell shares her limited memories of the film shoot and her co-stars, as she was a bit too young at the time to appreciate the people she was working with. There's talk of the gunplay in "Avenging Angel," and her career ambitions after production ended, growing tired of the B-movie routine. Transitioning to motherhood, Russell stepped away from the profession, only to be pulled back in by her boyfriend, who offered her a part in "Saw III," which he was producing. The interviewee also mentions her kids and their avoidance of her features, especially ones with nudity, and she's careful to note that "Avenging Angel" has a fanbase, against all odds.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:36, HD) is included.

ANGEL III: THE FINAL CHAPTER

• Commentary features director Tom DeSimone.

• Still Gallery (1:32) collects publicity shots, BTS pictures, and personal snaps from DeSimone's archive.

• And a Trailer (1:25, HD) is included.

The Angel Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Vinegar Syndrome delivers stellar transfers of the three "Angel" efforts, preserving cinematographic intent, easily making the features look better than any previous home video releases. Extras are plentiful and informational as well, including a sit-down with original star Donna Wilkes. It's an excellent package for fans of the series, and a thorough education for newcomers who missed the simple pleasures of the "High School Honor Student by Day. Hollywood Hooker by Night."