Theatrical Release Date: USA, 2006
Director: Archibald Flancranstin
Writer: Michael E. Kennedy
Cast: Jake Suffian, Elliot V. Kotek, Dick Mullaney

DVD released: June 30th, 2009
Approximate running time: 89 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo English
Subtitles: N/A
DVD Release: Synapse Films
Region Coding: Region 0 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.95

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Synopsis: A corrupt ATF agent becomes obsessed with capturing a serial killer who kills and mutilates his victims in the most unusual way.

This film is based on author Edward Lee’s story Header. Edward Lee even appears in the film as a state trooper. Header is an unflinching tale about two psychopaths who get their kicks and exact their revenge the backwoods way. The locales in this film don’t take kindly to the law and when they have a score to settle they use the “Header” on their enemies. What is a “Header”, let’s just say that it is something that you are not soon to erase from your mind after you have seen it. To go into any more detail about what exactly a “Header” is would lessen the impact of this sadistic torture / revenge device.

Visually the film quickly falls under the weight of its minuscule budget. Performance wise all of the cast are so out there with their performances it is hard to believe them in their roles. The most delirious performance in the film comes from Dick Mullaney who portrays a recently released convicts’ Grandpap. The one aspect about this film that is hardest to get a gauge on is its dialog which borders on comedic despite trying to be vulgar. Another area where this film comes up short is the special effects which are crudely executed. After you learn what a “Header” is there is very little in the way of surprises as the film crawls along to predictable conclusion.

The DVD:

Synapse Films Header in an anamorphic widescreen that preserves the film’s original aspect ratio. This transfer has been flagged for progressive playback. Colors look subdued, details range from crisp to soft / hazy and there is some mild edge enhancement.

This release comes with one audio option a Dolby Digital stereo mix in English. The audio sounds clear and balanced, with the music and effects in the film far best in this audio mix. Some viewers may have trouble following the dialog because of the heavy accents in the film.

Extras for this release include two trailers for the film and six interview segments, director Archibald Flancranstin (5 minutes 55 seconds), author Edward Lee (9 minutes 43 seconds), author Jack Ketchum (11 minutes 38 seconds), actor Jake Suffian (7 minutes 50 seconds), producer Michael Anthony (9 minutes 4 seconds) and special effects Alex Marthaller, David Plunkett, Brian Ray, Ryan Carroll (11 minutes 1 second). While the interviews are a welcome addition they are pretty much your standard behind the scenes stories. Overall Header gets a well rounded DVD from Synapse Films.