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This special "mystery box" limited edition spot gloss slipcover is limited to 3,000 units and is only available on our website and at Vinegar Syndrome retail stores and conventions. A standard edition will be made available in the future on our website and at select retailers.
The Reviver sub-label releases lost films and missing movies found within the Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive. Each release is a “mystery box” of archival curios scanned from their best-surviving film elements and programmed by VS archivist & vault manager Oscar Becher. In the spirit of the hunt for lost films, each limited edition also includes a 1 in 10 chance of featuring holographic variant sleeve artwork. Purchases of Reviver releases directly fund archival expenses and day-to-day maintenance of the film archive.
Although a relative newcomer to the world of film restoration and distribution, Vinegar Syndrome has amassed one of the most extensive collections of archival film materials in the United States. While our decade-plus existence is short when compared to other major archives and distribution entities, our efforts to protect, release, and preserve unsung films from the world of independent cinema has only expanded over time. Although our focus has primarily been the distribution of feature films, we have amassed swaths of scintillating short films as well.
After their heyday in the silent era, many short films have since become lost due to their perceived lack of market value. While short films did not disappear, by the mid-twentieth century (the beginning of the Vinegar Syndrome scope) they had largely morphed into non-theatrically-distributed works from filmmakers and artists who endeavored to make films their way. Here, we’ve assembled some of our favorite lost shorts found within our archive that have been waiting patiently for their time to shine.
For Vinegar Syndrome’s first-ever shorts program, we selected from an eclectic mix of all subject matters imaginable, from lost projects from genre film legends to oddities which could never be released until now! We’re happy to present at long last this cultivated cabinet of curiosities containing the weirdest and wildest short films from within the Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive. All have been archivally scanned from their best-surviving (and in many cases, only) elements, with each film presented here on disc for the very first time.
The profits from each REVIVER release go directly to help fund the operations and upkeep of the Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive. That means that by purchasing this Blu-Ray, you are helping us pay for archival film cans, colder and drier storage, and nurturing our archive's mission to continue the hunt for lost films. Thank you for your support.
directed by: N/A
starring: N/A
1958-1990 / 244 min (combined) / 1.33:1 / 3333333 Mono
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.692 / 5 from 250 reviews.
Reviver 2 offers a unique double feature of rare films from the Philippines, restored in 4K. Customers appreciate the high production value and the chance to support film archive preservation. Limited to 3,000 units, this special edition includes a mystery box and a 1 in 10 chance of holographic variant sleeve artwork.
Review topics: [material, looks, feel, work, cover, packaging, sound, set, detail, box, film, release, features, movie, restoration, idea, series, line, damage, extras, collection, vinegar syndrome, reviver, label, title, volume, surprise, oddity, show, content].
"These are interesting releases, and I love the grab bag concept even if dropping $40 is taking a bit of a risk. Like the first releases I enjoyed but didn’t love the films. This didn’t have as many extra shorts either but it’s probably because the films are a little more exciting. I was also lucky enough to score one of the limited shiny covers, yay!"
"This new volume in the "Reviver" series has some very diverse selections, and yet it's drastically different than the 1st collection. Both volumes so far cover such different subjects and locales and honestly give viewers who choose to purchase this series something unique to look forward to."
"Movies: I enjoyed both of these, especially the slightly longer one. Surprisingly compelling cinematography. Extras: Multiple nice little bonus videos. It's always nice to get more Becher! Packaging: Nice broght slipcover, and the main cover underneath has a striking image. I also like how the disc has a picture of the water-damaged reel."
"Still not going to say anything revealing, but want to thank the folks behind this sub-label for boiling down VS to their essence of giving the most obscure films their day in the metaphorical sun. A great experiment to further future restoration and archiving projects. Worth your time if you like being surprised, and I really enjoy the way the choice of these two features are presented."
"These two films were a lot of fun, show us the line connecting horror suspense and terror. I am really enjoying this reviver series and looking forward to what’s next. Really hoping for some lost sexploitation movies. Great series well worth supporting!"
"So far, these Reviver releases have missed the mark. The first one had a bunch of uninteresting shorter films up front but the main film was fun. The second is a double feature. The first one is interesting but repetitive. The second one lost me. The Lost Picture box set was fantastic, but these just slightly miss the mark."
"I'm loving this release which I'm hoping is just the beginning of this series. I love the idea of this and so far both have been top notch. I suggest going in blind and not knowing a damn thing about any of the films going in so I won't spoil anything but the picture quality looks way better than I could imagine. Excellent purchase!"
"Reviver continues to fascinate, this time with a pair of black and white movies — described as “horror” and “terror”. Both feel like long Twilight Zone episodes (it’s revealed that they were part of a four-picture deal designed for television) but look fantastic — playing up shadows and really taking advantage of being shot on film. In the horror film, they shoot the hell out of a one-aided phone conversation with an insane amount of multiple set-ups and angles to keep it interesting. Again, the special features provide incredible context and insight into the origins of these films. Highly recommended!"
"I preordered this as soon as I saw it features 2 1960s horror films. An outstanding restoration by VS of both films, especially considering the issues with the original camera negatives for them. The water damage to the “horror” film does not detract at all from the viewing. Both films are right up my street, atmospheric and creepy. The extras provide interesting background on the films and the restoration work by VS. (Access the extras by pressing your remote control’s ‘top menu’ button (or similar equivalent, depending on the make of your blu ray player). Well worth a purchase, to support VS’s work in bringing these lost films to a wide audience. Great slipcover and artwork."
"My favorite aspect of vinegar syndrome is the preservation, so I love the reviver line. This installment has two feature films on it and a few special features about the preservation of those films. The "flaw" with one of the films actually adds to the sense of cosmic horror. I will keep buying reviver as long as they keep making them."
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