Hardware Wars (1978) MVD Rewind's Blu-ray Review

When Star Wars debuted in theaters no one could have ever dreamed how big of a success it was going to be. George Lucas' film would not only entertain multiplied millions and inspired many filmmakers.

Some Filmmakers like to spoof Star Wars. Probably the most recognizable one would be Mel Brooks' Spaceballs. But as soon as Star Wars entered theaters no doubt filmmaker Ernie Fosselius got a brilliant idea to spoof Star Wars and thus Hardware Wars was born.

Now 46 Years after he released his spoof film MVD Rewind Collection have given this film a chance to live forever in your collection with the new deluxe Blu-ray release of Hardware Wars.

Fluke Starbucker (Scott Mathews) must learn to master the power of “The Farce” with help from Artie Deco, 4-Q-2 (Frank Robertson), Princess Anne-Droid (Cindy Furgatch), Ham Salad (Bob Knickerbocker), and the rest of the Red Eye Knights.

Hardware Wars is a crazy but fun little film. It actually runs like an extended trailer. 4-Q-2 is a spoof od C-3PO, but looks more like the tine man from the Wizard of Oz. In one of the craziest spoof characters was Chewchilla the Wookiee Monster. This was achieved by using a puppet of the Cookie Monster puppet dyed brown. 

I have to say that Ernie Fosselius is a low key genius here. I would have never thought to use everyday household appliances and make a Star Wars spoof film. But boy does it work. It is a fun little 13 minute film. 

Hardware Wars makes its Blu-ray debuts thanks to MVD Rewind Collection. The film has been transferred in 1080p and presented in its original 1.33.1 aspect ratio. This Blu-ray transfer is sourced from a 2K scan and restoration of a 16mm Reversal Release print by Vinegar Syndrome. The audio is a LPCM 2.0 track in both stereo and mono.

This new restoration is really impressive. Now it is not pristine, far from it. But when you think this is an extremely low budget film from 1978 and it looks as good as it does. That is almost a miracle. But MVD didn't just stop as a restored film, no way. They added so much bonus features it has to be seen to be believed. Take a look at what is included.

* Audio Commentary from Writer/Director Ernie Fosselius. 

* Hardware Wars 2012 HD Master (12:54): An older master. 

* Hardware Wars Director’s Cut (10:16): A standard definition presentation. 

* Hardware Wars Foreign Version (11:15): A standard definition presentation. 

* 1978 Creature Features Interview: A six-minute interview with Writer/Director Ernie Fosselius.

* Hardware Wars Saves Christmas: A six-minute video that repurposes the main feature as a cheerful holiday tale. 

* Hardware Wars Prequel Featurette: The video takes the viewer to “Antiques Sideshow” to judge whether or not a found film canister holds any value. 

* Awards Reel: A short video feature announcing some of the accolades the film won. 

* Porklips Now: A 22-minute standard definition parody of Apocalypse Now. 

* Plan 9.1 From Outer Space: A 21-minute standard definition parody of Plan 9 From Outer Space starring puppets. 

* Trailers if other MVD releases including Ghoulies, Ghoulies 2, Swamp Thing, and The Man From Earth. 

* A Retro VHS Style Slipcover

* Poster: A fold-out poster of the cover art is included in the case. 

Now some might say this is only a 13 minutes Blu-ray. No! As you can see there are 3 short films on this Blu-ray. Hardware Wars in the best, but Porklips Now and Plan 9.1 from Outer Space is fun as well. It is amazing to think that Ernie Fosselius spoofed Plan 9 From Outer Space. That film is a parody already! But it is still fun.

This Blu-ray is for fun. It would make a great movie party Blu-ray. People coming together for a good night of laughs. If you are interested in hardware Wars on Blu-ray look no further than this Blu-ray from MVD Rewind Collection. They packed so much great stuff on one disc. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today for a good time!


Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Hardware Wars Blu-ray receives.....