In the eighties drive-ins were dying off and grindhouse
theaters were for the most part limited to larger cities. The rest of the
country found their horror fix at the mom and pop video stores. The influx of
horror films was massive and titles ranged from terrible low budget flicks to
inspired films that rose above financial restrictions. Minor studios were
churning out movie after movie to satisfy the home viewing crowds and the
result was some movies that were more entertaining than expected if not
completely memorable. THE INTIATION falls into this category.
Daphne Zuniga stars as Kelly, a young college student
pledging to the Delta Ro Kai sorority and dealing with the hazing that entails.
The daughter of wealthy Dwight and Francis (Clu Gulager and Vera Miles), she is
resented by at least one sorority sister who makes her initiation unbearable.
At the same time Kelly has been dealing with a frightening
set of dreams where she sees a burned man. Looking for help she turns to a
professor doing research, Peter (James Read). His team studies Kelly and does
test on her when she sleeps to help find the reason for her constant battle
with these dreams.
Both of these issues come to a head when the final test
she’s put through with her fellow pledges is to spend the night in a mall
complex owned by her father. They must get by the guard and perform certain
tasks throughout the night. Of course her nemesis in the sorority and a few of
her friends have plans to make the night difficult for the pledges. But none of
them is aware of a stalker that has been following Kelly with murder in mind.
Characters are killed off one by one as we try and figure out who is behind it
all. Does it have anything to do with the person in her dreams? Who will
survive?
The movie is an effective thriller that holds your interest
from the get go. The low budget means that everything on the screen is put
there with a skill that makes the film look much better than you would think
the money would allow. The story is a solid one though done but holds elements
of another horror film made just 4 years prior (I won’t say what since it would
become a major spoiler) that was done better and for more money. Still this
movie offers enough differences that it creates its own story and fan base at
the same time. It’s also great to see actors like Miles and Gulager known for
their roles in past horror films given roles here.
Arrow Video is releasing this one and as with all their
releases they’ve strived to make it the best. The 1080p restoration is derived
from original film elements. Extras include a brand new commentary track by The
Hysteria Continues, a new interview with actor Christopher Bradley, a new
interview with actress Joy Jones, the theatrical trailer, a reversible sleeve
with newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn and for the first pressing
copies only a collector booklet with new writing on the film by critic James
Oliver.
If you’re a fan a horror films you’ll want to pick this up.
If you remember the days of perusing the shelves for horror movies at the local
mom and pop video stores, you’ll want to add this to your shelf. And if you
just enjoy a solid movie with a few scares and a decent story then this is one
you’ll want to see.
Click here to order.
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