Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (DVD)
Steve Barton
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Reviewed by Uncle Creepy
Starring Thom Mathews, Alan Blumenfeld, Jennifer C. Cooke, Darcy de Moss, Matthew Faison, Tom Fridley
Directed by Tom McLoughlin
Released by Paramount Home Entertainment
After the flop that was Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning, one thing became abundantly clear to the powers that be over at Paramount … fans didn’t want a Jason impostor! They wanted the real deal and weren’t gonna settle for anything less. Having heard the fanbase loud and clear, Paramount tapped filmmaker Tom McLoughlin to bring back Big J in what turned out to be the most rock ‘n roll entry into the franchise yet — Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives!
Memories quickly faded of ambulance drivers, the Goth chick doing an extended robot dance, and fat kids with candy bars. Mr. Voorhees was back, carving himself a path of destruction like only he could — and — so was Tommy Jarvis (now played by Thom Mathews). Jason Lives is the last in Friday‘s Jarvis trilogy, and it is without question one of the best in the franchise’s storied history.
Such a good film deserves a good deluxe DVD, and again, you will not be disappointed by what’s offered here. Sadly, once again a fan commentary by me and Ryan Rotten was recorded and nixed by Paramount because we had too much fun at the film’s expense, but what did make it on to the disc is pretty stellar — except of course for the ever-so-awful Lost Tales from Camp Blood nonsense, but we really don’t need to go there again, do we?
Instead let’s focus on the good beginning with a pretty bitching commentary track by writer/director Tom McLoughlin along with some of the cast and crew. Friday VI is damned fun no matter which way you watch it, and McLoughlin and company’s audio track only enhances the experience while enlightening the viewer. Really good stuff!
Next up we have the also pretty fun Jason Lives: The Making-of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives featurette and finally the conclusion of the absolutely lovable Crystal Lake Massacre Revisited series, which proves without a shadow of a doubt that when it comes to Jason Voorhees — “You don’t kill the joie de vivre“. That may not be funny to you yet, but after you watch this glorious little series, it’s sure to become a staple of your horror-loving vocabulary!
Now for the ultra-goodies! Also included on this DVD are the unrated and unedited kill scenes from the movie and an alternate ending sequence (told via storyboard animation) of the film’s original ending in which we get to meet — are you ready? — Jason’s Dad! How friggin’ cool is that? Honestly, does it get any cooler?
Bottom line? This last set of reissues is a fan’s dream. Sure there were a couple of disappointments along the way, but in the end nothing should take away from the mostly incredible stuff that has been included! Double dip back into Crystal Lake, my friends, without worry — the water is perfect!
Special Features:
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Special Features
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4 1/2 out of 5
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