DVD released: 2003
Approximate running time: 72 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: Full Frame
Rating: Unrated
Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo
DVD Release: Sub Rosa Studios
Region Coding: Region 0 NTSC
Retail Price: OOP

A group of friends while camping help Uncle Gary clean out an old shed on his father’s property. Once altogether, Gary shares a chilling tale passed on from his father’s memoirs of a Cherokee elder that foolishly joined the forces of evil leaving a dark curse on the surrounding land. If certain conditions are met, demons who wait shall return possessing hapless humans and killing all the unaffected. The six left standing must come to terms with their unbelievable situation and devise a solution that will end all this madness.

The Native American back story in a horror film is a concept has been rehashed and overdone to death. Besides what might be called a minor flaw, the film has many positive qualities that make Savage Harvest an above par horror flick. The demons are not mindless carbon copies instead each possess unique looks and characteristics. The “rules” of the curse in Savage Harvest was both inventive and leaves little to question. The limited setting always presented yet another location, making each scene and shot feel fresh.

The level of acting found in Savage Harvest is above par for a low budget horror film. The actors appear to be novice and youthful yet somehow manage to belt out convincing dialog. Other films can take a hint from Savage Harvest’s casting actors and actresses who fit the profile choosing substance over Barbie doll looks. None of the performances outshined the others.

Savage Harvest best showcases director Eric Stanze’s skillful editing and writing abilities. What makes this Savage Harvest a wonder is how Stanze fleshed out with what little he had to work with. Savage Harvest was admittedly shot on low-grade Video. The audio has a very noticeable hiss and low during dialog while the soundtrack music is nicely mixed and loud. However, Stanze accomplished to make Savage Harvest into a worthwhile movie none the less. Most horror films filmed in video have little to no intrinsic value and should never see the light of day. Savage Harvest is a notch above its competitors having presence and flare that others lack.

VHS and the DVD release reviewed are currently out of print. Image Entertainment has recently issued a tenth year anniversary release for Savage Harvest for both collectors and those who’ve missed out on the original release. Including special features not found in the DVD’s prior release. The behind-the-scene documentary is the gem of all the special features, featuring the inside look from start to finish. A sequel of Savage Harvest, entitled Savage Harvest 2: October Blood written and directed by John Christ is expected soon from Wicked Pixel.

For more information about Savage Harvest and other titles released by Wicked Pixel visit their website.