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Details
This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
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!
Cobbled together with loose change by George Romero’s friends, EFFECTS is a mesmerizing D.I.Y. frightmare that no one talks about, but everyone should. A group of coked-up filmmakers—including Tom “DAWN OF THE DEAD” Savini, Joe "DAY OF THE DEAD" Pilato, and John “TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE” Harrison—gather in Pittsburgh to make a slasher called DUPED: THE SNUFF MOVIE. As filming begins and “accidents” happen, it’s clear that something isn’t right. And no one can be trusted. A gritty melting pot of De Palma-like shocks and Carpenter-esque tension, EFFECTS is a meta-enhanced takedown on the philosophy of horror that doubles as a sleazy and chilling movie on its own. AGFA is honored to present the worldwide UHD debut of EFFECTS, newly restored in 4K from its original, long-lost 16mm camera negative.
directed by: Dusty Nelson starring: Various 1980 / 84 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Disc 1: UHD
Region Free Blu-ray
4K restoration from the original 16mm camera negative
Archival commentary with producer and star John Harrison, director Dusty Nelson, and editor Pasquale Buba
English SDH subtitles
Disc 2: Blu-ray
Region Free UHD
4K restoration from the original 16mm camera negative
Archival commentary with producer and star John Harrison, director Dusty Nelson, and editor Pasquale Buba
4K “grindhouse” preservation from the only 35mm print in existence
Zoom Q&A with John Harrison, Dusty Nelson, and the AGFA team
AFTER EFFECTS documentary with commentary
Early short films
Photo gallery
Booklet with Dusty Nelson interview and more
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.439739 / 5 from 307 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Blu-ray release of 'Effects' by AGFA is highly praised for its stunning 4K restoration, exceptional transfer quality, and fantastic special features. Customers appreciate the high-quality effects and the gritty authenticity of the film, making it a must-have for horror enthusiasts.
"AGFA have done this little known film right with a great transfer and informative extras." — Andrew G.
"Great special features, great slipcase just overall great release!" — Eric W.
"Great regional horror film with a great transfer and extras" — Matthew R.
Reviews
Effects
"Another great release from AGFA."
— Peter O. (5/5)
Fun and Nostalgic
"Fun horror movie about making a horror movie. I came here for Tom Savini, I stayed for the vibes."
— Jeffrey L. (4/5)
Not for me!
"I had such high hopes given the people associated with this movie. Just not for me."
— Chad G. (2/5)
The Greatest Non-Romero Horror Film From Pittsburgh.
"This little seen Pittsburgh horror gets a great upgrade with this release. I love this film, and it's amazing how it doesn't feel dated at all. The story still works in 2026. Excellent extras provide a rich background on the making of the film. Lovers of film grain are going to be in heaven watching this one."
— Vince C. (5/5)
Effects
"Great 4K presentation. Good extras."
— Peter D. (5/5)
It could only come from Pittsburgh
"A really cool lost gem of D. I. Y. exploitation. that didn’t really have a budget. You can everyone involved was having fun making it. The atmosphere, performances, acting, direction and scripting are quite good. The commentary is fun as are the rest of the extras. The 4K restoration is solid all around. Definitely check it out."
— Jonathan M. (4/5)
Stunning 4k
"Love the look and grittiness of this so atmospheric"
— Rohan J. (5/5)
Very Entertaining Slasher!
"I thoroughly enjoyed the look and feel of Effects. It's a great horror / making-of-horror film that isn't afraid of getting a little slimy with its subject matter. The look of this 4K is really striking, the interior shots were lit and graded in such a way that it feels like I'm getting transported back into time. The story is pretty good, has plenty of twists and turns as to who is using who in this low-budget-film, and as mentioned, it gets into the snuff-film territory which may be a little disturbing, but it all adds to the atmosphere being created here."
— Andrew G. (4/5)
Incredible Yinzer Representation
"Amazing slice of Pittsburgh cinema. It was impossible for me not to love this. Always a treat when Tom Savini is involved."
— Jon B. (5/5)
Affected by Effects
"A regional oddity created by many of the folks who worked with George Romero. In that respect, it bears some similarities to his work, but it’s very much its own animal and I like it. Love seeing this thing restored in 4K."
— David L. (4/5)
Q&A
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