The New Kids (Retro VHS Style Blu-ray)

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

At the time of this writing, kids are going back to school all over the country! This new release is very timely as it deals with two kids at a new school.


Probably in the '80s and '90s, many films remember going to the video store and renting "The New Kids". Well, Mill Creek Entertainment has released this teenage nightmare story on Blu-ray via their retro VHS Style Blu-ray line. 

The film follows Abby McWilliams' (Lori Loughlin, TV's Full House) and her brother Loren. After the tragic loss of their parents. They go to live in Florida with their Aunt and Uncle. You would things would get better, but you'd be wrong things only get worse.

At their new school, Abby is confronted by drug dealer Eddie Dutra (James Spader) and his band of merry psychopaths. They make it their mission to make 'the new kids' lives a complete and total misery. After trying to just ignore the situation, there is nothing left to do but fight back!

The New Kids is a nightmare thrill ride! The screenplay by 
Stephen Gyllenhaal and Brian Taggert is 80's teen cinema personified. The direction of Sean S. Cunningham is something to behold. You can kind of see the earmarks of his previous film Friday The 13th if you look close enough.


James Spader as Dutra really creeps you out and you feel for the young victim Lori Loughlin. Even Shannon Presby does a good job as Loren. The whole cast was very believable.

I must warn parents, however. This film comes with a caution. There is a lot of adult language, some sexual content, a scene of attempted rape, violence, and drug use. It should be watched by parents before ever letting the teens watch this one.


As for the Blu-ray release the film is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen format and the audio is DTS-HD master audio. There is also an option for English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired. There are no bonus features. But as I have said before when going to the video store you rented a tape and watched the movie! That' this experience, and I love it!

The film looks very good in HD. The colors are pop of the screen and there no real sign of. damage to the picture, that I could tell. The audio seemed crisp. I think slasher film fans will find this a great addition to their library.

But for me love the
retro slipcovers. Many companies are making their versions of retro slipcover Blu-rays. But Mill Creek is really leading the pack here. We are getting the real video store VHS artwork with the VHS tape. These are nostalgic and so collectible.

There are people who don't have the nostalgia for these VHS tapes. Well, Mill Creek has you covered as the inside artwork is modern, so you don't have to keep the slip if you don't want it!


So if you're a fan of '80s slasher films, The New Kids is probably right up your alley. And this retro VHS version is a great way to add it to your collection! Head over to www.Millcreekent.com today.



Offensive Material: violence, sexual situations, attempted rape, drug use, and profanity
Audience: adults
Genre: Drama / Slasher / Thriller
Movie Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Blu-ray Value Rating: A

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