DVD Corner's blog

V/H/S/99 Blu-ray Steelbook Review

“V/H/S/99” is the best sequel since “V/H/S/2.”  

The found footage horror anthology franchise continues on with the fifth installment titled “V/H/S/99.” The sequel continues five 1999 set segments which are as follows:

Writer/director Maggie Levin’s “Shredding” revolves around an insufferable punk band known as R.A.N.K. that makes prank videos for a web show. The group decides to record their next video in a shut down music venue in which the band Bitch Cat tragically died in a fire. The band soon finds themselves being preyed upon by something supernatural.

Writer/director Johannes Roberts’ “Suicide Bid” focuses on a college student (Lily) that is desperate to get into the Beta Sigma Eta sorority. As part of a dare/haze, Lily spends the night inside of a coffin in which a former pledge doing the same act allegedly died years prior. As one might surmise, things go horribly awry.

Directed and co-written by Flying Lotus alongside writer Zoe Cooper, “Ozzy’s Dungeon” revolves around the canceled titular children’s game show. We (the audience) learn that a former contestant (Donna) was seriously injured during filming and now, years later, Donna and her family are seeking revenge against the show’s host by putting him through tortuous obstacles. Through this ordeal, the host decides to may give Donna the victory she deserved, but what exactly is the prize?

Writer/director Tyler MacIntyre and writer Chris Lee Hill’s “The Gawkers” centers around teen brothers Brady and Dylan and Dylan’s friends Kurt, Boner, and Mark. Dylan and his pals become fixated on the sexy neighbor Sandra who isn’t what she appears to be.

Writing and directing team Vanessa and Joseph Winter’s “To Hell And Back” closes out the film. The New Year’s Eve set tale involves 2 videographers (Troy and Nate) recording a coven using a woman as a vessel for a demon known as Ukabon. Troy and Nate think the whole thing will be a joke, but they aren’t so amused when a demon brings them to hell. The 2 try their best to make it out of the hazardous hell and back to Earth, but it might not be so easy.

After 2 lackluster sequels, “V/H/S/99” brings the fun back to the franchise. Aside from “Shredding” which is conceptually interesting as a sort of “Jackass” like tale, but fizzles out from an execution standpoint, this is a strong set of horror anthology segments. “Suicide Bid” is unsettling, claustrophobic and creepy, “Ozzy’s Dungeon” is a great take off on 90’s Nickelodeon shows like “Legends Of The Hidden Temple,” “The Gawkers” is an “American Pie” esque tale that gloriously underutilizes a creature seldom seen in horror (no spoilers here), and “To Hell And Back” is just a flat-out entertaining haunted house-like jaunt into hell. Obviously, the movie might connect more to those that grew up in the 90’s, but even if you weren’t around then this is still a worthwhile horror anthology film.

Note: The Blu-ray Steelbook is a Wal-Mart exclusive.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The video quality is largely irrelevant given that it is designed to have a VHS vibe, but this is the best transfer you will see to be sure.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Again, the audio quality doesn’t matter too much, but it’s still satisfactory.

Extras:
* DVD copy
* 2 minute gag reel.
* “Exclusive Panel From Reedpop’s New York Comic Con”- A 51 minute 2022 panel hosted by journalist Rosie Knight with producer Josh Goldbloom, directors Tyler MacIntyre, and Vanessa and Joseph Winter.
* 2 deleted scenes from “Ozzy’s Dungeon,” 1 deleted scene a “Bithcat” music video for “Shredding,” deleted scene, bloopers, camera test and “The Making Of Medusa” featurette for “The Gawkers,” and raw footage, location scouting and storyboards and blocking rehearsals for “To Hell And Back.”
* Commentary by Trevor and Leo of Bloody Disgusting with filmmakers Maggie Levin, Flying Lotus, Tyler McIntyre, and Vanessa and Joseph Winter.

May 21, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Horror Anthology Film, Horror Movie, V/H/S/99 Blu-ray Steelbook Review, VHS 5, VHS 99, VHS 99 Blu-ray Steelbook Review