Written by: Pieter Boven on August 13th, 2004
Theatrical Release Date: USA, 1965
Director: Russ Meyer
Writers: James Griffith, Hal Hopper, Russ Meyer, W.E. Sprague
Cast: Alex Rocco, Haji, Stephen Oliver, Thomas Scott, Arshalouis Aivazian, Russ Meyer
DVD released: 2000
Approximate running time: 74 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 (Full Frame)
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 mono (English) French Subtitles (optional)
DVD Release: DVDY Films (France)
Region Coding: Region 0 PAL
Retail Price: $16.95
The Film :
A group of psycho motorcyclists led by Vietnam War veteran Brahmin embark on a road trip to Las Vegas. Along the way the trio finds their kicks by raping women and terrorizing everyone who crosses their path. Will they make it Las Vegas before those who they have victimized exact their revenge on Brahmin and his two cohorts?
Video:
The movie is presented fullscreen which I assume is the original aspect ratio. There is ghosting (NTSC-PAL conversion maybe) and some print damage, although the image is pretty free of dirt or white spots. Overall, the transfer is acceptable.
Audio:
The English mono track is clear and is easy to understand. The French subtitles are removable.
Extras:
Photo Gallery. There is a 1 minute compilation clip introducing us to the Russ Meyer universe. The other extras, like the reviews and Russ Meyer interview, are text based and in French. I like the kitschy cover art and menu design which suit the movie.
Overall:
Out of the 7 Russ Meyer movies I’ve seen, this is my favorite along with Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965). The music is great and dialogue funny. There is no nudity but at the same time it lacks the cheap humour which, in my opinion, ruin his later films a bit. Russ Meyer has a great cameo as the sheriff and Haji is just too cool. And being only 73 minutes long (I wish more movies were like this), there is not a moment of boredom. If you have not seen a Russ Meyer film, this would be the perfect place to start. Even though the picture quality is not exactly fantastic, I highly recommend this DVD because this is obligated material for any exploitation fan.