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In the world of splatter films there are very few gems left that have yet to have been given the royal DVD treatment. One film that was long overdue for this honor was the camp slaughter classic THE BURNING. This film is memorable for many reasons but you ask any true horror fan why they know THE BURNING and the only answer you'll get will be "those kick ass effects by Tom Savini".
And I have to say, they are amazing. This is the stuff that made Savini a household name, well as long as you had a horror movie fan in the house I guess.
The film tells the typical summer camp tale. A group of young dudes tired of being bullied by the mean spirited caretaker Cropsy. Why this character never became a horror icon is beyond me. Very much in the fashion of Freddy Kruger, Cropsy is a hat wearing burn victim that slices and dices his victims not with finger knives but with a pair of hedge trimmers that do the job just as well. Can't help but wonder if Cropsy isn't some how the genesis of Kruger. We'll never know but a strong case could be made. Anyway, the boys at the camp decide to play a trick on old Cropsy and as these things usually do, it goes horribly wrong and ends with Cropsy badly burnt and in the hospital where he remains for many years. He recovers but is left a horribly scarred freak.
Of course Cropsy returns to the camp where he is hell bent on revenge. Camp is in session and there are plenty of sexed up teenagers on hand for Cropsy to stalk and stalk he does. This is some of Savini's best work and a big part of the reason that he is the icon he is today. Although one of his lesser known efforts among the less hard core fans when viewed it rivals everything he did on his Friday the 13th efforts.
Also of note is the introduction of 2 of todays biggest stars. Holly Hunter has a bit part, you really can't even tell it's her. I had to wait till the credits at the end, find out her character name and then watch the film again till someone said her name. Also, much more recognizable, is Jason Alexander, yep George Costanza himself. He looks and sounds pretty much the same except he has a full head of hair at this young age.
The disc itslef looks and sounds great. By far the best reproduction I have seen. Savini's effects work really shines in all its bloody glory. The disc is a little lacking in special features though. There is a commentary with director Tony Maylam and some horror expert, I was really hoping for a Savini commentary track personally and was a little surprised to see this disc lacking that. Savini is represented though in a documentary titled Blood and Fire Memories which is really worth the price of the disc in and of itself. Well put together and very entertaining it is a casual converstaion with Tom on the film and effects. Easily the best part of the disc for this Savini fan.
If you have never seen this movie, now is the time. If you have never owned this movie, now is the time.
Cropsy is waiting for you on store shelves Tues. Sept. 11th.
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