By and large, the ‘80s was a golden era for Horror films. A dominant time with plenty of sub-genre films making their own impacts, perhaps the most popular of all them was none other than the Slasher. A film type that picked up steam in the ‘70s with titles like 1974’s Black Christmas, the dawn of ‘80s erupted for Slashers thanks to mega hits like 1980’s Friday the 13th. With that came an onslaught of Slasher flicks; some more serious and dark (1980’s Maniac or 1981’s The Prowler), others more humorous and tongue-in-cheek (1982’s The Slumber Party Massacre or 1986’s Slaughter High). Whatever the approach may have been, if you were a fan of these types of films it was a great time to be alive. Then at the tail end of the decade it seems as if things were winding down, however, there were still some later entries to the party like 1989’s Cutting Class.
Cutting Class, more of a Dark Comedy mixed with a Slasher theme, fits in a category all its own along others like 1981’s Student Bodies or 1987’s Return to Horror High; both which were campy, but enjoyable. Just two points of reference as to where Cutting Class fits within the halls of ‘80s Horror fame, there are various elements to the film that make it well worth viewing. To start with, it features quite a stellar cast of actors/actresses. You had Donovan Leitch (who had started in 1988’s The Blob, before going onto other big projects like 1989’s Glory), Roddy McDowall (famously known for many roles including those in the original Planet of the Apes series, but also 1985’s Fright Night), Martin Mull (often remembered for role in 1985’s Clue, as well as a regular character on the hit sitcom Rosanne), Jill Schoelen (who is beloved for roles in Horror films such as 1987’s The Stepfather and 1989’s Phantom of the Opera), and last but not least, Brad Pitt (who would go onto to be a mega Hollywood star). A lineup of easily recognized faces, interesting enough, it was also Pitt’s first ever major film role; and alongside Schoelen in Cutting Class there is memorable on-screen chemistry.
Beyond this, Cutting Class, which initially arrived direct to video through Republic Pictures on July 17, 1989, was also directed by Rospo Pallenberg (who worked in 1977’s Exorcist II: The Heretic and wrote 1981’s Excalibur). Something worth remembering, the film is historically important to ‘80s Slasher fans because it could be argued that it marked the end of an era. As outlined, the Slasher genre was red hot throughout the decade, but started to taper off (much like the entire Horror scene) in the latter years. Unfortunate to see, the early ‘90s still offered one last battle cry for Horror, but many changes were to come; as trendy films arrived down pike line like 1996’s Scream. So, in theory, you can really look at Cutting Class as an important footnote in the history of Slashers, and that is why it is exciting to see it get a new 4K upgrade.
Previously released to VHS, it came to DVD back in 2007 through Lionsgate, was given a limited-edition release to Blu-ray/DVD combo in 2019 through Vinegar Syndrome, but now arrived on January 30, 2024 as a 2-Disc Special Edition set thanks to MVD. A part of the really cool MVD Rewind Collection, it is important to mention the 2019 Vinegar Syndrome was also in fact in 4K, but that was a limited edition pressing, since going out of print. That is why it is exceptionally exciting to see MVD pick up the title for their 4K releases, offer it pressed to 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever, and with it plenty of bonuses that fans will love.
As a two-disc set, disc one includes the same 2018 4K restoration that was on the Vinegar Syndrome release (this time on a 4K Ultra HD disc), while disc two has a ton of supplemental content including interviews with Donovan Leith and Jill Schoelen, plus an interesting featurette comparing the R-rated and edited versions of the film. Well put together, it must be said the 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative is a significant upgrade from what you might remember when watching the VHS or even DVD copy. The image is crisper, the colors are brighter, and overall, it is a fine representation. This factor being the largest of them all, along with the other features, MVD sweetens the pot by giving you the original film artwork, a nice slipcover, and a really nice fold out poster!
All in all, Cutting Class is one of those films that you may recall as a part of a bundle of titles you picked up with your friends to watch during a sleepover. It is one you probably associate with late nights, popcorn, and tomfoolery. Fond memories indeed, now you can relive them with this well put together 2-disc set that offers you everything you hoped for and then some. And if you are someone who has yet to invest in a 4K player just yet, MVD also released Cutting Class to DVD on January 16th. All good things, Cryptic Rock gives the MVD Rewind Collection 4K 2-Disc Special Edition of Cutting Class 5 out of 5 stars.
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