The Initiation (Special Edition): Blu-Ray Review
Arriving on Special Edition Blu-ray this week is the 1984 slasher, “The Initiation”, courtesy of Arrow Video. One of the most notable aspects of the film is that it was Daphne Zuniga’s leading role debut. “The Initiation” also the first and only feature film from television director Larry Stewart (“Buck Rogers”, “The Incredible Hulk”, “The Bionic Woman”). Although it’s considered one of the better sorority based horror films, it was lost upon its’ initial theatrical release due to “A Nightmare on Elm Street” being released just weeks prior. Over the years, “The Initiation” build a solid following with horror fans on home video and cable.
“The Initiation” centers on college student Kelly Fairchild (Zuniga) who has been suffering from a recurring nightmare of a man burning inside her childhood home. Kelly asks Peter, who is the graduate assistant in her psychology course to help figure out what her dreams mean. Kelly also suffered amnesia as a child and her parents are clearly keeping a dark past hidden from her.
Meanwhile, at a sanitarium many miles away, several prisoners escaped and one of them has a connection to Kelly and her family. Unaware of the danger she faces, Kelly heads to her family’s department store where the sorority she is pledging are pulling a hell week prank. One-by-one, sorority and fraternity members start getting picked off, saving Kelly for last.
“The Initiation” is a solid 80’s slasher that actually contains a few uninspired but enjoyable killings. The security guard death still manages to make me laugh. Fans of the film will want to pick up this release that consists of a new 2K restoration as well as tons of bonus features. “The Initiation” isn’t what I would consider a horror classic but it’s a worthy addition to any horror collection.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
- Brand new restoration from original film elements
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
- Original Uncompressed Mono PCM audio
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Brand new audio commentary by The Hysteria Continues
- Brand new interview with actor Christopher Bradley
- Brand new interview with actress Joy Jones
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn
- FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic James Oliver
By: Marc Ferman