Nightmare City

(Umberto Lenzi; 1980)

(Anchor Bay Entertainment)

-Overview-
A radioactive spill turns people into undead blood drinking killing machines. Being a big fan of Lenzi’s Cannibal Ferox, I had high hopes for this one. I must say it is entertaining, but I was initially under the impression that this was an Italian zombie splatter-fest. Not so. More of a rotting killer vampire film with a zombie like atmosphere. Either way, there’s plenty of Lenzi’s trademark gore in this one, although significantly less than something like Cannibal Ferox (Make Them Die Slowly). I especially enjoyed the nubile young dancer having her breast sawed off. Plenty of gratuitous violence and nudity, as is the staple with good Italian horror cinema. If you’re looking for a zombie film, however, steer clear. The “fiends” run around, shoot guns and stab people. It’s actually quite a riot. One of the lamest endings ever, I must add. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you can see the entertainment value of films such as Fulci’s Zombi 3.
-Sound-
The sound quality is standard. No enhancements.
-Picture-
Another excellent job on Anchor Bay’s part. Standard widescreen transfer looks as good as this one is ever going to.
-Special Features-
Tales Of The Contaminated City -- an all-new interview with Director Umberto Lenzi, Umberto Lenzi Bio, Theatrical trailer.
-Box Art-
I much preferred the original theatrical artwork, but the packaging is decent, despite the questionable cover art.

 

                                                                               Sound: 3
                                                                               Picture: 4
                                                                        Special Features: 3
                                                                               Box Art: 3
                                                                                Film: 3.5

                                                                          Overall Rating: 3

                                         (Rating scale is out of 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best)