Slash Dance Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Slash Dance," encoded in AVC with a 1.35:1 aspect ratio, is sourced from an HD up-res of the original 1" video master. Unfortunately, the original film elements have been lost, posing inherent limitations on the detail quality of on-screen elements. The resolution is maximized based on available resources, achieving the upper limits given the source material. While colors benefit from brighter stage lighting and vibrant costumes, enhancing the visual palette, expectations should be tempered given the aged video origins.

Both "Slash Dance" and "Hollywood’s New Blood" are presented in 1080p Blu-ray derived from their original 1" video masters. As expected from an 80s source, neither maintains high detail fidelity or offers sharp, accurate colors. The films receive a "good as it can be" transfer in a 1.33:1 format that should surpass a well-preserved VHS copy, yet falls short of delivering any significant visual masterpiece. Subtle issues such as minor frame clipping appear periodically in "Hollywood’s New Blood," though brief and not excessively jarring to viewers accustomed to vintage transfers.

Overall, while these Blu-ray presentations offer a moderately improved experience over existing VHS versions due to their source fidelity, the inherent restrictions of their original video specifications limit any potential advancements in visual clarity and color accuracy. Nonetheless, fans nostalgic for these titles will likely appreciate the marginal enhancements provided by this release.

The audio presentation of "Slash Dance" on Blu-ray is delivered through a DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix, ensuring that dialogue exchanges remain clear and intelligible. While the presentation does not aim for groundbreaking innovation, it effectively supports vocal clarity even amid louder line readings. This straightforward audio layout complements the film's simplistic thematic approach, underscored by a basic digital piano score. The scoring, while repetitive, fits within the confines of the narrative structure and offers acceptable clarity throughout.

Supporting its visual counterpart, this audio mix operates within the boundaries of an effective, yet unremarkable, DTS-HD MA 2.0 track. The heritage recording quality does present a slight hollow resonance characteristic of the period-specific recordings employed here. Although the ambient soundscapes do not specifically capitalize on immersive atmospherics, these elements were not inherently vital to the narratives portrayed. In this rendition, the audio components fulfill their essential roles, providing a serviceable experience consistent with expectations of a release of this type.

The Blu Ray release of "Slash Dance" delivers an eclectic array of engaging and insightful bonus features that will captivate both film enthusiasts and B-movie aficionados. The audio commentaries offer different yet complementary perspectives; James Shyman discusses the film from a writer/director's standpoint, while Tony and Johanna from Hack the Movies add a lively analysis. The package is further enriched by interviews with notable figures such as actor J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner and producer Andrew Maisner. Von Ornsteiner shares amusing anecdotes from his B-movie days and his transition to forensic psychology. Maisner provides an eye-opening look at the industry, rich with insider stories about staying afloat in the challenging cam space, despite difficult studio dealings. Completing the collection is "Hollywood's New Blood" by Shyman and a condensed version of "Slash Dance", rounding out a robust selection of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Hollywood's New Blood: Bonus 1988 feature by James Shyman.
• Audio Commentary with James Shyman: Insightful insights from the film’s writer/director.
• Audio Commentary with Tony and Johanna: Entertaining track by Hack the Movies hosts.
• Interview with Dr. J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner: Reflections on the actor's B-movie work and career change.
• Interview with Producer Andrew Maisner: Tales of production challenges and industry experiences.
• 3-Minute 'Slash Dance': A condensed version of the film.

"Slash Dance," a film oscillating between campy satire and faint horror elements, ultimately falls short of crafting a cohesive narrative. Directed by James Shyman, the attempt to blend slasher motifs with the charm of '80s performance flicks like "Flashdance" is palpable but lacks execution. The film’s titular dance sequences are neither sensuous nor integral, serving mostly as expository padding. Violence and suspense, the hallmarks of a slasher film, are notably deficient, relegated to sporadic and tepid confrontations. Shyman's direction focuses less on crafting a gripping horror narrative and more on capturing actresses rehearsing in form-fitting attire, reducing the production to a quasi-community theater undertaking rather than a chilling thriller.

The plot revolves around L.A.P.D. officer Tori Raines, played by Cindy Ferda, who goes undercover at Van Slake Playhouse to solve the mystery of disappearing actresses. Her investigation is interspersed with an unsubstantial narrative that dips into theatrical oddities more often than genuine suspense. Supporting characters, including stage manager Rupert and stagehand Amos, provide minimal intrigue with their eccentric behaviors serving as red herrings rather than contributing depth to the storyline. Despite the presence of an inherent genre hybrid opportunity, "Slash Dance" flounders through uneven swings between horror and humor that fail to resonate with strength or clarity.

While the film struggles with genre fluidity and narrative depth, it does offer moments of unintentional comedy—a redeeming quality for audiences open to its kitschy allure. The quaint portrayal of auditions and some comedic character interactions infuse slight vigor into an otherwise lethargic plot line. These sequences reflect the film's light-hearted nods toward workout videos of the '80s, providing comedic relief in the midst of a tense pursuit. Despite its shortcomings, "Slash Dance" retains a peculiar charm, positioning itself as an offbeat choice for those seeking nostalgic entertainment rather than a traditional slasher film experience.

"Slash Dance" on Blu-ray presents a tongue-in-cheek, campy homage to 1980s slasher and performance films, characterized by James Shyman's comedic direction. Although rooted in horror, the movie diverts attention from suspense, focusing instead on exaggerated character portrayals, notably Richardson's over-the-top Captain Edison. The narrative struggles with incoherence, and the humor may not appeal universally, though it positions itself clearly as a parody. A major highlight is Cindy Ferda's vibrant opening performance as a cop, but her subsequent role remains underexplored.

The Blu-ray release from Culture Shock and Vinegar Syndrome effectively packages this niche film. Sourced from original 1” tape masters, the visual fidelity remains limited by format constraints but still maintains reasonable clarity. The audio quality also proves adequate for a vintage release. Additionally, the Blu-ray offers compelling supplementary content, adding depth for enthusiasts, though these features might primarily attract dedicated fans of schlocky cinema. An appreciation of the era's quirky filmmaking highlights the film's intentional parody over perfection.

In conclusion, "Slash Dance" is not for everyone but stands as a testament to its era's eccentricities. It will likely entertain those nostalgic for 80s video store oddities or admirers of low-budget cult films. While the Blu-ray presentation has its technical limitations, it serves as a solid collector's piece for fans of genre-specific humor and retro cinematography.