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THE REDEEMER: SON OF SATAN
Many films over the ages can suffer the fate of obscurity. On the other hand, film prints can become even more elusive. Oftentimes pristine-looking presentations that graced video releases over 25 years ago prove impossible in today's DVD and high-definition markets. Film stock sometimes becomes destroyed by improper storage or succumbs to water damage and mold. In other cases, repeated projection and splicing may result in scratches and incomplete versions of films. Code Red's The Redeemer: Son of Satan is one such case. Released with the electronically-generated title Class Reunion Massacre on VHS in 1985, The Redeemer is a rare horror film with a message, one that pre-dates the wave of slasher films during the 1980s.
A very passionate reverend is charged by the son of Satan with the task of vanquishing a handful of people, each of whom are guilty of committing one of the seven deadly sins. They are about to celebrate their high school reunion when the Redeemer arrives at the school grounds under one of his many guises. They reminisce a little, take part in the provided food and drink, and realize that they are the only ones there.
While the reunited guests are attempting to find out why they are the only ones present (and subsequently trying to escape when the bodies begin to pile up), the priest reveals himself several times in overly-dramatic fashion. Each of them meet their demise when it is convenient for the Redeemer until one remains..... The Redeemer featured themes that pre-date popular slasher films such as Se7en and SAW. It was a relatively prominent movie on video rental shelves during the 1980s, especially the oversized display boxed release by Continental Video (under the title Class Reunion Massacre). This version was the source used for a budget label double feature with Andy Milligan's Carnage.
Code Red has re-mastered the The Redeemer from a composite of five theatrical release prints. It is presented 16x9 and reveals print damage that is to be expected of a title over 30 years old with minimal preservation. A vertical scratch is prevalent through much of the film, and there is a small bit of footage missing at the reel changes, but overall a solid presentation. The audio is on par with the video, and is in mono. The theatrical trailer (sourced from a tape master) is included, along with trailers for other Code Red releases (Nightmare, The Visitor, The Carrier, Slithis, Horror High, Family Honor).
Although The Redeemer is a victim of the ages (vanishing usable film sources and a previous DVD release sourced from an inferior VHS master), it has remained popular enough to be in demand by fans. It has been saved from the horrible fate of a legacy represented only by a medium capable of 250 lines of horizontal resolution.....and THAT is thanks to the people at Code Red.
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