Director: James Glickenhaus
Starring: Robert Ginty, Christopher George, Samantha Eggar, Steve James
MPAA Rated: R
Studio: Synapse Films
Run Time: 104 minutes
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This film was called “One of the most cold-blooded and controversial revenge films ever made, this is a sick example of the almost unbelievable descent into gruesome savagery in American movies” from Roger Ebert during it’s original release. Those words definitely still hold true today and hits Blu-ray in its newly re-mastered uncut version. I have to say that extra violence and gore restored in this release add a lot to the film itself. The video is fantastic for a film made in 1980 and the sound contains a restored DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo track. Once again this is a fine release from the great studio, Synapse Films.
This film tells the story of Vietnam vet John Eastland (Robert Ginty), who takes on the scum of the New York underworld when his best friend is brutally beaten by a vicious street gang. John becomes known as The Exterminator. John become higher than the law and is feared by both cops and criminals as his falls deeper and deeper in his revenge-driven murderous rage.
The special features are a little light but include a decent commentary track from James Glickenhaus. Also includes are some TV spots and the original theatrical trailer. I would have liked to see some current features like new cast/crew interviews or a new featurette like the recent Synapse Films release of “Intruder”. But the main sell of this release is definitely the new uncensored version, which is worth the purchase alone for this Blu-ray. If you are a fan of classic 80’s films, this one is not to be missed.
