PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Thawed from the deep freezer known as 1989, Iced has been given new life on home video. Originally released on VHS, Iced has lived on through murky bootlegs that passed through the hands of only the most niche horror fans. After years of begging for a physical release, Vinegar Syndrome has obliged fans with this newly restored definitive release for their “Degausser Video” line.
After a skiing accident leaves Jeff (Dan Smith: Hitcher in the Dark 1989) dead, a group of friends reunite years later to attend the opening of a ski resort. One by one, they start to drop like icicles on a hot day. Could there be a crazed killer on the loose, or could Jeff have returned to enact his revenge? Will they have a snowball’s chance in hell of surviving the night or will they get blown away by a flurry of violence?
First-time director Jeff Kwitny (Beyond the Door III 1989) brings to life a shocking whodunit that will leave viewers’ blood running cold. For those that love 80’s horror, there are a couple of familiar faces including Debra De Liso (The Slumber Party Massacre 1982), Joseph Alan Johnson (Berserker 1987), and Elizabeth Gorcey (Teen Wolf 1985). The biggest credit goes to the original Wednesday Addams, Lisa Loring (The Addams Family 1964).
Apart from the first 15 minutes and the final 20, there isn’t much happening. The plot moves at a glacial pace (no pun intended). If you read the synopsis on the back of the box, you’ve taken in all the available story.
When it comes to kills, it’s unfortunate that there isn’t too much gore to be seen as most deaths are either off-screen or happen in a way that feels censored. The overall vibe feels as though they were skirting most violence to avoid an R-rating. This theory is quickly thrown out the window alongside good taste, modesty, and a pair of Lisa Loring’s underwear because Iced features nudity that blurs the line between softcore and indecency. Sparring no cast member, plenty of flesh from all sexes on display. Kwitny’s directorial style makes sure to highlight just how nippy the mountain air is.
With no direct correlation to the previous paragraph, one might be curious about the Blu-ray’s picture quality. With the greatest of pleasures, it’s exciting to report that the newly transferred and restored quality is… serviceable. While yes, it’s the best Iced has ever looked, it’s still not very good. The picture is confined to a 4:3 aspect ratio with the clarity of scratched and fogged ski goggles. Fortunately, there isn’t much visual detail lost as most of the sets and costumes are about as intricate as the motel they filmed in allows them to be. It is also hard to tell the male characters apart. If the snowsuits in the opening scene weren’t so boldly colored, you’d be hard-pressed to know who died. Most of the male actors look the same so the only difference a 4K resolution would make is to show a tinge more of the artificial blonde highlights in their hair. Through no fault of Vinegar Syndrome, they used the best surviving tape master for this restoration. It appears that they’ve done the best they could.
Apart from the picture quality, Vinegar Syndrome provided a hearty number of extras including cast & crew interviews, commentary tracks, and an image gallery. There is more than enough to satiate anyone who has been clamoring for this release.
Iced isn’t some forgotten masterpiece, nor is it very good. But then again, isn’t that the charm of most 80’s slashers? Iced is available for purchase on Vinegar Syndrome’s website and available to stream on Shudder.
