The Redeemer (aka Class Reunion Massacre)

[Cujo108]

This interesting little curiosity from the 70s happens to be one of my absolute favorite slasher films. Its also an extremely eerie picture. For the uninitiated, its about a mysterious morality killer who tricks a group of "undesirables" into attending a fake high school reunion, only to pick them off once they get there. If you think this sounds a bit like Slaughter High, you'd be right, though this came first, and for my money, its the better film. Its religous subtext alone makes it more intriguing overall. Once the 80s slasher boom arrived, it was retitled Class Reunion Massacre to help it better cash in on the craze on home video.

The six so-called degenerates include a lawyer, a gay actor, a lesbian, a rich snob, a cute girl who takes pride in her appearance, and a cocky former football jock with a tendency to pig out every time he gets the opportunity. Despite negative comments about the acting at IMDB and in a horror reference guide of mine, the acting in this film is just fine as far as I'm concerned. The six main characters are perfectly believable in their roles, and all of them but the glutton wind up being quite likable. The Redeemer himself comes off as a little over the top at times (the scene in the auditorium for instance), but this actually works in the character's favor, as it really makes him seem like an absolute lunatic.

Indeed, the Redeemer is a very creepy individual. Throughout the film, he dons many different costumes (as Terror Train's killer did a few years later), each one representing an aspect of each victim's life. These costumes are quite creepy, and really add to the film's effectiveness. Perhaps the creepiest scene in the entire movie is when the lesbian is yelling for a man to let them out of the school, and that man turns out to be the Redeemer dressed up as the Grim Reaper. He proceeds to pound on the bars with his scythe, toying with her, and it always sends a chill up my spine.

This film also has a weird surreal feeling to it that I love. The above mentioned sequence is all the creepier because it comes off as rather dreamy in a way. The film's opening and closing sequences, as well as the moody score, reinforce this feeling tenfold. This film also has an unnerving atmosphere, and I wouldn't hesitate to call it one of the most atmospheric slashers in existence. The eerie school, the rural area surrounding it, and the surreal feeling all add up to give this film atmosphere out the wazoo.

The Redeemer is a bleak, dread inducing slasher that never has been regarded all that highly. Personally, I think its easily one of the best films of its genre. There really isn't very much gore in this movie, but it more than makes up for that with an interesting premise, a surreal tone, a very creepy killer, likable characters, and a unique utilization of religous themes. This one is well worth rediscovering.

That said, I was browsing the used DVD section of Half Priced Books a few weeks back, and I came across this film on a cheapo double feature DVD. I decided to buy it, and while it is certainly not a disc to write home about, at least I have it to watch whenever I want. I would kill to get a great release of this film, though I fear that'll never happen, as Program Power, the shitty company that aquired the rights, went under before putting together the release, and I have no idea what has become of the rights. Hopefully one day, someone like BU or Synapse will get ahold of this one.

[onebyone]

That said, I was browsing the used DVD section of Half Priced Books a few weeks back, and I came across this film on a cheapo double feature DVD. I decided to buy it, and while it is certainly not a disc to write home about, at least I have it to watch whenever I want. I would kill to get a great release of this film, though I fear that'll never happen, as Program Power, the shitty company that aquired the rights, went under before putting together the release, and I have no idea what has become of the rights. Hopefully one day, someone like BU or Synapse will get ahold of this one.

Can you scan or give us more info on the cheapo double feature disc you found? Please, please, please. Danke.

[Cujo108]

I don't have a scanner, but its coupled with the ghostly appliance nonsense, Carnage, and the case says its from East West DVD, or www.eastwestdvd.com anyway. It is listed at DVDAficionado if you want to take a look there.

[onebyone]

Thanks for the tip. I remember loving this movie, but I haven't seen it in ages and ages. I am going to try to find one asap.

[sumo8675309]

i found 3 copy's of the dvd on ebay searching under class reunion massacre for roughly $5 each including shipping

[Katatonia]

Cool, I must try to get this one!

[Big Bobby D]

This may be a cool movie, but like someone said, it sounds a lot like Slaughter High, which I did not like (but I haven't seen it in years, so my opinon could possibly change) Who is this east west dvd company? Are they a foreign company or a bootleg like company? Because I saw on their site they had double feature dvds with movies like Demons 2 and The Driller Killer on them, and I know other companies here in the states own the rights to those. If I ever saw the double feature with The Driller Killer and Drive-In Massacre I'd probably have to get it even though I wanna get Cult Epics' 2 disc of The Driller Killer.

[booper71]

i will get this, plus the one with Final Terror on it.
Some of their titles I never knew were public domain yet!

[RyanPC]

I hated Class Reunion Massacre, but I do agree Cujo, it was mighty creepy. The ending made no sense though. :eek2:

I believe the company that put out the double-feature is a Canadian company, booper... hence why they have Demons 2 and Driller Killer. Still, they seem to be the Canadian counterpart to Diamond, because it seems no effort is put into their releases.

[ArrowBeach]

Apperently, the east west dvd is NOT a legit release. And FINAL TERROR and REDEEMER are not in the public dormain.I heard that there is a legit DVD in the works, from a new cult label who is yet to make a official announcement of their launch, that's all I can say at the moment as the head of the new label told me not to say anything else, and don't want to get in trouble. :eek1: .

[Hellbilly]

Apperently, the east west dvd is NOT a legit release. And FINAL TERROR and REDEEMER are not in the public dormain.I heard that there is a legit DVD in the works, from a new cult label who is yet to make a official announcement of their launch, that's all I can say at the moment as the head of the new label told me not to say anything else, and don't want to get in trouble. :eek1: .
Thanks for the headsup :) I hope it won't take too long for them to put it out on DVD.

Even though I watched The Redeemer once (a zillion years ago), but I can't barely remember anything about it. Time to refresh my memory so, bring on the disc!

[Cujo108]

The ending made no sense though. :eek2:

The ending is definitely bizarre, and when I first saw the film a few years back, it did leave me sorta dumbfounded. Still, with another viewing a few days later, I did develop an interpretation of it.

My take is that the boy, Christopher, came from Heaven (or Hell?) to appoint the task of Redeemer to the priest. At the end, because the priest had completed his task, the second thumb that he was given to signify his role as Redeemer returns to Christopher, and he now goes back to wherever it was he came from, as his task too is complete.

Perhaps I'm way off though. ;)

[Subversive]

The whole film does has indeed a dreamlike quality. Very bizarre film. Not your normal slasher, with a very hard hitting religeous/conservative messege..

[WesReviews]

I love, LOVE this film. I have the cheapo double feature DVD, as well as the old Continental huge cardboard box VHS version. If another edition comes out by a new cult label, I will be the first to purchase it. Great, spooky slasher!

[pogotheklown]

Just echoing the thoughts of many of you...It was a very strange movie with an even stranger ending. It is a nice change of pace from your more typical slasher films...

I have a pretty poor quality dvd of this...wouldn't mind seeing it in better picture quality...

[Cujo108]

A local video store that had this for rent had it on their for sale rack today. While I have the East West double feature, and I'm hoping Code Red's disc comes out soon, I still picked this up, because I love the big box with the Reaper in his graduation cap. It looks great, and it holds a ton of nostalgia from when I first rented this back in the day. Can't go wrong with that for only 2 bucks. I think I'm going to try and track down an original poster of the film soon.

[Vortex]

Good review. I really liked this one too though I wasnt expecting I would.

[CrazyFatEthel]

Anybody know wren Code Red is releasing this?

[fceurich39]

http://www.dvdaf.com/search.html?has=redeemer&rgn=us&init_form=str0_has_redeemer*rgn_us
says oct 19th

[Katatonia]

http://www.dvdaf.com/search.html?has=redeemer&rgn=us&init_form=str0_has_redeemer*rgn_us
says oct 19th

You can now Pre-order it from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Redeemer-Son-Satan-T-G-Finkbinder/dp/B003WQ3RW2/). It's just $11.99 right now, but that price will rise before the release date as all Code Red DVD's on there generally do.

[Stige]

is amazon the only place to buy code red titles?

[Nailwraps]

Not really. There's also DVDempire and I think Best Buy.

[CPT HOOK]

I wonder why the lower SRP, only $16.98.

Not complaining or anything. :)

[Stige]

ok påre ordered from amazon crossing fingers please let this come

[Stige]

:nervous:ok email from amzon about my order being delayed....

[Katatonia]

:nervous:ok email from amzon about my order being delayed....

Hmm, they haven't sent me any delay email about this one.

[Bluenoser]

Hmm, they haven't sent me any delay email about this one.

I got emails from amazon saying that Redeemer, Carrier and The Undertaker were all delayed. But the new date they provided was the same as the original date... so I'm assuming it was just a mess up or amazon didn't have the proper release dates when they were posted.

[Hellbilly]

Just done watching the Code Red DVD. The print is pretty beat up and badly damaged at times but I found it not to be that much of a distraction. If anything I thought it added to the charm and gave The Redeemer a real "Grindhouse" feel.
Colors appear to be stable with only a few scenes 'washed out' and the overall image delivers good detail I thought.
No idea if this was interlaced as I could never really tell the difference. I didn't notice any 'ghosting' or anything.
There is a note about the print before the feature and another about the public domain version of Class Reunion Massacre which is not in the public domain at all.
Extras includes trailer and a few 'Pointless Code Red Trailers".
I'm happy I was able to buy an early copy. The Redeemer is a fun twisted flick and finally looks like a real movie in 16:9 widescreen.

[fceurich39]

Just done watching the Code Red DVD. The print is pretty beat up and badly damaged at times but I found it not to be that much of a distraction. If anything I thought it added to the charm and gave The Redeemer a real "Grindhouse" feel.
Colors appear to be stable with only a few scenes 'washed out' and the overall image delivers good detail I thought.
No idea if this was interlaced as I could never really tell the difference. I didn't notice any 'ghosting' or anything.
There is a note about the print before the feature and another about the public domain version of Class Reunion Massacre which is not in the public domain at all.
Extras includes trailer and a few 'Pointless Code Red Trailers".
I'm happy I was able to buy an early copy. The Redeemer is a fun twisted flick and finally looks like a real movie in 16:9 widescreen.

cool will be looking forward to this long delayed code red title i'll probably get mine from diabolik dvd

[highclassrob]

If anybody out there collects coke points like I do you can get a $10 gift card to K-Mart (280 points) off of MyCokeRewards, which is also useable at Sears.com . Sure you have to wait 4-6 weeks to get it but sears seems to have good prices on Code Red dvd's. It might help come next pre-order.

[bloodthrill]

I love 'worm turns' type flicks like The Redeemer, (which I haven't seen yet,and am dying to,though I fear I might have built it up into more than it probably is).

This is a list of all of my faves I can think of with this theme, ( a misfit getting revenge on those who wronged them,not rape revenge stories like "I Spit"):

Horror High-(one of Code Red's newest unheard-ofs,which offers some dollar store Grindhouse-era thrills... the 'cleats bit' was definitely a surprising treat,and a brutal standout among pedestrian scenes...and Pat Cardi made an admirably- nebbish whipping boy on a budget).

Slaughter High(The awesomely-named Simon Scuddamore eliminates more than a few badly-disguised Brit accents from the cast list via many a creative method..acid bath,javelin-impalement,and beer-poisoning among them...a must-see )

Mirror,Mirror (a girl is victimized this time,(and a Goth Boy George-clone at that)but turns the tables..very fun little ealy-90s effort with great gratuitous nudity courtesy of Charlie's Spradlings,plus Karen Black's selfish bitch who unrealistically transforms into mom of the year,and a handful of well-written teen characters whose fate you actually care about (for this kind of thing).

976-Evil (FUN! Stephen Geoffreys is pitch-perfect as the geek-turned heart-ripping demonic creep ,Lezlie Deane is a suitably-sleazy nympho,and yes-a rare sense of genuine creepiness pervades the picture.Sandy Dennis' religious-wacko Aunt Lucy is just a glob of crimson icing on the cake. )

Evil Speak- skull-splitting,chest-perforating madness as mistreated chub Clint Howard wreaks havoc on a boys' prep school with the aid of a Satan-possessed, pre-Windows computer.The pig-evisceration-in-bathtub scene is fun for all.


Anyone else have any suggestions for this kind of flick?I left out the obvious Carrie,its sequel,and remake,(even newer, entertaining trash like Tamara and Bad Reputation that raped the living $hit out of the original concept). The character of May wasn't particularly abused,just odd,and psychotic.I'm thinking more supernatural than slasher, (though something like Terror Train would be excellent,too).Marc Price opus Trick Or Treat was kinda in this vein,even if it was more the satanic rocker doing the killing. I'm also looking more for 70s/80s style mayhem.How was Massacre At Central High? Was that even really horror? HELP!

[Dobby]

Just done watching the Code Red DVD. The print is pretty beat up and badly damaged at times but I found it not to be that much of a distraction. If anything I thought it added to the charm and gave The Redeemer a real "Grindhouse" feel.
Colors appear to be stable with only a few scenes 'washed out' and the overall image delivers good detail I thought.
No idea if this was interlaced as I could never really tell the difference. I didn't notice any 'ghosting' or anything.
There is a note about the print before the feature and another about the public domain version of Class Reunion Massacre which is not in the public domain at all.
Extras includes trailer and a few 'Pointless Code Red Trailers".
I'm happy I was able to buy an early copy. The Redeemer is a fun twisted flick and finally looks like a real movie in 16:9 widescreen.

How I envy you right now luck you. How are the menus on the DVD? Hope they didn't use that septic shit menu again.

[Cujo108]

Thanks for the DVD info, Billy. It's a shame about the lack of supplements, especially considering stuff like The Forest & Doom Asylum got decked out, but as long as the transfer is better than the EastWest release, I'll be satisfied.

[Katatonia]

The Redeemer is a fun twisted flick and finally looks like a real movie in 16:9 widescreen.

That's cool, at least it's anamorphic. Given the curiously low SRP of the DVD, I was almost expecting a VHS dub in fullscreen or something.

Like Cujo108 said; I'll be happy as long as it's better than the EastWest DVD... which really wouldn't take much at all. ;)

[Hellbilly]

I've never seen the EastWest DVD but there is a Class Reunion Massacre version (VHS master?) on YouTube that appears to have less print damage than the Code Red disc.
I had no problems whatsoever with Code Red's print though as it looks 'authentic' and very filmlike, but I can see people complaining because it ain't pristine enough.

[Katatonia]

I've never seen the EastWest DVD but there is a Class Reunion Massacre version (VHS master?) on YouTube that appears to have less print damage than the Code Red disc.
I had no problems whatsoever with Code Red's print though as it looks 'authentic' and very filmlike, but I can see people complaining because it ain't pristine enough.

The EastWest DVD is basically just a copy off an old VHS tape. It's a double feature (the other film is Carnage from 1984) and both films are packed on a single-layered disc, so there's some slight compression artifacting present. It doesn't have much print damage, but the master it's sourced from is probably a good 25+ years old.

Even if the Code Red print has some damage (as expected), it's bound to be clearer/more detailed; and as you said more filmlike.

[fceurich39]

does the code red dvd of redeemer have a dvd menu?

[Hellbilly]

does the code red dvd of redeemer have a dvd menu?

Yep.

[bloodthrill]

Sorry if I missed something, but where is everybody getting their Redeemer copy so early?

[Nailwraps]

Through pre-ordering. Sometimes when you pre-order something it comes early. And this menu for The Redeemer, is it a Septic Cinema menu?

[bloodthrill]

Pre-ordered,yes,but from where? The best I've ever been able to get is release day-delivery.

[bruce h]

THE REDEEMER was actually this week's Name that Movie Monday Challenge over at my blog:

http://bruceholecheck.blogspot.com/2010/10/its-name-that-movie-monday-challenge-15.html

I've always had a soft spot for this one and really hope its fanbase grows a bit with this new DVD release; it's such an odd, quirky film that's been unjustly neglected (or worse) over the years.

[Hellbilly]

Sorry if I missed something, but where is everybody getting their Redeemer copy so early?
I bought mine at a DVD/Blu-ray convention in Europe :)

And this menu for The Redeemer, is it a Septic Cinema menu?
The menu shows The Redeemer so I guess its not a Septic Cinema menu? Unless I'm missing the obvious.

[Katatonia]

The menu shows The Redeemer so I guess its not a Septic Cinema menu? Unless I'm missing the obvious.

If there's no Poo flowing on the Menu, it's not the Septic Cinema one. ;)

[WesReviews]

I've always had a soft spot for this one and really hope its fanbase grows a bit with this new DVD release; it's such an odd, quirky film that's been unjustly neglected (or worse) over the years.

I agree. I think it unjustly gets bashed for being too "mean-spirited" or for having some sort of radical right-wing agenda.

It's certainly no more "mean-spirited" than Seven or the Saw movies, and the killer's motivation is very much along the same lines as John Doe and Jigsaw.

Of course, the film's influence on Saw doesn't stop there... the puppets prove that someone working on Saw HAD to have seen The Redeemer at some point. I won't say they ripped it off, but I do think Saw was certainly influenced to a degree by The Redeemer.

[Dobby]

If there's no Poo flowing on the Menu, it's not the Septic Cinema one. ;)

I won't buy any of they're DVD's with that menu.

I bought mine at a DVD/Blu-ray convention in Europe :)


The menu shows The Redeemer so I guess its not a Septic Cinema menu? Unless I'm missing the obvious.

How much did you pay for it Hellbilly? I asked you about the menu too. :(

[mark meakin]

My copy arrived on saturday in the UK.I've heard of The Septic Cinema menus but this just looks normal to me.The print was a bit damaged with dirt & vertical scratches in places but once you get into the film you forget about them.An odd but compelling slasher which deserves a larger audience IMHO.I hope it does well for Code Red despite the quality of the print (The best they could locate it seems)& it's great to see it uncut after only having the censored UK videotape from Derann.

[mark meakin]

I won't buy any of they're DVD's with that menu.



How much did you pay for it Hellbilly? I asked you about the menu too. :(

Here's the menu screen for wary buyers.:)

[Matt89]

Oh well, their menus suck. Who cares? It's JUST A BLOODY FUCKING MENU. Get over it.

~Matt

[Shlockjock81]

Oh well, their menus suck. Who cares? It's JUST A BLOODY FUCKING MENU. Get over it.

~Matt

Know what? A LOT of us care about it. Get over it.

[rhett]

Here's the menu screen for wary buyers.:)

Looks fine to me, although the "Pointless" before the trailers is laughably cryptic.

[MacabreFilms]

This movie is awesome! It's seriously overlooked. Here's my review for it...
Part 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjia9sglODc
Part 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMMZopljQ_Q

I even made one of those modernized trailers for it- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CflQ37kd_g

[Zombie Dude]

Know what? A LOT of us care about it. Get over it.

Damn straight. I wouldn't want a menu that's literally oozing shit.

[bgart13]

Amazing that folks would pass on an official dvd of a movie that's been ignored til now -- simply because the menu might be lame. It's a menu, doesn't the movie matter most? Again, some folks are just plain weird about things that -- while lame -- don't really matter when it's the movie that counts.

Some people have posted that they're passing on the EXORCIST blu-ray simply because the transfer doesn't start with the original WB logo that the film had when it was first theatrically shown. Uh...yeah. Sure.

[Bluenoser]

This movie is awesome! It's seriously overlooked. Here's my review for it...
Part 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjia9sglODc
Part 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMMZopljQ_Q

I even made one of those modernized trailers for it- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CflQ37kd_g

Never before have show tunes and horror come together so well. Bravo!

I've watched a few more of your reviews and they're hilarious man.

[Vance Vandy]

Thanks for the review, Cujo108. I just finished watching this on Youtube. Your post steered me toward Shallow Grave which I loved, so I gave this one a go also and once again couldn't agree with you more. I'm loving this forum more and more for the new movies I'm discovering! Slashers especially. Never enough slashers.

[Steel76]

Amazing that folks would pass on an official dvd of a movie that's been ignored til now -- simply because the menu might be lame. It's a menu, doesn't the movie matter most? Again, some folks are just plain weird about things that -- while lame -- don't really matter when it's the movie that counts.

Some people have posted that they're passing on the EXORCIST blu-ray simply because the transfer doesn't start with the original WB logo that the film had when it was first theatrically shown. Uh...yeah. Sure.

+ 1 on that!

Yes, that poop menu is horrible, but there is NO WAY IN HELL I would pass on a release because of it.

Those passing on that Exorcist disc because of the updated logo must be complete IDIOTS! :D

Welcome to the 21th century. A time when the menu and logos are top priority and the movie itself is not :D

[Katatonia]

Here's the menu screen for wary buyers.:)

Looks fine to me. I can't really see what the problem would be with that menu.

[Erick H.]

So,at present what's the cheapest price anybody has been able to pick this disc up for ?

[bgart13]

Dvd Pacific has it currently for $9.34.

http://dvdpacific.directtoustore.com/Movies/Movie.aspx?prodid=CERD2042DVD&From=PowerSearch&st=Movies

I pre-ordered it from Amazon, I think it was at $11.99 at the time.

[MacabreFilms]

Never before have show tunes and horror come together so well. Bravo!

I've watched a few more of your reviews and they're hilarious man.

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed them!

[Erick H.]

Dvd Pacific has it currently for $9.34.

http://dvdpacific.directtoustore.com/Movies/Movie.aspx?prodid=CERD2042DVD&From=PowerSearch&st=Movies

I pre-ordered it from Amazon, I think it was at $11.99 at the time.

Thanks for the info !

[WesReviews]

Got the notice that my copy has shipped. Should be getting it today or tomorrow. Can't wait!

[fceurich39]

my copy shipped as well as the unseen code red dvd also today

[Katatonia]

I received mine the other day. It looks pretty good for being assembled from 5 different film prints, certainly far better than the murky VHS transfer on the old double-feature DVD.

[Cujo108]

Thanks for the review, Cujo108. I just finished watching this on Youtube. Your post steered me toward Shallow Grave which I loved, so I gave this one a go also and once again couldn't agree with you more. I'm loving this forum more and more for the new movies I'm discovering! Slashers especially. Never enough slashers.

Just now spotted your post, but whatever, I just posted because it's one of my favorite films, slasher or otherwise. In case you didn't notice, this is an older thread and had nothing to do with the Code Red DVD, which wasn't even announced back then.

[Marshall Crist]

I received mine the other day. It looks pretty good for being assembled from 5 different film prints, certainly far better than the murky VHS transfer on the old double-feature DVD.

I don't think they bothered to composite it; I think they just picked the "best" of five prints. The only damage I thought was unacceptable was a second or two missing from the death involving the hunter. Although that footage is in the trailer, so I guess it could be worse.

[Dobby]

I received mine the other day. It looks pretty good for being assembled from 5 different film prints, certainly far better than the murky VHS transfer on the old double-feature DVD.

My order has shipped and is on it's way to me. I never thought this movie would see the day of light on DVD! I didn't bother waiting for brick stores to get it. I'm pretty sure this DVD will never see that day of light there. Was this DVD really assembled from 5 different prints?

[Katatonia]

Was this DVD really assembled from 5 different prints?

It says "from the best of five 35mm prints we have acquired." on the back cover, so either that or they simply picked the best of the 5.

[Dobby]

It says "from the best of five 35mm prints we have acquired." on the back cover, so either that or they simply picked the best of the 5.

Who did you buy yours from? I bought mine from diabolikdvd.

[Vance Vandy]

Just now spotted your post, but whatever, I just posted because it's one of my favorite films, slasher or otherwise. In case you didn't notice, this is an older thread and had nothing to do with the Code Red DVD, which wasn't even announced back then.

I noticed! I just liked your review and it got me interested in the movie. BTW do you happen to know where it was filmed?

[MorallySound]

I noticed! I just liked your review and it got me interested in the movie. BTW do you happen to know where it was filmed?

The Redeemer, according to imdb, was filmed in Staunton, Virginia.

[pwrslave]

Who did you buy yours from? I bought mine from diabolikdvd.

I preordered mine from Diabolik and didn't get mine yet. Seems like anytime I order anything from them, I have to shoot them an email a day or two after release date to remind them that they have the DVD in stock and they need to send it to me. Have you, or anyone else on this board had this problem with them currently or in the past?

[hellraiser40]

i ordered mine from DVD Pacific and has been sent to me about a week ago, so it'll arrive in the next 2 weeks (maybe just in time for my Halloween film night with a friend)

[bgart13]

Mine arrived yesterday from Amazon, but haven't had time to check it out yet.

[FilmFiend]

My DVD came in today's mail from CD Universe. I haven't checked it out yet.

[Katatonia]

Who did you buy yours from? I bought mine from diabolikdvd.

Amazon. They shipped it to me by free overnight shipping too. :evil:

[Dobby]

Amazon. They shipped it to me by free overnight shipping too. :evil:


how did you get free shipping¿ i mean free next day shipping?

[Katatonia]

how did you get free shipping¿ i mean free next day shipping?

I'm an Amazon Prime member, so I get free 2-day shipping on basically almost anything. And they only sometimes ship out new releases by next day air.

[Jason25]

Amazon has been very inconsistent with their shipping. Everything used to ship through UPS unless it was Saturday delivery which came through Fed Ex. Recently they started using Prestige and this has created numerous issues. Still waiting for The Redeemer, should have been here yesterday but looks like it is scheduled for tomorrow. I've had several orders replaced due to the ineptness of Prestige. I cringe every time I see Prestige but Amazon doesn't seem to care. Used to be a great deal for Prime, not so much anymore.

[Cujo108]

I noticed! I just liked your review and it got me interested in the movie. BTW do you happen to know where it was filmed?

The building itself was the former Staunton, VA Military Academy.

To my surprise, my DVD arrived today. It shipped Monday from Amazon, but I used the cheapest shipping method, so for it to be here today was unexpected.

[Dobby]

I'm an Amazon Prime member, so I get free 2-day shipping on basically almost anything. And they only sometimes ship out new releases by next day air.

I'm sorry but what is Amazon prime Kat?

[Katatonia]

Amazon has been very inconsistent with their shipping. Everything used to ship through UPS unless it was Saturday delivery which came through Fed Ex. Recently they started using Prestige and this has created numerous issues. Still waiting for The Redeemer, should have been here yesterday but looks like it is scheduled for tomorrow. I've had several orders replaced due to the ineptness of Prestige. I cringe every time I see Prestige but Amazon doesn't seem to care. Used to be a great deal for Prime, not so much anymore.

Never heard of Prestige. They ship 98% of my orders by UPS, and the rest by FedEx. I can't remember getting a package from Amazon past when they said it would arrive, except for the occasional Winter weather delay.

I'm sorry but what is Amazon prime Kat?

A membership where you pay $79 a year, and virtually anything sold from Amazon gets 2-day shipping, or $3.99 extra for overnight shipping. Size/weight and item prices don't matter, even if it's a toothbrush for $2.00

Not a good deal for everyone, but if you order a lot of stuff like I do it's well worth it. They often offer free trials of Prime where you can try it out free for a few months.

[Vance Vandy]

The building itself was the former Staunton, VA Military Academy.

To my surprise, my DVD arrived today. It shipped Monday from Amazon, but I used the cheapest shipping method, so for it to be here today was unexpected.

Seems like it'd be a cool place to visit. If it's still standing anyway.

[Cujo108]

Just watched my copy, and while the look of the print was fitting, the reel changes were a nuisance. Cutting off lines of dialogue and, as mentioned earlier, intruding on a death scene, they make the film come off as more disjointed than it actually is. Also, when it cuts to the scene between John and the Redeemer in the library, they're already face to face. Oh well, though, I'm glad to have it in widescreen and the print certainly looks sharper than any of my various VHS tapes. Now, if it ever gets a Blu release (yeah right!), my collection will truly be complete! :D

[Dobby]

I wonder if anyone has yet to compare code reds DVD to the old $1 bootleg? I'm referring to the east/west class reunion massacre DVD. I do recall reading somewhere someone claiming the bootleg has better picture quality.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/80599807_b0318d2e8d.jpg

[Mutilated Prey]

I do recall reading somewhere someone claiming the bootleg has better picture quality.

I can't imagine that being true. Maybe if the person was watching on a 12" black and white full frame tv :p

[WesReviews]

Yes, much of the film was shot at the Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia. Unfortunately, the actual academy no longer stands.

Staunton Military Academy (http://www.sma-alumni.org/)

According to Wikipedia, the academy closed in 1976. This closure is likely what allowed filming to take place.

[Katatonia]

I wonder if anyone has yet to compare code reds DVD to the old $1 bootleg? I'm referring to the east/west class reunion massacre DVD. I do recall reading somewhere someone claiming the bootleg has better picture quality.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/80599807_b0318d2e8d.jpg

LOL, I popped in this double feature DVD after playing the new DVD the other night. I can't imagine anyone thinking the transfer on the old $1 DVD is better. It's murky, faded, and more compressed. It's basically just taken from an old VHS tape.

[Dobby]

I can't imagine that being true. Maybe if the person was watching on a 12" black and white full frame tv :p

Not everybody has that sweet set up like you do. Hope your able to find the pliers to turn the nob on your TV.

LOL, I popped in this double feature DVD after playing the new DVD the other night. I can't imagine anyone thinking the transfer on the old $1 DVD is better. It's murky, faded, and more compressed. It's basically just taken from an old VHS tape.

Are you laughing at me or something Kat? :confused:

I wonder if anyone has compared the code red DVD to other bootlegs. For example I know flesh wound video claimed to have a solid 9/10 copy. I'd love to be able to compare both versions myself. I don't buy bootlegs or support bootlegs. I still think it would be an interesting analysis.

http://www.fleshwoundvideo.com/Class_Reunion_Massacre.jpg

[Katatonia]

Are you laughing at me or something Kat? :confused:

No Dobby, it's just funny that someone else would say the transfer on the old $1 DVD looks better. :nervous: There's really just no comparison, the Code Red transfer (while interlaced and far from perfect) is superior in every way.

[Dobby]

No Dobby, it's just funny that someone else would say the transfer on the old $1 DVD looks better. :nervous: There's really just no comparison, the Code Red transfer (while interlaced and far from perfect) is superior in every way.

Oh ok fair enough and understood good to hear! I'd love to see a comparisons between code reds Redeemer & other bootlegs. I'm sure there is bound to be hundreds of Class Reunion Massacre bootlegs all over the world.

[WesReviews]

Checked out the disc last night.

The old Continental VHS/$1.00 East West DVD - Cleaner print, but fuzzy. When I took screencaps for my review over at Oh, the Horror!, I had difficulty finding bits that looked good paused due to the fuzziness.

Code Red DVD - Much more crisp of a print as far as pic quality. The Redeemer's first victim is shot in the neck and in this print, you can see the nasty neck wound grue much more clearly than in previous editions of the movie (so much so, that I at first thought it may have been an uncut bit that was reinserted in the film). The bad news is that the condition of the print is much rougher and dirtier than others as well. It looks almost as if coal is raining from the sky at times. As the movie goes on, you can kind of tune it out, though. The large marker streaks filling the entire length of the screen occasionally were pretty hard to miss, though. Also, the colors are generally faded and soft, like an old photograph. With an adequate budget, I think this definitely could have been cleaned up and properly remastered. The reality is, this is such a forgotten film with such a small built-in fanbase, that very few companies (let alone Code Red) would be willing to spend the kind of money it would take to restore such a rough print. I will say that if Code Red releases The Mutilator in quality similar to this, I honestly wouldn't mind at all as long as it's the unrated cut.

It's worth noting, though... the condition of neither disc is perfect and neither takes away from the enjoyment of the film. In fact, if the "grindhouse feel" gives bonus points in your book, the Code Red DVD is the perfect way to experience the film.

At the end of the day, I'm just glad this unsung gem has finally been given a legit DVD release. Hopefully, The Redeemer will find a whole slew of new followers, and the rest of you will see what I've been talking about when I've been singing its praises for the last several years.

I wonder if anyone has compared the code red DVD to other bootlegs. For example I know flesh wound video claimed to have a solid 9/10 copy. I'd love to be able to compare both versions myself. I don't buy bootlegs or support bootlegs. I still think it would be an interesting analysis.
If it says "Class Reunion Massacre" then it's just a rip of the VHS, as that was the only time that title was used in relation to the film. No different than the East West DVD.

[Dobby]

Checked out the disc last night.

The old Continental VHS/$1.00 East West DVD - Cleaner print, but fuzzy. When I took screencaps for my review over at Oh, the Horror!, I had difficulty finding bits that looked good paused due to the fuzziness.

Code Red DVD - Much more crisp of a print as far as pic quality. The Redeemer's first victim is shot in the neck and in this print, you can see the nasty neck wound grue much more clearly than in previous editions of the movie (so much so, that I at first thought it may have been an uncut bit that was reinserted in the film). The bad news is that the condition of the print is much rougher and dirtier than others as well. It looks almost as if coal is raining from the sky at times. As the movie goes on, you can kind of tune it out, though. The large marker streaks filling the entire length of the screen occasionally were pretty hard to miss, though. Also, the colors are generally faded and soft, like an old photograph. With an adequate budget, I think this definitely could have been cleaned up and properly remastered. The reality is, this is such a forgotten film with such a small built-in fanbase, that very few companies (let alone Code Red) would be willing to spend the kind of money it would take to restore such a rough print. I will say that if Code Red releases The Mutilator in quality similar to this, I honestly wouldn't mind at all as long as it's the unrated cut.

It's worth noting, though... the condition of neither disc is perfect and neither takes away from the enjoyment of the film. In fact, if the "grindhouse feel" gives bonus points in your book, the Code Red DVD is the perfect way to experience the film.

At the end of the day, I'm just glad this unsung gem has finally been given a legit DVD release. Hopefully, The Redeemer will find a whole slew of new followers, and the rest of you will see what I've been talking about when I've been singing its praises for the last several years.


If it says "Class Reunion Massacre" then it's just a rip of the VHS, as that was the only time that title was used in relation to the film. No different than the East West DVD.

I like the grindhouse look the film has with all the print damage. If the print had been cleaned up it would be a completely different experience. I'm not one to tear movies apart but this one is long overdue. While I absolutely love the film I equaly hate how it makes no sense. The person who is the Redeemer can not be in 3 different places at once. So I just said to myself ok this is a supernatural slasher. The film was way ahead of the slasher craze so it's not as polished. The ending makes no fucking sense at all.

It really feels like a student experimental movie gone wrong. While I do feel they were trying to make something unique. I can also understand why this film became obscure. The ironic thing that gets me is how much better this film is compared to the shit that passes for cinema nowadays. They just don't make weird crazy ass movie like this one anymore. Which is the main reason why I like watching lost films. I get a high level of pleasure I just can't get from newer movies.

[FilmFiend]

I love the grindhouse/drive-in feel of Code Red's Redeemer, but I'm glad I still has the old Continental VHS of Class Reunion Massacre. I should make a DVD-R of it.

[Vance Vandy]

Just watched my copy, and while the look of the print was fitting, the reel changes were a nuisance. Cutting off lines of dialogue and, as mentioned earlier, intruding on a death scene, they make the film come off as more disjointed than it actually is. Also, when it cuts to the scene between John and the Redeemer in the library, they're already face to face. Oh well, though, I'm glad to have it in widescreen and the print certainly looks sharper than any of my various VHS tapes. Now, if it ever gets a Blu release (yeah right!), my collection will truly be complete! :D

What gets cut off on the new DVD?

[Cujo108]

^ The last several seconds of the shotgun death are gone. Following the drowning death, we cut to the library where John and the Redeemer are already face to face. Normally, we see the latter show up and John rise from the chair. When the group is eating and wondering why no one else has shown up, John and Jane are talking about making a phone call and some of their dialogue is cut off. Also, the tail-end of Cindy's introduction scene is all screwed up both picture and sound-wise.

[Katatonia]

^ The last several seconds of the shotgun death are gone. Following the drowning death, we cut to the library where John and the Redeemer are already face to face. Normally, we see the latter show up and John rise from the chair. When the group is eating and wondering why no one else has shown up, John and Jane are talking about making a phone call and some of their dialogue is cut off. Also, the tail-end of Cindy's introduction scene is all screwed up both picture and sound-wise.

That's unfortunate. Could it be that the original theatrical cut differed from the later Class Reunion Massacre home video cut?

Looks like I'll hang on to my old $1 DVD after all.

[Dobby]

That's unfortunate. Could it be that the original theatrical cut differed from the later Class Reunion Massacre home video cut?

Looks like I'll hang on to my old $1 DVD after all.

Well I'm just happy as is to finally have an official release. Even though it's not perfect it's still an enjoyable mess. Can anybody confirm if the original VHS has better/or equal picture quality over the $1 DVD?

[MacabreFilms]

I can certainly confirm that the Continental VHS version looks damn near pristine compared to that awful bootleg DVD floating around dollar stores everywhere. The colors are more rich/saturated, the print itself is very bright and beautiful, etc.

I haven't picked up the new DVD yet, but I can't wait. I always thought it was a fantastic little supernatural slasher pic. Really underrated.

[Cujo108]

That's unfortunate. Could it be that the original theatrical cut differed from the later Class Reunion Massacre home video cut?

Looks like I'll hang on to my old $1 DVD after all.

I believe it's just print damage on the print used for the DVD. It seems pretty obvious during these bits that the film is jumping around, and during the bit of dialogue that's cut off, the guy starts his sentence but it cuts off midway into it. The scene with Cindy and her boyfriend at the bar was definite print damage. Watching the DVD, the film felt more disjointed than it ever did in the past due to these jumps ahead. But yeah, while the DVD has good detail, I'll be keeping my Continental VHS to watch as well. Of course, I was going to keep that anyway since I love the big box!

[Zombie Dude]

Mine should hopefully get to me within the week. It sucks hearing that the print is a little jumpy though. :(

[Marshall Crist]

Could somebody attempt to give me the foggy mountain breakdown on what is missing from Cindy's introduction scene on the CR DVD? I don't feel like blowing $15 on a VHS copy to find out.

[bloodthrill]

If you search "Class Reunion Massacre" on Youtube,you can watch the full VHS/budget DVD version. The shotgun death loses two or so seconds of the victim dropping bloodlessly out of frame,and a lingering shot of her dead body (with extremely fake-looking FX chest wound that resembles smeared strawberry jam).As for the dialogue,I haven't checked that out.It isn't that great in this film,and losing a few seconds doesn't really bother me.

I totally spaced during a couple of scene cuts mentioned earlier,so it didn't impact my (1st) viewing experience.The shotgun cut was a little jarring, but maintained the sound FX of the gun blast at least.

[Mutilated Prey]

That's unfortunate. Could it be that the original theatrical cut differed from the later Class Reunion Massacre home video cut?

Looks like I'll hang on to my old $1 DVD after all.

I always thought The Redeemer vhs was cut (with the clown of the slipcase) and the Continental Class Reunion Massacre was not. I was hoping that this wouldn't be the case for this DVD release.

[Mytee]

I remeber this movie-more specifically, that case-SCARY

[ArrowBeach]

I always thought The Redeemer vhs was cut (with the clown of the slipcase) and the Continental Class Reunion Massacre was not. I was hoping that this wouldn't be the case for this DVD release.

I have that VHS, and that version is extremely cut! The whole death/dying scene involving one fo the male character is completely gone!