Review: Deathstalker & Deathstalker 2
Blu-ray: Deathstalker & Deathstaker 2 (1983 & 1987)
If ever a couple of review discs dropping through the letterbox here at 60MW Towers elicited a huge smile from me, it was when this 2 disc double feature from 101 Films appeared, bringing back memories of when I rented (and then bought) both movies on VHS way back when.
Obviously the picture and sound quality in this release blows my prized VHS versions out of the water, plus the commentary tracks on both movies are hugely entertaining…gratuitous plug: make sure to listen to our interview show with Deathstalker 2 writer/director Jim Wynorski.
Both movies tell the tale of the mighty warrior Deathstalker as he battles against various evil forces, all while nubile ladies grace the screen in various stages of undress…especially in the first movie where the swords and sandals genre leans heavily into showing as many bare breasts as possible in its lean 80 minute running time.
Rick Hill plays the titular Deathstalker in the first movie, a more muscular and serious character than as played by John Terlesky in the sequel, where the original script was thrown away by Jim Wynorski and he rewrote a far more tongue-in-cheek and humorous tale which ideally suited Terleskey.
Both movies have sword fights, fist fights, magical spells, good vs evil battles, monsters of varying quality…and lots of boobs. Both movies are also a hell of a lot of fun too, and their short running times mean that neither outstay their welcome as one ridiculous scene follows another until the inevitable conclusion of Deathstalker emerging victorious…because there are another 2 Deathstalker movies after these (which I have fingers and toes crossed 101 Films will eventually release too).
Low on budget but high on entertainment and rewatch value, this Deathstalker 1&2 release is a great buy.
DEATHSTALKER SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Commentary with director James Sbardellati, special makeup effects artist John Carl Buechler, and actor Richard Brooker
- Theatrical trailer
- Photo gallery
- English subtitles
DEATHSTALKER 2 SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Commentary with director Jim Wynorski, and actors John Terlesky and Toni Naples
- Theatrical trailer
- English subtitles
Review by Dave from discs kindly supplied by 101 Films.
