THE INSTRUCTOR is part of our Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, celebrating forgotten cinematic oddities from the video store era. This collection was inspired by our own brick & mortar video stores, with locations in Bridgeport, CT; Aurora, CO and Toronto, ON!
Unique to this line, each hand numbered limited edition release will come fitted in a specially designed, bottom loading VHS inspired slipcase, while also including a double-sided poster.
These releases will ONLY be available on our website and at participating indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them. This slipcase edition (designed by JJ Harrison) is strictly limited to 5,000 units and may (but probably not) be followed by a standard edition in the future.
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The Instructor (played by real-life martial artist Bob Chaney) runs a local karate school where he spends his days training his students in the art of defense, including his best friend Thumper. Since discovering his wife dead under mysterious circumstances, The Instructor has vowed to only use his martial arts training for good in an attempt to overcome his desire for revenge. However, when a rival martial arts school run by the slimy Bud Hart begins engaging in crime and corruption, The Instructor finds himself struggling to contain his anger and is pushed to a breaking point when Hart sets his sights on The Instructor's students. After Thumper is mercilessly beaten in a locker room during a martial arts tournament, The Instructor can no longer suppress his anger and sets out to take revenge on his evil rival.
A regionally-shot action extravaganza, THE INSTRUCTOR was the only film made by director Don Bendell and lead actor Bob Chaney. In the vein of films such as Champagne and Bullets and Death Promise, THE INSTRUCTOR is a low-budget tour de force that will leave you absolutely stunned. One of the most requested Vinegar Syndrome Archive titles of all time, we are proud to present THE INSTRUCTOR for the first time on Blu-ray, newly restored from the director’s own personal print, and featuring some of the most jaw-dropping fight scenes ever filmed. This one is truly unlike anything you've ever seen before!
directed by: Don Bendell starring: Bob Chaney, Don Bendell, Steve Boergadine, Bob Saal 1981 / 94 min / 1.37:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly scanned and restored in 4K from a 35mm archival print
Commentary track with writer/director Don Bendell
A Journey to Akron: The Making of The Instructor (25 min) - an interview with writer/director Don Bendell
Booklet with an essay by film historian Richard Heldenfels
Double-sided poster
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.620939 / 5 from 277 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Instructor, a Vinegar Syndrome Archive release, is celebrated for its well-staged fight sequences, great transfer, and generous special features. While opinions on the acting and scenes vary, the film is appreciated for its low-budget charm and unique art. This limited edition release is a must-have for fans of action cinema.
"This movie also has some great special features and comes with a awesome slipcover." — Russell H.
"Special features on this release are generous and insightful, offering a deep dive into the making of the film." — Adam C.
"Transfer looks great, packaging is awesome, booklet is a great read and there are loads of interesting special features." — Todd H.
Reviews
The Instructor Instructs
"Action oddity loaded with laughs. Lots of extras and interviews."
— Kevin D. (5/5)
Hilariously bad movie
"First saw clips of this on RLM but oh boy, this doesn’t disappoint. If you love really poorly made movies with hilariously choreographed karate and a kind of impressive car chase then you have to check this one out. I had a blast from beginning to end. Definitely will watch multiple times."
— Craig G. (5/5)
I'll mangle you, you turd!
"Okay this is a certified vanity project trashy martial arts classic. So much fun and the ending chase scene that keeps going and going and going is fucking amazing."
— Juhana A. (5/5)
A bad movie all timer
"This movie is ridiculous. Great for a laugh! Grab some friends and some strong drinks and put this on!"
— Stephen J. (5/5)
The Instructor
"Great artwork, with a lot of features, nice slipcover and transfer"
— Robert E. (5/5)
How did I overlook this for so long!?
"Hilarious, high-flying action in exactly the flavor I'm looking for."
— Kyle G. (5/5)
It's like Miami Connection 6
"It's like Miami Connection 6 years early but with less music numbers & WAY more insane car/bike chases. A Fantastic package worth picking up if you enjoy "Bad" Martial Arts films."
— Kirk W. (5/5)
I can't believe I've never seen this before!
"I grew up were this was filmed and still live in the area. I was at the Gorge almost every day as a teen where the waterfall scene was filmed. As soon as I found out about this movie I had to have it."
— Dusty H. (5/5)
Behold the antics of Burt Pesci.
"Colin from Canada lied to me!! Redlettermedia made this look like a They Call Me Macho Woman gag-a-minute romp. I suppose I’m to blame, I knew it was a martial arts film and they rarely work for me. The transfer is great and so is the slipcover."
— Viktor B. (4/5)
VSA - old school martial arts
"Wasn't sure what to expect but great little martial arts B movie chock full of fight scenes, crazy old school stereotypes & action. Really enjoyed closing credits scenes. Good fun overall."
— ANDREW E. (4/5)
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