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Turkey Shoot
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray ALL - Australia - Umbrella Entertainment Review written by and copyright: James-Masaki Ryan (17th February 2022). |
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The Film
 "Turkey Shoot" (1982) The year is 1995. The totalian state government has set up mass prison camps for social deviants who do not conform to the new strict regime. The latest arrivals are Paul (played by Steve Railsback), a crusader who was captured while making illegal anti-government broadcasts, Rita (played by Lynda Stoner), who was arrested for suspected prostitution, and Chris (played by Olivia Hussey), a shopkeeper who was accused of helping a rebel but was arrested without evidence and only suspicion. The camp is led by Thatcher (played by Michael Craig, who lets the sadistic wardens Gus (played by Gus Mercurio and Ritter (played by Roger Ward) among others have their way by verbally and physically abusing the prisoners, and sometimes even killing them in the process. But it is not only the guards who get to have "fun", as Thatcher brings in a group of political VIPs for a lively game of "turkey shoot", in which a select number of unarmed prisoners are let loose in a nearby area, who are then hunted by the armed and ready players. Although they promise the prisoners freedom if they survive the game, the prisoners know the only real way to survive is to fight back... The original story for "Turkey Shoot" was a 1930s based setting with feel of "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" (1932), with elements of "The Camp on Blood Island" (1957) with the idea of a torturous prison camp and "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932) with the element of humans being hunted by other humans. Changes were made in which the period setting was changed to a near future, with an Orwellian "1984" inspiration. An enticing mix of science fiction and political drama, the end result of "Turkey Shoot" is anything but those genres, due to massive changes being made just before and during production. Director Brian Trenchard-Smith and as well as the internationally hired actors were ready to shoot the dystopian thriller in Australia, but due to last minute budget cuts, it led to a large amount of changes that had to be made to the script and the shoot. The opening segments establishing the totalitarian society and the main characters were torn out from the script. The budget alloted for the stuntwork had to be scaled down. The hundreds of extras necessary for the massive prison camp had to be seriously downsized. Trenchard-Smith had to make a choice to continue on with a compromised production or to leave the production all together. He soldiered on, making sure that the film could be completed with what was available and what could be done. Though he lamented the choice of removing the opening establishing scenes, they unfortunately were the first to go, with backstories of the characters being told in quick flashbacks instead, as well as using stock footage of protests in the opening credits. Trenchard-Smith previously directed great stuntwork scenes in "The Man from Hong Kong" (1975), "Deathcheaters" (1976) and "Stunt Rock" (1978), but he knew the cost of the action scenes written and there had to be changes made. In addition, he knew that "blood" was cheaper than "stunts" and was equally enticing for audiences, so rather than intricate dangerous stunt choreography, many of the action scenes were replaced with gory special effects. A machete to the head, a body sliced in half, hands being chopped off - these were quick and simple effects that were done to accomodate and essentially the action film became a gory horror film in the process. "Horror" is not the correct word as the effects are more on the comically insane side rather than scary. Not to say the film doesn't have scares, as the first half certainly does have disturbing moments within the prison walls with the way the prisoners are treated. The film is tonally all over the place. One can even say it is a complete mess. But is it? "Turkey Shoot" is a good example of a troubled production and what happens when money and minds clash at the last minute. Trenchard-Smith tried to salvage the script into something coherent and fun but it's obvious that there were many sacrifices made. Since there is no background on the true state of the country that it's hard to see what the government is truly fighting and why many of the prisoners are in the camps. But then again, if it's a totalitarian state, does that really matter in the end? There isn't a "they killed my family" moment that puts some human spirit in it, but other issues come in with what the prison camps actually do. It seems they are supposed to be in a re-education camp but there is no real example of re-education being done for the prisoners, instead spotlighting on the torture they receive from the authorities. For the "turkey shooting" that Thatcher and the others take part in also conveniently has the three newest recruits take part, as well as Dodge (played by John Ley) a prisoner who has been there longer. The hunting becomes the main focus of the film, which has the least character development and also has some of the wackiest characters that come straight out of a comic book. Secretary Mallory (played by Noel Ferrier) may not be physically fit but is armed with a poison dart gun. Jennifer (played by Carmen Duncan) is an aristocrat who has a fascination with weapons is ready to use her trusty crossbow. Tito (played by Michael Petrovitch) has the best of arms with a dune buggy equipped with all sorts of automatic weapons. In addition to that, he also brings Alph (played by Steve Rackman), a massive yeti-like being that is ready to fight as well as eat. From here, all the political arguments get thrown out completely with the audience in for a bloody and gory balls out survival film filled with bloody mutilation, fiery explosions, and certain deaths all around. If that sounds satisfying, then you are clearly the right audience for this exploitation film. The director as well as the actors were upset with all the changes being made were as they didn't sign on to the film that was eventually made. Hussey had a terrible time on set, as some of her concerned facial expressions show that she wasn't faking many of those concerened and upset looks all the time. She had a fear of snakes, yet there was a scene in which she was placed in a snakepit. There was a nude scene with her character, which she refused to do so a body double was used. Unfortunately the body double'd body was not at all like what Hussey looked like and it's fairly obvious it was a different body. Railsback and Stoner were also very concerned that the film's tone and message were completely different from what they expected, but in hindsight they have commended Trenchard-Smith for being a good director and creating something out of a compromised production. When the film was released in late 1982 in Australia, critics absolutely trashed it. They were disgusted by the gore, the sadism, the performances, and basically everything else in between and audiences were also not enthused, grossing only $321,000 theatrically in Australia. Overseas it was an entirely different story. In the UK it was retitled "Blood Camp Thatcher" and became a cult hit. In the US it was recut and retitled as "Escape 2000" (changing the year for some reason) and released by Roger Corman's New World Pictures becoming a modest cult hit. After years of being a cult video hit, "Turkey Shoot" started receiving some positive renewed interest in the 2000s, with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino championing the film as well as Trenchard-Smith's many other works in the period, as well as the documentary film "Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation!" giving new life to the film as well as many other Australian works of the past that were ignored by critics but fondly remembered by video audiences. "Turkey Shoot" is a film that is very entertaining even if there are a list of problems. From the logic of the setting, the missing pieces in story and characters, the sometimes subpar performances, they all have the signs of a bad film. But with creative direction plus nasty gore and effects, who really needs a coherent script to have fun? Note this is a region ALL Blu-ray
Video
Umbrella Entertainment presents the film in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio in 1080p AVC MPEG-4. The transfer doesn't seem to be a new one, as it does look similar to the 2015 Blu-ray release from Severin Films, which was remastered from the original vault negative. The picture quality is quite good but there are some minor issues as well. Colors are not particularly bright, with the yellow jump suits of the prisoners being a bit pale. Blue skies, skin tones all look like they are missing some depth, leaving a fairly flat feeling image throughout. There are some very minor damage marks to be found with speckles and dust, though there are no major damage marks to be noted. Detail is fair though detail could be stronger with a better restoration. The picture looks fair throughout, but fans shouldn't expect this to be any big overhaul but a recycling of an existing HD transfer. The film is uncut with a runtime of 93:18
Audio
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono Both the original mono and a remixed 5.1 soundtrack are offered lossless. The 5.1 track spreads out the music and effects more to the left and right channels while dialogue is kept mostly towards the center. There are no new or additional sound effects so it does sound fair, but at times unnatural with a bit of flattening with the overall audio. The original mono track fares better, with a good balance between dialogue, music and effects, with everything sounding clear and natural. There are no major issues to speak of such as pops or crackle in either the 5.1 or mono tracks. There shouldn't be any issue for either track for fans of the film There are optional English HoH subtitles for the main feature in a white font.
Extras
DISC ONE (Blu-ray) Audio Commentary with producer Antony I. Ginnane and filmmaker Mark Hartley (2021) In this newly recorded audio commentary, Antony I. Ginnane is moderated by Mark Hartley who also chimes in with researched production history at hand. Discussed about are the original idea for the film and the changes that had to be made with the slashed budget, finding the location near Cairns, the casting, the comical tone, the score, the reception and much more. in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles Audio Commentary by director Brian Trenchard-Smith (2003) Trenchard-Smith's solo commentary from nearly two decades ago has quite a lot of information packed in during its runtime. Talked about are the changes made in comparison to the original script, the trouble with not having enough extras hired, behind the scenes information on the specific shots, information on the cast and crew, the editing, a fairly funny moment when the police dropped in not knowing it was a film being shot, as well as some changes he would make to the film in hindsight. This commentary was first available on the 2003 US DVD from Anchor Bay and ported to other DVD and Blu-ray releases in later years. in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles "Blood and Thunder Memories" cast interviews (24:45) This collection of cast interviews has Michael Craig, Lynda Stoner, and Roger Ward recalling the production. Talked about are how the schedule and script being changed during production, praise for Trenchard-Smith, behind the scenes incidents and near accidents, Ward receiving $1000 to shave his head for the part, pranks on set, the critical panning, and more. This featurette was first available on the 2003 US DVD from Anchor Bay and ported to other DVD and Blu-ray releases in later years. in 1080p AC MPEG-4, in 1.78:1 / 2.40:1, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles "Not Quite Hollywood" extended interviews with Brian Trenchard-Smith, Anthony I. Ginnane, Steve Railsback, Lynda Stoner, Roger Ward, Gus Mercurio, and Bob McCarron (77:02) Hartley's seminal "Not Quite Hollywood" documentary had some moments dedicated to "Turkey Shoot", but here are 77 minutes of extended interviews dedicated to the film itself by the cast and crew. From the major changes made with the budget cuts, the original stuntwork being replaced with gore due to costs, the shooting on location, Hussey's mismatched body double, the critical reception, the disappointment, and much more are talked about. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4, in 1.78:1, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles "The Ozploitaiton Renaissance" featurette (26:34) This featurette has Ginane, Trenchard-Smith and famed cinematographer Vincent Monton sit together to discuss the early days of their careers in which their paths frequently criss-crossed, with specific films such as "Turkey Shoot" talked about. This featurette was first available on the 2015 US Blu-ray from Severin Films. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4, in 1.78:1, In English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles "A Good Soldier" Interview with director Brian Trenchard-Smith (10:21) This vintage interview which was conducted by Hartley while he was researching for "Not Quite Hollywood", in which Trenchard-Smith discusses about the production of "Turkey Shoot", with the script rewrite and the short 28 day schedule for shooting, as well as the commercial succes the film had outside Australia. The film clips are cropped to 1.33;1 while the interview is in 1.78:1 with windowboxing, placing black bars on all four sides. This interview was first available on the 2003 US DVD from Anchor Bay and ported to other DVD and Blu-ray releases in later years. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4, in 1.33:1 / windowboxed 1.78:1, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles "Escape 2000" US version from a VHS source (78:37) In addition the Blu-ray offers the American "Escape 2000" cut of the film. Though this may be in 1080p, it is an upscale from a VHS source. The transfer comes from a VHS tape duplicate of the 1992 US Starmaker release, dubbed in EP mode, so the picture quality is mediocre. Detail is obviously lost on the cropped image and colors bleed, but it's actually in a fairly watchable state. There is no new or alternate footage in the American version, which has a shorter runtime as it cuts quite a lot of the violent moments as well as a few scenes altogether. Not at all an ideal way to see the alternate version but it's a curiosity piece nonetheless. This version has never had a DVD or Blu-ray release, as all previous releases only included the far superior original Australian version. The audio is the original mono, which sounds fair with no major damage, but with some fidelity issues and buzzing sounds at times. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4 (upscaled), in 1.33:1, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles Stills and Poster Gallery (3:24) A series of production scenes stills in an automated slideshow with music from the film as background. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4 Trailer with commentary by Brian Trenchard-Smith from Trailers from Hell (3:49) Trenchard-Smith introduces the original Australian trailer which he cut himself, and gives a well read commentary on the production in the extremely short runtime for Trailers from Hell, and has also been embedded below. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4, in 1.78:1 / 2.35:1, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles Original Theatrical Trailer (2:46) The original Australian trailer, with narration by Mercurio is presented here in a remastered form, also embedded below courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4, in 2.35:1, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles TV Promo (1:04) A lengthy promo also narrated by Mercurio and in a nicely remastered state. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4, in 1.85:1, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles Antony I. Ginnane Trailer Reel for "Patrick", "Snapshot", "Thirst", "Harlequin", "The Survivor", "Race for the Yankee Zephyr", "Dead Kids", "Dark Age", "Hightide", "The Lighthorsemen", "The Time Guardian", "The Dreaming", "Screamers" (28:23) A lengthy reel of trailers for films produced by Ginnane over the years. The quality varies from film to film here, with some looking rough and others looking quite good. in 1080p AVC MPEG-4, in various ratios, in English Dolby Digital 2.0 without subtitles DISC TWO (Soundtrack CD) 1. Main Title/Radio Freedom (4:20) 2. Turkey Shoot Theme (0:35) 3. Camp 47. Re-education & Behavior Modification (0:37) 4. All Deviants Report to Centre Compound (0:21) 5. Freedom Is Obedience, Obedience Is Work. Work Is Life (0:41) 6. Suitable Targets (1:45) 7. Thatcher's Ball Games (2:57) 8. Shower Scene (0:58) 9. Embrace (0:12) 10. Don't Worry My Dear, He Has Already Eaten (0:59) 11. A Little Sport, a Little Hunt (0:45) 12. Do We Really Have a Chance? (1:25) 13. Nightfall (1:28) 14. The Hunt Begins (2:33) 15. Head Start (1:21) 16. Jungle Trap/Jungle Sorrow (1:00) 17. Tractor Pursuit (3:06) 18. Crossbow Standoff (2:13) 19. Shrunken Heads (0:56) 20. You're a Sharp Man Ritter (0:40) 21. Cut Him Down to Size (1:54) 22. Hot & Ready (3:12) 23. The Cane Field Burn (1:12) 24. Swamp Escape/Beach Fight (4:16) 25. Open Season (2:31) 26. Revolution Begins with the Misfits (1:46) Australian composer Brian May's soundtrack album for "Turkey Shoot" actually didn't have a physical release until 2014 when Dual Planet released it on both CD and LP formats. The CD here is a reissue of the 26-track album in full, available with the first 3000 copies of this Blu-ray release. "Turkey Shoot" has received a number of DVD and Blu-ray over the years. This Umbrella release carries over all the previously released extras and adds some new exclusives as well. The Australian Gryphon Entertainment Blu-ray has the 2014 remake of "Turkey Shoot", but lacks many of the extras found on this Umbrella release. This is easily the best version of the film on the market at present.
Packaging
This is the seventh release in the "Ozploitation Classics" range from Umbrella, sporting spine #7 on the packaging. It comes with a uniform slipcase for the series, and the keep case inlay has alternate poster artwork of the Australian poster from Roadshow as well as the American "Escape 2000" poster. Inside is a tracklisting for the soundtrack CD along with a note from Trenchard-Smith about the score with a dedication to the late composer Brian May.
Overall
"Turkey Shoot" is a gory and nasty fun ride that is tonally all over the place. Incoherent at times yet comically hilarious, it has all the ingredients for a film that wll rile up serious critics and give enjoyment to Ozploitation fans all around. The Umbrella Entertainment Blu-ray has a good though dated transfer with a great selection of new and vintage extras. Highly recommended.
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