Another 80s slasher movie in a time where 80s slasher movies came out every day (of course, back then they were just called slasher movies). Does Graduation Day offer us anything new that we have not already seen before? Not really, but it does give us an ample amount of Linnea Quigley boobies to gawk at and the awesome Christopher George of Pieces, a movie which this one seems to have a lot in common with.
Product Information:
DISCS: 1
RUN-TIME: 96 min
ASPECT RATIO: 1.78:1
RESOLUTION: 1080p
AUDIO: DTS-HD MA Mono 2.0
LANGUAGE: English
SUBTITLES: None
REGION: All
RATING: R
PRODUCTION DATE: 1981
Short nitty-gritty plot description is as follows: After the death of a high school track star during a race, a mysterious, fencing-mask wearing killer begins murdering her friends and teachers. Who could the killer be? Her disgruntled coach? Her angry sister? Her violent boyfriend? As the bodies pile up, a twisted mystery unfolds, slowly revealing itself as it moves towards its bloody climax.
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| Photo courtesy of 88 Films Facebook Page |
Tatlock’s Quick ‘n Dirty Review: I think the thing that I like best about Graduation Day, is the fact that it doesn’t hide that it is a sleazy movie. There are times where all the camera does, is just focus on the ass of a hot chick and for no good reason. I love it! I know, that does not really tell you if it is a good movie or not, but if you like hot women, you will at least get something out of this movie.
As for the rest of the non-ass staring portion of the film, it is your cliché slasher/revenge movie, where they try as hard as they can to throw you off who the killer is. Tons of red herrings peppered throughout the movie and for the most part, they do an adequate job at keeping the identity of the slasher a secret. However, you will probably guess it long before the ending rolls around.
I should point out that it was a blast seeing Vanna White looking smoking hot in her small role. I find it funny that some copies of the film promote her with top billing. I guess you gotta get people’s money somehow.
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| Photo courtesy of 88 Films Facebook Page |
Blu-ray Opinion:
I picked up the 88 Films version of the Blu-ray and I gotta say, I’m very happy with the transfer and special features. The sound however, has a weird noise that presents itself through scenes and it can be quite distracting. You can hear all the dialogue nicely and the weird sound does not take away too much from the overall quality of the film.
I highly recommend picking up the 88 Films version for one certain special feature. You might think I will say the feature length Scream Queen documentary and honestly, yeah that would be a good enough reason to get it, but nope, my number one reason is for the special feature called The Cannibal Lesbian Hoedown Music Video. Yes, it is exactly what you think it is. Tons of fake boobs, hillbilly music, and glorious low budget set pieces. It is a blast to watch.
Blu-ray Features:
– SCREAM QUEENS: HORROR HEROINES EXPOSED – Feature length documentary hosted by the legendary Debbie Rochon (Terror Firmer/ Tromeo and Juliet) and highlighting and all-female cast of interviewees including Michelle Bauer (Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers), Sybil Danning (Howling II), Danielle Harris (the Halloween series), Adrienne King (Friday the 13th), Melanie Kinnaman (Friday the 13th Part V), Jennifer Lim (Hostel), Lynn Lowry (Shivers), Catriona MacColl (The Beyond), Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), Linnea Quigley (Graduation Day), Brinke Stevens (Slumber Party Massacre), Patricia Tallman (Night of the Living Dead), Lisa Wilcox (A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and 5) and many more.
– GRADUATION MEMORIES: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR AND CRITIC JUSTIN KERSWELL
– COLLECTOR’S BOOKLET BY CALUM WADDELL FEATURING AN IN DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH GRADUATION DAY STAR PATCH MACKENZIE
– Intro By Lloyd Kaufman creator of The Toxic Avenger
– Interview with Scream Queen Linnea Quigley
– Tromatic Filmmaking Classroom: The Arm Rip
– The Cannibal Lesbian Hoedown Music Video Directed by Lloyd Kaufman
– Theatrical Trailer
– 88 Films Trailer Reel
– Reversible Sleeve without logos
– All Region Codes
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| Photo courtesy of 88 Films Facebook Page |
Verdict: Graduation Day is not offering us something new and exciting, but it does not do anything awful either. It has a few neat kills and lots of sleazy camera work, focusing on boobs and butts. If you are a slasher fan, you owe it to yourself to check it out and if you want it on Blu-ray, pick up the 88 Films version for that awesome music video and documentary.
Rating:
