Chopping Mall (Blu-ray)
Steve Barton
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Starring Kelli Maroney, Tony O’Dell, John Terlesky, Russell Todd
Directed by Jim Wynorski
Distributed by Vestron Video / Lionsgate
The first releases of the newly resurrected Vestron Video label are here, and today we’re taking a look at one of director Jim Wynorski’s best efforts, 1986’s Chopping Mall.
It was the Eighties, man. Hair was big. Colors were saturated, and killer robots were ready to eviscerate any teenager stupid enough to try to party the night away in the hallowed halls of the shopping mall. Thanks to a nicely placed bolt of of lightning, the security bots of a local mall set out on a bloody murder-spree that – until now – could only be delivered via poorly mastered DVDs or worn-out VHS tapes. Now, thanks to modern tech and a more than willing Lionsgate looking to gain its fair share of the nostalgia market, we get to behold the majesty of this truly obscure little gem the way it was meant to be seen and then some.
Simply put, the 1.85:1 presentation of Chopping Mall is just incredible. A textbook example of remastering filled with rich colors that pop throughout the film’s 76-minute runtime, deep inky blacks, and natural skin tones aplenty. Seriously, it’s nothing short of gorgeous, and kudos to those responsibly for going above and beyond in delivering this flick in grand fashion.
On the audio side of the fence, the DTS HD-MA 2.0 complements the eye candy nicely. Clear dialogue never gets drowned out by the movie’s scenes of mayhem, and all of the explosives, gunfire, and screaming are mixed nicely together. It’s not 7.1, but it doesn’t have to be and audiophiles should be pleased.
Speaking of going above and beyond, for this Vestron Video release, the powers-that-be were challenged to assemble a bevy of extras, and holy cow, did they deliver! Included are three truly insightful and engaging commentary tracks along with eight featurettes that range from just over 2 minutes to just under 30. No stone is left unturned, and each brings something new and fun for fans of the film. Tack on the trailer and an isolated score, and we have a true winner here, kids!
If this is any indication of what’s to come, it’s safe to say that the Vestron label has been resurrected with class, gusto, and most importantly, LOTS of love. This is a stellar edition of a really fun 80s horror flick, and it should NOT be missed!
Special Features:
AUDIO COMMENTARIES:
- Director/Co-Writer Jim Wynorski, Actress Kelli Maroney, and Co-Writer/2nd Unit Director Steve Mitchell
- Historians/Authors Nathaniel Thompson (Mondo Video) and Ryan Turek (Blumhouse)
- Director/Co-Writer Jim Wynorski and Co-Writer/2nd Unit Director Steve Mitchell
FEATURETTES:
- “Back to the Mall”
- “Chopping Chopping Mall”
- “The Killbots”
- “Scoring Chopping Mall”
- “The Robot Speaks”
- “The Lost Scene”
- “Army of One”
- “Chopping Mall: Creating the Killbots”
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS:
- Isolated Score Track by Chuck Cirino
- Trailer
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Film
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Special Features
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