This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This special limited edition embossed and spot gloss slipcover is limited to 2,000 unitsand is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
The American Genre Film Archive (AGFA) represents the world's largest theatrical catalog of exploitation cinema. Their home video line presents a diverse selection of movies, ranging from new preservations of classics from the vast library of Something Weird to the wildest in shot-on-video (SOV) titles. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
Inspired by the Matamoras cult murders and shot entirely on Super 8, THE BLACK CRYSTAL is an action-horror hallucination that was filmed in the backwoods of Tucson, Arizona. The story follows Will (writer-director-producer-editor-composer Mike Conway) as he and his yellow Trans Am encounter a gang of Satanic cultists led by the evil Daniel. Surviving the ordeal, Will meets up with Daphne, a goth witch with a "power channeler" called the Black Crystal that might hold the key to the underworld. Awash with kickboxing dads, dollar store bloodshed, and a killer synthesizer score, this is an imaginative and ambitious homemade funbomb that has been missing in action since its original VHS release. AGFA presents THE BLACK CRYSTAL on disc for the first time ever, featuring a new preservation from the original 3/4" tape master and enough extras to fill Daniel’s Satanic shed.
directed by: Mike Conway starring: Various 1991 / 70 min / 1.33:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
Region Free Blu-ray
Preserved from the original 1” tape master
Commentary with director Mike Conway
Interviews with Mike Conway and actor Mark Lang
Original home video trailer
Shorts by Mike Conway
Bonus movie: THE BLACK CRYSTAL (original VHS version)
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.2916665 / 5 from 96 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Black Crystal, a limited edition slipcover, is a unique home video release from AGFA. Praised for its synth score and interesting plot, it has mixed reviews regarding its acting and overall film quality. The release itself is highly regarded.
Summary topics
Film Experience (11%): Opinions vary, this SOV movie is a blast, a beast of a movie.
Synth Score (7%): It was observed by customers that the score of the film is great, with a cool synth score.
Product Release (12%): It was observed by customers that AGFA's release of this product is great and highly praised.
"A mighty fine low budget movie released by AGFA, they never disappoint!" — Jakob P.
"Excellent release and packaging." — James R.
"Charming super-8 pulp adventure with top notch synth score (from writer/director/star maverick Mike Conway)." — Andrew M.
Reviews
A Middle-Grade Home Town Effort
"As a lifelong Tucsonan, I get a kick out of seeing my city as it was in 1989/1990. There are several good establishing shots of downtown Tucson - fun! Beyond the period Tucson flavor, though, there's really not much to this movie. The eponymous "Black Crystal" is a particularly macguffin-y macguffin, the acting is uneven, and the special effects are cheap (though they deserve an A for effort). I think you can skip this one unless you have a connection with Tucson."
— Lucas S. (5/5)
AGFA-046
"Backwoods horror, not the best quality, watchable nonetheless, great slipcover artwork !!"
— richard c. (5/5)
It's Okay
"Movie: Surprisingly competent for a low budget movie (especially one released by AGFA), although I think this is actually to the movie's detriment. The story is fairly straightforward, and because it's easy to follow you realize that not a lot is happening. Things are generally well-shot & the actors aren't doing too bad, which means nothing is particularly memorable. Besides an eye-gouging early on & a part later where the synth score really kicks it up a notch not a lot sticks in my mind. Extras: The interview is good, and the shorts are pretty fun. Packaging: Design is good overall, especially if you like pink."
— Gideon M. (3/5)
Black opal
"This is my kind of crystal"
— Scott D. (5/5)
The Black Crystal
"Low-budget, regional action-horror film, inspired by real-life cult murders, that delivers a surprisingly ambitious and often hallucinatory ride involving Satanic cultists, a mysterious "power channeler," and plenty of DIY gore, all shot on Super 8mm with a distinctive synthesizer score."
— Pierre L. (5/5)
Fun action fantasy
"Regional filmmaking at its best, funny and joyous"
— Ian S. (5/5)
Loved It
"Super low budget satanic cult junk. Another awesome AGFA release."
— Roger S. (5/5)
Don't let the title fool you
"Such a fun flick! The title may throw you off a bit, but don't hesitate to get it! I got it off my favorites list on sale and love it! Great time to purge yourself and get stuff, when there's a sale. Check it out today."
— Nicholas T. (5/5)
not a bad film it
"not a bad film it was okay simple basic plot, loved the grainy picture quality. comes with commentary track and a few very short films also the full vhs cut of the movie as a side bonus"
— Edwin F. (3/5)
SOV Fun
"I'm a sucker for these sorts of low budget, regional SOV movies and the fact it combines various genre elements, it makes for an interesting one."
— Matthew M. (5/5)
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