The Mutilator(1985)

Arrow Video Blu Ray

Director: Buddy Cooper

Rating: Unrated

Many years after accidentally killing his mother, a college age boy named Ed and his friends go down to his father's condo to lock it up for him. This invitation from Ed's father was peculiar, since him and his son became estranged after the tragedy that plagued their past. Everything seems fine and fun for the kids, until they are killed one by one by a mysterious stalker. 

The movie stars stars Matt Mitler as Ed, Ruth Martinez as Pam, Bill Hitchcock as Ralph, Connie Rogers as Sue, Frances Raines as Linda, Morey Lampley as Mike, and Jack Chatham as Ed Sr. 

"The Mutilator"(aka "Fall Break") is the canon of the slasher movies of the 80s. While it isn't at the quality level of classics like "Halloween," it is at the top of the second pedestal. The film's plot is very predictable, but this does not hurt the overall product at all, being its a low budget slasher. The movie is so enjoyably cheesy, with hilarious acting/dialogue, and a very upbeat soundtrack including the theme song "Fall Break."  What makes this movie especially memorable is the unrelenting and creative violence and gore. Makeup artist Mark Shostrom really went above and beyond with making the blood flow like wine. There were some truly shocking images that occurred, and I even noticed myself cringing occasionally. There was also a great build up of suspense before kills, and a truly freaky last twenty minutes. 

Full view of the Arrow Video release

The Arrow Video Release of "The Mutilator is an absolutely amazing product. It comes with a great Blu Ray transfer, a DVD copy, a booklet by Ewan Cant, and a reversible sleeve with two original artworks of the film. Along with these great features, there is also a plethora of extras including a wonderful hour and fifteen minute documentary called "Fall Breakers: The Story of The Mutilator," another documentary about the special effects called "Mutilator Memories," a feature about the music called "Tunes for the Dunes," trailers, screen tests, and much more.

Honestly the slasher genre does not get much better than "The Mutilator." This classic movie will shock you, make you laugh, and keep you entertained throughout its entire showtime. I can honestly say that I would watch this over some of the more famous films like "Friday the 13th." Any fans of horror and B-Movies needs to see this gruesome treasure, because it will hook you right from the start.

Grade on a B-Movie Scale: 10/10

Blu Ray Grade: 10/10