Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer
Embalmer

American Genre Film Archive

Embalmer

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$28.99
$41.98
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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

AGFA-074 SLIP
{ "43982214037546":1 }
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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

2026 Subscribers: This is NOT included in your Subscription. If you'd like to purchase it, you will need to login to view your special 50% off SRP pricing.

This special limited edition spot gloss and embossed slipcover is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Presented in partnership with Something Weird Video...

The American Genre Film Archive (AGFA) represents the world's largest theatrical catalog of exploitation cinema. Their home video line presents a diverse selection of movies, ranging from new preservations of classics from the vast library of Something Weird to the wildest in shot-on-video (SOV) titles. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

An urban legend-based slasher from acclaimed filmmaker S. Torriano Berry, EMBALMER is one of the few 1990s independent horror movies that was made for Black audiences. The story follows Chiffon, a troubled teenager with a dark past, as she and her friends run afoul of Undertaker Zach—a mortician who killed his family and turned his funeral home into an H.H. Holmes-style murder castle. Shot on 16mm film with a small budget in Washington, D.C., EMBALMER utilizes a hip-hop soundtrack, sly humor, and slasher mechanics to tell a deeper story of abuse, trauma, and the never-ending cycle of coping with pain. AGFA is honored to bring this powerful chapter of overlooked '90s horror to Blu-ray for the first time ever.

directed by: S. Torriano Berry
starring: Jennifer T. Kelly, Kenneth E. Mullen, Myron Creek, Tracy Owens, Dexter K. Tennie
1996 / 86 min / 1.37:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

  • Region Free Blu-ray
  • Preserved from the original 1” tape master
  • Video introduction by director S. Torriano Berry
  • Q&A with Berry
  • Archival behind the scenes featurette
  • Original trailers
  • EMBALMER: EARLY CUT, a previously unreleased version
  • Short films from Berry:
    • IN THE HOLE (1984)
    • DAY OF THE CROW'S CALL (1986)
    • EUPHRATES AWAKENING (1992)
  • Bonus movie: THE BLACK BEYOND (1985-92), Berry's previously unreleased shot-on-video sci-fi/horror anthology
  • THE BLACK BEYOND news segment
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.4731183 / 5 from 93 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Embalmer is a limited edition Blu-ray release from AGFA, featuring a unique urban legend-based slasher film directed by S. Torriano Berry. The package includes a special slipcover and various bonus features. Customer feedback on the movie is mixed, while the release package is highly appreciated.

Summary topics

  • Package Quality: 25%
  • Film Quality: 20%

Review topics: ["shipping","looks","packaging","release","upgrade","film","movie","slasher","flick","legend","agfa","extras","slipcover","presentation","find","family","vibe","label","characters","features","title","watch","horror","acting","twist"].

Review highlights

  • "It’s a great package from Agfa with a gorgeous looking slip cover, a great little release for sure." — james b.
  • "If you like interesting movies" — Ryan V.
  • "A perfect AGFA release" — Jason S.

Reviews

Embalmer

"This was a blind buy for me and as of April, one of the best partner releases so far. Embalmer reminded me of a mix of Candy Man and an elevated episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark? It taps into subjects we find fascinating and terrifying as children. It explores material that a lot of movies wouldn’t attempt. With a black cast and majority black production crew, Embalmer remains a mid 90s independent horror gem. The special features contain a Q&A with S. Torriano Berry, a making of featurette, short films by the director and even a full length one by him as well. I love the slipcover for this one too. Exceptional release from AGFA."

— Steven C. (4/5)

Absurdly spirited!

"I love discovering gems like Embalmer. It takes me back to a time where filmmakers were coming up with so many ideas and just making it happen. If you don't mind watching unknown regional actors deliver weird horror camp, this one is for you."

— Branden Y. (4/5)

Another great AGFA release

"Very entertaining and enjoyable 90s slasher. I purchased it because - although the main characters are in different professions - I was reminded of the excellent ‘Tales From The Hood’. So was very happy to see a TFTH poster on display in the video store. Loads of extras and great slipcover/artwork."

— Andrea M. (5/5)

Fun Schlock

"The Embalmer is a moody, low-budget horror that leans into atmosphere and psychological unease rather than outright shocks. S. Torriano Berry brings a distinct voice to the genre, blending noir influences with a slow-building sense of dread. It’s not polished, but its style and ambition make it a compelling and memorable indie horror."

— Shawn M. (3/5)

What a gem

"Really well-made considering its budget - I had a great time with this one! Pretty solid acting overall, nice twist, and a sense of humor - what more can you ask for from a microbudget regional slasher?"

— Tyler B. (5/5)

An urban legend comes to life!

"A group of inner city kids find out that a local urban legend about a mortician that killed his entire family is more than just a scary bedtime story. . . . . ."

— Thomas P. (5/5)

Great restoration of classic 90’s horror

"Made so well on 16mm and then upgraded to blu ray makes for fantastic transfer. Extras help show the making of and how groundbreaking this film is. The character development is incredible"

— Timothy D. (5/5)

Great find, this whole movie

"Great find, this whole movie feels like a complete fever dream and it provides a certain esthetic that is very hard to obtain very creepy presentation."

— Will S. (5/5)

Unique take on the genre

"Two couples end up in the home of a local legend and bad things happen. I enjoy unique takes on the horror genre and this one was definitely unique. The movie is pretty slow at times but has a twist ending. The slipcover is cool and the more urban vibe makes it worth a buy."

— Nolan L. (4/5)

:adult:‍🔬💀

"Uuuugh! It's starts off promising then for like an hour these people just dick around in some of most meaningless conversations and activities ever, then finally horror ensues. Does have a nice twist ending though. I kinda liked it buy. . . . it moves too slow with too much useless filler. The Blu Ray is nice with extra movies and shit."

— David R. (3/5)

Q&A

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