Danny Elfman is still my favorite cinematic Satan.
“Forbidden Zone” arrives on Blu-Ray with a brand new Ultimate Edition. Other regions have their own releases, still MVD brings the goods to Region 1 for all American cult cinema fans. If you don’t know the plot, I’d recommend hitting up Wikipedia or IMBD. If you’re too lazy, I’ll break it down for you. A bizarre family lives in the ghetto above a portal to another dimension. This dimension is ruled over by Herve Villechaize, Susan Tyrell and a topless princess.
Danny Elfman and the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo bring a soundtrack mixed with originals and tons of classic covers. You’ll hear Jazz standards and old timey mixes brought together with the passion of a Looney Tunes cartoon. Some younger viewers might find elements racist, but the material moves beyond that. It’s a timeless jaunt through the weird and avant garde. Just take the elements of the Hell outing with a grain of salt. Joe Spinell shows up around that time. That should make you happy.
The Blu-Ray comes with a commentary, documentary, booklet, both Black and White & Color versions of the film, outtakes, new intro and a trailer as the special features. Most of these special features were already on the Arrow UK and other foreign releases. Still, the transfer is stunning for a film shot on the cheap. The 1080p transfer pops, but I want to say it’s almost the same as the Arrow UK mix. You do get the original soundtrack on CD with this set.
A bit of recordkeeping here. There was meant to be a booklet with the release as listed in the special features. However, it didn’t arrive with this edition, so email MVD. There also appears to be music or dialogue issues with the older Hercules Family footage. I didn’t notice that on the Arrow UK disc, but it’s present here. Otherwise, it’s definitely worth a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!