Appliance Rebellion: a Galactic Parody

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MOVIE REVIEW
Hardware Wars (Collector's Edition)
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Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Short
Year Released: 1978, 2024 MVD Rewind Collection Blu-ray
Runtime: 13m
Director(s): Ernie Fosselius
Writer(s): Ernie Fosselius
Cast: Frank Robertson, Jeff Hale, Artie Deco, Scott Matthews, Cindy Furgatch, Bob Knickerbocker, Ernie Fosselius, Paul Frees
Where To Watch: available May 7, 2024; pre-order here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step into a universe where ordinary kitchen gadgets embark on epic space adventures against the unknown (although honestly, despite the title, this isn’t just about “hardware.”) HARDWARE WARS, a film that crafts a sprawling cosmic tale in a mere thirteen minutes, showcases what was able to be achieved with a modest $8,000 budget all these years ago, mixed with a hefty dose of creativity. Created by Ernie Fosselius in 1978, this film pays a playful homage to STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (or just STAR WARS as it was known by then,) released just a year earlier, by reimagining George Lucas’ space opera with household tools and simple materials, wrapped in a warm blanket of nostalgia and some quirky humor.

HARDWARE WARS doesn't just playfully poke fun at the film; it creatively subverts it with a delightful DIY aesthetic that has won over audiences, including Star Wars creator George Lucas, who famously praised it in a 1999 interview as his preferred parody. The film’s hands-on approach to visual effects and the detailed manual editing underscore its charmingly “old-fashioned” feel. This pioneering spirit secures its place in the pantheon of cinematic folk art.

Characters like Fluke Starbucker and his comical sidekick, Ham Salad, traverse a galaxy rich with satirical humor and clever puns, making each minute of the film's runtime burst with energy. These characters deliver lines that cleverly nod to various cultural touchstones, from The Wizard of Oz to Sesame Street, enriching the film's narrative texture. I wish this had been realized as a scene-for-scene parody instead of just the long-form trailer we got.

The voice-over by Paul Frees adds a layer of cinematic grandeur, enhancing the film's playful tone with his resonant delivery. The comedy shines brightly in scenes filled with imaginative uses of everyday items—like a character using an electric drill as a weapon or an iron floating through a starry expanse—proving that the film’s humor connects with newcomers and those familiar with its parodic targets. Unfortunately, some of the gags just don’t work. While this is undeniably fun, it was also a creation of its time.

The newly restored scan does give us our best look at the film (though no fear, this edition contains every version you can think of). However, keep in mind that the nature of the low-budget creation means this has a raw, unpolished charm of the original film stock, complete with grainy visuals and color imperfections that now serve to authenticate the experience more than detract from it.

The unique features of the HARDWARE WARS Blu-ray add substantial value. They feature a mix of humorous and insightful content, including a “spoof” director’s commentary by Fosselius and the aforementioned various cuts and versions of the film. These extras provide a fascinating glimpse into the inventive filmmaking process behind this low-budget endeavor.

For those of us who spent our childhoods immersed in the world of cinematic parodies, crafting makeshift props and quoting lines from iconic spoofs, HARDWARE WARS invokes a profound sense of nostalgia. It represents not just a comedic take on a beloved genre but a testament to the creativity possible within the confines of limited resources—a celebration of fandom’s capacity to inspire across decades.

However, some diehard Star Wars fans might find the parody lacking in edge and freshness, perhaps due to its pioneering status when such comedic takes were not as refined or widespread as they are today.

In conclusion, HARDWARE WARS is more than just a simple spoof; it's an homage to the enduring spirit of creative, fan-driven filmmaking and the low-budget ethos that allows such passionate projects to achieve cult status. This Blu-ray offers a nostalgic and insightful journey for anyone keen on exploring the early days of fan culture or simply looking for a lighthearted diversion from the usual grand space epics. May the farce be with you.

Bonus Materials
Brand new 2K HD transfer from the only known surviving element, a 16mm Reversal Release print presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio
LPCM 2.0 Stereo Audio
Original Mono Audio
Optional English Subtitles
Audio Commentary with Writer / Director Ernie Fosselius
'Hardware Wars' Directors Cut (10:15, SD)
'Hardware Wars' Prequel featurette (05:23, SD)
'Hardware Wars' Foreign Version (11:19, SD)
1978 Creature Features Interview with Writer / Director Ernie Fosselius (12:12, SD)
'Hardware Wars Saves Christmas' featurette (06:09. SD)
Awards Reel (01:08, SD)
'Hardware Wars' Trailer (SD)
“Porklips Now” (21:38, SD) is a 1980 parody of “Apocalypse Now” by director Ernie Fosselius.
“Plan 9.1 From Outer Space” (20:46, SD) is a 2009 parody remake of “Plan 9 From Outer Space” with puppets from director Ernie Fosselius.
Reversible Artwork
Collectible Mini-Poster
Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only)

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[photo courtesy of MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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