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Savage Streets AKA Zombie Brigade AKA 5 Deadly Angels
R0 - United Kingdom - Arrow Video Review written by and copyright: Neil Bray (3rd August 2011). |
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The Film
 Savage Streets is another ’80s film I missed (so much for being a fan!!) and another one I actually really enjoyed. This would definitely have been on my “buy-on-dvd-once-it-comes-out” list had I seen it upon its original release. The story centres on Brenda and her gang of friends, The Satans, as they go about their lives obsessing about boys, weddings, sex and other equally normal stuff. Brenda is the typical tough-as-nails girl you find in these films; but Linda Blair’s portrayal definitely adds a further dimension to the role – especially in her tender relationship with her deaf-mute sister Heather. And, it is with Heather, that the film gets dark. The cast look like rejects from Grease, even going so far as dressing The Satans in matching red jackets. But that is where the similarity ends, because these kids are nothing like the sugar-coated singing stars of Grease. These kids swear and fight and frequently shed their clothing – a fact that will appeal to the legion of exploitation film fans who like a bit of full frontal nudity. After an altercation with rival male gang, The Scars, Heather is brutally gang raped in the school bathroom. The slow-building menace leading up to Heather’s rape is effectively done; especially when the lack of sound reminds us that Heather is deaf. One minute she’s dancing like a doll on a music box and the next she’s running for her life. When the attack finally takes place it is all the more heart-wrenching because Heather can’t scream for help; and in that moment it is the viewer who wants to scream for her. While not as graphic or harrowing (if such a rape can be anything but) as other onscreen rape scenes (The Accused for example) there is a definite level of discomfort from watching such a horrific ordeal take place; and, by the time it is over, you can’t wait for The Scars to get their just desserts. However, after this scene the film shifts down a gear while everyone continues with their lives. Brenda wants to find out who hurt her sister and her friends are planning a wedding. This hiatus doesn’t last too long though and the film picks up the pace again with the untimely death of a supporting character. It is then that Brenda straps on the black leather and a crossbow and goes a-hunting. Some rather tepid kills, followed by a brief damsel-in-distress sequence finally culminates in a fiery finale (note: isn’t funny how all stuntmen-on-fire look like Michael Myers?!). If I’m honest I really wanted Brenda’s revenge to be a lot more bloody and prolonged. I wanted these guys to suffer in ways they never imagined. But that’s just me.
Video
Presented in 1.85:1 Anamorphic. Occasional flecks of dust and film imperfections spoil what is otherwise a pretty decent picture for a film that benefits from the atmosphere created by not have a pristine image.
Audio
Only one sound option available here: a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track. Unfortunately, this track isn’t particularly good. Noticeable crackling (reminding me of old vinyl LPs) happens throughout and some scenes have moments of distortion in the dialogue. Not bad enough to detract from the film too much; but I expect better from Arrow. No subtitles available.
Extras
There is a forced trailer at start-up which is a compilation piece showing other Arrow releases. Commentary with Director Danny Steinman moderated by Michael Felsher – While Steinman may cover many topics including his early career, how he came to be involved in the film and, obviously, the filming itself, his delivery is staid and dull. One for commentary fans only. Commentary with Produce John Strong and Others (David DeCoto: Moderator, Director of Photography Stephen L. Posey, Actors Sal Landi, Jonny Venocur and Robert Dryer. Also present: Kenneth J. Hall and Eric Spudick – This is the best of the three commentaries available on this disc. There’s lots of laughter, witty remarks and specifics about their experiences on the film. Quite a lot of talking at once in this one, but I personally felt this added to the experience. Commentary with Sal Landi, Robert Dryer, Stephen L. Posey and moderated by Mark Hoik – This commentary repeats a lot of information from the previous one and involves a lot of the same people. Unfortunately, all the fun and laughter is missing from this one. So, while there may be more specific information relating to the film; it’s all rather boringly delivered. Interviews: Confessions of a Teenage Vigilante (17.02) – This interview with Linda Blair covers some of her career and how she got involved in the film. There is some interesting information on production problems before a lengthy moment of co-star-loving. Heather Speaks (10.45) – An interview with Linnea Quigley which shows that the years have not been kind. However, she does talk frankly about her experiences on the film. John Strong Interview (14.04) Johnny Venocur Interview (14.15) Robert Dryer Interview (5.54) The above three interviews all cover pretty much the same information (having been asked more or less the same questions): How they got involved, funding, the cast and Linda Blair. Pretty interesting but nothing to get too excited about. Feature Trailer (3.21)
Packaging
Other companies could learn a lot from Arrow Films about how to present their films. Arrow’s range of horror classics really are a collector’s dream. For Savage Streets you get: A reversible cover with different artwork. A reproduction of the original poster. A 7 page booklet full of colour pictures and an article called “Justice for One: Getting Even in Savage Streets” written by Kier-La Janisse. A nice companion piece to the movie, but a lot of the information in the article is covered in the commentaries and interviews. Arrow Video film catalogue showing the current range of titles and extras available; which should get any horror fan watering at the mouth.
Overall
Definitely one of the better acted 80’s films I have seen and a strong performance from Linda Blair makes it well worth a watch. There are better revenge movies out there, but if you’re a fan of the genre it’s certainly worth checking this one out.
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