Disc Reviews
Killer Klowns From Outer Space Blu-ray Review
A true instant video classic from the late 80’s – Killer Klowns From Outer Space makes a return to home entertainment courtesy of Arrow Video, and despite its “So naff it’s good” reputation, it’s surprising how well the film stands up today.
So in a small town called, er, (Well the budget was so low they hand-painted the sign for the town, so why should we remember it) somewhere! The locals are visited one night by visitors from outer space. From their big top tent the Killer Klowns are here to harvest the town locals – but not if the teenagers hanging out at make-out point manage to stop them first! If only someone would believe them!
Yes ok let’s be honest and upfront. Killer Klowns is not a good film. It’s full of horrid dialogue, some worse acting, some novice directing in places and some truly terrible fashions and hair styles. BUT! This all thankfully aids the rewatch. This sort of thing is what audiences will tolerate in an old cult classic. In fact this is what they revel in.
And let’s not forget that the film does have some very strong high pints. The music for a start is great fun, but the real star is of course the creature designs. It’s clear the budget and thinking went into the design of the idea itself. And you get more than just a handful of designs. There are dozens of the buggers at one point! The “Klown” designs are terrific and stand up pretty well – thanks to the fact that they are practical.
On the extras side there is a variety of retro featurettes that look behind the scenes (often on set recordings) of the making of the film. Many of these features it seems have been taken over from a previous special edition. The commentary is evidence of this as the filmmakers mention a 13 year gap between then and the film’s release (It’s now actually been over 25 years). But dated extras are not a bad thing. Sure the interview with the Composer looks a little rough, but it is no less fascinating. There are a few newer interviews with the main cast as well, and various featurettes on the make-up and effects wor of the Chiodo brothers (including a couple of early shorts).
The commentary itself is where you will get most of the fun though as the three Chiodo brothers make for a lively team behind the microphones. But remember that commentary is over a decade old – so don’t get too excited when they talk about making a sequel (hey they still might!).
It’s a lively bunch, and the film is a good laugh. It’s horror comedy, and it also fits into that sub-genre of horror where something evil descends upon a small American town in the space of one night of which there are a variety of films (The Blob, Alien vs Predator: Requiem).
Should a sequel or reimagine/remake/awakening thingy happen keep fingers crossed they stick with the practical effects. There is no substitute.
Steven Hurst