Vacation of Terror 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Vacation of Terror 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 2, 2023

Horror takes more than a few turns in 1989’s “Vacation of Terror” and 1990’s “Vacation of Terror II,” with Vinegar Syndrome looking to celebrating the bizarre ways of the Mexican film industry with this double feature release.

Click here for a review of Vacation of Terror

Click here for a review of Vacation of Terror II

Vacation of Terror 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Vacation of Terror 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Vacation of Terror 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Vacation of Terror

• "Backlot Rats" (18:55, HD) is an interview with brothers Carlos East Jr. and Ernesto East, who recall their family connection to director Rene Cardona III, helping them to acquire parts in "Vacation of Terror," using their familiarity with filmmaking. Memories from the shoot are shared, with the production team looking to keep the kids busy by having them help out with special effects, giving the boys an interest in BTS activity. Thoughts are shared about their father, Carlos East, who appears in the feature, and the siblings recall their free-range days around the studio, with endeavors such as "Total Recall" and "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" being made nearby. Memories from select scenes are detailed, including time inside a burning set, and the interviewees also discuss time with "Uncle Rene." The brothers close with a celebration of practical effects and the vibe of the Mexican movie industry at the time.

• Interview (11:36, HD) is a discussion of "Vacation of Terror" with siblings Gianella and Gabriella Hassell, who initially identify the film's original title, "The Doll from Hell." Gabriella is the actress of the pair, with Gianella pulled into the production after reciting poetry for the producers, ending up having a good time during the shoot, bonding with the East Brothers. Memories of director Rene Cardona III are shared, and co-stars are recalled. The cult longevity of "Vacation of Terror" is also examined.

• Interview (9:49, HD) is a look at the music of "Vacation of Terror" with composer Eugenio Castillo.

• Interview (12:56, HD) is a conversation with special effects artist Jorge Farfan, who details his place in the plans of the production, contacted to create the gold medallion featured in the film, graduating to evil doll movement and bleeding walls. The interviewee also discusses a few additional tricks found in the picture.

• A Trailer has not been included.

Vacation of Terror 1 & 2 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Vacation of Terror 2" gets no love in the supplements department, but A/V interests are maintained in his double feature release, offering fans a nice upgrade from DVD and possibly VHS viewings for these Mexican genre movies.