Blu-ray Review: Massacre At Central High

Blu-ray Reviews, Reviews

Back before the internet had the ability to stream video, you’d hear about certain movies and find it nearly impossible to track down a copy of the film. Even in the era of the Mom & Pop Video stores, tracking down a cult title could be a tricky and frustrating business. A controversial film could easily be skipped over by a store that wanted to be seen as family friendly or at least not known for attracting that type of audience. You’d read about films and never find them for rent. One film that was elusive to me was Massacre at Central High. The movie came out in 1976, but didn’t become a true cult hit until 1980 when it was reissued to theaters. By the dawn of the home video era, it was a title that could scare store owners since movie features students getting killed in high school by classmates. The movie didn’t get rerun on your TV station’s night owl theater. Reportedly a few years back, Turner Classic Movies decided against running it on the TCM Underground. After over 46 years, High School Massacre can be seen at home with an upgraded Blu-ray.

David (Joanie Loves Chachi‘s Derrel Maury) has transferred into Central High School. Instead of being a complete stranger, David reunites with his friend Mark (10 to Midnight‘s Andrew Stevens). His pal is leader to the most powerful gang in the school. But they aren’t a bunch of creeps or punk rockers. They’re the preppies who want to make sure the nerds know their place. Bruce (Ray Underwood), Craig (Gas Pump Girls’ Steve Bond), and Paul (Damon Douglas) let David know he needs to quit hanging with the losers. But Mark doesn’t want to hang with them since he interrupts them attacking female students (including Caged Heat’s Rainbeaux Smith) in a classroom. The gang don’t appreciate David ruining their reindeer games. Mark can’t hurt his best pal so he lets the trio drop by David’s garage and drop a car on the outsider. After he gets out of the hospital, the gang finds themselves victim to deadly attacks that includes car explosions, rock falls and hang-gliding accidents. While it’s easy to suspect David is the killer, there’s a rumor that the nerdy Spoony (Revenge of the Nerds‘ Robert Carradine) might be getting revenge on the popular kids.

Massacre at Central High starts out like an After School Special with the cheesy song about growing up. But very quickly the film turns into an academic A Clockwork Orange. Andrew Stevens is a rich brat that terrorizes the hallways. We’re not given the usual goon. The movie influenced Heathers although there are so many differences between the two to see that they work as a double feature without feeling like you’re watching the same movie twice. Massacre at Central High goes overboard on the way the students die. The way they are killed off is totally mid-70s ways including the hang glider and tricked out van turned into death machines.

The wait to finally see Massacre at Central High was worth it. The movie didn’t disappoint with its tale of what happens when someone goes after the popular kids with weapons of destruction. Massacre at Central High is so worth the anticipation.

The video is 1.85:1 anamorphic. The 1080p transfer brings out the ’70s details that weren’t there in the old VHS copies. The audio is DTS-HD MA English 2.0 of the original mono soundtrack. You’ll hear all the explosions clearly. The movie is subtitled in English.

“The Production Booth” Podcast interview cast members Derrel Maury, Andrew Stevens, Robert Carradine and Rex Steven Sikes. They go into what it was like to be in the ultimate student body nightmare.

Interview with Director Renee Daalder is conducted by Michael Gingold. This is about half an hour long. Daadler talks the problematic and traumatic issues of a director when making a film. Daadler passed away in 2019 so it is great to hear his insight on his enduring film. He talks about seeing Heathers.

Hell In the Hallways (42:27) is a documentary about the making of the film featuring the cast and crew. They go into how Rene Daalder put together the film. He made the film on a shoestring budget yet it looks so good. He did get upset since the producer decided to not let him create the score for the film. The cast enjoyed their time on the film and didn’t only socialize with their cinematic gang.

Original Theatrical Trailer (2:23) shows how this isn’t an after school special.

TV Spot (0:33) focuses on the car, van and school exploding.

Radio Spot (0:27) will get you to cruise over to the drive-in.

Still Gallery (3:14) includes publicity stills, behind the scenes photos, posters, VHS covers including the infamous Sexy Jeans poster.

Synapse Films presents Massacre At Central High. Directed by Rene Daalder. Screenplay by Rene Daalder. Starring Derrel Maury, Andrew Stevens, Robert Carradine, Kimberly Beck, Ray Underwood & Rainbeaux Smith. Rating: Rated R. Running Time: 87 Minutes. Release Date: September 13, 2022.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.