Talk about a strange movie. This one has developed a bit of
a cult following and it’s easy to see why. The entire world depicted here is
unusual, filled with violence and hot items from the time it was released (1986)
like punk music and dress. All of that being said whether you enjoy this movie
will all depend on your point of view.
The year is 1990 (keep in mind when this was released) and
the world is in terrible shape. Violence is the theme of the day, gangs roam
the streets with little fear of repercussion and cars are a commodity. In this
mix is Crabs (Ned Manning), a young man trying to live the right way and
working hard. One night he borrows his brother’s car and takes his best girl
Carmen (Natalie McCurry) for a night at the drive-in.
Things seem to be going smoothly, the couple find themselves
going at it only to later realize that the tires from the car have been stolen.
Crabs reports this to the manager only to discover that the drive-in is not
what it once was and that it was the police that stole his tires. All of them
have been converted into concentration camps for the low lifes and criminals of
the time. Stuck in this place with no means to leave Crabs and Carmen must
learn the rules to survive.
With easy access provided to drugs, food and entertainment
inside this locale it seems that most inside would rather stay than face the
problems the outside world now presents. The “guests” at this drive-in have
made themselves at home here. They’ve constructed their own small buildings to
live in and have formed their own hierarchy to deal with things.
Crabs continues to seek a way out, trying to climb the fence
that surrounds the drive-in only to discover it’s been electrified. He
eventually finds tires for his car only to discover all his gas has been
drained. He gets gas only to find engine parts missing. He begins to suspect
that the owner, who is paid a stipend for each person who stays there, is
behind it all. One way or another Crabs and Carmen must find a way to escape
and return to the real world.
Director Brian Trenchard-Smith has said that the film was
“an allegory for the junk values of the eighties” and it shows. The placated
masses living in the drive-in are content as long as they have entertainment
and food provided for them, never working or dealing with anything of any
substance. Drugs and movies rule the day here. It speaks volumes about the kids
of the time and the whole me generation as they were called.
The reality of this film is that it was a low budget
pictures that made the best use of their limited funds. The end result is funny
at moments, has enough thrills to maintain interest and a story that seems odd
but interesting. The acting is better than one would expect from something like
this. Production values seem low as far as sets go but that works in its favor
since this is an apocalyptic world we’re talking about here. Trenchard-Smith
has a firm hand on the directing of the film, a true feat since he was brought
in after the initial director left.
Fans of the film discovered this not in theaters or in
drive-ins across the world. It gathered its following though video with the
initial release on VHS. Copies were shared, discussed and loved by fans of the
film for years. An initial release on DVD came out and the love for the film
continued. But now that affection can grow larger still as Arrow Video has
released the ultimate version of the film that should make fans of Brian
Trenchard-Smith happy as well.
Not only has Arrow, as they are prone to do, released the
film in pristine shape with a 2k transfer from original materials, they’ve
included some quality extras as well. Included are an audio commentary track
with Trenchard-Smith, “The Stuntman” a classic television documentary about
stuntman Grant Page and other Australian stunt performers directed by
Trenchard-Smith, “Hospitals Don’t Burn Down”a 1978 public information film made
by Trenchard-Smith, the theatrical trailer and if you pick up a first pressing
edition a collectors booklet.
It’s easy to see why Arrow Video is becoming a fan favorite
for collectors of what many consider less than mainstream films. They treat
each item as if it were a rare gem and in truth they are. Not many would
consider a film like this should receive the special treatment that they’ve
given it. Thank goodness they have decided to do so.
Click here to order.
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