Review: The Zero Boys
Blu-ray: The Zero Boys (1986)
New to Blu-ray from Arrow is Nico Mastorakis forgotten backwoods stalk and slash The Zero Boys.
Made in 1986 after he had already shocked and confused movie goers with the likes of Island of Death, writer/director Mastorakis goes full-on 80’s action movie here with a healthy sprinkle of hillbilly horror. Imagine Walter Hill’s Southern Comfort remade by a European exploitation auteur and you have The Zero Boys.
A group of weekend warriors head up to the hills with some girls (specifically 80’s favourite Kelli Maroney) for some R&R only to encounter the local, mad bastard hillbilly’s, who enjoy ruining their weekend while making snuff films in a barn. The Zero Boys themselves are the kind of typical ‘Regan era’ jocks who tackle the goons head on. We are treated to some fun effects, gunplay and excellent use of a tazer! Light on the hardcore gore and nudity (very disappointing for a film from this era) this film could have done with more shocks and violence but don’t let that put you off, seek it out, crack open a few cans and enjoy this lost 80’s gem.
Picture and sound wise, ARROW have remastered The Zero Boys in stunning 4K and 2.0 audio. The film is beautifully presented.
Special Features:
- Brand new 2K restoration of the film, approved by writer-director Nico Mastorakis
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
- Original Stereo audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Audio Commentary with star Kelli Maroney, moderated by Shock Till You Drop’s Chris Alexander
- Nico Mastorakis on… Nico Mastorakis – brand new interview with Mastorakis on the making of The Zero Boys (the director essentially interviews himself, very cool)
- Brand new interview with star Kelli Maroney
- Brand new interview with star Nicole Rio
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Stills Gallery
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
- Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by critic James Oliver
Review by Ramrod (co-host of 60 Minutes With) from a disc kindly supplied by Arrow Films.
