Synapse films are synonymous with delivering wonderful DVD editions for cult horror fans. Synapse tends to provide quality restored DVD Editions of films that have been neglected and overlooked. For this review, I will review the Special Edition of Maniac Cop released by Synapse Films. Maniac Cop is a horror favourite and is considered a classic among horror fans. The film boasts impressive talents such as Tom Atkins and Bruce Campbell, and is one of those forgotten 80′s horror gems that should be seen genre fans. Synapse Films delivers this special Edition of the William Lustig classic. Maniac Cop is one of the better Slasher films that came out in the latter half of the 80′s. This is the type of flick that should be among a horror fans horror collection.
Video:
Synapse Films delivers on the Maniac Cop DVD with an impressive (1.85:1) Anamorphic Widescreen presentation mastered in high definition from the original camera negative. The video quality is crisp and clear with minimal to no film grain damage. A lot of effort has gone into restoring this film for optimal video quality. The dark colors really are brought out here, which adds to the whole atmosphere of the film, which takes place almost exclusively at night. Fans of the film will be glad that such care has gone into the video transfer, and Synapse Films have cleaned up almost any signs of film damage. Maniac Cop has never looked better. Even if it’s cleaned up significantly compared to other editions, this version still has some damage, but for the most part it doesn’t really show. In my honest opinion, I find that’s what gives an old film like this, its charm. Synapse Films have really done a great job with the old vault print, and the colors really come out nicely.
Final Rating:
9/10
Audio:
Synapse films have added a new DTS 6.1 Audio track that has been re-mixed for this home video release as well as a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Soundtrack. Both tracks standout here, and are loud. These tracks provided with the film really make the film standout. This is the best sound quality ever offered for this film. The film sounds great with crisp, clear audio and unlike previous releases, you here everything clearly. This is truly a version of the film that you’ve never heard before. The audio quality for this release is one of the stand out features of this DVD release. It’s nothing short but brilliant, and Synapse Films deliver in spades. This DVD boasts awesome audio clarity. A solid audio transfer adds so much to this DVD, and once you watch this edition of the film, you’ll understand why.
Final Rating:
9/10
DVD Supplements:
The supplements featured on this disc will definitely appeal to fans of the film. This disc is packed with some of the best supplements that Synapse Films has ever put on their releases. The release features a wide array of features. This release features theatrical trailers and TV spots, additional scenes filmed for the Japanese Television broadcast, all new featurette with actor Robert Z’Dar and an audio commentary with star Bruce Campbell, writer/producer Larry Cohen, director William Lustig and composer Jay Chattaway. I own a few of Synapse Films releases and the Maniac Cop DVD is the one where they’ve really delivered on the special features. The features that fans will most likely enjoy the most are the featurette with actor Robert Z’dar who played the Maniac Cop Matt Cordell and the Audio Commentary with Bruce Campbell, Larry Cohen and William Lustig. This is an impressive set of special features that’s sure to make you want to upgrade your copy to this special edition.
Final Rating:
9/10
Overall:
Maniac Cop is one of those Slasher gems that came out in the late 80′s, and that is quite frankly underrated. This film is beautifully restored by Synapse Films, and this is the definitive edition of the film that should belong in every horror fans collection. With a collection of great special features, this DVD is a must own for fans. If you’re wondering if it’s worth an upgrade, I’d say that it most definitely is. Maniac Cop is a film that is better than most Slasher films that came out in the late 80′s, which was the decline of Slasher films. For newer fans, this DVD should be a no brainer to buy. This is an underrated gem that is very deserving of a definitive edition as this one. This is a great film and is a must for every Horror collection.
Final Rating:
9/10
Supplements:
New Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) Transfer Mastered in High Definition From Original Vault Materials
Audio Commentary from Star Bruce Campbell, Writer/Producer Larry Cohen, Director William Lustig and Composer Jay Chattaway
New DTS 6.1 Audio Track Re-Mixed For This Home Video Release
New Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Soundtrack Re-Mixed For This Video Release
Original 2.0 Dolby Digital Surround Soundtrack
Theatrical Trailer and Television Spots
Additional Scenes Filmed for Japanese Television Broadcast
All-New Featurette with Star Robert Z’Dar and MORE!
