The American Genre Film Archive continues their mission to bring unseen curios to home video
A few weeks ago, we published a review of The Zodiac Killer. A release that marked the first foray of the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA) + Something Weird into home video, as well as the continuation of their mission to preserve and share genre film. It was a film with a weird history, much like their follow-up release Effects, a film that has taken on greater resonance with the recent passing of George Romero, many of those involved with the film are alumni of his features. Produced by John Harrison (director of Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, composer of Romero’s Creepshow and Day of the Dead), edited and produced by Pasquale Buba (editor of Romero’s Knightriders, Creepshow, Day of the Dead, and Monkey Shines), and written and directed by Dusty Nelson (Sakura Killers). There’s also related talent in front of the camera, Joe Pilate (Day of the Dead) and Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow) star, with the latter also providing the film’s visual effects. With the only know theatrical print in their possession, it made sense for AGFA to prioritize its restoration and release.
Synopsis
Cobbled together with loose change by George Romero’s friends, EFFECTS is a mesmerizing do-it-yourself horror movie starring Tom Savini (DAWN OF THE DEAD), Joe Pilato (DAY OF THE DEAD), and John Harrison (TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE). A group of coked-up filmmakers — including Savini and Pilato — gather in Pittsburgh to make a slasher called DUPED: THE SNUFF MOVIE. As filming begins and “accidents” happen, it’s clear that something isn’t right. And no one can be trusted. Landing somewhere between Michael and Roberta Findlay’s SNUFF and a student film by John Carpenter, EFFECTS is a meta-enhanced takedown on the philosophy of horror that doubles as a sleazy and terrifying movie on its own.
It’s a familiar horror tale, a group of independent filmmakers set out to make a slasher film in the woods of Pennsylvania. But Effects blurs the lines between this project, and something more nefarious planned by the films director Bickel. As the crew begin work, the discovery of hidden cameras capturing personal moments, is a disturbing revelation, as is his sharing a snuff-movie with them, showing a woman tied to a chair, being slashed by a hooded figure. It’s all a prelude to something grander, this horror film they’re making is a bigger ‘stab’ at his snuff project. It’s a smart hook, combining voyeuristic aspects, the urban legend horror of snuff films, and some brutal violence.
This aforementioned band of Romero alumni, armed with $55K from friends and family set out to put their own mark on the horror genre. The result is certainly interesting and at times rather ambitious, certainly more so than your average slasher from this era. Orchestrated events in the film bleed into reality. Scenes deal with the manipulation of people, those involved as well as the future audience too. Effects even dares to plays around with structure, something of a novelty at the time. This collective of people remains the core though, an opening act throws their characters together and gives you time to get to know them. They ruminate on pieces of entertainment you expect would be close to the hearts of the actors themselves. It gives the film a personal feel, reminiscent of the Evil Dead, a film that similarly came from a group of friends in the woods, pushing the boundaries of horror movies.
The film is a little slow at times, but remains engrossing. Once Effects lays out its pieces, it coalesces well into a very effective final act. With the recent passing of George Romero, it’s a timely release that gives more insight into his cinematic legacy while also providing an absorbing look at low budget filmmaking.
The Package
The release showcases a new 4K scan from the only surviving 35mm theatrical print. Color and contrast as well as image quality is a little faded and inconsistent, many lines and specks remain. It’s not an overly processed transfer, which personally I regard as a good thing. The aged character of the film is preserved and feels appropriate for the film itself. Special features include:
- Archival commentary track with John Harrison, Dusty Nelson, and Pasquale Buba: A solid commentary, with key members of the crew talking about issues with making the film as well as selling it afterwards
- AFTER EFFECTS documentary with optional commentary track: From what looks to be the last reunion of the folks behind the film back in 2004. Insights and anecdotes from the cast and crew, including a look back at the horror film community in general
- UBU and BEASTIE short films: Ubu is a short feature from actor/composer John Harrison that is rather surreal, using puppets to tell a story of a despot determined to rid his country of bureaucrats. Beastie, was written and directed by Dusty Nelson and depicts a rather neat tale about a man falling in love with a hitchhiker, with a little twist to their tale
- Liner notes by Joseph A. Ziemba of AGFA and Bleeding Skull: 12 page booklet containing details on the transfer/restoration, original production/advertising art, and a love letter to the film by Ziemba
- Reversible cover art with illustration by Charles Forsman (Netflix’s THE END OF THE FU**ING WORLD):
The Bottom Line
It’s another great release from AGFA + Something Weird, a host of extras backing up another cinematic curio from their vaults. While the execution of Effects is a little inconsistent, its ambition is aplaudable. A sleazy, lo-fi film with facets ahead of its time, that delivers insight into these horror figures, their relationships with Romero and each other, and most importantly the genre they so clearly cherish.
Effects is available on Blu-ray via Amazon and MVD from August 22nd