2025 Subscribers: This is included in your subscription package.
This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by JJ Harrison) is limited to 5,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Alice Jarett, recently released from a mental hospital, is taken by her husband Martin to their new and spacious home, located deep in the countryside, for which Martin has hired a group of builders to complete its renovation. In the middle of the night, something stirs Alice awake, and as she goes to investigate, she is shocked to discover a remaining carpenter hard at work in the wee hours. Besieged by loneliness, Alice strikes up a casual friendship with the mysterious man, inviting him to continue working at his leisure. But as prowlers and unwanted guests begin turning up at the home, sometimes to harass, sometimes to menace, and sometimes to attack Alice, her carpenter always seems to be on hand to gorily dispatch anyone who comes too close. Has she found her guardian angel? Is she, in fact, a delusional psychopath? Or does the carpenter have his own axe to grind?
An off-the-wall and thoroughly bizarre slasher produced in Quebec by American exploiteer Jack Bravman (Snuff, Zombie Nightmare), director David Wellington’s THE CARPENTER offers an oddball storyline, gruesome kills, and a jaw-dropping starring performance from the one-and-only Wings Hauser (Vice Squad). Vinegar Syndrome is delighted to bring this sleeper classic of late 80s horror to Blu-ray, newly restored in 2K from the best existing film elements and featuring a making-of documentary consisting of new interviews with cast and crew, including star Wings Hauser.
directed by: David Wellington starring: Wings Hauser, Lynne Adams, Pierre Lenoir, Barbara Jones, Louise-Marie Mennier, Johnny Cuthbert 1988 / 86 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly scanned & restored in 2K from a 35mm release print
Commentary track with director David Wellington and writer Doug Taylor
Commentary track with William Morris and John Dickson of The Oscarbate Film Collective and Podcast
"Aggressively Itself" (33 min) - a making-of documentary featuring interviews with the cast and crew
"Tools to Play With" (8 min) - an interview with actor Wings Hauser
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.497041 / 5 from 169 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Carpenter is a limited edition Blu-ray featuring a restored 80s horror film with a unique slipcover. Customers praise the film's gore, weirdness, and standout performance by Wings Hauser. The transfer quality and packaging are highly appreciated, making it a valuable addition for horror enthusiasts.
Summary topics
Wings Hauser Performance (12%): It was reported by customers that Wings Hauser is great and a fun 80s slasher.
Film Transfer Quality (8%): Customers raved about the film's excellent transfer, with plentiful extras and a beautiful slipcover.
Film Aesthetics (9%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the film, stating that it looks fantastic and delivers gore and weirdness.
Product Packaging (6%): It was noted by customers that the packaging of the product is beautiful, sturdy, and visually appealing.
"This movie looks great and delivers the gore and weirdness I was looking for." — Daniel O.
"the film looks fun because Wings appearance !!" — TASOS T.
"Wings is amazing in this and makes the movie so much more worth it, his performance is top notch." — Christopher H.
Reviews
SKU: VS-492 SLIP
"This is a classic bread and butter VS mainline release and a very enjoyable one. The late great Wings Hauser gives another powerhouse performance and the direction is excellent. Prior to this release I had never heard of this late 80s Candian production. The transfer looks outstanding, especially considering it was restored from a 35mm print! Some gory shots had to be inserted from inferior sources, but I am glad VS always do everything to bring us the full uncut versions of movies. Special features are a app. 30 minute making of and a separate interview with Wings. One of the two audio commentaries to my suprise is moderated by none other than Brad Henderson, who at the time of release (2025) had not been with VS for quite some time. So this release must have been in the works for years."
— Dominik F. (4/5)
Wings Hauser goes full-nuts in this odd slasher film
"This is basically a Wings Hauser one-man-show, even though the main actress holds her own. A ghostly carpenter goes about killing people that keep interfering with the building of the house the main couple live in. The banter of Hauser is amusing and a highlight. The kills are quite gory but unfortunately provided by tape master footage. The presentation is, for the rest, top notch."
— Tim V. (4/5)
Tasteless, Unapologetic Slash-Trash: BRAVO!
"For my full detailed review of The Carpenter, see my entry on Letterboxd: @M4N14K An offbrand slasher flick headlined by Wings Hauser? SOLD! I viewed this film on The Carpenter Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray Limited Edition physical media release and it is the same great premium level of packaging and presentation that you’ve come to expect from the generic releases of this boutique label. No other brand beats Vinegar Syndrome at the cardboard game and this great slipcover is no exception to the consistently fantastic artwork and component quality this company produces."
— Michael B. (5/5)
Forgotten Horror Gem
"The Carpenter is exactly the kind of strange, low-budget horror discovery I love. A weird mix of slasher, supernatural revenge, and '80s charm that feels like it was pulled straight from a dusty video store shelf."
— Tyler S. (4/5)
The Carpenter
"I will watch and purchase anything with Wings Hauser and he is great as usual in The Carpenter. This is a massive upgrade over the old dvd and the slipcase looks fantastic too."
— Jack A. (5/5)
Great Movie!
"This slasher flick is really cool and a lot of fun to watch! The peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture! Thank you, VS, for continuing to lovingly restore and release so many wonderful films from every conceivable genre! You are keeping physical media alive in this streaming world we now live in! Highly recommended!"
— Paul K. (5/5)
Wings gives you Wings
"I love that this got a theatrical release in Canada, and Canada alone. Not really a slasher, despite its rep. But don't worry about that, it is totally off the map in terms of narrative and genuinely funny at that. Get this for sure."
— Brian M. (4/5)
Fun
"A fun flick and great slipcover"
— Gary J. (5/5)
The Carpenter
"Wings Hauser in another fine performance in this fun 80's weirdo slasher flick! Great Release with solid box art! A++"
— Dustin S. (5/5)
Dismember It Yourself'ers
"Fun flick primarily due to the great Wings Hauser. Might have preferred his story to the one we get. Beautiful packaging; I can take or leave slipcovers, but this one is nice."
— Bryan C. (3/5)
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