5.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Americans on vacation in the Caribbean take a tour of a nearby island at night and watch a local voodoo ritual. Soon after, they find themselves stranded on the island and under attack by unseen foes. One by one they meet violent ends.
Starring: David Broadnax, Rita Jenrette, Tom Cantrell, Diane Clayre HolubHorror | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (1 BD, 1 DVD)
DVD copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
I’m sure somewhere there’s a story about the making of 1984’s “Zombie Island Massacre.” It’s doubtful this was the picture’s original title, with Troma Films getting their grubby hands on the movie for distribution, putting their specialized spin on marketing efforts that emphasized undead happenings that aren’t actually in the feature. Of course, this is nothing new for Troma, as the company always makes a mad dash to the easiest sellable elements with hopes to turn acquisition pennies into box office nickels. However, with “Zombie Island Massacre,” there’s a little more on the menu than a genre stomp, finding the screenplay offering a hazy game of misdirection to best secure some level of surprise as a horror endeavor gradually becomes an episode of “Miami Vice.” It’s strange work that doesn’t do well with expectations, but more relaxed minds willing to accept a move away from straight- up frights might finds something different here. Not outstanding, just different.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation contributes a clear look at the production effort found in "Zombie Island Massacre." Source has some scratches, speckling, and a few jumpy frames, but it remains stable, while grain is heavier but film-like. Detail is satisfactory, offering a chance to survey tropical locations and interior decoration when the action finds its way into the house. Makeup achievements are defined, and costuming is fibrous, dealing with ceremonial outfits to casual tourist wear. Colors are strong, providing deep red for bloodshed, and clothing has a full sense of period and cultural fashion. Greenery is appealing. Skintones are natural. Delineation remains intact, even when the picture enters some dark evening adventures.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix shows its age from time to time, and the track itself isn't always handled with care by the production, which crudely slams songs on top of dialogue exchanges. Performances are understood, encountering slight sibilance issues here and there, and dramatic intent is never fully lost. Scoring efforts support comfortably, with adequate instrumentation. Sound effects are noted, with snappy gunshots and jungle activity.
Those coming to "Zombie Island Massacre" expecting the titular elements will probably be left disappointed by the viewing event, which doesn't become a full genre experience with the undead. There's the Troma side of things, with nudity (a Playboy model, the production gets all it can out of Jenrette) and small offerings of gore, and there's the Carter endeavor, which transforms the movie into a crime effort in a way, aiming to sustain suspense as it emerges from a different source of intimidation. It's not an entirely successful creative leap, but "Zombie Island Massacre" wins points for trying, on a unique quest to toy with genre expectations while Troma aims to sell the picture as a pure bottom shelf experience.
1987
Standard Edition
1983
Standard Edition
1983
1986
Island of Blood
1982
1987
Valley of Death
1989
Standard Edition
1983
1987
1987
Secta Siniestra
1982
1986
1986
1990
Standard Edition
1984
Al filo del hacha
1988
Standard Edition
1984
2019
2016
1987