Vinegar Syndrome

The Caller

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This is the listing for the standard edition Blu-ray release. The limited edition embossed slipcover (designed by Ralf Krause) was limited to 2,500 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

On a cold winter night, a woman living alone in the middle of the woods receives an unexpected visitor: a mysterious middle-aged man who asks to use her phone. Obliging the stranger, it soon becomes apparent that they might know more about each other than they’re letting on. As hours and then days pass, the two become engaged in a series of bizarre and sinister mind games uncovering unnerving secrets along the way. All the while, the ongoing confrontation begs the question of…what mysterious events are transpiring in the nearby woods?

Sumptuously photographed by Daniele Nannuzzi (Santa Sangre), THE CALLER is a labyrinthine mystery tinged with horror and science fiction elements which stars Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Caligula) alongside Madolyn Smith (Urban Cowboy). One of the few theatrical features from veteran TV director Arthur Allan Seidelman and Emmy nominated writer Michael Sloan (The Equalizer), Vinegar Syndrome presents this original and unsettling piece of 80s weirdness in a brand new 2K restoration.

directed by: Arthur Allan Seidelman
starring: Malcolm McDowell, Madolyn Smith
1987 / 97 min / 1.85:1 / English Stereo

Additional info:

Region A Blu-ray
Newly scanned & restored in 2k from its 35mm interpositive
“Boiling Over” - an interview with director Arthur Allan Seidelman
An audio interview with writer Michael Sloan
Promotional still gallery
Reversible cover artwork
SDH English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.4174757 / 5 from 103 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Caller is a 1987 mystery thriller with a strong Blu-ray release. Customers appreciate the stunning photography, the engaging performances, and the intriguing story. However, opinions on the plot's complexity vary. The film comes in a well-received package, and the release is highly praised.

Summary topics

film quality: 6%
genre appeal: 22%
actor performance: 7%
acting quality: 9%
overall enjoyment: 25%

Review topics: [quality, looks, packaging, picture, sound, work, buy, thriller, movie, film, performances, release, flick, malcolm mcdowell, cat, acting, story, twist, turn, transfer, call, surprise, ride, watch, restoration, art, slipcover, crafted, script, interviews].

Review highlights

"Cool little flick from 1987 starring one of the coolest cats Malcolm McDowell who delivers an awesome performance." — Kyle T.
"Neat little thriller with some nice twists and turns." — Derek C.
"Another complete blind buy for me, but I absolutely loved this little 80s Twilight zone esque thriller!" — Jeff B.

Reviews

Hated it. . . then thought about it.

"A real head scratcher, but I loved where this film went."

— Michael D. (5/5)

Feature Length Twilight Zone Episode

"Movie: Great spooky/mysterious atmosphere, and both leads are doing an amazing job. Looking forward to rewatching this at some point. Extras: Pretty light compared to more recent VinSyn releases, but two solid interviews Packaging: Bonus points for reversible cover."

— Gideon M. (5/5)

What is transpiring in the woods?

"I originally got this one for Malcolm McDowell who turns in a great performance as always. Scenes throughout the film keep you guessing and it's really hard to say much about it without spoilers. If you can find it, get it."

— Ed G. (4/5)

One of the best titles released by VS!

"The Caller (1987) is one of the best titles released by VS! The direction of Arthur Allan Seidelman (Hercules in New York), the script by Michael Sloan (The Equalizer), the cinematography by Daniele Nannuzzi (Santa Sangre) and the music composed by Richard Band (Re-Animator) are perfect! Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) and the beautiful Madolyn Smith Osborne (Urban Cowboy) are amazing in their respective roles! You need to see the film at least two times to grasp all the little details! I hope VS can also release Final Approach (1991) and the thriller Deadly Intentions (1985), both with Madolyn Smith Osborne!"

— Pedro G. (5/5)

This. . . . is a masterpice!

"And that is pretty much all I can say about this movie, as I don't want to spoil anything. This movie shows that a great script and good acting triumphs always. This movie is a must watch for any aspiring script writer, director or actor. I would have loved if this release had even more special features, perhaps some interviews with the actors or commentary tracks. It is a travesty that this movie is so unknown. If VS were ever to upgrade this with a 4K scan and give it the full VSU treatment, I would get it again. Heck I would buy my friends copies for their birthday. Such a great surprise. I will rave about this movie to anyone and everyone. A must see and a must own."

— Peter N. (5/5)

Malcolm Mcdowell gem! This was

"Malcolm Mcdowell gem! This was a fun watch! Very happy to own this one!"

— JJ P. (5/5)

Great movie!

"This was a really good science fiction thriller that had an incredible twist in it. It's even better as this is essentially a two person movie and it's really hard to pull something like that off and keep things interesting. This movie does that well."

— Rene R. (5/5)

Malcolm McDowell was in this

"I just can't get over the fact that Malcolm is in this. 16-ish years after A clockwork orange! Haha. Anyways, I really do think this was a pretty good movie, although it dragged a bit for me towards the end. As always, an excellent transfer."

— Neal d. (4/5)

Underrated film

"Awesome release of this fun thriller starring Malcolm McDowell. This is definitely an underrated gem that needs to be seen by more. Picture quality on this release is great. Definitely worth checking out."

— Dakota G. (5/5)

A favorite blind-buy -- odd, engaging, worth it

"About a third of the way through this I thought, with its mannered dialogue and somewhat claustrophobic setting and build to what seemed likely to be a twisty reveal, that I would probably never watch it again. Well, for the most part none of those three things change, and there is ultimately a revealing "twist," and yet by the end I had moved to the camp of wanting to re-watch it, perhaps every autumn or two. We'll see! On top of the there's high-quality A/V and a couple of interesting interviews (more extras would've been great, but I'll take these over nothing!). And we've got another case with new art I think I like more than the (I assume) original on the reverse, but the original is fun and of-its-time and definitely appreciated."

— Joe V. (4/5)