In The Aftermath (1988)

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Roger Corman was the king of low budget cinema. He could take little money and make an amazing looking feature. Well, in the late 1980's Corman's protégé Carl Colpaert was given the task to create something special just like Corman did many time before. What came forth was a post apocalyptic adventure The Afermath.

Now the good folks at Arrow Video have given this 80's cult classic a special addition blu-ray release it deserves. Let's take a look at this film transfer and the bonus features included on this disc.

The film was "hatched" (pun intended) from the anime movie, Angel’s Egg. New Line Cinema had gained the rights to the film, yet didn't know what to do with it! The Aftermath tells the story of a world which has more or less destroyed itself. Two solders Frank and Goose search for supplies among the ruins. Frank begins to see visions of angelic ypung girl. Little does he know this is an actual angel is sent to Earth to try to help what is left of mankind. I don't what to go much further in the plot as I will spoil the movie, so I am just going to leave it there.

The film is a unique mix of live action and anime. I have to say the Carl Colpaert put together something very special in this film. The music theme is a haunting musical piece that stays with you long after the film ends.

As for the films transfer to blu-ray. The film has a new 2K restoration from the original film elements. It is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio and Uncompressed 2.0 Stereo audio. There is also a English Subtitles for the deaf and hearing imparred. I have to say I am impressed with the looks and sounds of this restoration.


Now as always with Arrow Video releases they are never satisfied with bringing us the consumers just a bear bones blu-ray they always go above and beyond. As for bonus features; The Path To Aftermath, a newly filmed interview with producer Tom Dugan, Apocalypse Then, a newly filmed interview with star Tony Markes, Before The Aftermath: The Influence of Angel’s Egg, a new appreciation of Mamoru Oshii’s original film by anime expert Andrew Osmond (author of Arrow Books’ Ghost In The Shell), Still and poster gallery, There is a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Corey Brickley. And finally for First Pressing Only: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Jon Towlson.

While there is some scary images and some violence there is no profanity or sexual situations. It is a very tame film for 1988. I was very impressed with that. Glad to see a film you can sit down and watch and not have to worry about being offened by something!

So for Post-Apocalyptic film fans or Anime fans this is a perfect mixture and a must own! Head over to MVDShop.com and order your copy today!




* Blu-ray release 9/24/2019

Audiences: Teens and Adults
Objectionable Material: Scary images and violence
Length: 1 Hour 12 Minutes
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Anime
Blu-ray Value Rating: A