DOG TAGS is part of our Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, celebrating forgotten cinematic oddities from the video store era.
This collection was inspired by our own brick & mortar video store chain, The Archive, with locations in Bridgeport, CT and Aurora, CO.
Unique to this line, each hand numbered limited edition release will come fitted in a specially designed, bottom loading VHS inspired slipcase, while also including a double-sided poster.
These releases will ONLY be available on our website and at participating indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them. This slipcase edition (designed by Tony Stella) is strictly limited to 5,000 units and may (but probably not) be followed by a standard edition in the future.
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During the Vietnam War, a special unit of Army Rangers is sent to rescue a small group of fellow soldiers being held as prisoners of war. After freeing the men, their next step is to reach a safe zone in order to be airlifted to safety. However, their plans change when a mysterious Captain Newport gives the men a new mission: find a downed helicopter in order to retrieve the classified information contained within. Facing enemy soldiers and navigating their way through the booby trap riddled jungle, the men reach the helicopter only to discover that it is actually filled with missing gold. Now, the men must fight for survival and try to avoid turning on each other as they attempt to make their way out of Cambodia in order to escape with their lives...and the gold.
Written and Directed by Italian genre filmmaker Romano Scavolini (A White Dress for Marialé, Nightmare), DOG TAGS is a brutally violent and bleak war movie mixed with elements of a heist film. Released in America by known exploitation producer Arthur Schweitzer (Evil Laugh, New York Ninja), the film was released in several different edited versions throughout the years. Vinegar Syndrome Archive is proud to present the never-before-seen uncut original English language version of DOG TAGS for the first time on Blu-ray, newly restored in 4k from the original Interpositive film elements and presented in its true cinemascope aspect ratio.
directed by: Romano Scavolini starring: Clive Wood, Baird Stafford, Robert Haufrecht, Peter Elich, Mike Monty, Jim Gaines, Robert Marius 1987 / 111 min / 2.39:1 / English 2.0 Stereo
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm interpositive
"The Dogs of War" (52 min) - an interview with writer/director Romano Scavolini
"Accepting the Mission" (8 min) - an interview with executive producer Arthur Schweitzer
Alternate Ending from the International version
Original theatrical trailer
Original video trailer
Original TV spot
Reversible sleeve artwork
Newly SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.358639 / 5 from 382 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
DOG TAGS, part of the Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, offers a restored 4K transfer of a gritty war film with excellent picture quality and superb acting. The limited edition release includes a specially designed VHS-inspired slipcase and interesting extras, making it a must-have for fans of Italian exploitation cinema from the 80s.
"The image quality of the 4k interpositive scan looks good on Blu Ray and the film has a solid sound as well." — James B.
"Wow for not having a 4K transfer this movie looked really good." — Alex B.
"The film looks as amazing as it possibly could and it was a very interesting war film unlike any I've seen before." — Hudson L.
Reviews
Great artwork! Love the slip cover
"Love these types of movies"
— Caleb E. (5/5)
I Used To Wear Dog Tags
"Another fun war flick with a great cast, good director and wicked sweet presentation! Fun one!"
— Robin M. (4/5)
Scavolini madness
"I was immediately interested in watching this because I'm a big fan of the Director's other film, Nightmare in a Damaged Brain. Pretty cool war film effort from Scavolini. Great restoration as usual and the art is killer."
— Drake D. (5/5)
Wow
"Such a great War movie. . Highly recommend it Great picture quality and special features"
— Ragnar T. (5/5)
Hell yeah
"Never heard of this. Great blind buy."
— Jeremy E. (5/5)
Must Own VSA
"Must own VSA with non-stop action."
— Jamie M. (5/5)
DOGS TAGS
"The extras in this release were top-notch. I also really loved the cover art on this--very cool indeed. I can watch movies from this genre all day, really, and never get bored, so thanks, VS, for giving me another one to watch."
— Daniel S. (5/5)
Grime and grue in a more serious Italo-Vietnam flick
"Quite the depressing Vietnam movie that differs a lot of other Italian late '80s actioners that take place in that area. Maybe a bit overlong but fits nicely in the pantheon of director Scavolini films. This is a great release, beautiful artwork and a fitting entry to the VSA-line"
— Tim V. (5/5)
Dakota!
"This gritty, late-80s military action film delivers plenty of explosive stunts and campy, high-energy performances."
— Kevin G. (5/5)
Italian Action
"Nam-sploitation at the core but great action. Was a blind buy but did not disappoint. Excellent packaging."
— Viral T. (4/5)
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