Deadline
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Deadline

Vinegar Syndrome

Deadline

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Edition Type: Limited Edition Slipcover

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Details

This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray/DVD combo. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Earl Kessler Jr.) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

Steven Lessey (Stephen Young; Soylent Green, Patton) makes his living as a horror writer who has learned that the bloodier the story, the bigger the market. But Steven has also hit a personal crisis wherein he yearns for artistic recognition and an escape from the brutality he conjures up to earn a living. All the while, his horrifying and murderous fantasies begin to blend into his day-to-day life, numbing him to his crumbling marriage, until a shocking tragedy occurs, from which he has no escape...

One of the true hidden gems of Canadian horror cinema, Mario Azzopardi’s DEADLINE is an unflinchingly grim, twisted, and cynically comedic study of a man’s slow descent into madness, punctuated by expertly rendered and creatively staged  gory deaths. Featuring elegant and colorful cinematography by Fred Guthe (The Pit), tightly paced editing, and even a surprise musical sequence featuring acclaimed New Wave band, Rough Trade, Vinegar Syndrome proudly brings this gruesome masterpiece to Blu-ray for the first time, newly restored from 35mm vault elements.

directed by: Mario Azzopardi
starring: Stephen Young, Sharon Masters, Marvin Goldhar, Jeannie Elias, Cindy Hinds
1980 / 90 min / 1.85:1

Additional info:

  • Region Free Blu-ray/DVD combo
  • Newly scanned & restored in 2k from 35mm vault elements
  • “Producing Something Horrific” - an interview with producer Henry Less
  • “Embracing the Horror” - an interview with cinematographer Manfred Guthe
  • Reversible cover artwork
  • SDH English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.266667 / 5 from 90 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Deadline is a highly acclaimed 80s Canadian horror film, praised for its well-researched content, gripping thriller elements, and memorable scenes. The Blu-ray/DVD combo offers a newly restored transfer, engaging special features, and reversible cover artwork. While opinions on the story vary, the film's cinematography and overall release are highly appreciated by customers.

Summary topics

  • Film Quality: 27%
  • Thriller Elements: 19%
  • Cinematography: 14%
  • Special Features: 14%
  • Scene Quality: 16%

Review topics: ["quality","looks","wife","work","film","thriller","movie","scenes","transfer","features","horror","release","story","drama","premise","dialogue","atmosphere","slipcover","budget","sequences","pacing","characters","performances","kills","fun","slasher","blu-ray","buy","writing","picture"].

Review highlights

  • "Blind Buy, Great features, transfer and sound." — Randall B.
  • "The transfer looks lovely and the packaging is always top quality." — Dan W.
  • "Great looking transfer and the special features are insightful." — Darren O.

Reviews

Anti horror

"Surely a uniqe movie. Iv'e seen a good amount of movies and this one is hard to compare to anything I've seen. I would give it 3. 5 stars but thats not an option."

— Bjarte A. (3/5)

Entertaining horror thriller

"Entertaining mid budget horror thriller with a fun storyline following the author of horror screenplays. A few very bloody scenes and fun, even giggly kills. Comes with trailer and nifty artwork on reversible sleeve."

— Kresh R. (4/5)

Canadian horror done right!

"If you enjoy horror films from Canada or films that take shots at the Hollywood industry, you'll find plenty to like here!"

— Thomas P. (5/5)

Stephen Young is top notch as Stephen King. . . I mean Steven Lessey

"Synopsis: Steven Lessey is at the top of his game with best selling novels and top grossing movies that he wrote the screenplay for. There is always more though and he is trying to write something new and less formulaic than his previous gross out novels/movies but he is pressured to stick with what works and this is giving him writer's block. His wife no longer loves him and his kids are neglected by him but the only thing that matters to Steven is his DEADLINE despite his world collapsing around him. Review: Clever family drama with scenes of extreme ultra-violence spliced in to add some flavor. What is sad is that the family drama becomes much more disturbing than scenes added to shock and appall us. Great social commentary on how horror is and was portrayed in the media and the effects it can have on the youth, even if it is greatly exaggerated. Stephen Young gives a fantastic performance as someone who is so enamored with the limelight and meeting his deadline that he fails to see what shambles the rest of those around him are living in. The graphic scenes of violence are done extremely well with a hint of humor and sarcasm to them. Carnage Count 3/5 Sleaze Score 3/5"

— Brett J. (4/5)

Moody, grim little Canadian shocker

"Deadline is a dark, slow-burn Canadian horror that leans more on mood than jump scares. The dialogue is blunt and a bit stiff at times, but it fits the bleak tone and stressed-out characters. The movie looks great in this restoration: strong detail, natural grain, and an atmosphere that really comes through in the darker scenes. Service from Vinegar Syndrome was smooth as usual — fast shipping and well-packed."

— Thomas L. (4/5)

Deadline

"Nice release with good picture quality. Fine thriller with interesting ending."

— Matti J. (5/5)

Anti Slasher

"This is a unique horror movie, more of a character study. Recommended for deep thinkers."

— Jeffrey L. (4/5)

The Horror of Imagination: Deadline Revisited

"Mario Azzopardi’s Deadline is less a horror film than a grim meditation on the commodification of violence. Released in 1984 after sitting unreleased for five years, it follows Stephen Young’s Steven Lessey—a horror novelist whose gruesome imagination begins to bleed into his domestic life. The film’s structure is fragmented, almost dreamlike, with sequences that blur fiction and reality in ways that feel more like a broadcast signal breaking down than a traditional narrative arc. INCLUDES: Region Free Blu-ray/DVD combo Newly scanned & restored in 2k from 35mm vault elements “Producing Something Horrific” - an interview with producer Henry Less “Embracing the Horror” - an interview with cinematographer Manfred Guthe"

— Shawn G. (5/5)

This Is A Wonderful Movie With An Amazing Restoration!

"This is a really great flick that kept my interest from beginning to end. I! It features very good dialogue and looks and sound incredible, due to the absolutely peerless VS restoration process! The slipcover is amazing as well, as always with anything VS releases! 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)

It was an intriguing experience that kept me captivated.

"I recently watched the horror film Deadline, released by Vinegar Syndrome. I must say it was an intriguing experience that kept me on the edge of my seat. This film does a fantastic job blending psychological tension with classic horror elements, creating a chilling atmosphere long after the credits roll. The dialogue in Deadline deserves a special mention. It is sharp and purposeful, driving the story forward while also revealing the characters' complexities. The interactions feel genuine, adding depth to the narrative and allowing the audience to connect with the protagonists' fears and dilemmas. Regarding features, the Blu-Ray edition of *Deadline* is impressive. The restoration quality is outstanding, bringing the visuals to life in a way that truly honors the film’s cinematography. The special features include behind-the-scenes footage and commentary that provide fascinating insights into the making of the film, which horror fans will definitely appreciate. Overall, *Deadline* is a must-watch for any horror aficionado. From its gripping storyline to its well-crafted dialogue and impressive Blu-Ray features, it stands as a testament to the genre. Highly recommended!"

— Brandon C. (5/5)

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