Now available in a brand-new 4K restoration, director Peter George’s 1987 cult classic, Surf Nazis Must Die, makes its way to 4K UHD. While it may not rank among my favorite Troma films, it certainly has its share of fans. I grew up loving The Toxic Avenger and Class of Nuke ’Em High, and later discovered James Gunn’s Tromeo and Juliet. Unfortunately, Surf Nazis Must Die lacks the outrageous energy and unhinged madness that made those films so entertaining.
Following a massive earthquake that leaves the California coast in ruins, a gang of neo-Nazi surfers led by Adolf (Barry Brenner) seizes control of the area and begins terrorizing the local population. Anyone who gets in their way is fair game, including Leroy (Robert Harden), a local well-worker who is murdered simply for helping an elderly woman. As an African-American man standing up to a gang of Nazis, Leroy is an obvious target. But the gang makes a fatal mistake when they cross his mother, Eleanor (Gail Neely). Determined to avenge her son’s death, Eleanor heads to a local pawn shop, stocks up on enough firepower to get the job done, and takes matters into her own hands after rival surfing gangs fail to stop Adolf and his crew.
While Surf Nazis Must Die isn’t the worst of Troma’s early output, it never quite delivers on its outrageous premise in a consistently entertaining way. The concept has plenty of potential, but the film lacks the gonzo sensibilities that make the studio’s best productions so much fun.
On the presentation side, I’ve always loved the film’s original poster artwork, and thankfully, it’s included with this release. I was disappointed when the artwork was absent from the previous Blu-ray, so it’s nice to see it restored to its rightful place. The new 2160p presentation also looks solid. While the previous Blu-ray was already a significant improvement, this new 4K transfer takes things a step further, offering another upgrade for fans of this cult oddity.
Surf Nazis Must Die may not be a personal Troma favorite, but fans of the film will appreciate the improved 4K presentation and the return of its fantastic original poster art.
Bonus Features:
- Surf Nazis Must Die Theatrical Trailer
- Projection Booth Podcast Audio Interview
- ‘Who Controls The Beaches?!?” An Interview With Peter George
- Original Blu-Ray Intro
- Original DVD Intro
- Scenes From The Tromaville Cafe
- Waves Are A War Zone: Interview with Peter George & Interview with Robert Tinnell
- Deleted Scenes
- Independent Artists VS. Corrupt Cartels
- Radiation March
- Soul Of Troma
- “INNARDS” Music Video
- The Toxic Avenger In Ukraine
- Troma Sleepover
- Troma Trailers
