Chopping Mall Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Chopping Mall" by Lionsgate Films under the Vestron Video imprint offers a meticulously crafted AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This high-definition treatment marks a significant leap from the previous DVD releases, bringing out the best in a film shot on a modest budget at a San Fernando Valley shopping mall. The color palette, despite occasional fading and cool tints, usually delivers impressively vivid hues, especially during the gory action sequences. The film's numerous optical effects lead to a grainy texture, but this doesn’t undermine the overall clarity. However, some darker scenes suffer from slight compression issues and shadow detail loss, though frequent close-ups help mitigate these concerns.

Enhanced by a new 4K scan overseen by director Jim Wynorski, this transfer breathes new life into "Chopping Mall." The level of detail is remarkable, with textures of clothing and environmental elements such as damaged structures and dirty mop water depicted with striking clarity. The sense of depth is well-maintained, presenting smooth and cinematic movements. Rich black levels add excellent shading without obscuring fine details in darker areas. The vibrant color reproduction stands out, with 80s aesthetic hues—including blues, reds, and yellows—rendered vividly, and the laser effects from the Killbots particularly pop without excessive oversaturation. Flesh tones remain natural and uniformly consistent throughout, capturing facial details with precision.

Noise and artifacts are minimal, maintaining a fine grain that respects the film's original look. The presence of occasional cigarette burns marking reel changes adds an authentic touch to the expertly transferred content, which appears unaltered and true to the source material. This Blu-ray presentation effectively captures the essence of "Chopping Mall," providing a vastly improved visual experience for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.

"Chopping Mall" features an English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track that provides excellent clarity and distinguishable dialogue, along with Chuck Cirino's synthesizer-heavy score. Sound effects such as explosions, glass shattering, and gunfire are well articulated and add depth to the mix, achieving a substantial overall soundstage for a mono track. Prioritization is adeptly managed with no significant issues disrupting the cohesion between vocals, score, and foley effects. Notably, the audio benefits from a stereo boost, enhancing the dynamism of both the score and sound effects.

While the audio presentation leans towards the higher frequencies with some slight compromises in the mid to lower ranges, the track compensates with energetic moments that lend impactful force to traditional sound effects like gunfire. The audio maintains a narrow but effective range with well-layered and placed sounds. The mix exudes a rich audio tapestry, particularly in how it handles Cirino's score, which is more prominent and clearer than previous iterations. Minor issues like light hiss are present, but they do not detract from the overall experience. Additionally, English SDH subtitles are available for those requiring them.

Overall, this release of "Chopping Mall" delivers a solid auditory experience true to its mono roots while attaining remarkable clarity and depth, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of this cult classic. The sound design ensures that both dialogue and effects remain distinct and clear, offering a balanced and engaging listen throughout.

The "Chopping Mall" Blu-ray extras provide a compelling and comprehensive look into the film’s production and legacy. Featuring multiple audio commentaries from the creators, actors, and historians, the disc offers deep insights and a wealth of information for enthusiasts. The highlight is “Back to the Mall”, a retrospective featuring principal cast and crew members who vividly recount their experiences. Other notable extras include engaging interviews with the editor, composer, and robot creator, adding layers of context to the film’s creation. The isolated score track and assorted short features, such as a vintage featurette on robot creation and a humorous faux interview with a Killbot, further enrich the viewing experience. Additionally, a lost, never-shot scene is presented in screenplay format, adding exclusive content for fans. This collection of extras makes the Blu-ray a must-have for devoted followers of cult cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Jim Wynorski, Actress Kelli Maroney and Co-Writer/2nd Unit Director Steve Mitchell: Insightful and engaging.
• Audio Commentary with Historians/Authors Nathaniel Thompson and Ryan Turek: Provides historical context.
• Audio Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Jim Wynorski and Co-Writer/2nd Unit Director Steve Mitchell (2004): Original commentary.
• Isolated Score Track by Chuck Cirino: Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0.
• Back to the Mall: Retrospective featuring cast and crew.
• Chopping Chopping Mall: Discussion on the editing process.
• Talkin' About...The Killbots: Interview with robot creator Robert Short.
• Scoring Chopping Mall: Conversation with composer Chuck Cirino.
• The Robot Speaks! Ten Questions with the Killbot: Amusing fake interview.
• The Lost Scene: Unshot scene presented in screenplay form.
• Army of One: Feature on a movie superfan.
• Chopping Mall: Creating the Killbots: Vintage featurette on robot creation.
• Trailer: Original trailer in SD.

"Chopping Mall" is a quintessential 1980s B-movie that revels in its campy, cult status. Directed by Jim Wynorski and released in 1986, the film utilizes the outlandish premise of malfunctioning security robots running riot in a shopping mall to great effect. Essentially, a group of young adults decides to throw an after-hours party in the mall, only to be hunted down one by one by the newly-implemented robotic security system gone haywire. The film's plot is thin but engaging, providing a slew of entertaining and memorable moments as the teens attempt to outsmart their artificial assailants. The film captures the era’s zeitgeist perfectly, featuring archetypal 80s fashion, music, and sensibilities, combined with a sense of genuine camaraderie among the cast.

Technically, "Chopping Mall" is more impressive than one might expect given its modest budget. Despite being low-budget, the design and execution of the Killer Robots (Killbots) are commendably inventive. Special effects range from quaint to effective; laser beams and mechanical movement may seem dated but add to the film's charm. The practical effects shine predominantly in a horrifying yet amusing head explosion that has become one of the iconic moments of the film. Believably staged within a suburban shopping mall environment, the production design supports the film’s high-concept narrative effectively. The movie does not rely on CGI, which in hindsight strengthens its nostalgic allure for modern viewers accustomed to digital effects.

Performances are notably serviceable for this genre. Kelli Maroney stands out as the final girl, adeptly balancing vulnerability and badassery, while Barbara Crampton adds fun to her screen presence despite limited character development. The entire ensemble exhibits a rapport that enhances the narrative's believability. "Chopping Mall" thrives on its sheer audacity and earnest enjoyment of its own absurdity, making it an irresistible watch for fans of vintage horror and sci-fi. Overall, the film offers brisk entertainment for those willing to embrace its goofy premise, solidifying its status as a midnight classic.

The Blu-ray release of "Chopping Mall" by Vestron Video Collector’s Series, in partnership with Lionsgate, is an exceptional addition to any horror enthusiast's collection. This restored edition has exceeded expectations, delivering a visually captivating transfer that underscores its 1980s camp charm. The image quality is outstanding, showcasing a meticulous restoration process that brings out the film's vibrant colors and sharp detail. Additionally, the sound mix is well-balanced, enhancing the film’s eerie ambiance without overwhelming its dialogue and key sound effects.

Beyond the impressive technical merits, the Blu-ray package is enriched with abundant supplementary material. This includes insightful commentary, interviews with the cast and crew, and other engaging behind-the-scenes content that enriches the viewing experience. This exhaustive compilation addresses nearly every conceivable question fans might have, satisfying both casual viewers and hardcore collectors alike.

In conclusion, while opinions might vary on the cinematic value of "Chopping Mall," its Blu-ray release from Vestron Video and Lionsgate stands as a testament to high-quality restoration and fan-centric supplementary content. Whether you perceive it as kitschy fun or an undervalued cult classic, this release promises hours of nostalgic entertainment and behind-the-scenes exploration. This release defines itself as a must-buy for horror aficionados. Recommended.