Last House on Dead End Street

(Roger Watkins, 1973)

(Barrel Entertainment)

Long considered a lost film, Barrel Entertainment brings us what has been widely considered “the most vile and disgusting film ever made”, and perhaps rightfully so. Here we have a story of a down on his luck pornographer just having been released from prison who decides to start work on a series of snuff films. To be honest, the film is a tad short and somewhat devoid of plot other than what was mentioned above. But when watching a film of this nature, who needs plot? The film is visceral and gritty, and maintains a rather disturbing creepiness about it. Plenty of gore and T&A will satisfy the gore/sexploitation fans, and some may find it hard to stomach. Required viewing for all fans of horror.

The sound is as good as can be expected, as the original print of the film was quite damaged. There is a fair amount of distortion, but it’s still completely watchable.

Again, this is the best the film is ever going to look, as the original film negatives have been scratched and damaged beyond repair. The colors are somewhat washed out and faded, but from what I understand, much better than the previous VHS release. Knowing Barrel, they did the best that could be done to minimize this, and it really doesn’t detract from the film one bit.

Again, Barrel have given us a bucketful of goodies with this 2 DVD set. Features include:

- New 1.33:1 digital transfer mastered from rare 35mm film elements under the supervision of director Roger Watkins

- Full running audio commentary by director Roger Watkins and Deep Red editor Chas. Balun

- Approximately 20 minutes of rare outtakes

- Four early, never before seen short films by Roger Watkins with full running audio commentary by the director himself

- At Home with Terry Hawkins—Over 70 minutes of behind the scenes production phone calls detailing the making of The Last House on Dead End Street

- Original trailer

- 60 minute radio interview with director Roger Watkins and actor Ken Fisher (1973)

- Roger Watkins and actor Paul Jensen on The Joe Franklin Show (1975)

- Alternate credits as The Fun House

- A generous gallery of stills detailing the career of Roger Watkins

- They Dwell Beneath—Tribute video by Necrophagia, directed by Jim Van Bebber

- Deluxe 36-page booklet by Headpress editor David Kerekes

- Original cover painting by comix legend Steve (Swamp Thing, Taboo) Bissette

-         Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition 

Personally,  I think the box art itself is terrible, but seeing as it was done by a comic book legend, some may appreciate it more than I. Barrel’s cover layout is excellent, as always.

Sound: 4

Picture: 4

Special Features: 10

Box Art: 6

Film: 8

Overall Rating: 8.5

(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)