This special limited edition spot gloss slipcover (designed by Robert Sammelin) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Degausser Video was created by several of the devious minds behind VS, which will bring to Blu-ray deluxe editions of both canonical and under-seen shot on video (SOV) genre cinema, in addition to work shot on film, but edited on tape, wherein the original film materials are believed to be lost or destroyed. Similar to Vinegar Syndrome's focus on FILM preservation, Degausser will work only from original analogue tape materials with an emphasis on maintaining the aesthetics inherent to each respective video format. Additionally, each title released by Degausser will be made available in an ultra limited "new" VHS edition, fitted in a custom designed hard shell light box.
On the gritty streets of Mexico City, Commander Quiroga (Fernando Almada, Grave Robbers) and his partner Miranda (Julio Rasec, Mark of the Killer) more than have their hands full. Between firefights with drug traffickers and the chronic minibus stickups that the public is usually too afraid to report, there's now a demented rapist/murderer, Raúl (Ángel Sancho), who uses an unusual jeweler's tool to stab his random victims. A local radio show host (Nora Terrero, Don’t Panic) is eager to criticize the police's ineffective actions against crime and coaxes Quiroga onto her show for a chance to defend the police. As the police and other criminals close in on Raúl, he begins to unravel and turn his focus onto the people who are hunting him down.
Mexsploitation stalwart Fernando Almada stars in this harsh urban cop action/slasher, shot on film and finished on videotape, an early entry in the incredibly prolific Mexican "videohome" phenomenon. With a bleak tone influenced by Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry films and a twisted killer obsessed with sin and the Bible (played by the director under his Sancho pseudonym), Degausser Video is proud to present 38 ESPECIAL, an incredibly unique offering from Mexican crime cinema, newly transferred and restored from its original master tape.
directed by: Miguel Angel Martinez (aka Miguel Marte aka Angel Sancho)
starring: Fernando Almada, Nora Terrero, Ángel Sancho, Julio Rasec
1992 / 96 min / 1.33:1 / Spanish Mono
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.3958335 / 5 from 96 reviews.
38 Especial, a limited edition Blu-ray from Degausser Video, offers a unique Mexican crime cinema experience. Restored from the original master tape, it features a commentary track, newly translated English subtitles, and a translated interview with the director. Customers praise its classic action and good acting, though opinions on the budget vary.
Review topics: [quality, looks, packaging, movie, film, flick, acting, fun, budget, release, transfer, title, shot, kills, slipcover, soundtrack, thriller, exception, art, genre, vinegar syndrome, scenes, drama, sleeve, effects, addition, shootouts, vhs].
"This shot-to-video film from mexican B movie king Miguel Marte is a good example of the police genre Made for the non commercial market in Mexico; starring one of the most known faces of this kind of movies in the country, Fernando Almada, is a sleeve of action, blood and shooting violence. One would have never imagined that this movie would get this amount of love, from transfer to packaging."
"Bouncing erratically between brutal gunfights and highly tense psychological horror, it delivers a raw, unpolished look at the early Mexican "videohome" market that is a total blast for underground crime-flick fanatics."
"Gnarly"
"I get that the whole point is to preserve the aesthetics of the original SOV release, but at times it is almost testing one’s patience as there’s really no improvement at all. Or at least not what is noted. But that said, how many other films that are ‘not available anywhere else’ don’t we watch on VHS sourced stuff? Sometimes you just have to man up, watch the unwatchable, and endure the headaches and earaches induced by audio-visual deficiency to get to check that Mexsploitation muzak version of Maniac meets Dirty Harry remix 12” dance version, on tape, off your watch list. Do it. It is worth the while."
"I viewed this film on the 38 Especial Degausser Video Blu-ray Limited Edition physical media released through Vinegar Syndrome 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. For my full detailed review of 38 Especial, see my entry on Letterboxd: @M4N14K"
"I hope Vinegar Syndrome continues to release films like this from Mexico because this was a very interesting action film with thriller elements. It's very low budget, but I was never uninterested in what was going on in the movie. Good interview with the director as well in the extras."
"The looks that came from the cover delivered exactly what I had hoped for. The order process was easy. The soundtrack for this was extremely fun and memorable. I love that you get what you purchased and this is exactly what I wanted."
"I collect all Degausser Blu-ray. Every time a pleasant surprise each movie."
"More of this please!"
"If you like stinky cheese, you’ll enjoy this hilarious and fun flick. It’s not meant to be taken seriously. I laughed the entire time. Recommended."
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