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UNMASKING THE IDOL 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 store, The Archive in Bridgeport, CT.
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 Robert Sammelin) is strictly limited to 6,000 units and may (but probably not) be followed by a standard edition in the future.
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Duncan Jax is a world renowned secret agent and expert ninja. When he's not saving the world from international terrorists, he spends his time training in martial arts with his baboon sidekick, aptly named Boon. However, Duncan's new mission may be the most dangerous of his career when he is tasked with stopping the sale of atomic weapons and defeating a mysterious masked super-villain known only as Scarlet Leader. If successful, not only will Duncan escape with his life and save the world (again) but he will become rich beyond his wildest dreams after discovering a secret treasure being held in Scarlet Leader's lair.
Produced by the inventive North Carolina based E.O. Studios and directed by prolific filmmaker Worth Keeter (Snapdragon), UNMASKING THE IDOL remains one of the studio's most ambitious projects. Containing many impressive action and stunt sequences, as well as, hot air balloon chases, a fighting baboon, and of course...a hefty dose of ninja action - UNMASKING THE IDOL truly must be seen to be believed. Vinegar Syndrome Archive is proud to present this notoriously under-seen cult classic on Blu-ray and newly restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive.
directed by: Worth Keeter
starring: Ian Hunter, Ed Grady, Dan Spivey, Shangtai Tuan, C.K. Bibby
1986 / 90 min / 1.85:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.4408865 / 5 from 406 reviews.
UNMASKING THE IDOL, a Vinegar Syndrome Archive release, offers a unique cinematic experience with a great transfer, excellent quality, and top-notch packaging. The film combines elements of Bond, Indiana Jones, Ninjas, and A-Team, featuring a cute monkey sidekick and impressive stunts. Customers praise the acting, fun adventure, and the overall entertainment value.
Review topics: ["shipping","packaging","quality","set","looks","cover","case","movie","box","design","sound","film","value","release","transfer","fun","acting","flick","bond","buy","features","artwork","presentation","poster","art","adventure","boon","slipcase","slipcover","documentary"].
"Duncan Jax is a world-renowned secret agent, expert ninja, and proud baboon owner, and that sentence is the most accurate summary of what this North Carolina-shot 1986 action film has to offer. VSA's 2K restoration from the 35mm interpositive is flanked by a 68-minute making-of documentary that somehow matches the film's own unhinged energy. This is the Archive label doing exactly what it exists to do."
"This is a fairly derivative film, but that just adds to its overall charm as it mixes some elements in very interesting ways. It's incredibly entertaining to watch, and the ninja action sequences are an absolute blast."
"Unmasking the Idol is completely ridiculous, and I had a great time with it. It has ninjas, secret agents, gadgets, a criminal mastermind, and perhaps most importantly, a baboon sidekick. It feels like someone took a cheap James Bond knockoff and decided there simply wasn't enough nonsense in it. The action is scrappy, the humor is incredibly silly, and none of it should really work, but I found the whole thing strangely charming. This is exactly the sort of forgotten video store oddity that VS does so well, and I am very happy this particular bit of insanity survived."
"A wonderfully ridiculous mix of ninjas, treasure hunting, and baboon sidekicks. Another fantastic presentation of a cult oddity I’m delighted to have on the shelf. Really loving the VSA line overall."
"Nonsensical hodgepodge of Bond, G. I. Joe and a last gasp attempt at cashing in on the rapidly waning Ninja craze of the 80s. "Ian Hunter" (a pseudonym for stage actor Louis Dula) reaches near lethal levels of overacting as (no, seriously) "Ninja" Duncan Jax, but it's really director Worth Keeter's fault for failing to rein in his lead, who came into this with zero film experience and acts as if he needs to project his performance to the very last row of a community theatre. However, kids won't mind and there's plenty of barely coherent action, stunts and explosions on display to keep them entertained during a sunday matinee. The restoration and packaging are, as usual, top-notch."
"Very odd choices for this unknown action adventure, enjoyed!"
"This one was a lot of fun. Picture and package are awesome as you'd expect from VS!"
"What a wild ride this film was. Gorgeous cover art. Great transfer and special features. Highly recommended"
"Pure 1980s action adventure insanity. Some of the craziness in this movie has to be seen to be believed."
"VSA release with a fun movie and good features! High quality packaging!"
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