If you’re an aficionado of the direct-to-video store era of film, then certain names may ring a bell whether you remember who they are or not. Having spent hours upon hours browsing video store aisles myself, I’d take the time to pick up boxes, admire the cover art, read the back of the box, and kind of subconsciously, I’d take mental notes of credited names on them. Sometimes, I’d eventually rent a film, other times, I’d just sort of stow away the artwork or names and plan to go back to them later.
Part of my film education came through the pages of Film Threat Magazine, which would also introduce me to a slew of more underground names and films. I could be wrong, but I feel the name Kevin J. Lindenmuth was first introduced to me through their pages. While I never saw films like Addicted to Murder (1995) or Twisted Tales (1994), I remembered their presence quite vividly. One of his more notable titles, Vampires and Other Stereotypes (1994), has received the premium Blu-ray treatment from Wild Eye’s Visual Vengeance label.
Two paranormal investigators, Ivan (Bill White) and Harry (Ed Hubbard) are out on the grimy streets of New York looking for something to show up when they come across a group of girls ready to party. It just so happens they may have opened a portal to hell, unleashing demons out in the Big City. The two partners will have to do what they do best if they are to save New York and maybe even the world.
Vampires and Other Stereotypes is exactly what you think it is. It’s shot on video (of course), a very small budget, and amateurish acting, but at the same time, you get the feeling people are having fun. The practical special effects always win me over with their DIY appeal. This was Lindenmuth’s first feature film, and it doesn’t always work when looking at it with a critical eye. You need to take a different approach, and with how Visual Vengeance presents the film, it’s easier to appreciate and enjoy.
The transfer is cleaned up but not to the point where it’s overdone. I mean, let’s face it, the only people who are going to watch or get this film are physical media collectors and people who have a fondness for films done like this from that era. Who’s to say it won’t find a new audience, I’m sure the new generation of B-movie fans will want to own this as well.
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The disc was obviously made for fans, loading it with features like three commentary tracks, interviews with Lindenmuth, actor Mick McCleery, actress Suzanne Turner, actress Kelly Narkis, effects artist Scott Sliger, and several others. You’ll find a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, early Super-8 films from Lindenmuth, and a trailer. The packaging is killer with a VHS sticker set, mini-poster, and reversible sleeve.
Whether you just like to collect or are a fan of the film and its director, you can’t go wrong with Visual Vengeance’s release of Vampires and Other Stereotypes.
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