Director: Stephen Chiodo.
Starring: Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, John Vernon.
Running Time: 88 minutes
Certificate: 15
Extras: High definition digital transfer, Audio Commentary with the Chiodo Brothers, The Making of Killer Klowns a 20-minute featurette comprising interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Komposing Klowns interview with composer John Massari, Visual Effects with Gene Warren Jr., Kreating Klowns with Charles Chiodo and creature fabricator Dwight Roberts, Chiodo Brothers’ Earliest Films – a look back on the first Chiodo Brothers productions, 2 Deleted Scenes with Director’s Commentary, Killer Bloopers, Klown Auditions, Theatrical Trailer, Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork to be revealed!, Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film
Arrow Video have done it again by bringing cult classic KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE. The title really does say it all, but this 80s classic that found life in VHS and DVD sales is not just a film with a single joke title. KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE is fantastic entertainment that perfectly mixes silly 80s action, nonsense gimmicky horror, and a genuine freaky edge.
A big top shaped spaceship lands on Earth and a small town soon finds itself overrun with grotesque looking clowns. The clowns are beautifully constructed, with the team deciding not to just settle with men in clown make-up, but offer up nightmare fuel in the form of freakish rubbery costumes. It’s also amazing that, given its modest budget, the film manages to offer up so many variations on the twisted clowns. As the film progresses they begin to dispatch people in increasingly original ways, with many of the kills playing as unsettling jokes.
The opening song should be more than enough to let you know what you’re in for, and thankfully a consistent tone is followed throughout. The actors generally take the material pretty seriously, which adds to the quirky charm of the entire film. You never know whether the film is going to aim for cute silliness a la GREMLINS, or actually try and put the chills to you. It’s this unexpectedness that allows the film to deliver constant surprises throughout.
With a lovable set of characters, fantastic production design, memorable visuals, and the ability to mix comedy and horror, KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE deserves more credit than it receives, and in this package from Arrow Video, we should be able to guarantee that at least. A great party film and a delightful B-movie that has aged very well.
[usr=5]KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE is out on Blu-ray on 15th September.
