’80s slasher Edge of the Axe comes to Blu-ray this month

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

I watched director José Ramón Larraz's 1988 slasher EDGE OF THE AXE on VHS around twenty years ago, and I can't remember much about it but I know I wasn't too fond of it at the time. Yet now that the movie is about to receive a special edition Blu-ray release, I'm starting to feel like I need to give it a second chance.

Set in California and primarily filmed in Madrid, the film has the following synopsis: 

The rural community of Paddock County is being rocked by the crazed exploits of an axe-wielding psychopath, who stalks the night in a black trenchcoat and mask. As the victims pile up, the authorities attempt to keep a lid on the situation, whilst computer whizz-kid Gerald and girlfriend Lillian seek to unmask the killer before the town population reaches zero.

Arrow Video is bringing EDGE OF THE AXE to Blu-ray on January 28th and copies can be pre-ordered at THIS LINK. Special features will include: 

– Brand new 2K restoration from the original camera negative

– English and Spanish language versions of the feature

– Original uncompressed mono audio

– Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack

– Newly translated English subtitles for the Spanish soundtrack

– Brand new audio commentary with actor Barton Faulks

– Brand new audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues

– Newly-filmed interview with actor Barton Faulks

– The Pain in Spain – a newly-filmed interview with special effects and make-up artist Colin Arthur

– Image Gallery

– Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn

– FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector's booklet featuring new writing by Amanda Reyes

I didn't have a good first impression of this movie, but Arrow Video has deemed it a classic, a "hack-and-slash masterpiece from one of the titans of Spanish terror." A trailer can be seen above.

Putting this MANIAC COP trailer here just because it was also released in 1988.