Cult classics and B-movies make the foundation of my cinematic love. From Forbidden Planet to Frogs , there’s nothing like a good ole sci-fi/horror picture. But among all my beloved flicks, there is one that reigns supreme; it also happens to be the 30th anniversary of that one movie. So it’s with great timing that Arrow Video has proudly released a special edition of Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
Compared to a lot of other cult classics, for all the cheesiness in Killer Klowns, it effectively makes fun of itself. Not in a tongue-in-cheek, fourth-wall-breaking sense like Deadpool, but more along the lines of presenting logic to its absurdity. For me, beyond the hilarious nature of the picture, this quality plays a major part in why I love Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
Welcome To Klowns R Us
Written and produced by the Chiodo Brothers (directed by Stephen Chiodo), Killer Klowns kicks things off with a creepy composition of carnival-like music. One night, our main protagonists, Mike and Debbie (played by Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder), witness a shooting star crash near them, and go investigate. Upon arriving at the impact site, they witness a gigantic carnival tent. It isn’t until they make their way inside that they discover that this is no ordinary tent, but an alien spaceship!
source: Trans World Entertainment
Finding bodies wrapped within cotton candy cocoons, Mike and Debbie come face to face with the aliens that live within the ship. When they’re discovered, the “klowns” begin to chase them, and soon afterwards, begin their invasion upon the nearby town. It’s up to Mike and Debbie, along with their friends, to save the town, and fight back against the klowns.
From the opening scenes, to the goofy dialogue, you’re immediately drawn into the movie. Mike and Debbie, as well as the entire cast, offer plenty of fun banter that’ll keep viewers chuckling. For example, when the protagonists discover the cotton candy cocoons, Debbie states how odd the room appears, and how cotton candy isn’t stored like that. The way Mike reacts so nonchalantly, stating that it’s fine, is hilarious; as a viewer, you get the sense that the actors are aware of how ridiculous they sound.
We have the horny best friends of Mike, along with an aggressive town cop, who also contribute to the goofy dialogue. The human characters make for a great blend of over-the-top humor; their dialogue and actions are never too extreme, but pack just the right amount of cheese to enjoy. But while the human characters offer a great deal of humor to the movie, the core focus of Killer Klowns From Outer Space come from the klowns and practical effects.
Kicking the movie off with a gigantic alien ship shaped like a carnival tent is just a small taste for the weirdness to come. The Chiodo Brothers came up with brilliant ways to include clown/carnival-like concepts into the alien’s arsenal; immediately, one cannot deny the silliness of using cotton candy to store human bodies, hanging them like they were in a meat factory. But the wittiness doesn’t stop there, and only speeds away moving forward.
The klowns have a gun that allows them to shoot strings of cotton candy, capturing their victims for storage. There’s also a gun that shoots popcorn, sticking to people and objects to later grow into these snake-like klown creatures. The klowns also have the power to make shadow puppets that can eat people, while also being able to use pies that can melt flesh. Additionally, they’re able to make balloon dogs that can sniff out intruders on their ship.
Seeing all of this come together throughout Killer Klowns makes for a hilarious time. The movie is so on the nose poking fun at clown/carnival culture, that while all these concepts are outrageous, they make sense for the picture. And, as campy as the dialogue and actions get, Killer Klowns is more competently made than many other 80’s B-movies.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space doesn’t fall into the “it’s so bad it’s good” category, because to be honest (for what it is), it’s done really well. It may have cheesy dialogue, but is written better than Trolls 2 . You don’t laugh at the awkward acting like in The Room , but rather, find you’re laughing at how our protagonists handle themselves in this situation. You also find yourself getting numerous chuckles for the creativity put behind each clown/carnival concept throughout the movie.
I’m not saying Killer Klowns is some underappreciated art house gem, but I am saying it deserves more credit for how spot-on its humor is. It’s a fun movie with clever comedy, where one can kick back, get some hardy laughs from, and enjoy.
Extra! Extra! Come Dig These Extras!
Where does one even begin with the extras of Arrow Video’s latest release!?
It’s probably easier if I just share the list of extras as Arrow has laid them out:
- Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original camera negative
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
- Newly remastered stereo 2.0 and 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio options
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Archive audio commentary with the Chiodo Brothers
- Let the Show Begin! Anatomy of a Killer Theme Song – an all-new interview with the original members of the American punk band, The Dickies
- The Chiodos Walk Among Us: Adventures in Super 8 Filmmaking – all-new documentary highlighting the making of the Chiodo Brothers childhood films, from the giant monster epics made in their basement to their experiments in college
- New HD transfers of the complete collection of the Chiodo Brothers 8mm and Super 8 films, including Land of Terror, Free Inside, Beast from the Egg, and more!
- Tales of Tobacco – an interview with star Grant Cramer
- Debbie’s Big Night – an interview with star Suzanne Snyder
- Bringing Life to These Things – a tour of Chiodo Bros. Productions
- The Making of Killer Klowns – archive production featurette
- Visual Effects with Gene Warren Jr. – archive interview with co-writer/producer Charles Chiodo and visual effects supervisor Gene Warren Jr.
- Kreating Klowns – archive interview with Charles Chiodo and creature fabricator Dwight Roberts
- Komposing Klowns – archive interview with composer John Massari
- Klown Auditions
- Deleted Scenes with filmmaker’s audio commentary
- Bloopers
- Image Galleries
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
All of these extras come together to make the viewing of Killer Klowns all the more enjoyable. The Killer Klowns lover will find themselves lost in this collection of interesting commentary.
One detail I’d like to shout out in particular is the visual restoration of the movie. The blu-ray, 4k update brings out the best quality in the movie’s colors, the klowns look terrific, and each shade of color found in the clothing, weapons, and ship is refreshing to see.
Step Aside Pennywise, There Are Some Killer Klowns On The Loose
Killer Klowns From Outer Space isn’t just for those who like clowns and campy flicks, but a requirement for cult film lovers. It displays excellent practical effects alongside a hilarious story, while offering fun acting and dialogue. The new special release is a must own for anyone who grew up watching the film ; given the immense load of special features, not only do they add to the experience of the movie, but honor the work.
This is a movie that knows exactly what it wants to be, and in the world of cult cinema, masterfully entwines science fiction with humor.
Have you ever seen Killer Klowns From Outer Space? What are your thoughts on the movie?
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