Customer Reviews

Return to Horror High [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

Unlike many reviewers, I actually enjoyed this film, "Return to Horror High" is not only a 80's nostalgic slasher, it is also a spoof/satire on the whole low-budget horror film franchise, which I feel gives the film a big boost. The plot is rather original, it's not the typical "invincible man in a mask stalking half naked teens through the woods with farm tools" formula, it's about a film crew who is filming a low-budget horror film on a mass murder that happened 3 years ago at Crippen High, and mysteriously the killer was never apprehended. So as soon as filming begins, one by one the cast and crew start getting knocked off, and it's up our heroic duo to solve the mystery of who could be behind the murders and what really happened at Crippen High. The story is more "in-depth" than the typical 80's slasher flick and the acting is above average, as most of the cast provide very believable performances. The overall production value is high, as the effects are realistic, even when purposefully campy, and the overall school setting is eerie.

As for the DVD, Anchor Bay has done another fine job restoring a lost 80's classic. The only feature is a trailer, which is more like a teaser, but is superbly crafted and is made of the highest quality, it's very convincing, very dark, and I personally do not see how it didn't sell the film well. The picture is in 1.85:1 widescreen ratio, and is excellent, no blotches, no streaks, no cracks, and the colors are well divided and very vibrant. My only complaint was the sound, if they would have done a 3.0 surrond, or even a 2.0 Stereo remix, the effect of many "BOO" scenes would have been much greater as oppose to Mono. But still the dialogue and sound effects are distinguishable from each other and do not blend. Plus you get a mini theatrical one-sheet inside the package.

Overall, I highly reccomend "Return to Horror High". Some may get confused by the ending, but I feel it's from a lack of paying attention, because I understood the ending just fine, but if you pay attention and listen carefully during the last 10 minutes, everything should make sense. Once again, Anchor Bay has provided us with another great classic and given it a nice transfer, plus a very reasonable price. All horror fans should enjoy this one, as well as film buffs, if you feel weary about his one because of the mixed reviews, then I suggest a rental, and then decide. I hope this helped in making your final decision, whether you buy or pass. Thanks for reading.

Posing as a high school slasher THE RETURN TO HORROR HIGH is actually a poorly written, poorly acted and poorly directed horror/ comedy...and I'm using both of those terms loosely.

Confusingly told with an incredible amount of flashbacks, a limp dream sequence and a twist ending that was so stupid it made THE VILLAGE look like Stephen Hawking the story is about a film crew shooting a slasher movie at a high school that was previously the scene of a real life massacre. People start disappearing, but not as quickly as my desire to care what happens.

I have no idea what the filmmakers were going for, but they failed on every level possible. Sadly, I've seen worse, much worse, but still there is no reason (outside of morbid curiosity or drunkeness) to waste your time on this clunker.

Gorehounds: don't worry about it; the limited special effects are pathetic, barely above Troma standards.

Return to Horror High, the beginning of an entire limb of horror that leaned away from trying to be truly horrible, wasn't received with open arms when its spoof qualities were first exhibited and still has problems to this day. The reason it seems to have these issues is because it: (1) lacks quality caliber actors and actresses (yes, it did have George Clooney and his bloody moment did come off rather well, and Marcia Brady was a bit odd to see here as well), (2) lacked an awe-striking budget, (3) sometimes hits a few plotholes has it trudges through various deaths, (4) it has a few laughs along the way. Still, the elements to something enjoyable all manifest themselves herein.

Return to Horror High is a movie about someone making a movie about a massacre that took place years removed. In it, they decide to use the scene of the crime itself, people that had knowledge of what had transpired here in the past (including the school's principal, its janitor, and a local policeman), and some portions of truth in their otherwise horror-prone plot. Since its low budget they also want the actors to go that "extra mile" as well, having them pick up the extra slots left open by people "quitting the film" as well as staying on location day and night while its shot. Little do they realize that something is there working with them in the dark with them, something that obviously doesn't mind a sequel.

Personally, I enjoyed this movie and I think that other people will enjoy it as well, given the fact that they understand exactly what they are watching. Be warned, however, that it is lacking in many respects and that you have to appreciate the qualities of a good laugh to really enjoy this.

I really liked this movie. Yes its silly, but its not meant to be serious. It's a spoof, plain and simple. And even as old as it is it's worlds better than all of "Scary Movie" spoofs. This movie proves that you don't have to rely on tons of sex/drug related jokes in order to be silly and fun. It's very campy, but it's so much fun. I really loved the song that played during one scene, unfortunately I can't find the song anywhere. It was called "Man For Me". Anyway, I enjoyed this movie.

The first thing I noticed when I tore open my envelope for this movie, was that it did'nt have the same cover as advertised on Amazon. It was a cheap grainy still from the movie with the film's title at the bottom in plain white letters. It screamed bootleg. But apparentley it was put out by a company called TOP TEN new media. A bootlegger would have probably have done a better job! Because this was a really crappy edition. On the main menu screen the first thing you read is STRAT MOVIE. That's right STRAT, not start. When a company let's something like that get released, you know they don't care about the product! And when I did strat the movie, it starts way into the film, and you have to hit reverse all the way back to the beginning. It did it every time I tried it. As for the movie itself. Well it was okay. Amusing at times, boring and confusing at others, the few nude scenes were good. If you like silly horror comedies, you'll probably enjoy it, but I would seriously try to get a copy from a company, besides TOP TEN!

fun little low budget horror movie worth your money had george clooney in what i believe was one of his first(brief) movie roles had the blood and alittle cheesiness that most b-movies have well worth your money just pay attention the ending could have you saying wtf

This movie stinks. There are some really good horror movies of the 80's and this is not one of them. It's BORING, slow moving, the acting and cinematography both suck. I've seen more action on my kids Goosebumps DVD's. I wouldn't pay 1.00 for it, yup, it's THAT BAD!!

After watching this one again all I can say is, WOW at what point in making this turkey did they decide to get rid of the script. Really, this makes little or no sense. To bad to be a slasher movie, not funny enough to be a comedy, and that leaves the public holding this bag of cheese.
A film crew is shooting a horror movie at an old High School where,you guessed it,where years before several murders happened,and yeah sure enough the killings start all over again or are they just a stunt to get publicity for the movie. I dare you to care as it grows dumber with each passing scene. Save your money

"Return to Horror High" is a wonderful horror SPOOF. Clearly several of the reviewers had no idea what they were watching and therefor had no right to write a review. Some of the jokes fall flat, and the movie loses momentum towards the end, HOWEVER "Return to Horror High" is not to be missed. Geeks, if you like this movie check out "Night of the Creeps."

This movie has been getting such bad reviews, and I wrote this one to set the record straight, i guess (but excuse the corniness).
This movie was not meant to be a 'real' horror film, it is obviously a satire. Think of it as the first in the sub-genre that "Scream" sopposedly started, accept it's not as straight foward it it's mocking, accept in the leading woman's blatent complaints a couple times. Also the movie has a sorta predictable non-pedictable way about it. It's funny as hell, I mean the stuff that happens is SO absurd, and the police the department is stupid as anything. One of the best parts is that George Clooney is in it, and not even a lead role either.
Anyway this movie is a 'watch-if-you-want-to-laugh' type film, and keep in mind that it's a spoof.
*Note:the 5 stars are so people watch it, to boost the rating a bit