Review: Madman
Blu-ray: Madman (1982)
Arrow Films presentation of notorious video nasty ‘Madman’ is finally here on Blu-ray.
As a horror film buff I must admit I was never really a big lover of this film (apologies to any fans). It is, however one of the most loved and most fun of the early 80’s slasher films.
The ‘Cropsy’ legend was made as two movies; the superior slasher The Burning in 1981 and Madman in 1982. The story of a hulking, murderous entity that haunts the woods around a summer camp. The camp counsellors tell the teens all about the Madman and how he butchered his family the disappeared. The Madman himself, ‘Madman Marz’ is the kind of lumbering redneck that we have seen time and time again. He is no Jason Voorhees or Michael Myers by any stretch, but strangely the madman has the stealth of a cat as he creeps around the shadows, leaping out on our teens and camp counsellors.
There are some half decent kills in here including several axe murders and a nasty lynching. The soundtrack is nice and the night time cinematography is above average for a film of this era. Unfortunately this is not enough to elevate Madman into the essential slasher cannon in my opinion but it has gathered a worldwide following over the last 30+ years and this special edition from Arrow Films will have fans salivating.
I find myself enjoying Madman on a more comical level watching it now. It’s a perfect ‘beer’ movie, from the hilarious acting to the surprise of Gaylen Ross showing her boobs (Dawn of the Dead fans rejoice!) If you love a good ‘midnight movie’ then Madman should tick all your boxes.
There is the usual exceptional attention to detail in this package. The transfer is lush for a film shot entirely at night, grain is expected but some shots look like they were done yesterday such is the quality of the picture here.
Special Features
THE LEGEND STILL LIVES! – An extensive documentary on the film’s production and its legacy.
MADMAN: Alive at 35 – The producer and stars look back on the making of the movie.
The early career of Gary Sales – an interview with the films producer….you guessed it…sex films.
Some brief ‘Deadpit’ interviews, a bit on the music that has been inspired by the campfire song in Madman, TV spots and trailers, artwork gallery and audio commentaries by cast & crew and even a fun fan commentary for good measure!
Review by Ramrod from a disc kindly supplied by Arrow Films.
