RoosterVision: SPOOKIES (1986), Blu-ray Edition (Vinegar Syndrome)

…an ongoing series of articles spotlighting movies, music, art, comics, and other assorted media that we at Rooster Republic Press find ourselves enjoying. Once a week, on Thursdays, we will showcase new and old works and, hopefully, help spread the word on great stuff you might otherwise miss out on.

RoosterVision was previously the name of our non-fiction imprint, and since those titles and that line of books are no longer, we have decided to resurrect RoosterVision for the purpose of this showcase. Enjoy!

What can you say about SPOOKIES that hasn’t been said all ready? If you grew up cruising the VHS rental shelves for Weird Shit, then chances are you either watched or heard about this 1980s indie gem. For folks who swoon over practical effects, the movie is a must-see.

Cat people? check

Wormy goblins with snail butts? check

Spider-women (literally)? check

Living statues of anthropomorphic Death? check

Farting Zombies destroyed by wine? wut?

This movie is, truthfully, short on narrative but long on set-pieces. But, in our opinion, this isn’t really a detriment. The film moves at a clip, so it doesn’t wear out its welcome. And it has a pretty good, period-appropriate synth score.

Also, SPOOKIES doesn’t make any fucking sense, but that’s because it’s literally two different productions smashed together, kinda like the theatrical release of JUSTICE LEAGUE. Except, SPOOKIES was made for a fraction of the money and is much more fun (mileage may vary). Let us reiterate, if you find yourself longing for practical effects and rubbery monster goodness, then give SPOOKIES a gander, ya goose!

The movie was OOP for years and years, so the only way to see it was via VHS or bootleg releases. There was a German import DVD, but it was hardly better than the stuff you’d find in the bootleg market. Some of us waited and waited for a home release that didn’t seem to ever be happening. No SPOOKIES for you! . . . until 2019.

Vinegar Syndrome, beyond any reasonable expectation, pulled off what many folks thought was impossible and released SPOOKIES on Blu-ray and DVD. And not only was the film finally available in the US market after decades, but it looks phenomenal. Vinegar Syndrome dedicated some real time and effort on behalf of a mostly forgotten horror movie: a 4K transfer; making-of docs; Q&A; trailer; BTS; slipcovers.

It’s a gorgeous release, and you can pick it up HERE.

A true cult classic.

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