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THE BASEMENT 5-FILM RETRO 80’s HORROR COLLECTION brings together a lost 8mm horror anthology and four shot-on-video classics contained in some slick nostalgia stroking packaging. The big draw here is the never–before–release 8mm horror film, THE BASEMENT, and it's retro packaging. This VHS big box is adorned with beautifully tacky 80’s horror inspired artwork complete with a genuine VHS copy of the featured film.

THE BASEMENT (1989) is an anthology piece that tells the story of four strangers summoned to "the basement" where a ghoulish figure known as The Sentinel is set to pass judgment on them for their future actions. The segments that follow play out the horrible deeds each is destined to commit. Despite having issues common to productions with little to no budget there is some fun to be had if you go in with the proper mindset. One of the better segments has a teacher mourning the loss of his wife on Halloween. This was a special day when they would harass the local children. Greif stricken, he incurs the wrath of Halloween spirits as his thoughts and actions take a much darker and violent turn. Overall, Camp Motion Pictures has unearthed a gem that's worth a watch with some decent gore and dark humor moments.

In CAPTIVES (1988) three maniacs invade the home of a woman with the intent of showing her video evidence of her husband’s past indiscretions. Those indiscretions landed the maniac leader in prison and now she's out for revenge. This is the weakest film of the bunch. There is some entertainment in seeing just how depraved the husband is but that doesn't make up for the poorly acted "mentally challenged" character or the weak and unsatisfying ending.

CANNIBAL CAMPOUT (1988) is the familiar tale of college kids running afoul of cannibal rednecks while on a weekend getaway in the backwoods. The dialogue is terrible and acting completely wooden but somehow it comes together in that “so bad its good” way. There are a number of top-notch gore effects and like any good cannibal film it pushes well past the boundaries of decency and good taste.

In VIDEO VIOLENCE (1987) a young cosmopolitan couple open a video store in a small New Jersey town. Business is booming as each of the town’s 300 people own a VCR despite this being the first video store available to them. It’s soon revealed that the entire town is part of a “snuff film” cult. VIDEO VIOLENCE is full of sadistic kills and gratuitous nudity with a plot and characters far more entertaining than it has any right having. This is shot-on-video horror at it’s best.

The sequel VIDEO VIOLENCE 2 (1987) has the popular psychopathic videographers of the original film, Howard and Eli, hijacking public access airwaves to host a show where fans submit their homemade snuff films. There are some plot twists and everything from the original including the dark comedy and depravity gets turned up for this entertaining sequel. I’d recommend watching this back-to-back with the original as it works well as a companion piece.

Camp Motion Pictures did a wonderful job with this collection. All of the films work well together and fit with the VHS vibe promoted by the packaging. It's rounded out with extras that are a perfect complement to the experience. Standouts include a local news segment covering the filming of THE BASEMENT and public access horror shows that aired back in the 80's. Interviews, trailers, and commentaries for all five films are included as well. If you can get past the low budget trappings there is a lot of fun to be had for seasoned horror fans.


Plot: 2.5 | Fun Factor: 3 | Gore: 2.5 | Nudity: 2.5 | Scare Factor: 2.5 | Overall: 3/5