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CAMPFIRE TALES Starring Gunnar Hansen
Independent film makers Paul Talbot and William Cooke, known for low budget anthology films, Freakshow and Hellblock 13, made Campfire Tales in the late 80s/early 90s. Shot on 16mm film and with the acting talents of Gunnar Hansen, this film is unique in that there very little romantic themes and the string of stories aim to be straightforward horror. Sub Rosa presents Campfire Tales uncut on DVD for the very first time.
Three Beavis and Butthead types, Billy, Danny and Jason, are starting up the bonfire at their campsite when they are greeted by Crazy Ralph, a hermit who rewards them for letting him stay by the fire by telling them some scary stories.
The first story, THE HOOK, centers around an escaped lunatic who has a hook instead of his right hand. When Susan and Jim return from their date, they find that the lunatic is not too far away. The next story, OVERTOKE, involves Larry and Chris, two pothead slackers who encounter some ganja that literally turns them into zombies. The third story, FRIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, is about Steve, a scrooge who takes his anger too far. He is later visited by Satan Claus, who gives those who are naughty a little more than just coal in their stocking. The last story, SKULL AND CROSSBONES, is about a pirate who is marooned on a cursed island after he murders his crew. He encounters an old acquaintance who informs him that he is trapped on the island by an evil force. When he attempts to escape, the dead members of his crew rise from the depths of the sea for revenge.
Campfire Tales is an example of an independent film that surpasses all expectations. The dialogue and acting come off genuinely, the stories are well written, and the film, as a whole, holds up well against many Hollywood productions.
Sub Rosa presents Campfire Tales in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Although there are limitations with 16mm film, this is obviously taken from a far-from-perfect video source. During the first campfire segment, there are video dropout lines that are hard to miss. The mono sound isn't too far ahead of the video, as it is a bit too punchy and tinny at times. The viewer may feel compelled to reach for the volume controls during certain parts of the film. However, the video-editing error that was evident on the film's initial VHS release during OVERTOKE has been corrected.
Extras on this disc include running audio commentary with film journalist Mike Watt. Watt has a great deal of knowledge about the background behind this film, but actually reveals that he is working off of notes during the commentary. However, because there were notes available, the commentary keeps moving. There is nothing more unnerving to a viewer who opts to listen to a commentary than when there is dead air.
Next up is a black and white 15-minute film by commentator Watt titled TENNANTS. This short is a genuinely creepy film surrounding a group of friends who rent an old house. From the very beginning, there are weird noises, strange things happening and eerie whispers coming from the shadows. For anyone studying the production of short films, this film is a great place to start. The short can be viewed with or without audio commentary.
The last extra is a short text bio on Sub Rosa. This is hardly an extra feature, but those who are interested in the origins of the studio will find the information useful.
For those who are interested in viewing something new for a change, like an independent film that has feel of a classic horror film and gruesome gore, Campfire Tales is a great choice. Sub Rosa's disc is a bit limited in quality, however, a casual viewer is likely to not notice. Best served with popcorn...... |
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