Splendid skid row, self-conscious but intriguing tongue-in-cheek no budget movie making; Basket Case is an inspired blend of the shocking, the (very) darkly amusing and the downright inept. The film is a touching, horrific homage, a gleefully unapologetic throwback to the resourceful ingenuity that characterised no budget movie making of another era and boasts some effective horror moments. It is fast, funny, bloody and wonderfully entertaining-even throwing some interesting animated sequences into the mix. Making a virtue of it's obvious shortcomings, Henenlotter's flick is often highly amusing to boot, whether it is the slobbish residents of the skid row hotel central to proceedings-the balding, paunchy, middle aged guy who plays the receptionist is a real hoot-drawling "whaats in the baahsket?" in his N.Y. accent and running up and down the several flights of stairs in hysterical topshots of his receding hairline enough times to improve his fitness to Olympic levels, the totally inept playing as characterised by the films lead.

Van Hentenryck cannot act his way out of a wet paper bag-he's actually even more wooden than Chuck "the walking wardrobe" Norris! -and that is a staggering achievement, but as with Reggie Bannister's hysterically incompetent playing in Don Coscarelli's Phantasm pics, this engenders a sort of "charmingly awful" effect within the viewer and is iconic to the series. Of the rest of the cast: Beverly Bonner as his hooker/confidant is amusingly dreadful, Terri Susan Smith as the love interest is dire and Diana Browne is screamingly funny as one of the victim's-with a considerably less than ear piercing scream sticking in the mind [anyone remember that 'scream' that John Travolta is trying to overdub in DePalma's Blow Out? You get the picture]. You won't know whether to laugh or shriek at Belial, the thing in the basket, whilst the gore, though not overly graphic, is hardly restrained either. Basket Case certainly delivers the bad taste goods (the notorious scene involving Belial and Terri Susan Smith apparently caused a mass crew walkout on set).

A censored version circulated briefly in US movie theatres and later on VHS, though this DvD under review is the full version. Effects are (once again) winningly entry level and the script is a scream (no pun intended). Frank Henenlotter's direction is probably the one element of the film that could genuinely be referred to as 'promising', and stands as a monument to the spirit of the early Eighties "let's just get a few bucks and go out there and make a horror movie" admirably gung-ho attitude. Basket Case, it's a love it or hate it experience, and this reviewer is very much one of the former. This extremely low budget masterpiece is a must see for all horror film fans and one of the best horror movies of the 80's. For anyone who could not sit through the execrable sequels Basket Case 2 House of Freaks or Basket Case 3 The Progeny, just save space on your shelf for this darkly comic twistedly original and forget they exist. This is demented, disturbed and original moviemaking, unlike its progeny, a splendidly un-PC sick little movie made for about $3 and a subway token and agreeably witty. That the film works effectively as both horror and comedy is a testament to Henenlotter's creativity, not to mention skill in his ability to make virtues of budgetary constraints and nonexistent production values. Essential!

Basket Case was shot in 16mm and is presented here in the correct 1.33:1 fullscreen ratio. This is confirmed by Henenlotter on the commentary track, plus but no evidence of cropping can be discerned. The DvD transfer looks pretty clean and the film has never looked this good, even during its initial theatrical run as Henenlotter admits, further going on to state how the film has benefited from digital correction. He describes how scenes that were too dark, murky, or downright unwatchable are hugely improved, and far be it from this reviewer to demur. A lot better than the previous DvD or any VHS transfers of the film, though naturally enough given the film's low budget origins, it is not a reference quality print, but that is not to be (realistically) expected. Colours are strong, shadow delineation good, whilst blacks are solid and fleshtones passable. The DvD presents the film in Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono and the audio is as good as one had any right to expect and represents a competent rendition of the original soundtrack as I recall it from theatrical showings.

The original DvD release of Basket Case was a bare bones travesty, a poor show with no Henenlotter commentary, not even a trailer for God's sake! A disgrace, offering "Scene Access" - WOW!! Here we get pretty much everything anyone could possibly want. Kicking off the extras is a fascinating screen-specific audio commentary with Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins, Beverly Bonner (briefly), and Scooter McRae (uncredited). The considerable enthusiasm for the project from all concerned shines through like a beacon and this is a hugely entertaining and informative talk-through. It demonstrably shows Henenlotter's commitment and belief in the film at the time, and provides a fund of intriguing background information and several amusing production stories. There are theatrical trailers, including that wonderful trailer employed by UK distributor Palace Pictures when this was released in the early-Eighties, as well as TV and radio trailer spots and a couple of radio interviews. These are fascinating, especially the two radio interviews with a seemingly nonplussed Terri Susan Smith.

The rest of the supplements are worthwhile, if less interesting and include the Scooter "Shatter Dead" McRae short In Search of the Hotel Broslin. This results from a throwaway comment by the director at the time of initial release to the effect that the sleazy hotel featured is for real, when infact it was a fabrication. From little acorns… and at one time apparently NYC was overrun by Japanese fans seeking the Hotel Broslin. The short has Henenlotter accompanied by an irritating character calling himself "The Rugged Man" debunking the myth by wandering aimlessly about various locations where Basket Case was filmed and showing how the fictitious hotel was really a construct of several different places. Also included is a visit to the legendary Hellfire S&M club and an interview with one cast member 20-years on.

Another extra are some authentically dire clips from Beverly Bonner's NYC cable comedy show Beverly Bonner's Laugh Track. Hmmm, laugh? I thought I'd never start. Other supplements comprise a small stills gallery, some vaguely amusing outtakes and comprehensive liner notes by Vince Bonavoglia, encompassing the film's origin and production, the splendidly seedy 42nd Street milieu so central to the film's conception and Henenlotter's career, which can be found in the keepcase insert.

The film is a priceless gem and one this reviewer well remembers hooting through midnight screenings way back when 42nd Street was the centre of the exploitation universe. It played the defunct, and sadly missed Waverly Theatre for a year! It therefore holds a sentimental place in my heart and as such I may be a little biased when I say it couldn't be more highly recommended. Something Weird has done a cracking job with this gleefully twisted, unique movie. This transfer improves hugely upon previous DvD and VHS incarnations and given the splendid supplemental materials, especially the commentary, is an absolutely essential acquisition for any self-respecting horror aficionado. The two sequels, more technically more polished but lacking flair and originality are best forgotten and this best revisited with an air of nostalgic tolerance. If you, like me, are a fan of Henenlotter's early work, this new DvD remaster is simply priceless.

- Reviewed by Dr. Obrero