Eerie High School Sets Scene for Chills

Read Time:4 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Cutting Class
–

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Horror
Year Released: 1989, 2024 MVD 4K, Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Rospo Pallenberg
Writer(s): Steve Slavkin
Cast: Donovan Leitch, Jill Schoelen, Brad Pitt, Roddy McDowall, Martin Mull, Brenda James, Robert Glaudini, Dirk Blocker
Where To Watch: available January 30, 2024; pre-order here www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Rospo Pallenberg's 1989 horror film, CUTTING CLASS, offers a different take on the late 80s slasher genre with an inventive mix of horror and humor. Set against the backdrop of Wurleigh High School, the film combines fear and laughter, creating a distinctive experience while being self-aware. The experience is a fun and campy trip, entertainingly balancing suspense and comedy. Presented in glorious 4k, the film makes you feel like you’re sitting in a theater on the day it came out.

A portion of the story centers around Paula, played by Jill Schoelen, who redefines the 'final girl' archetype before it was even a thing; her boyfriend Dwight, a role that showcases a young Brad Pitt's emerging talent; and Brian, portrayed by Donovan Leitch, whose character makes us ask more questions than gives us answers. The plot thickens with the mysterious disappearance of Paula's father, triggering a series of peculiar and brutal murders that disrupt the school's normality.

The slasher formula is reworked in CUTTING CLASS while the formula is still in its infancy, with intricate plot development and deep character exploration. This film steps away from the typical focus on gore, instead engaging the audience in a murder mystery that requires them to unravel motives and secrets. It is a real whodunit, presenting characters as multifaceted suspects, their performances adding depth to the story's intrigue.

Schoelen shines as Paula, bringing a gravitas to her role and breaking away from the cliches I was expecting. The interactions with the school's more ominous characters, such as an oddly uncomfortable performance as the principal (played by Roddy McDowall), whose mere presence amplifies the film's eerie tone, give us a protagonist and a cast of unknown antagonists.

In one of his early roles, Brad Pitt brings a dynamic energy to Dwight, hinting at his future stardom. Donovan Leitch's portrayal of Brian adds an element of unpredictability, keeping viewers on their toes.

CUTTING CLASS occasionally struggled with its identity, fluctuating between a straightforward slasher and a parody, leading to tonal inconsistencies. It feels like it was an attempt to offer up the meta/comedy/horror that wouldn’t truly solidify itself for another decade plus.

Despite these challenges, CUTTING CLASS remains a remarkable late 80s horror. Its blend of horror, suspense, humor, and solid performances cements its status as a cult classic. While it may not compete with the heavyweights of the slasher genre, its unique approach provides a memorable and enjoyable experience. As Pallenberg's directorial debut and an early display of Pitt's talent, CUTTING CLASS presents a refreshing perspective on horror and comedy, making it a film that appeals to a broad audience.

DISC 1 – 4K ULTRA HD SPECIAL FEATURES:
2018 4K Restoration (from the 35mm original camera negative) and presented in 2160P HD in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR
Audio: LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English Subtitles
Original Theatrical Trailer (2:33, HD)

DISC 2 – BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
2018 Scan and restoration of the main feature presented in 1080p HD in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio.
Audio: LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English and Spanish Subtitles
Interview with star Jill Schoelen (20:26, HD)
Interview with star Donovan Leitch (16:25, HD)
"Kill Comparisons" featurette (3:53, HD)
R-Rated / Edited Version of "Cutting Class" (91 mins, SD)
Original Theatrical Trailer (2:33, HD)

Bonus Materials
2018 4K Restoration (from the 35mm original camera negative) and presented in 2160P HD in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR (4K Disc) and 1080p HD (Blu-ray Disc)
Audio: LPCM 2.0 Mono
English Subtitles (4K Disc), English & Spanish Subtitles (Blu-ray Disc)
Interview with star Jill Schoelen (20:26, HD)
Interview with star Donovan Leitch (16:25, HD)
'Kill Comparisons' featurette (3:53, HD)
R-Rated / Edited Version of “Cutting Class” (91 mins, SD)
Original Theatrical Trailer (2:33, HD)

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