{"id":33084,"date":"2014-05-21T00:36:15","date_gmt":"2014-05-21T04:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cinema-crazed.com\/blog\/?p=33084"},"modified":"2020-04-17T00:41:04","modified_gmt":"2020-04-17T04:41:04","slug":"sleepaway-camp-1983-collectors-edition-blu-ray-dvd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cinema-crazed.com\/blog\/2014\/05\/21\/sleepaway-camp-1983-collectors-edition-blu-ray-dvd\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleepaway Camp (1983): Collector’s Edition [Blu-Ray\/DVD]"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>One of the interesting aspects of \u201cSleepaway Camp\u201d that\u2019s managed to keep it legendary is that, despite not being a very good horror movie, it garners a shocking surprise ending that no one saw coming. Even during its initial release. Though it\u2019s mostly common knowledge among horror buffs, if you\u2019ve never been aware of the closer to \u201cSleepaway Camp,\u201d you\u2019re in store for a pretty haunting final scene that will boggle your mind. Despite the low tech approach, it still warrants a gasp from me to this day and is a worthy turn of the screw that earns the entire film a place on any horror fans\u2019 collection. Scream Factory gives the new Collector\u2019s Edition the absolute best treatment possible, and it\u2019s nothing short of an impressive re-release for horror fans both old and new.<\/p>\n

One of the byproducts of the \u201cFriday the 13th<\/sup>\u201d boom, the Robert Hiltzik directed film is set primarily in a summer camp where things go awry. After a terrible boating accident takes the life of her father and brother, young Angela is sent to live with her aunt and cousin Ricky. As a means of getting them out of her hair for the summer, she sends them to Camp Arawak, where Angela\u2019s introverted personality becomes the target of many campers that delight in bullying her. Ricky is tags along with Angela acting as her protector from the bullies and annoyances in camp as Angela wanders around, experiencing aggressive campers and a creepy camp cook with shifty motives toward her.<\/p>\n

But things become very violent very quickly when campers and camping staff begin turning up dead. What\u2019s worse is whoever (or whomever) is committing the murders are violently killing the folks in camp with some of the most sadistic methods possible, prompting the campers to look for the individual committing these horrible tasks. Is it Angela committing these murders? Is Ricky taking his guardian role toward his cousin a bit too far? Is there someone out there murdering people to please Angela and Ricky? Is it perhaps their eccentric aunt, or a long lost relative? \u201cSleepaway Camp\u201d succeeds in being generally atmospheric and reveling in an uneasy often bipolar tone works well for the narrative.<\/p>\n

At times the movie reverts to \u201cMeatballs\u201d levels of summer camp antics and comedy, and then shifts directly in to a vicious and violent whodunit that compiles a list of really horrible murders, including a death by a beehive, and a chef\u2019s unfortunate meeting with a boiling pot of water. Star Felissa Rose is also entertaining as the alienated Angela who makes an effort to socialize, but is punished for it. \u201cSleepaway Camp\u201d is a definite eighties gem with a twisted mystery that really is rather brilliant in countering any resemblance toward \u201cFriday the 13th<\/sup>.\u201d It\u2019s also a slasher classic and one that is very deserving of the Scream Factory deluxe treatment.<\/p>\n

Scream deals up the film on DVD and Blu-Ray, and exclusively for Blu-Ray users, there\u2019s a new commentary with Felissa Rose and co-star Jonathan Tiersten, as well as a commentary with director Robert Hiltzik as hosted by Jeff Hayes, the webmaster of the SleepawayCampMovies website. There\u2019s also the original audio commentary with writer and director Robert Hiltzik and the star of the film Felissa Rose. I highly suggest watching the extras after you\u2019ve seen the film<\/strong>, as \u201cAt the Waterfront After the Social: The Legacy of Sleepaway Camp\u201d gives away the surprise ending in the opening title sequence.<\/p>\n

The forty five minute documentary from Shout! Chronicles the making of, and legacy of \u201cSleepaway Camp,\u201d and features brand new interviews with the cast and crew, as well as the make up effects artist. \u201cJudy\u201d is a goofy short film from Jeff Hayes that\u2019s set after the movie and centered on former bully Judy. It\u2019s nice to see Karen Fields return once again. There\u2019s the music video \u201cPrincess\u201d from co-star Jonathan Tiersten, and a still gallery from the film featuring production photos. And rare photos of the special effects from the film. Finally, there\u2019s the theatrical trailer and original TV spots. Finally, there\u2019s a ten minute look at the 2K Scan of the original film negative that was used for the uncut version of the film for this release.<\/p>\n