Psychomania
(1973/MVD Visual/Arrow Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B/B- Sound: B/B- Extras: B Film: B
If
you're a fan of Ghost
Rider
or biker films of the past (plus the likes of Werewolves
On Wheels),
then you may want to check out this insane 1973 film that also
features supernatural bikers forming a pack with the Devil.
Psychomania
(also known as The
Death Wheelers)
is an action packed low budget spectacle from the UK from the writers
of Horror
Express
(the highly underrated gem reviewed on Blu-ray elsewhere on this
site) and Hammer director Don Sharp (Rasputin:
The Mad Monk
among many others). Featuring a great soundtrack, Psychomania
is a very fun exploitation film that you won't soon forget after
seeing it. Thanks to Arrow, we get this fantastic Blu-ray release
that is packed with extras and an impressive new presentation that
isn't to be missed.
Psychomania
stars Nicky Henson, Mary Larkin, Ann Michelle, Roy Holder, Denis
Gilmore, and Beryl Reid.
A
gang of young bikers call themselves The Living Dead as they
terrorize their small town, make out in Graveyards, show off their
handsome good looks, and even more vicious attitude. After an
agreement with the Devil, if they kill themselves firmly believing in
it, they will survive and gain eternal life. Following their leader,
they commit suicide one after the other, but things don't necessarily
turn out as expected when the Gang Leader Tom (Henson) has a Satanist
for a Mother that may have a trick or two up her sleeve.
Presented
in 1080p high definition and a new 2K transfer of the film,
Psychomania
has been preserved and fully restored in its 1.66:1 full frame aspect
ratio with a nice sounding original 1.0 English Mono track
(Uncompressed PCM 2.0 Mono on Blu-ray) that gives us a better looking
and sounding film than previous releases have, making it look as if
it hasn't aged nearly as much as it should have. Also included is a
standard definition DVD of the film with the same aspect ratio
anamorphically enhanced and similar sound mix that isn't bad, but not
quite as attractive as the Blu-ray. Still, it is nice to have both
editions.
Special
Features...
-
Brand-new interview with star Nicky Henson
-
Return
of the Living Dead,
an archive featurette containing interviews actors Henson, Mary
Larkin, Denis Gilmore, Roy Holder and Rocky Taylor
-
Sound
of Psychomania,
an archive interview with composer John Cameron
-
Riding
Free,
an archive interview with 'Riding
Free'
singer Harvey Andrews
-
Hell
for Leather,
a brand-new featurette on the company who supplied the film's
costumes
-
Remastering
Psychomania,
a look at the film's restoration from the original 35mm black and
white separation masters
-
Theatrical trailer
-
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork
by the Twins of Evil
-
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector's booklet containing writing by Vic
Pratt, William Fowler and Andrew Roberts
A
great release and a fun watch, Psychomania
is one that Horror and Exploitation fans won't want to miss.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
