Plot: What’s it about?
As the ruthless Jason Voorhees has been struck down and buried, it seems like the world is safe from his wrath. But as we know, things have a way of happening that involve Jason returning to stalk the streets, which seems to be the case here. A madman with a hockey mask and a very large knife is about to create some chaos, this time involving a halfway house loaded with all sorts of teenagers. So as this monster stages his assault on the residents, the blood soaks the walls and the bodies begin to pile up, as per Jason’s usual approaches. But why would Jason choose this place as his next slaughterhouse, right? As it turns out, this halfway house is the current home of Tommy Jarvis, who put Jason into his underground tomb himself. So of course, Tommy is panicked and such, but he is certain that Jason is dead, even if he is unable to explain his current presence. Is this really Jason slicin’ and dicin’ once again, or simply some impostor? And in any event, will anyone be able to escape this bloodbath alive?
This is the fifth installment in the Friday the 13th series and in most circles, it is considered to be the worst of the lot. But in a series like this one, if you’ve enjoyed the previous volumes, this one offers more of the same, so some folks should be pleased. As you should expected, this film boasts some gruesome deaths, buckets of blood, and of course, rampant instances of female flesh, so there are some elements here to like. I think the lack of reasonable storyline and such turn some people off to this movie, but this is a Friday the 13th flick after all, not Citizen Kane. This is far from the best slasher picture out there, but it does have some positive traits, as far as slashers are concerned. But it has a weak storyline and holds a dubious place in the series, since it seems removed from the previous installments, which could lessen the fun for some folks. As per usual, Paramount has done little with the disc, but since it looks & sounds good and sports a lower than usual price, it is still recommended to those interested.
This film was directed by Danny Steinmann, who also helped pen the screenplay involved. Although Steinmann tries to take the series back to its roots here, he never really accomplishes that goal, which is a let down. On the writing side, the premise seems solid enough, but as the movie moves ahead, that premise unravels in the process. Steinmann and his cowriters provide some good moments, but in the end, this one coasts simply because of the series’ fanbase. I suppose I am pleased that Steinmann made some effort to bring some classic elements back and jab in some stuff too, but it just doesn’t pan out in the end. Steinmann also directed Savage Streets and The Unseen, but this was his final turn behind the camera. The cast here includes Anthony Barrile (Hamburger Hill, Kiss Me Guido), Juliette Cummings (Slumber Party Massacre II, Psycho III), and Todd Bryant (Back to the Beach, Night of the Creeps).
Video: How does it look?
Friday the 13th Part V is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is an above average visual effort, with a clean source print and no serious flaws, very good from Paramount here. The black levels are sharp and never obscure detail, which means accurate shadows and in a movie like this, that is very important. The colors remain a little restrained by design, but still comes through well enough, so no complaints there. In the end, this is a great transfer, when you consider the age & nature of the movie itself.
Audio: How does it sound?
A nice, clean mono option is included, but don’t expect much beyond the basics. I noticed no source flaws, so the elements are always well presented, but this is mono and as such, the audio is still not too memorable. The musical score sounds clear and well mixed, while the various sound effects are in fine form too, or as fine as mono allows. No issues with dialogue either, as every word is easy to understand and volume balance is never a problem. This disc also includes a French language track, as well as English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains the film’s theatrical trailer.
