I was asked about 5 years ago, by a film school that was free for everyone, if there were any films that could teach aspiring film makers how to make films. This sounds odd right? All films should teach people something about the art and process of making films. No, they wanted accessible films, films with edge, that could translate the film making visually and still keep the audience focused. They also wanted that these aspiring filmmakers would not feel intimidated and that film, well it was achievable. So I thought about it. Early Corman, much of the 90s and 00s indie stuff and then of course, Italian and American genre films work. I then mentioned MARDI GRAS MASSACRE, a low rent horror film that is actually better than considered, funny, disco infused, blood soaked and delivers everything else, from oscar worthy performances to organ removing nightmares.

Its St Louis. Mardi Gras time is coming. John (William Metzo) is a man of the town and has a taste for ladies. Well prostitutes with a taste for money that is and he has loads. When he gets them home however, they are tied to an alter and a sexy game of organ removal happens. Tasty indeed. He cant stop mind and the bodies start to pile up quicker than you can say Aztec ritual serial killer. The cops are hot on his tail mind, Sergeant Frank Hebert (Curt Dawson) and his partner Sergeant Mayer (Ronald Tanet) found the first and second bodies and they want the killers bullet ridden body to be the next one…

New Orleans-based writer/producer/director Jack Weis is little known outside of the cult, video nasty circles. Its for obvious reasons, he made very specific films and they all had a taste that was, well fruity to say the least. When he is interviewed he seems to take this all in his stride, laughing I guess at those who demonised MADRI GRAS MASSACRE, that is so obviously a homage to the late great films of Herschell Gordon Lewis. Now his films are getting a lovely make over by Severin films (this print is the same as that one, so perfect in literally everyway, good colour correction, nice tones and little light or texture lost) and it is so nice to see. Weirdly, Metzo and Misch are puzzled by the films restoration and adulation, both in a good way mind. 88 Films have prided themselves on delivering video nasties, Italian exploitation and Kung Fu classics. They have delivered and well often, here it is a case of keeping that work going. Long may it continue. 

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Limited Edition Double Walled Slipcase with new Artwork from Joel Robinson and a very special finish….
  
• Uncut!!!
• 2K transfer from the only known 35mm Film Elements
• High Definition Blu-ray ™ (1080p) Presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
• Original DTS-HD MA 2.0 Soundtrack
• Optional English SDH Subtitles
• I’m Not Into Hollywood – Interview with director Jack Weis
• The Mardi Gras Killer – Interview with actor William Metzo
• The First Victim – Interview with actress Laura Misch
• Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork