PopHorror Let's Get Scared
In my time spent working on screeners from Vinegar Syndrome, I’ve found that they never cease to impress me. While companies like Criterion focus on the preservation of “the film canon,” VinSyn will preserve lesser known works, many of which remind me of my dad’s assorted VHS collection he had when I was a kid, filled with strange action and sci-fi titles. Mutant Hunt certainly seems to fit that mold.
Synopsis:
In the near future of 1992, robots have become a facet of everyday life. Dr. Z, the diabolical head of one of the country’s top robotics firms, has developed a solution named Euphoron which, when injected into his cyborgs, transforms them from man’s servant into impossibly strong and powerful killing machines in an attempt by Dr. Z to take absolute power. Realizing the implications of Z’s actions, chief robotics engineer Paul Haynes attempts to stop the robot takeover, only to be kidnapped along with his sister, Darla. After achieving a dangerous escape, Darla then enlists the help of tough-as-grit bounty hunter Matt Riker and the two begin a quest to destroy the murderous machines.
Visuals:
Being a direct-to-VHS title before Vinegar Syndrome did this remaster, Mutant Hunt only existed in a 480p visual quality. Currently, the film is available on a few streaming services like Tubi, and as you can see below, it’s only streamed in its original quality. My screenshots were pulled from Tubi itself and Vinegar Syndrome’s own press release for this remaster. As you can see, it’s a massive leap in visual fidelity. However, this is simultaneously a blessing and curse for the film. Like early CG, a lower resolution could hide VFX flaws. Here, the cheaper effects are front and center. Thankfully, there are some good VFX, too, like the very Terminator-esque mutant with robotic endoskeleton.
The Film:
At times, it seems fairly obvious that Director Tim Kincaid is a fan of the Terminator franchise, and the film seems to be a late-to-the-draw attempt at cashing in on its popularity. Some of the costuming is unintentionally hilarious and serves to distract rather than build the cyberpunk setting that was likely intended.
Unfortunately, Kincaid’s history as a porn director seems to leak through into his film. The acting seems to be as much of a priority here as it is in that genre, and that applies to the action scenes as well. While some effects can bring some spice to the mild tension of any of these, the actual fights are about as realistic and graceful as William Shatner in the original Star Trek run.
Even the soundtrack sounds like it was ripped straight from one of Kincaid’s other works. Thankfully, while there is violence, Kincaid and company do not get excessive with nudity and sexuality, making the film closer to movie rather than porno. Overall, the discordant tone makes this a great option for a MST3K-style movie riff night.
Bonus Features:
Compared to past releases I’ve covered like Resurrection and The Laughing Dead, Mutant Hunt feels like a more sparse Vinegar Syndrome release. It’s surprising to see a Film Historian cover the film in commentary rather than the director, cast, or more known commentators like The Hysteria Continues, who are fairly frequent Vinegar Syndrome collaborators. My personal favorite was the interview with makeup FX artist Ed French. He gives a blunt yet fair look at his work in Mutant Hunt and insight into its production. Check out all the features listed below:
FEATURES:
Region A Blu-ray
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative
Commentary track with Film Historian Elizabeth Purchell
“Mutant Maker” (18 min) – an interview with special makeup effects artist Ed French
“If You Want Me To Box With A Kangaroo…” (56 min) – an interview with actor Dr. J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner
“Long Arm of the Hunt” (24 min) – an interview with actor Mark Legan
Reversible cover artwork
English SDH subtitles
