SCARECROWS 1988

[jagged halo]

http://www.thevideograveyard.com/boxes/scarecrows.jpg

William Wesley's low-budget masterpiece as far as I'm concerned. Unfortunately for Wesley it went virtualy unnoticed, having said that 1988 was a year drenched in abysmal sequels and formulaic nonsense from the big guns of 'Horror Hollywood'. Luckily for me Scarecrows slipped in to my top ten thanks to my-on-the-ball-local video-store-Manager he's almost as fanatical as I am about the genre!!.

Gave this another viewing the other day and my opinion hasn't changed one iota. Wesley's direction is absolutely rock solid, so to are the performances, particularly Michale-David-Simms character Curry. I dug Terry Plumeri's score, definitely the icing on an already masterfull and creative cake. I shall refrain from giving a complete review as I'm sure the majority of schmoes know precisely where I'm coming from. If you haven't yet viewed Scarecrows and if you're after a seriously well executed horror film without the usual diet of obnoxious teenagers and a predictable villain, then Scarecrows is the movie for you. All I will say is it's a crime this hasn't been given the DVD makeover. Come on Anchor Bay where the hell are you!!

[Romero&Juliet]

I'm a proud owner of this flick - the story is tight, the action/chase sequences are baddass. Its just all around cool. . Very much an Arrow type of flick.

I loved all the dialogue over the walkie talkies. It was really wqell edited, I found. really creative shite.

MUSTTTTT be seen uncut. The nasty bits are just TOOOOOOOO fucking slick to be passed up.

[jagged halo]

Lol!, I have both the rated and unrated version the latter being the most effective. The FX look amazing, very creative. Scarecrows sports one of the coolest taglines in horror: When it comes to terror they're in a field of their own :D Class!!!

[therealjohng]

Is this the one where WWII paratroopers land in a field of scarecrows?

[Romero&Juliet]

They're not paratroopers.. and I think its set present day. They were AWOL military people who pull a heist. One of their members runs away and they chase him into the field.

[heavy!!!]

Tried in vain to get hold of this movie cannot find it anywhere
in the uk, do remeber seeing it in the late 80's and it scared the hell out of me, (i was only 12 at the time) all i really remember was the scarecrows were kinda creepy.

I second the point , this needs a DVD release!!!

[jagged halo]

Try this site:

Videomania (http://www.videomania.uk.com/)

If it's not in stock you can ask to be contacted when it becomes available, they're a decent outfit VD I've got my hands on many obscure titles. Give them a ring you've nothing to loose;)

[Romero&Juliet]

FRANCISO DELLAMORTE, CLEAN OUT YOUR MAIIIIIIILLLBOOOXXXX

:)

[!MorganOnyx!]

WOW JAGGED HALO you lucky fucker!! How did you end up with TWO editions?!! I saw this years ago when I was a kid. The UK cover is SWEET!!! That's what made me grab my dad and ask him to rent it for me!!! He he!! :D

Can't find this ANYWHERE!! I hope it gets a dvd treatment. I would love to see it again. Can't remember much about it, but do remember it having a very dark atmosphere - like there was a sense of doom, that nobody would escape alive (can't remember the ending - don't know if I'm right!!) :p

[dellamorte dellamore]

Originally posted by Romero&Juliet
FRANCISO DELLAMORTE, CLEAN OUT YOUR MAIIIIIIILLLBOOOXXXX

:)

That's Francesco Dellamorte ( St Francis of Death ) .

Anyway , i'm itching to see this bad boy , in the worst way

[mshulman5]

For anyone interested in purchasing Scarecrows try here...

Scarecrows (http://www.revok.com/searchall.php?cur=10&max=10&search=s&type=atoz)

This is where I got mine and for $21.99 even though it's movie only I'd say it's well worth the price to have it on DVD. It comes with cool box art and nice DVD cover art.

[Gravedigger]

Wow talk about a classic 80's b-horror film, this is one them and certainly worth a look indeed!

[jagged halo]

Originally posted by mshulman5
For anyone interested in purchasing Scarecrows try here...

Scarecrows (http://www.revok.com/searchall.php?cur=10&max=10&search=s&type=atoz)

This is where I got mine and for $21.99 even though it's movie only I'd say it's well worth the price to have it on DVD. It comes with cool box art and nice DVD cover art.

Is it a straight transfer do you think? or have they used and treated any of the original footage?. I'm not prepared to shell out that kind of dosh until I know what I'll be getting for it, sounds to me like an unlicensed copy, very curious indeed. Info would be greatly appreciated.;)

[jagged halo]

Originally posted by !MorganOnyx!
WOW JAGGED HALO you lucky fucker!! How did you end up with TWO editions?!! I saw this years ago when I was a kid. The UK cover is SWEET!!! That's what made me grab my dad and ask him to rent it for me!!! He he!! :D

Can't find this ANYWHERE!! I hope it gets a dvd treatment. I would love to see it again. Can't remember much about it, but do remember it having a very dark atmosphere - like there was a sense of doom, that nobody would escape alive (can't remember the ending - don't know if I'm right!!) :p

Yeah I'm a lucky fucker alright!!, thanks to a local company I was able to track down both versions, I've since given the rated version to a friend of mine the cover artwork was a bit Wurzle Gummage to say the least:rolleyes:

The rated version on Forum Home Video features probably one of the coolest covers in my collection.

[!MorganOnyx!]

JAGGED HALO -

Oh are there are couple of different covers? All I remember is that the one I saw was awesome. It was more of a close up of a scarecrows face with a black/bluish colour tinged throughout. Very atmospheric indeed. Got a pic of it?

[jagged halo]

Unfortunately I haven't got the said pic, the Medusa Pictures release, which is the version I've just given away, had a pic of a smiling Scarecrow on the front, not the most creative of shots it has to be said!. Have you tried contacting the company I listed above?, if not here's a link to it here:

VD (http://www.videomania.uk.com/)

[mshulman5]

Oh it's a straight transfer alright. Definitely had a guy in a room with a VCR on one side and a computer hooked up to it on the other. But for me it's worth it considering there is no DVD release on the horizon. Revok is a Canadian company so unauthorized doesn't apply to them being that our laws don't apply in Canada. I got mine in 3 days in the mail. If you're willing to spend 20 like I was it definitely is worth it. I'm actually going to see if I can add some menus to it then start trading it.

[jagged halo]

I'd be carefull regarding the 'Berne Act' I imagine if Wesley got wind of this he would take legal action against this company, it's cetainly not as cut and dried as the site makes out, they're almost saying you can rip anything off provided it hasnt had an original release which is nonsense, I'm going to look in to this.

Anyway is the picture quality reasonable?.

[mshulman5]

Well two points there. First I'm sure Wesley would sue Revok and not any individuals that purchased the movie. Secondly being that Canada is another country it may be difficult to actual file a lawsuit against them.

As for the picture quality. It's VHS and it's good enough to hold me over until an actual DVD release. It's nice to be able to pop this movie in a DVd player whenever I feel like it.

[jagged halo]

I wasn't suggesting he would sue anybody that purchased a copy, Revok most definitely. That's fair enough if you enjoy this release I'm going to wait until the official release. Looks like I'm in for a lonnng wait then. ;)

[countchocula]

I'm a proud owner of the uncut version. The film isn't perfect by any means, but it's hard for me to disparage an atmospheric slice of '80s horror. The grue is visceral, the scarecrows are appropriately creepy, and the narrative ends on a saturnine note. I wasn't fond of any of the characters, though. Scarecrows begs for a DVD release, but not as much as Dark Night of the Scarecrow begs for one. If you haven't seen the latter, it's an engrossing made-for-TV flick that defines "atmosphere," even more so than Scarecrows.

[jagged halo]

Lol! I've got a copy of Dark Night I agree the atmosphere is superb, I also dug most of the performances particularly Larry Drake and Tonya Crowe, perfect casting there. I'd have to say though Wesley's picture isn't far off perfection for an eighties horror yarn that is. It's only a matter of time before we see, hopefully, a special edition release, I'm not entirely comfortable with this Canadian VHS transfer with no extras. Shame on you Revok.

[the dead one]

Considering the years I spent tracking this flick down, I am happy with what I got...until a better transfer is issued to DVD!

[!MorganOnyx!]

JAGGED HALO -

Yeah mate, I tried out the link and couldn't find it but thanks anyway! :cool:

The cover I'm thinking of DEFINATELY doesn't have a smiling scarecrow! It sounds like you gave the correct copy away he he.

Anyway guys, what's this DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW y'all are talking about? I've never heard of it, but I have heard of LARRY DRAKE. Wasn't he either the guy who took over from LIAM NEESON as DARKMAN, or the bad guy?!! :rolleyes:

Plot for DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROWS? Year? Director? Gore?

;)

[jagged halo]

It's always worth giving them a ring periodicaly, they often have Scarecrows in stock, you can even ask to be contacted when a copy becomes available. Good luck!!.

Dark Night Of The Scarecrow was a made for TV movie way back in 1981, it's fantastic, check this link out for a synopsis:

Dark Night (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082235/)

[!MorganOnyx!]

JAGGED HALO -

Thanks bud. I'll do that because I'm trying to get hold of SLAUGHTER HIGH. If they could call me when it does become available that would be sweet! :cool:

It's only DR 'FUCKING' GIGGLES isn't it?!! I keep forgetting THAT'S LARRY DRAKE!! He was well funny in that movie!! Yeah that DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW looks wicked. I take it your copy was obtained from VD? If it's a US tv movie surely it would have only had a limited video release over here?

I checked out a link leading me to THE TERROR TRAP that has a sypnosis of the movie. Check it out. I didn't read it all because I know it unfolds the movies events bit by bit and spoils it. But interestingly enough it said that there are 3 main horror movies with the theme of scarecrows, and they are the 2 we've all talked about....and NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW (1994). I've seen this movie in my video shop in the past but can't remember whether I've actually seen it! But anyway, the TERROR TRAP say it's BETTER than WESLEY'S SCARECROWS. Surely not? :rolleyes:

[jagged halo]

I regularly surf The Terror Trap another damn cool horror site, I would have to agree with them Dark Night is fields ahead, it's definitely a character driven movie, Larry Drake, although his on-screen time is short and sweet, shines in this, as does Tonya Crowe who befriends him. Charles Durning simple exudes 'villain' and you'll also spot a very young Lane Smith. The final scene is just way tooo cool, you MUST see it Morgan!!. Wesleys flick is a totaly different kind of Scarecrow flick, I still say it's one of the best low-budget shock fests of the late eighties.

You've got mail by the way;)

[Jewbo]

Just got this today. Cant wait to see it. I'll pop a review up when I have.

[Cronos]

this is a film ive wanted to see for AGES but have had no luck in finding it. it really needs a dvd release so i can finally get my hands on a copy

[jagged halo]

Try here:

Revok (http://www.revok.com)

[Elgyn]

This is a really fun, sadly unknown little 80`s gem.

The setup was inventive (for it`s time), and the Scarecrows themselves don`t f*ck around! They give Jason a run for his money in the "violent death" department! Plus they actually look pretty creepy too.

Plus it features one of my favorite lines ever: This place is possessed by DEMONIC DEMONS!

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Elgyn
This is a really fun, sadly unknown little 80`s gem.
Plus it features one of my favorite lines ever: This place is possessed by DEMONIC DEMONS!

I love inane dialouge too!
Like in Ed Woods "Plan 9 from outerspace"
the police officer at the crime scene stating:

Theres been a murder here...and somebody is responsible!

duh? LOL:D

[Elgyn]

Originally posted by the dead one


Theres been a murder here...and somebody is responsible!



That`s actually one of my favorite movie quotes ever!:)

[the dead one]

Originally posted by Elgyn
That`s actually one of my favorite movie quotes ever!:)

Yeah, it's a beauty eh?;)

[MadmanMARZ]

this is a true classic...

[jagged halo]

That's interesting I've never seen this artwork before, it's very different to the one I have, apart from the front cover. I also had the rated version where the pic from the top left of yours was used as the front cover. Gotta love that tagline!!!:D

[heavy!!!]

I know this is an old post but i finally got hold of Scarecrows DVD from REVOK and was not that impressed.

First off my dvd keeps slowing down then the speech goes out of sink think i got a dodgy copy. Inspite of this i watched the movie the Scarecrows look great but im afraid i thought the acting/script was awful, especially the stuff over the radio and Burkes inner monologues.

The gore and general tone and direction were tops though, shame Wesley came up with Route 666!!!

6.5 out of 10

[dellamorte dellamore]

I'm positive when everyone gets to see a nice , clean , remastered version , the film will have a totally diff effect . I like this film also , it's great , the atmosphere they created with such a small budget is admirable , but i really do want to see an official release , it will be that much better .

[the dead one]

Yeah...would be nice! But I am satisfied with having the one that is currently available in my DVD collection...thank god for the Buy,Sell and Trade section as "Scarecrows" is very recommended viewing without question!:cool:

I have to applaud Jagged Halo for his very right on review of this very lost and underrated classic, my 1st experience was with the very VHS version back in 88...which the jagged one has displayed (the box art) in his post! Kudos to you old man...bravo and good show!:D

[dellamorte dellamore]

Cone on now that's what everyone said with regards to their entire horror collection on VHS , i'm happy with it , until they saw the way it was meant to be seen , then they loved it that much more .


I can tell nobody is getting the full effect with this film , because all that's out there is some lame ass pirate copies , some 100th generation vhs copy that isnt worth a shiite . And you're happy with it , its a disgrace that it hasnt been given the DvD treatment . Not a personal slight , but it's ludicrous a proper transfer is not yet available .

This thing needs to be done up to reflect the true nature of the director's intention .

[Ratlehed]

I finally saw Scarecrows. It was cool because it was different. It didnt have the usual horror formula or set-up. The charectars werent the usal charectars and the villians werent typical. The movie starts quick, then get slow, then pick up again. I liked how the scarecrows looked and the little bit of gore was good. Decent story. The dialogue was pretty crapp though.

2.5/4 stars

[SteeleDude]

For those interested, this is on On Demand under the free horror movies. I've never seen it but I'm watching it now.

[DeaditeDerik]

Just won this on ebay, when I get it I'll let everyone know what I thought.