![]() ![]() There is some softness to be seen, but nothing serious and on the whole, detail is more than passable. The grain and debris never become that bad however, so all things considered, the elements have held up rather well. As such, the prints aren’t in great condition and signs of wear are evident. These are both low budget quickies from the 60s, the kind of movies no one preserves. Shell Shock is presented in full frame, while Battle of Blood Island is presented in 1.66:1 widescreen, not enhanced for widescreen televisions. So I give this double feature a twenty-one gun salute, not to mention a recommendation to those interested. The lack of budget limits the battle scenes, but the story is solid and the movie is decent. Battle of Blood Island has an excellent premise and with Roger Corman behind the scenes, you know its worth a look. I had fun with the action scenes and when the drama kicks in, the fun increases by tenfold. The producers tried to pass off California as German lands, with laughable results. Shell Shock is hilarious, but that isn’t good news, as it is supposed to be a serious look at the trials of warfare. ![]() So the bad movie parade continues, this offbeat jaunt through the trenches just provides a scenic route. But if you’re concerned, don’t be, as both of these movies belong on Mystery Science Theater 3000. The realm of eclectic, campish cinema isn’t limited to sleaze and gore, after all. I do love the B movies and schlock the label is known for, but I would love to see more varied releases from Something Weird. I have to admit, I was a little surprised with this change of pace, but it was a pleasant surprise. The label has been ordered to dish up a double feature of war movies, which it has done with pride. The folks at Something Weird have been drafted, so all the naked women, monsters, and sleaze merchants have been left behind. Can these two strangers work together to survive, despite their many differences? ![]() Moe managed to play possum, keeping himself alive at all costs, while Ken is alive, but wounded. As a result, the Japanese fought off the invaders and out of the thousands, only two men survived. Will the plan work, or will Rance end up burned by his own sadistic plan? In Battle of Blood Island, an invasion of thousands of American soldiers was met with brutal force. But Rance helps him escape from a makeshift holding area, in order to use his insanity as a weapon. Wade is in dire need of mental help and guidance, as he turned into a lunatic of sorts. The mission results in a mental breakdown for Wade, though Rance is unphased. Rance (Beach Dickerson) sees the turmoil within Wade, but still pushes him and sends him out to capture a German ammo dump. But his service comes first, even if he is about to crack under the pressure. As with his fellow soldiers, Wade is worn down, tired, and wants to leave the German lands behind. Johnny Wade (Carl Crow) took a mean smash to the head in the Battle of Bronson Canyon, so he is a little off balance since. ![]() In Shell Shock, we watch as a soldier reaches the depths of mental anguish, only to be pushed even further beyond his limits. Plot: What’s it about? Video: How does it look? Audio: How does it sound? Supplements: What are the extras? Plot: What’s it about? ![]()
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