Having only directed three films, Matt Devlen may be best known for his work on the film Ozone: The Attack of the Redneck Mutants (1986), not to be confused with another low-budget shocker titled Ozone (1990) from filmmaker J.R. Bookwalter. This Super 8 “video nasty” has been given the superior treatment from Visual Vengeance, and it hits pretty hard. Originally released through the short-lived label, Muther Video, Visual Vengeance goes all the way with this remaster, and I found the film itself to be quite a pleasant surprise.
In the small town of Poolville, Texas, a chemical plant spill has begun transforming locals into grotesque mutant zombies. Sent to investigate, young biologist Arlene (Blue Thompson) quickly finds herself entangled with Kevin (Scott Davis), a hitchhiker whose powerful father believes that Arlene’s refusal to work for him is personal and that Kevin can change her mind.
Determined to uncover the truth, Arlene reluctantly allows Kevin to join her, only for the mutants to reveal terrifying signs of rapid evolution. After a narrow escape, the pair seeks help from Wade (Brad McCormick), a volatile local who offers his services in exchange for a date. When Wade takes them to his mother’s house, the situation detonates into full-blown chaos, forcing the trio into a desperate fight for survival.
Ozone has quite a bit in common with 1988’s The Abomination, including star McCormick (who also wrote and directed it). Thompson and Davis also starred in that film, and the cast’s chemistry carries over to this movie. It’s an engrossing tale that builds to a totally unleashed crescendo in the final act.
It also happens to be extremely gory, with wonderfully designed practical effects. It takes a moment for things to get moving, but I eventually found myself emotionally entangled with these characters. There are some slower moments, but it’s worth sticking around for the delivery in the finale.
The special edition package includes the new director-approved SD master from the original tape elements, two commentary tracks, an interview with Blue Thompson, a location visit, deleted scenes, outtakes, the original VHS intro reels, a Matt Devlin Cinema Wasteland interview, a producer trailer reel, a short film titled Babies, an image gallery, trailers, and more.
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To sweeten the pot, included is a VHS sticker sheet, reversible artwork, and a folded mini-poster. There are also some bonuses that will be exclusive to the first pressing, including a limited-edition O-card with exclusive artwork from The Dude, a 12-page mini-comic, an Ozone mutant puke bag, and a Muther Video logo sticker. You definitely get your money’s worth from this set, and Ozone: The Attack of the Redneck Mutants will finally find the audience it deserves.
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