YES, cult classic “Motel Hell” finally gets the special
edition treatment courtesy of Arrow films and I managed to blag myself a review
copy to take a look at.
The story for this takes place just outside of a small rural
town in the American Deep South, where Farmer Vincent makes his speciality
smoked meats. But, there’s a reason his particular brand of food tastes so
special.
Vincent also happens to run a motel, and for many an
unfortunate soul, once they check in they don’t check out. Plus, it seems one
of the nearby roads can be a very hazardous place for unwary travellers at
night, particularly when farmer Vincent has spike strips and various traps
spread over the highway.
The local sheriff seems to be blissfully unawhere of all the
missing travellers that have passed through his town, but begins to suspect
something is amiss when the health inspector goes missing after investigating
Vincent’s smokehouse.
Plus it seems Vincent may have bitten off more than he can
chew when he falls in love with one of his young victims and decides to spare
her from the smokehouse, who goes on to discover what the main ingredient of what
his products is…
Crossing elements of Psycho and Texas Chainsaw, but with a
huge dose of campy humour thrown in, the film boasts an interesting cast, which
includes western Veteran Rory Calhoun (Night of the Lepus), along with Nancy
Parsons (who fans of cult 80s film “Porkys” will remember from her role as Miss
Ballbreaker), Paul Linke, who plays the Sheriff (who also starred as a police
officer in the cult 80s show “CHiPs” with Eric Estrada) along with American DJ
Wolfman Jack (American Graffiti), who has a brief role as an evangelical
preacher.
The film has garnered a huge cult following over the years
and has been crying out for a special edition release as it has so far only
been available on various bare bones releases. Fortunately, Arrow films have
come to the rescue and given it the special edition treatment it so richly
deserves.
The film is being released in a Blu-Ray/DVD
combo pack, which contain the same extras on. Which comprise of…
Audio commentary track with director Kevin Connor, moderated
by horror journalist Callum Waddel.
Interview with co-star Paul Link, who plays the Sheriff
Interview with co-star Rosanne Katon
“Ida be thy Name” feature, which is a look at Nancy Pasron’s
role as Ida, and various other women in horror, presented by critic Shelagh
Rowan-Legg and featuring horror reviewer Staci Layne Wilson and Scream Queens
Ellisa Dowling and Chantelle Albers
“Back to the Backwoods” feature, with fellow director Dave
Parker (The Hills Run Red) who discusses
his love for the film.
And lastly there’s the original theatrical trailer.
The case also contains an exclusive booklet with linear notes
on the film by critic Kim Newman, and the case sleeve contains reversible cover
art.
If you're fan of the film, or you wish to check this out, then this Arrow release is definitely a must. The review copy I was sent was a Blu-Ray disc, but the accompanying DVD apparently has the same extras on, so no need to double-dip if you want both HD and SD versions of the film.
The film is released to UK shelves May 13th.
