Scream Queen is a bit of a meta film. It’s star is the inimitable Linnea Quigley. And of course for many, your reviewer included, she is the Scream Queen of the 1980s and early 1990s. Shot on video in 1998, completed in 2002, then essentially “lost” for 2 decades, is this film worthy of the Visual Vengeance treatment? Or is this film best left lost in the mists of time? Well, read on to find out…
Synopsis:
Horror star Malicia Tombs (Linnea Quigley) mysteriously dies after leaving the set of her latest, now unfinished, low budget Shot-on-video shocker. Soon, an unseen masked killer is chopping and hacking his/ her way through the cast and crew as punishment for Tomb’s death – leaving a bloody trail of revenge.
As I said in the intro, this film is very meta. The plot synopsis could be a description (minus the murders) of this films history, being left unfinished for so long. In the late 80s/Early 90s, the self referential “post modern” meta trope was just beginning to take hold in the genre. And Scream Queen is a prime example of this trend.
Analysis:
Scream Queen is not a technically solid film. Shot on video, the films budgetary limitations are immediately apparent. The film looks a step above the “backyard” movies of the time, but still not quite 100% professional. But this doesn’t detract from the films overall entertainment value. Yes, it looks and sounds rough, but that’s exploitation film-making for you.
And this limitation spreads over into the acting. Whilst Linnea squits herself quite well, being a veteran by this point in her career, the rest of the cast are somewhat less skilled. And again, this is expected at this level of production. You go into the film knowing and expecting this, so your entertainment isn’t affected by it.
Where the films shines, in my opinion, is it’s effects. For an ultra low budget shocker, I feel they are pretty damned good. Sure, they aren’t Tom Savini level material, but it’s clear to see, Linnea Quigley aside, where the films meagre budget was spent. Because, lets face it, there are 2 reasons people watch low budget exploitation films like this: Blood and boobs. And Scream Queen has both on display.
Tech Specs:
The disc is presented in a new 480p SD master, taken from the original tapes. As stated, the film doesn’t look 100% “Pro Shot”. The image is quite soft, and presented in the standard video ratio of 1.33:1. The audio is a basic stereo mix, which does the job.
The Disc:
Like all Visual Vengeance releases, this disc is packed full of goodies:
- All region Blu-ray.
- New director-approved SD master from original tape elements.
- Commentary with Writer / Director Brad Sykes.
- Once Upon A Time In Horrorwood: Behind the Scenes Documentary.
- Second Feature: Original Producer’s Cut of Movie.
- New Linnea Quigley Interview.
- Editor Mark Polonia Interview.
- Behind The Scenes Image Gallery.
- Linnea Quigley Image Gallery.
- Original Script Selects.
- Original Trailer.
- Visual Vengeance Trailers.
- Six-page liner notes by Tony Strauss of Weng’s Chop Magazine.
- Limited Edition slipcase by Rick Melton – FIRST PRESSING ONLY.
- Limited Edition ‘Series 2’ Video Store Rental Card – FIRST PRESSING ONLY.
- Collectable Linnea Quigley folded mini-poster.
- “Stick your own” VHS sticker set.
- Reversible sleeve featuring original home video art.
- Optional English subtitles.
So, as you can see, it’s a pretty comprehensive set.
Scream Queen: The Verdict:
Overall, I would say Scream Queen is a fairly enjoyable bit of 1990s shot on video hokum. Sure, it won’t be winning any awards for its cast or crew, but it’s enjoyable. And that’s what really matters, right?
4/5 Fiends. Another knockout set from Visual Vengeance.
Scream Queen Gallery:
Click to enlarge.
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