Other Releases Available:

Releases Reviewed:

There are several buying options for the original 80's Maniac.

There are 2 different Blus. One is a 30th Anniversary Edition with 2 discs while the other is a standard single disc version. There are DVD counterparts for both. A third Blue Underground DVD offering is digitally mastered in THX.

The Blue Underground DVD is a bigger package than I expected. It is a single disc.

Video:

1.85 Widescreen: It looks low budget with dull colors and some blemishes in the image.

Audio:

6.1 surround: The audio is strong.

Packaging:

The case is standard plastic.

The menu features animation and audio.

Extras:

I have to come clean. Yes, I saw this for myself, but I don't own it and therefore didn't spend a lot of time with the extras due to my relative disinterest in the film (this was from before I started writing guides like these).

Here's what you get, but I don't have any comments to offer on the quality. The extras include a lengthy documentary on star Joe Spinell, an audio commentary, some regular trailers, some radio trailers, a radio interview, an art gallery, a collection of scathing reviews of the film, and a couple of cast bios.

Other Editions:

The Blus both offer 1.85 widescreen at 1080p with 7.1 DTS HD surround sound. There must be some people who like this movie a lot more than I do to give it this kind of treatment. It sounds like there are image issues for which even a good transfer can't compensate. Reviews say that the colors are flat, and there are lines and other blemishes. The audio sounds like it's actually very good, though. Extras include 2 commentaries, a few interviews with cast and crew, trailers, TV and radio spots, and a Maniac 2 promo reel.

Since both Blus are released by the same company I would guess that this describes both releases, however I can't find a list of any extras on the single disc version. Disc 2 of the anniversary edition includes “The Joe Spinell Story,” a feature dealing with the publicity, and something looking at the controversy surrounding it.

The DVD version of the anniversary release doesn't specify what it offers but is also a 2 disc release and so probably includes the same stuff just withough the HD.

The other DVD offers 1.85 widescreen and 5.1 surround sound. Extras I've seen listed are a radio interview, “The Joe Spinell Story,” and some TV spots.

Final Thoughts:

If you're a true fan the anniversary Blu is easily superior to the other offerings both in quality of presentation and in extras offered. If you can't do Blu check out the anniversary DVD if possible. You'll get something for your money no matter which version you get.