Death Screams (1982) {Arrow Video Blu-ray Review}

Reviewed By Jason Lockard

Arrow Video is a company that brings film fans cult films from sci-fi to horror, from slasher to foreign films. They give these mostly forgotten (except to the fans) films deluxe Blu-ray releases that otherwise these films would never see.

We have seen some very cool cult horror movies on Blu-ray thanks to Arrow Video including, Scared Stiff, Black Rainbow, An American Werewolf in London, Trapped Alive and Children of the Corn. The latest film to get the deluxe treatment is 1980s B slasher movie Death Screams.

The film takes place during the last night of the carnival, several locals decide to spend the night down at the river, where a double homicide occurred some nights before. The group are just wanting to have a fun night, but little do they know that the one responsible for the deaths the nights before walks amongst them. Will they find out it time? Will anyone survive? You are going to have to see the film to find out.

First off what makes Death Screams such a unique film is the fact of it's paring of director and star. David Nelson (known for his time on the classic TV show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet) directs Playboy Playmate and adult star Susan Kiger. Crazy!

Now the producers set out to make a slasher film after the success of Halloween. But the screenplay is a flawed one to say the least. There is just not much to the story. The kills are at least trying to be creative. Now slasher fans may find this film entertaining but the average film fans are going to frustrated with the lack of story.

Arrow Video have transferred this film in 1080p from a brand new 2K restoration from an archival 35mm print complete with original uncompressed mono audio. There is also optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. The films doesn't look bad at all there is some less than stellar looking parts in the dark areas, but otherwise it is pretty impressive.

Now as with all Arrow Video releases Death Screams boasts of a great array of bonus features. Take a look at what is included in this set.

* Brand new audio commentary with producer Charles Ison and special effects artist Worth Keeter moderated by filmmaker Phil Smoot

* Brand new audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues

* All the Fun of the Scare: The Making of Death Screams - newly-produced making-of documentary featuring interviews with producer Charles Ison, special effects artist Worth Keeter, writer Paul Elliott, actors Hanns Manship and Curt Rector, actor/producer’s assistant/assistant supervising editor Sharon Alley and actor/talent wrangler Robert “Billy Bob” Melton

* TV and Radio Spots

* Image Galleries

* House of Death Alternate VHS Opening Titles

* Two versions of the screenplay under the original title of Night Screams [BD-ROM content]

* Reversible sleeve featuring original artwork and a newly-commissioned re-imagining of the original VHS artwork by Sadist Art Designs presented with die-cut slipcover

* Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Brian Albright

I would say the best part of this Blu-ray set it the bonus feature beyond a shadow of a doubt. The audio commentaries are insightful. The making of documentary is a lot of fun. The bonus features are truly entertaining.

If you are a fan of 80s slasher films Death Screams maybe right up your alley. But for horror fans that like a good story behind the horror, this one will probably be a skip! If you would like to order your copy of the Death Screams Blu-ray head over to Amazon.com and get your copy today.


Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Arrow Video's Blu-ray of Death Screams receives...