Escape the Ordinary With This Eccentric Film Set

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Nico Mastorakis Collection [Limited Edition]
The Time Traveller (The Next One)  –
Sky High –
Terminal Exposure  –
Glitch! –
Ninja Academy –
The Naked Truth –

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Year Released: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992 – 2024 Arrow Video Blu-ray set
Runtime: 10h 4m
Director(s): Nico Mastorakis
Writer(s): Nico Mastorakis, Fred Perry, Robert Gilliam, Gary VanHaas, Kirk Ellis, Roger Tweten
Cast: Mark Hennessy, Robert Caso, Keir Dullea, Daniel Hirsch, Will Egan, Steve Donmyer, Lou Ferrigno, Erik Estrada, Billy Barty, David Birney, Alex Cord, Yvonne De Carlo, Norman Fell, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ted Lange, Little Richard, Bubba Smith, M. Emmet Walsh, John Vernon, Joe Estevez, Hope Marie Carlton, Adrienne Barbeau, Peter Hobbs, Julia Nickson, Dick Gautier, Teri Weigel, Amy Lyndon, Gerald Okamura
Where To Watch: available July 30, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In what has to be the biggest surprise of the year for me so far, Arrow Video's upcoming release, THE NICO MASTORAKIS COLLECTION, showcases an impressive array of six distinctive films from the innovative director. Known for his unique flair in meshing genres, this collection solidifies his reputation as a stalwart in the landscape of B-movie brilliance. If you dug Enter The Video Store: Empire of Screams (and who didn’t?), you’d likely enjoy some, if not all, of these.

The journey begins with THE TIME TRAVELLER (aka, THE NEXT ONE,) which introduces a plot brimming with mystery and sci-fi intrigue. A mother and son encounter a mysterious stranger with extraordinary powers on a quaint Greek island. Despite its limited budget, the film boasts compelling storytelling, significantly amplified by Keir Dullea's performance. This film effectively sets a dramatic and enigmatic tone for the rest of the series.

Next, we shift gears with SKY HIGH, not the 2005 Kurt Russell cult classic!) this film takes what starts as a light-hearted adventure that blends espionage and comedy. It tracks the escapades of three American students in Greece who stumble upon a mysterious tape leading them into a series of bizarre and dangerous events. Every film in this collection is so crazy and uniquely absurd that you can’t help but fall for them.

TERMINAL EXPOSURE follows up in what may be the most “80s” of his films, mixing comedy with thrilling action as two beach photographers accidentally capture evidence of a crime. Their ensuing adventure, underscored by Hans Zimmer's early musical composition, is a fun romp that cleverly mixes slapstick humor with elements of suspense. However, some jokes may feel dated, although this is a common theme throughout the series. These are films of their era and thus need to be looked at through those eyes.

GLITCH!, possibly the most audacious film on the set (and that’s saying something,) details the riotous misadventures of two bumbling burglars caught in a mobster’s elaborate scheme within the confines of a lavish Hollywood mansion. This film is a wild ride of vivid characters and over-the-top slapstick encapsulated within a distinct 80s vibe.

In NINJA ACADEMY, we dive into a martial arts comedy setting the stage with an honorable Japanese dojo against a morally ambiguous American rival. With a cast of quirky characters, including Gerald Okamura from BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, the film offers a plethora of laughs and lively action, ensuring a delightful viewing experience. If you like your martial arts films to have a zany touch, this is for you!

Finally, THE NAKED TRUTH concludes the collection on a high note, channeling the spirit of some cult classic comedies. This feature follows two friends who don disguises to evade a mafia boss at a beauty pageant, combining classic elements of comedy to deliver a vibrant and amusing finale to the anthology.

This limited edition collection shines with pristine high-definition restorations on Blu-ray for the first time and is rich with additional content. Extras like behind-the-scenes interviews, original trailers, and a collector’s booklet filled with insightful essays enhance the viewing experience, all packaged beautifully with reversible sleeves.

Altogether, THE NICO MASTORAKIS COLLECTION explores Mastorakis' eclectic filmography, celebrating his ability to seamlessly blend different genres. From sci-fi intrigue to comedic capers, this collection offers a refreshing look at the dynamic and vibrant cinema of the 1980s and early 1990s. Make sure to order your copy before they sell out!

Bonus Materials
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentations
Original stereo and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio sound
Optional English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and hard-of-hearing
Nico’s Self Interviews, six brand new interviews with writer, director, and producer Nico Mastorakis where he looks back on how the films in this collection came to be, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and cast and crew interviews
Dan Hirsch: A Revealing Self-Interview, a brand new interview with the star of Sky High, Dan Hirsch, looking back on his role in the film
Gerald Okamura, Ninja Academy’s “Chiba” Remembers, a brand new interview with Gerald Okamura, looking back on his role as Chiba in Ninja Academy and his career as an actor and martial artist
Original trailers for each film
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the career Nico Mastorakis by critic Barry Forshaw
Limited Edition Deluxe packaging with reversible sleeves featuring newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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