Exploring Civilization’s Fragility

Read Time:4 Minute, 21 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
2020 Texas Gladiators (Anno 2020 – I gladiatori del futuro) 4K Ultra HD 4K UHD
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Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Year Released: 1983, 2024 Severin Films 4K
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Joe D'Amato
Writer(s): Aldo Florio
Cast: Al Cliver, Harrison Muller, Peter Hooten, Hal Yamanouchi, Sabrina Siani, Geretta Geretta
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here at www.severinfilms.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Exploding into the B movie world with a blend of chaos and lawlessness, ANNO 2020 – I GLADIATORI DEL FUTURO, or 2020 TEXAS GLADIATORS, marks an aggressive entry into the Italian exploitation genre. Under the direction of Joe D'Amato, this film merges dystopian devastation with the gritty flair of the West, establishing itself within the arena of low-budget films. Despite its imperfections, the movie's plunge into action and daring storytelling choices forge an engaging spectacle that demands your attention.

From the outset, 2020 TEXAS GLADIATORS paints a stark portrait of a world on the edge. Scenes filled with mutants wreaking havoc in a dilapidated monastery lay the foundation for a narrative steeped in darkness and decay. Into this chaos step the Rangers, a group of makeshift law enforcers led by the unyielding Nisus (Al Cliver), tasked with restoring a semblance of order. Yet their mission is fraught with conflict, especially when they must confront one of their own, the unstable Catch Dog (Daniel Stephen), whose actions threaten the integrity of their group.

As Nisus moves away from the frontlines, he seeks solace in a budding settlement with Maida (Sabrina Siani), where they dream of building a peaceful community. However, their aspirations are shattered by the brutal onslaught of a fascist faction, igniting a ferocious struggle for survival that mirrors the film's more extensive exploration of civilization versus savagery. This thematic duel plays out across the terrain, and tense confrontations punctuate the film, adding depth to the action-driven plot.

The narrative is enhanced by its embrace of Western conventions, from epic horseback battles to high-stakes shootouts, which provide a distinct twist to the post-apocalyptic setting. Yet, this blend of genres sometimes muddles the story’s flow, creating a jarring effect that can disrupt the viewer's immersion.

The performances across the board are passionately delivered, if inconsistent. Cliver anchors the narrative with his robust portrayal of Nisus, while Siani's Maida adds a poignant, grounded touch with her portrayal of hope amid despair. Donald O’Brien's Black One revels in villainy, embodying the film's flair for the dramatic and the outlandish.

The film crescendos to a climactic battle that amalgamates the elements of Western and dystopian fiction, showcasing the filmmakers' ambition to fuse cinematic styles. While not flawless in execution, this final act highlights the potential for innovation within the confines of genre cinema, making a compelling case for the creative possibilities inherent in low-budget filmmaking.

2020 TEXAS GLADIATORS offers a raw and gritty examination of the struggle for justice and society’s rebirth in a world stripped of civility (we may need to take this as a lesson coming up…). It is a potent monument to the enduring allure of genre hybrids and is a must-watch for those drawn to the rough edges and bold narratives of exploitation cinema.

DISC ONE – 4K BLU-RAY
NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
Original trailer
Audio: English Mono, Italian Mono
Subtitles: English and English SDH subtitles for the main feature
REGION-FREE
DISC TWO – BLU-RAY
NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
Shoot Me: The Real Story Of The Italian Texas Gladiators – Archival Interviews With Director Joe D'Amato, Assistant Director Michele Soavi, Screenwriter Luigi Montefiori, And Actor Al Cliver
Gladiator Geretta – Interview With Actress Geretta Geretta
Trailer
Audio: English Mono, Italian Mono
Subtitles: English and English SDH subtitles for the main feature
REGION-A "LOCKED"
DISC THREE- CD DISC
The original motion picture soundtrack on a CD

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[photo courtesy of SEVERIN FILMS]

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