Before becoming one of the biggest movie stars in the world, Brad Pitt began his career working in television and bit parts in small films. One of those movies has gone on to become a cult classic and now, thanks to MVD, is getting the premium 4K Blu-ray treatment, Cutting Class (1989).
The film also stars Jill Schoelen, who had a pretty brilliant run of horror films from 1985 through about 1993, including The Stepfather (1987), Chiller (1985), and Popcorn (1991). Donovan Leitch (The Blob) rounds out the trio of director Rospo Pallenberg’s cult slasher from screenwriter Steve Slavkin.
Paula Carson (Jill Schoelen) is the popular girl next store whose life seems to be perfect. She’s dating Dwight (Brad Pitt), the basketball star, but Brian (Donovan Leitch) also has his eyes set on her. Brian and Dwight were once best friends, but after doing a stint in the mental hospital, Brian is the weird one no one wants to be around, except for Paula. Soon, the bodies begin to pile up, and everyone has already formed their opinion, believing Brian is the culprit.
He’s the obvious choice, but with several other candidates being overlooked, maybe their assumptions are wrong since Dwight’s world is quickly coming unraveled. Once the killer’s true identity is revealed, Paula will have to fight for her life as well as the ones she cares for.
I’ve owned this movie for decades in one format or another, but I had no recollection of it. Cutting Class was a pleasant surprise for a couple of reasons. As far as the story, it’s nothing groundbreaking. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Kevin Williamson cite it as being a major influence on the original Scream (1996). The movie has several flaws but it’s all part of the charm.
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Jill Schoelen is near perfect as the final girl, with Pitt showing promise. Leitch has some great moments, especially when he’s hiding out being a creeper. Speaking of creepers, their high school has some pretty sleazy teachers, always eyeballing their girls, looking up their skirts, even the brilliant Roddy McDowall. It walks a very thin line between horror and humor, and that’s what drives the film to success.
This 4K LaserVision release from the MVD Rewind Collection (previously released by Vinegar Syndrome) takes the film to a whole new level. It’s fresh and colorful, and the cinematography really has a chance to shine with the 4k transfer. As you’d expect, the 2-disc package is loaded with features like trailers, interviews with Jill Schoelen and Donovan Leitch, a “Kill Comparisons” featurette, “Find the Killer and Win” video store promo, an R-Rated/Edited version of Cutting Class, reversible artwork, and a limited slipcover.
If you’ve yet to upgrade your old edition or are a fan of ’80s slashers, now would be the time to pounce. It’s a cult classic worth Cutting Class for.
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