I love Troma, but the fact of the matter is only a handful of the titles in their massive library stand out as truly great. That isn’t to say they don’t have a lot of decent, fun movies (not to mention utterly shitty movies). It’s just the truly classic Troma films can probably be counted on one hand. I think it’s safe to say TOXIC AVENGER is probably at the top of that heap.
I’m pleased to report the film may be about to get even better. Troma is finally releasing the film’s Japanese cut onto DVD, adding a full four minutes of footage onto the director’s cut. I’m guessing this footage will be extended gore scenes and perhaps a restored subplot involving the mayor that survived the German, but not North American, cut. Unfortunately, Troma isn’t giving any specifics just yet on what is being called by many of my contemporaries a “sought after” cut of the film.
TOXIC AVENGER’S Japanese cut hits shelves December 4th. The film won’t be on Blu-ray, sadly, but you can go ahead and pre-order the DVD for a most gory and funny holiday stocking stuffer. Also, for the uninitiated, we’ve included a synopsis below, if only because we love the monster hero.
Welcome to Tromaville, New Jersey — a small American town, terrorized by criminals. The town’s corrupt mayor sits idly by while muggers, robbers and teenage punks victimize helpless citizens. Among the residents of Tromaville is Melvin, a nerdy, emaciated janitor at the local health club. That is, until he becomes The Toxic Avenger! A gang of thugs devise a cruel hoax that goes horribly wrong as Melvin is cast through a third story window and into a vat of hazardous toxic waste. However, an unexpected metamorphosis takes place. As the chemicals take hold of his body, Melvin turns into the Toxic Avenger, doer of good, and brutal mauler of evil! The rest, as they say, is history! The excitement is non-stop as the hero sets out to single handedly wipe out the forces of evil that torment the people of Tromaville. The Toxic Avenger is non-stop entertainment that will leave the viewers glowing from the fun. An additional four minutes have been added to this version!