Search - Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Violence, Profanity Movie Release: 1987 DVD Release: 10/24/2000 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 24 mins Studio: Anchor Bay Members Wishing: 5 Genres: Thriller, Action Thriller, Slasher Film

Stryker (Brian Schulz) is a wounded Vietnam vet who sets out to avenge the kidnapping of his girlfriend in this low-budget, blood-spurting slasher film. When Sally (Cheryl Hanson) is abducted, Stryker and his Army buddies go after the leader of a cult, who resembles none other than Charles Manson (Sam Raimi). ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

Brian Schulz - Sgt. Jack Stryker
John Manfredi - Miller
Robert Rickman - Jackson
Tim Quill - Tyler
Sam Raimi - Cult Leader

Anchor Bay Entertainment racks up another winner in their quest to memorialize lesser-known cult films with their edition of Thou Shalt Not Kill...Except. The image is often grainy due to the film's 16 mm cinematography, but it benefits from an anamorphic, letterboxed transfer that looks far better than the film's previous video incarnations. This DVD also boasts a two-channel Dolby Digital sound mix that punches up the hyperbolic sound effects utilized in the action scenes to powerful effect. The disc also delivers plenty of extras for the film's fans, including an amusingly tongue-in-cheek theatrical trailer, a deleted scene from the film's bar brawl, and an alternate title sequence that uses the film's original title, Sgt. Stryker's War. However, the best extra is the fast-paced commentary provided by writer/director Josh Becker and writer/sound effects editor Bruce Campbell. Highlights of this breezy but informative track include Becker reminiscing about the critical jeers that Sam Raimi received for his performance and Campbell pointing out which sound effects were lifted from The Evil Dead and old Three Stooges shorts. The duo also illustrates the rigors of the film's low-budget shoot by pointing out whose homes were used as locations and how many crew members ended up serving as extras. The package is rounded out by a detailed essay from Becker on the film's origins in the DVD's insert booklet. All in all, Anchor Bay's DVD edition of Thou Shalt Not Kill...Except is a delight for the film's fans and well worth a look for Sam Raimi fanatics. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide