Retribution

Summary

“They’re not dreams…. They’re nightmares.”

Severin Films consistently comes to the table with surprising releases of films that I had no idea existed. Most of their releases are nowhere on my radar until they are announced and I can research what the films are. I am not always interested in purchasing these releases, as my interests and their interests occasionally diverge, but when my interests and their interests align, I always know I am in for a treat. With their release of the Eighties psychological horror film Retribution, Severin Films released the exact type of picture that I love to discover. Retribution was written by Guy Magar and Lee Wasserman. and produced and directed by Guy Magar. Starring Dennis Lipscomb, who is probably best known for his role in Wargames, the film failed to generate much buzz in its limited theatrical release and was critically given lukewarm reviews. It was then released onto VHS shelves across the country. Severin managed to find the original camera negative of the film for its restoration, and fans of Eighties horror films will find a lot to enjoy about this picture.

On Halloween night, a group of bystanders wearing masks look upward. There is a crowd gathered of firemen, police, ambulances and paramedics. A bespectacled man (Dennis Lipscomb) is about to jump off of the rooftop of the Don Hotel. He takes off his glasses and leaps. His body smashes into a car and rolls onto the street as the paramedics attempt to save him. As they begin to resuscitate him, the man experiences horrible visions from some other realm. The doctors manage to save the man named George. George is plagued by horrible visions in which a gangster is shot to death by someone. George was a painter before his attempted suicide. Doctor Jennifer Curtis (Leslie Wing) begins to probe his subconscious and makes him feel better about himself as his occupational therapy heals his body. Anytime she asks about his nightmare, George tenses up. His intense thinking manifests itself by turning over a cup of coffee in her office, but they dismiss it as an accident. She assigns him some heavier medicine to help him with his nightmares. George returns to his apartment. At the apartment building there is a sweet-natured hooker named Angel who had asked about George while he was away, and an eccentric landlord and super that kept his apartment for him while he healed. George begins to paint again, but finds himself plagued by those nightmarish visions. At a bar that he had never visited before, George orders a Retsina with a double twist. A woman across the bar named Sally says she knew a man that used to order that exact order before. She offers him the drink on the house. They head to her place for what she thinks is a romantic rendezvous, but he is more interested in probing her for details about the man who used to order that drink. The movie then takes an unexpected direction I won’t spoil here, but the title of Retribution will make sense as the film plays out.

I really enjoyed Retribution. It’s an entertaining horror film with some amazing practical effects sequences and numerous action sequences that keep the pace of the film moving briskly. The film was shot well with a nice eye for architecture and framing. The script itself is definitely goofy in parts and some of the dialogue is half-baked, but I was consistently pleased by where the film went and the numerous surprises the film presented. For example, there is a party sequence in the film that is basically out of the blue. This sequence is given an artistic handling from the director that is both unique and strange. The film has many other bizarre or surreal moments in the film but the off-kilter sequences like the party all sort of work. The sum is better than the parts in this case. Guy Magar also worked with cinematographer Gary Thieltges to fill the frames with eye catching colors. At every chance, the film takes the most colorful route possible. While the film never reaches the colorful realm that we have seen in films like Suspiria or Danger: Diabolik, it still has a vibrant palette.

The film is aided by a score by the wonderful musician Alan Howarth. Howarth is best known for his work with John Carpenter on the films Escape from New York and They Live. The horror themes in the film are classic Howarth, whereas the more sentimental themes used are cheesy and of their time. A couple of the musical moments reminded me of some of Pino Donaggio’s output in films like Dressed to Kill or Don’t Look Now. 

The acting in the film is enjoyable, even if most of it is not extremely memorable. The key role played by Dennis Lipscomb is the standout performance, and he is in nearly every scene of the film. He plays the character with such a softhearted touch, that his supernatural sequences are more interesting. I can’t say that Lipscomb would be my first choice as a romantic lead, so his sequences with Angel feel a little bit off, but in a film like this that is a pretty minor qualm. Actress Suzanne Snyder is easy on the eyes and well cast as Angel. Leslie Wing is also perfectly capable in her role as the concerned psychiatrist.

Overall – Retrubution is the type of crazy supernatural thriller that I appreciate being given a spotlight from Severin Films. It’s a wild ride that I thought was well worth taking.

Video

Severin Films has provided a great transfer in 1080p of Retribution in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with an MPEG-4 AVC encode from a 2K scan of the original negative. I watched the film on my 4K Epson Projector and was largely impressed by the amount of detail on display. That said, the best surviving elements of the picture still show their age somewhat. There are also moments where zoom processes are used that cause grain distortion. It’s not a big deal, but somewhat noticeable on a projector. Fine detail for the most part is very well maintained and the film stays well saturated. The film is in good shape and has been brought to the format with good care from the fine folks at Severin.

Audio

Severin Films has provided an enjoyable DTS-HD MA 2.0 track. The sound quality on the track is essentially reference quality. Obviously range is limited, but there are some pretty fun sequences in the film during the supernatural attacks. The soundtrack by Alan Howarth sounds great as well. Fans will be very pleased.

Supplements:

• Two Versions: Theatrical Cut Version + Extended Dutch Video Release Version
• Audio Commentary With Co-Writer/Director Guy Magar
• Writing Wrongs: Interview With Co-Writer Lee Wasserman
• Shock Therapy: Interview With Actress Leslie Wing
• Angel’s Heart: Interview With Actress Suzanne Snyder
• Santa Maria, Mother Of God, Help Me!: Interview With Actor Mike Muscat
• Settling The Score: Interview With Soundtrack Composer Alan Howarth
• Visions Of Vengeance: Interview With Special Effects Artist John Eggett
• The Art Of Getting Even: Interview With Artist Barry Fahr
• Living In Oblivion: Interview With Production Designer Robb Wilson King
• BINGO: Student Short By Guy Magar With Optional Director Commentary
• Trailer
• Stills & Poster Gallery
• CD Soundtrack

Overall Scores:

Video – 4.5/5

Audio – 4/5

Supplements – 5/5

Overall – 4/5

Retribution is a bizarre, surreal, and entertaining supernatural thriller from the Eighties. The film is by no means perfect, but it is the exact type of film that I appreciate Severin Film for bringing to my attention. Horror fans will find a lot to enjoy about the film. Retribution revels in colors and eye popping practical effects that are fun to watch. The supplemental package from Severin is fantastic, and they have done a great job on the restoration of the film and its original audio. If you are on the fence about picking up this release, I would definitely encourage you to check it out.