Actors: Louise Lasser, Brion James, Bruce Campbell, Paul L. Smith
Directors: Sam Raimi
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Run Time: 86 minutes
Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars
“Crimewave” is one of the lesser known film in Sam Raimi’s filmography. This is the first time that this film has been released on DVD and Blu-ray, thanks to Shout! Factory. The film has developed quite the cult following over the years due to the fact that it was not only directed by Raimi but also co-written by Ethan and Joel Coen and also co-stars Bruce Campbell. The film is very over-the-top campy and slap stick filled. It hasn’t really held up over the years but fans of Coen Brothers, Raimi and Campbell will enjoy seeing this film getting a little respect finally.
Official Premise: In a slapstick spoof of hitmen and crime stories, the head of a security systems company is bumped off by two gonzo exterminators who have gone from stomping out pesky varmints to stomping out human targets. The exterminators go after the partner who hired them and his blatantly obnoxious wife (Louise Lasser) and, in the meantime, frame a poor security guard (Reed Birney) for the murder of the company boss.
Shout! Factory has delivered a decent 1080p transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This film has not had a great track record in terms of releases, so the film elements that were used for this transfer don’t look too bad. The film does do look a little aged but it’s not the worst transfer that I have ever seen and seems to play to the tone of the film itself. The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track works for the most part and keeps the dialogue and score clear.
The special features are not stunning but I am sucker for anything with Bruce Campbell. He gives a fantastic audio commentary track along with Michael Felsher, who produced the supplements for the Blu- ray. Let me tell you it is more fun than watching the film by itself. “The Crimewave Meter with Bruce Campbell” is a new interview with Bruce Campbell about this troubled production. “Made in Detroit with Edward Pressman is a chat with the film’s producer. “Leading Man with Reed Birney” is a chat with the actor about the film and his career. Lastly, there is an Alternate Title Sequence, Photo Gallery and Trailer included.