Trailer War Blu-ray Review

Drafthouse's 1080p, MPEG-2-encoded Blu-ray release of "Trailer War" captures the essence of exploitation trailers from 30-40 years ago with impressive authenticity. The state of the source materials is generally poor—pocked, dusty, scratched, and faded—conveying the charm and raw visual aesthetic intrinsic to their historical context. While the image quality is not pristine, it isn’t supposed to be; the dirt and grain instead tell a story, blending seamlessly with the subject matter. Moreover, despite differences in the age and production quality of these trailers, the scans allow viewers to fully grasp the originally competent, albeit inconsistent, photography and editing.

The overall transfer quality varies significantly across the different trailers. The 25GB disc houses an MPEG-2 encode that, while not setting any new technical standards, effectively showcases the rundown characteristics of these prints. Notably, films like 'Inframan' exhibit a surprising level of detail for their age, retaining a fine grain structure that adds depth to the visual experience. In contrast, other trailers like 'Amuck' boast vivid colors and remarkable detail, standing out as some of the better-looking segments on the disc. This dichotomy strikes a balance between nostalgia-inducing degradation and unexpectedly refined presentations.

In conclusion, ‘Trailer War’ serves both as a testament to and preservation of the low-budget origins of these productions. The condition of each trailer informs its viewing experience, ensuring that they remain true to their bygone grindhouse roots. While not suitable for those seeking high-definition perfection, this Blu-ray celebrates the gritty reality of these cult artifacts, leaving every scratch and fade unvarnished for historical integrity.

The audio presentation of "Trailer War" aims to replicate the authentic experience of vintage trailer screenings, and it primarily uses a Dolby Digital 2.0 mix. While some may lament the absence of a lossless audio format like DTS or Dolby Atmos, the choice is intentional, preserving the retro aesthetic and authenticity of sound typical of degraded film reels. The trailers’ original scratchiness, sharp popping, and low-fidelity dialogue contribute to the nostalgic appeal. Listeners are advised to disable surround decoding to avoid amplifying analog noise, which could overshadow the main soundtrack in instances of severe wear and tear.

The audio design intentionally eschews modern high-definition specifications to retain the essence of its low-quality origins, reminiscent of dingy downtown theaters or VHS dubbings. The mix is predominantly routed through the front channels with negligible LFE presence, save for occasional adequate bass during explosions or gunshots. This deliberate choice results in a tinny and hollow sound, enhancing the retro flavor while potentially leaving dedicated audiophiles wanting more. Notably, dialogue clarity is reasonably maintained, as efforts were evidently made to mitigate excessive hissing and scratches.

Overall, while this mix will not wow those seeking pristine audio quality, it accomplishes its goal effectively. The anemic sound quality ironically enhances the cheesy and enjoyable essence of these trailers, making them a fascinating listen for enthusiasts of vintage cinema experiences.

The Blu-ray extras for "Trailer War" are a treasure trove for cinephiles, offering insights into the history and artistry of film trailers. The commentary from Lars Nilsen and Zack Carlson is particularly valuable, providing scholarly yet engaging perspectives on the films included. Joe Dante's interview is a standout, delving into his work with Roger Corman and offering a candid look into the deceptive art of trailer cutting. The behind-the-scenes tour of the American Genre Film Archive by Lars Nilsen provides a succinct yet fascinating glimpse into the organization’s mission and history. Additionally, the disc includes a unique trailer built entirely from other trailers and several promotional trailers from Drafthouse Films. An Easter egg feature provides an unexpected bonus, adding to the disc’s appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Lars Nilsen and Zack Carlson: Insightful commentary by the programmers who curated the compilation.
• Legendary Joe Dante Talks Trailer Cutting: Dante discusses cutting trailers for Roger Corman and more.
• Behind the Scenes at the American Genre Film Archive: A brief tour and overview of AGFA by Lars Nilsen.
• TRAILER WAR Trailer: A unique trailer composed entirely of clips from other trailers.
• Drafthouse Films Trailers: Promotional trailers for several Drafthouse Films movies.
• Easter Egg: A hidden clip featuring mysterious nude scenes found in their trailer hunting.

Trailer War Review Summary

Trailer War is a nearly two-hour compilation of exploitation film trailers selected meticulously from the American Genre Film Archive by curators Lars Nilsen and Zack Carlson, under the advisory eye of director Joe Dante. Available exclusively through Drafthouse Films, this collection features 46 eclectic and unapologetically lurid trailers that span primarily from the 1970s, the golden age of exploitation cinema, though some stretch into the 1990s.

Curated to highlight the sensationalist nature of B-movies, the trailers encompass common themes such as kung fu, slasher storylines, aliens, space travel, and explicit sexual content—elements that would often prioritize spectacle over narrative coherence. Diverse in origin, the trailers prominently feature works from defunct studios like American International Pictures and New World Pictures, and include international gems from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico, Italy, France, among others. Each trailer encapsulates the raw, untamed spirit of exploitation films, presenting a chaotic yet intriguingly cohesive anthology of cinematic excess. The progression of trailers offers an abstract but palpable narrative arc, fostering a sense of continuity amidst disorder.

Trailer War serves dual purposes as a digital archive documenting cinematic missteps and a collection for pure entertainment. Whether showcasing the martial arts escapades in films like "Sister Streetfighter," the lascivious thrills of "Amuck," or the obscure oddities like "Eunuch of the Western Palace," each trailer is an invitation into a vivid world of exploitative creativity. This release doesn’t just preserve these forgotten pieces of cinema but reanimates them for a contemporary audience to appreciate their unabashed indulgence in voyeurism and exhibitionism. It’s a must-have for anyone with a penchant for unconventional cinema.

"Trailer War" is a remarkable compilation of vintage film trailers, capturing the chaotic and vibrant essence of exploitation cinema. The Alamo Drafthouse team has meticulously curated an anthology that not only celebrates these eccentric previews but also solidifies the importance of the American Genre Film Archive. The selection ranges widely in genre and tone, each trailer bursting with personality—often to the point of being borderline certifiable. The Blu-ray’s picture quality, characterized by the appropriate wear and tear, meticulously preserves the authenticity of these aged gems, while the audio complements their nostalgic charm.

The Blu-ray presentation is further enriched by insightful commentary from experts Nilsen and Carlson, along with an engaging interview with Joe Dante. These added features provide context and deepen appreciation, highlighting how these trailers served as a unique form of entertainment. Dante's discussion reveals a shift in modern trailer production, which often lacks the distinctive flair found in these older cuts. The professional yet impassioned inputs from the commentators illuminate the cultural value and artistic creativity behind exploitation cinema, encouraging viewers to give these forgotten gems another look.

Ultimately, "Trailer War" is an essential purchase for cinephiles and enthusiasts of genre films. Its compelling mix of historical reverence and unabashed enjoyment makes for an enriching and entertaining viewing experience. Given the accomplished curation and preservation efforts, paired with high-quality technical execution, "Trailer War" is highly recommended for anyone passionate about film history and unique cinematic experiences.

I've always loved trailers, but in recent years I find them less enjoyable. According to Joe Dante's interview, trailers for new films are no longer cut by a single editor but are mash-ups of creations by various PR firms submitted to the studios for evaluation. That would explain a lot, although every so often you'll get a director with sufficient clout (and concern) to oversee the trailer for his or her film and release something with a distinctive personality. The trailers on "Trailer War" all have personalities, although they're frequently borderline certifiable. One thing's for certain—they aren't dull. Exploitation cinema being what it is, I eagerly await Trailer War 2. Highly recommended.