The makers of "Hi-8" return with five new low-budget chilling tales showcasing the talents of both veteran and emerging horror filmmakers. When two young women take the "Terror Tour" through the underbelly of Hollywood, they are led into a bizarre world of unspeakable horror.
As a wrap-around Terror Tour functions more utilitarian, feeling a little mundane for most of it's time span. It does work though, and really carries the overall anthology through these diverse and varied nightmares.
First stop - "Death Has a Conscience", proves the reaper doesn't spare the unlucky souls who stumble into his path. A hotel room is a trap for a addict whose next fix becomes her last.
Right away this short shows how talent and creativity can make something of quality on any budget, fun and compelling. The story stays simple but relatable. The cinematography is classic giallo styled work. The practical effects and creature design are clever choices, executed smoothly. I really dug the retro punk rock attitude.
Next, a meeting with the "Dealers of Death" exposes the perils of collecting murder memorabilia.
This one, even with the second half offering some attention grabbing moments, is overall lacking. The pace is clunky and the first half is drawn out a bit to much with unnecessary melodrama. Fewer location shots and more focus on the sinister subject matter could have really elevated the story.
Next up is "Night Drop", where your next movie rental may be your last. A rental clerk is faced with dark, satanic forces set loose from a mysterious DVD found in the returns bin.
This is one of my favorites in "Hi-Death". True, the story is super simplistic and moves quickly, but the sequence flashing the horrors and satanic imagery is one of the best moments in low-budget anthology that I have seen in a while. It reminded me of early Bressack and Treasure Chest Of Horror stuff.
An actress' worst nightmare unfolds as she is forced to perform a terrifying "Cold Read".
I was a bit bored with this one until the end. J did like the choice to film it with an almost dreamscape, atmospheric psychotica.
Finally Terror Tour comes to a disturbing end as we meet the ancient, seductive evil known as "The Muse".
This one was very warped, art class in Hell. It has some high points and a couple of low moments but overall it is a good, gory short with twisted humor. "Hi-Death" is a great indie horror that proves good storytelling and fun horror doesn't require a big budget to work. Definitely check it out.
