Surf Nazi's Must Die

Troma | minutes | | | Standard DVD reviewed by: Fusion3600

Once the beaches of California were beautiful, clean, and a wonderful place to relax...ok, so maybe not that clean, but still. As time passed more and more earthquakes ravaged the coastline and caused unrepairable damage to the buildings and such around the beaches. Just when it seemed as though the beaches couldn't be any worse...the neo-nazis showed up and took control of them. These are no ordinary neo-nazis either...these are lean, mean, mutant surfing machines. They terrorize the beaches and make sure no one can have a good time and if someone makes them mad, they have no problems with dismembering them. While they push everyone around and try to expand their territory on the beaches, they have no idea they're about to make a mistake that will haunt them forever. When they kill a young man named Leroy the surf punks don't think twice, but that actions incites rage within Mama (Gail Neely) who loads her guns and prepares to take the neo-nazis head on. When these two forces clash on the beaches of post apocalyptic California the waves will never be the same...

This is another classic low budget film from the archives of Troma, which means three things for sure...blood, breasts, and one hell of a good time! If you're a veteran of Troma movies you'll know what you're in for with this beach tale. The acting is not that good, the effects are cheesy, and on the whole the production value isn't that high. While those elements might spell certain doom for some studios, Troma thrives on them and delivers another unique and entertaining feature film. This futuristic yarn has a terrific storyline and colorful characters to be sure, but it isn't geared toward the normal movie fan, instead it is aimed at Tromaniacs. This usually means the film is loaded with gross special effects of all types, but this film is more driven by dialogue and characters, believe it or not. There are still some scenes of rampant violence, just not as many as we're used to. Troma also loves to load up on the breasts and this proves to be an exception, with only peeks here and there. But what beach movie would be complete without some chicks baring chest, anyway? I recommend this movie to those in need of a Troma fix or looking for an offbeat surfing movie, and the disc is well worth the asking price as well.

This film was directed by Peter George, who hasn't down much else in the world of cinema aside of a film version of Young Goodman Brown. Perhaps George knew he had explored all the sides of human and mutant life with this surf epic, and decided to call it quits instead of trying to top this movie. Or perhaps this movie ruined his career...who knows, right? In any case George helms the movie quite well and delivers a movie that belongs in the Troma library. So if he did nothing else with this movie, George kept the spirit of Troma pulsing in every scene. The acting in this film is either very campy or downright bad, but that's the way I like the acting in Troma movies, so it doesn't bother me. The performances are adequate for the tone and material in the film which is what counts in my book, and the actors infuse their roles with utter hilarity most of the time. Barry Brenner (Maniac Cop, Maniac Cop 2) is quite amusing as Adolf and Dawn Wildsmith (Beverly Hills Vamp) is so bad as Eva, that's she good. But the show stealer is Gail Neely (Earth Girls Are Easy) as Mama, who provides the funniest scenes of all. Others appearing in this film include Bernadette DiSanto, Andrew Sands, Tom Shell (Young Goodman Brown), and Dawne Ellison.

Surf Nazis Must Die is presented in a 1.33:1 or full frame transfer, which seems to be an acceptable aspect ratio since I can't discern any image loss or incorrect framing. Aside from some inherent film grain and minimal flecks and nicks, this is one of Troma's better looking visual transfers. The contrast seems a little dark at times, but usually not to obscuring degree so no big deal there. The colors are bright when needed and drab when called for, but in both cases no oversaturation or other color defects appear. Some slight edge enhancement aside, no compression errors emerge on this release.

This releases uses an "ultra stereo" track. How that is different from a normal stereo track I am not sure, but it sounds adequate...and just like stereo should. This film has some scenes that would sound good in surround sound, but this track makes sure all the elements come across well so I won't bitch and moan too much. The cool 80s soundtrack is a nice touch and the effects sound clear and distinct at all times. The dialogue sounds good as well, with no volume or separation issues to speak of.

This release contains some basic Troma goodies, as well as a wealth of film specific bonus materials. An informative introduction by Troma's president Lloyd Kaufman is included and gives a very brief account of the film's adventures at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival. A three and a half minute interview the director and a two minute piece with the producer are also included. While these are cool, I would have liked longer and more in depth featurettes. Six deleted scenes are also found on this disc and include director's commentary. The film's theatrical trailer and a small still photo gallery are also located on this release.