Plot: What’s it about?
Sometimes in life, normal people are called into situations when they must become something much more than normal…and this is just such a case. When a plane crashes on an island on a thought to be abandon tropical island, the men and women on board soon find themselves in the middle of a life and death struggle. The folks aboard the plane were a normal group of people…a fat guy, a baby, a car salesman, an old woman, and even some super hot babes, but they must become more than that if they seek to survive the terror they discover. These people also hail from a town you might remember, Tromaville so you know they’re used to unusual happenings. While the island was supposed to be void of habitation, there’s actually a band of insane soldiers stalking the beaches and they’re always looking for a war. Their enemies in this war might be normal folks from Tromaville, but they’re ready to put it all on the line and emerge victorious. These people aren’t soldiers…but they are willing to give it a shot…
This is another classic from the vaults of Troma and I have to say this is one of my all time favorites, even though I like many of the others a lot. While I like the usual Troma fare such as Toxie and what not, this film offers a different spin on the Troma universe and offers just as much in terms of blood and flesh. In other words, this is on a different page than most Troma movies, but if you’re a fan of the others then you should like this one as well. This is a war movie and as with all wars, blood must be shed. In this case a lot of blood of shed and more gunshot wounds occur than any shoot-’em-up movies I have watched of late. So if you like to see people get shot, this is worth your time based on sheer number of gunshot victims alone. While blood and gunshots are a terrific thing, nothing complements them as well as some female nudity, right? This film also has plenty of the female flesh present, so all the bases seem to be covered when it comes to the basics. This film also has one of the better storylines within the Troma library and the writing as a whole is above what you might be expecting from this offering. If you’re a Tromaholic or just love war movies, this is a fine example of both fields so don’t hesitate to check out this release.
This Troma classic was directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman, who are the pillars of the Troma foundation. These two have directed many, many Troma classics including The Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke ‘Em High, and Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. Some might claim Troma films require little in terms of direction and what not, I challenge to create films as entertaining on such a low budget. Herz has spent most of his time in the producing field, but Kaufman has stayed busy behind the camera pouring out more and more Troma classics. Other Kaufman Tromovies include Tromeo & Juliet, Terror Firmer, and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV. The acting in this movie is typical Troma, which means adequate for this movie but not in the running for any awards. Carolyn Beauchamp (The Exquisite Corpse), Jessica Dublin (Rejuvinatrix, The Toxic Avenger 2 & 3), and Sean Bowens turn in the most memorable performances, but the supporting cast is also better than I expected. The rest of this cast includes Patrick Weathers (Wall Street, Grand Isle), Rick Washburn (Billy Bathgate, Cyber Vengeance), Ara Romanoff, and Brenda Brock (Tv’s One Life To Live).
Video: How does it look?
Troma’s War is presented in a 1.33:1 or full frame transfer, which seems to be an acceptable aspect ratio since I noticed no image cropping or incorrect framing. The image is above average on the Troma scale, but still has some room for improvement. The colors are based in a natural spectrum, so the drab hues are intentional, flesh tones also appear normal and consistent. The contrast is soft at times, but usually black level and shadow layering are correct and effective. This transfer shows some edge enhancement but no other compression hiccups and the source print seems superior to previous releases.
Audio: How does it sound?
With all the gunshots and death cries a surround track would be been welcome, but the included stereo track isn’t too bad. The mix seems well executed as no elements become buried or lost at any time. The hip upbeat music sounds good and shows no traces of distortion, while the sound effects seem loud enough. The dialogue comes through well also, with no volume issues or clarity problems.
Supplements: What are the extras?
As with all Troma releases, this disc contains some Troma based stuff as well as some film specific goodies. Lloyd Kaufman, president of Troma is on hand to introduce the film, and I am liking these intros more and more I see them. A small still photo gallery is included, as is the film’s theatrical trailer. Several interviews have been included, which give some informative reflections on the movie’s productions. The interviews include a seven and a half minute cast interview, a five minute piece with more of the cast, a nine minute reading of an interview with producer Jeff Sass, a three and a half minute piece with actor/weapons master Rick Washburn, and a one minute audio piece with the director of photography. Film specific clips from the television show Tromaville Cafe have also been jammed onto this disc. The main supplement is a running audio commentary with director Lloyd Kaufman, who issues another informative and hilarious experience. If you love Troma movies, you owe it to yourself to hear these Kaufman commentaries.
