This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover was limited to 3,000 unitsand is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.
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.
Over the past ten years, Vinegar Syndrome has become home to one of the largest archivally-stored collections of film materials in the world. Although VS' curatorial focus has always been forgotten cult classics in the form of feature films produced between the 1960s-1990s, the Film Archive itself includes works of all types, genres, film formats, and durations, with titles created as early as the 1920s and as recently as the 2000s.
Receiving new collections, their inventorying and cataloging, rehousing them into archival cans, and then finally shelving them where they will remain safe for the future is just the start in every title's possible VS Film Archive journey. But every decrepit cardboard box, sticker-encrusted shipping can, or rusty reel offers a fresh mystery to discover and many of those mysteries have remained stashed in the Film Archive for years; deemed too weird, rare, or just out of place with the established Vinegar Syndrome release pattern...that is, until now!
Reviver, a new line of releases curated by Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive, will at long last shed light onto films which might otherwise languish, maybe forever, forgotten to time. This line will focus on resurrecting films - both full length features and short films - which have gone missing for years. In this inaugural release we'll be offering the home video debut of a regional murder thriller lost for nearly a half century, alongside a trio of hometown shorts to get you in the mood. But just like we only discovered these films by watching them, we want you to experience the same delight, surprise, and bewilderment as the treasures (or trash?) contained herein unspool before your eyes, with no other hints, titles nor advance info given. Reviver is a mystery box of cinematic oddities you won't soon forget.
The profits from each REVIVER go directly to helping to fund the operations and upkeep of the Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive. That means that by purchasing this Blu-Ray you are directly helping us pay for archival film cans, colder and drier (read: safer) film storage and expanding our archive's ability to continue the hunt for lost films. Thank you for your support.
directed by: 111111111111 starring: 1111111111111111111, 111111111111111, 111111111111111111111 1970-1980 / 142 min (combined) / 1.85:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly scanned and presented from its best surviving film element: a 35mm release print (80 minutes)
11111111 - a short location-centric documentary scanned from its 35mm color reversal intermediate
111111111 - a short horror film scanned from its only 16mm reversal print
11111111111111111111111111 - a short horror film scanned from its super 8mm reversal original
“Winding Through 1111111111111111111” a disc-exclusive (unredacted) educational video from the Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive (14 minutes)
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.4879518 / 5 from 332 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Reviver 1 is a mystery box of cinematic oddities featuring lost and rare films from the Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive. Customers praise the collection, release, and concept, highlighting the quality and variety of the films. The REVIVER sub-label is also commended for its cool and amazing design. Profits from each REVIVER go directly to funding the operations and upkeep of the Vinegar Syndrome Film Archive.
"Already loving this new line, excellent release that's cut together real well and lives up to its title!" — Eli O.
"Awesome idea and release, love supporting Vinegar Syndrome’s restoration efforts!" — Spenser Y.
"Interesting Title and great film to collect!" — Blake B.
Reviews
An astonishing exhumation of lost movies
"Reviver 1 is an intentionally strange archival Blu-ray release that feels less like a normal movie collection and more like a curated time capsule of forgotten regional filmmaking. The presentation from Vinegar Syndrome is impressive considering the obscurity and condition of the materials, with a raw authenticity that suits the project perfectly. What makes the release worthwhile is the passion for preservation—commentary and documentary material give real insight into how and why these films survived."
— Roberto P. (5/5)
Full of Secrets
"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!"
— Maxim P. (5/5)
Reviver
"I love the concept of Reviver. It is after all, the reason why most people love Vinegar Syndrome. It’s a great idea to make an entire sub label solely for the purpose of showcasing what they do. Unfortunately, I don’t find the content contained in series 1 particularly interesting at all. The 15 minute extra of the process restoring these reels was excellent. I’m glad that VS decided to place emphasis on their process but I wish the films were at least midly interesting."
— Steven C. (3/5)
Amazing idea for a new line
"I love the idea here. Going in not knowing what you'll see if cool. I really enjoyed the films included in here."
— Damon H. (5/5)
Obscure vintage exploitation
"ReViver Volume 1 is a mysterious compilation released by Vinegar Syndrome featuring several newly restored vintage films. To preserve the surprise, the exact titles included in the set are not revealed in advance. What can be said is that the collection focuses on rare 1960s soft-erotic/soft-porn curiosities, presented from restored elements in high definition. The Blu-ray embraces the spirit of discovery, inviting collectors to experience these obscure vintage exploitation films without knowing exactly what awaits."
— Jaume M. (5/5)
Reviver
"Great new sub-label. I really enjoyed the concept of not knowing what I was getting. The shorts were good and the main feature was a lot of fun. Support film preservation."
— Matthew M. (5/5)
A lovely surprise
"A blind buy as I´m into all kinds of film. Love this sublabel, have bought the second installment as well. Great work Oscar. Keep em coming."
— Hansi L. (5/5)
What's more fun that a mystery disc?
"I really do appreciate the mission and project that VS has undertaken here. I'll be honest some of the videos here weren't quite up my alley, but I still appreciate that VS has taken the time to preserve and release these. Definitely give this one a shot."
— shane r. (5/5)
For collectors only
"If you like strange lost films, this is a fun find. I think casual watchers wont get much out of it though"
— Stephen J. (5/5)
Hell yes
"This is exactly the stuff I am here for. The short film about South Carolina to me was perfect background noise. The main feature film was pretty entertaining. I have high hopes for this label."
— chris b. (5/5)
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