Skinner Blu-Ray
Never before available in the UK, Skinner comes to us as part of 101 films Black Label range.
This 4K scan and restoration of what was once thought a “lost film” is nice, with a lovely clear picture and sound. The colours really pop, which is something this film relies on in parts with a retro, almost neon palette being used.
The film itself is a bit of a mixed bag, genre fans are going to want to get their hands on it if not for curiosity sakes alone. Directed by Ivan Nagy from a script by Paul Hart-Wilden with a cast that is so 90’s it’s almost unbelievable, Ted Raimi, Ricki Lake and Traci Lords being the main leads.
Ted Raimi is Dennis Skinner, a fairly nerdy looking guy, who moves into a room being let by Ricki Lake’s character Kerry.
Kerry becomes more intrigued by Dennis as the film goes on, unaware that he has an interesting little hobby. He likes to go out to the seedier side of town with his little bag of tricks and, well, skin prostitutes and wear them as a suit basically. Not the kind of hobby you show off at parties to be fair.
Traci Lords plays Heidi, one of Skinner’s former victims, who escaped being flayed but was left mutilated. I have to say, Traci Lords is well known for being an underage porn star, and her acting in this film isn’t the best, she’s by far the weakest link in the main cast but then a hobbling, drug addicted mysterious character probably doesn’t allow for too much range. She hunts Skinner, wishing to extract revenge.
Throw into the mix a pervert peeping Tom landlord, a few prostitute murder/skinnings and a scene which has to be seen to be disbelieved, you’ll know the bit when you see it, and you’ve got a truly 90’s slasher flick.
The extra’s on this release, while hardly extensive, are great and for me were possibly more interesting than the film itself and explained a few things I couldn’t get my head around while watching the movie (the water motif running through the film for instance)
A Touch of Scandal – a fairly open interview with Ivan Nagy (who passed away aged 77 in 2015) about how he came from wartime Hungary and always wanted to be in film, his relationship with Heidi Fleiss and his foray into the adult video world.
Under His Skin – Interview with Star Ted Raimi
Bargain Bin VHS For A Buck – a fascinating Interview with Screenwriter Paul Hart-Wilden in which he discusses the film, parts that were added that weren’t his (the aforementioned “seen to be believed” part for instance) and how he couldn’t get it made in the U.K. were it was originally supposed to be set. We also get to the bottom of the water thing.
Cutting Skinner – Interview with Editor Jeremy Kasten. I really found myself disliking this guy. He comes across as a bit of an ass for my liking. But it’s still an interesting addition to the extras
Flaying sequence out-takes and extended takes – For me this is a pointless section, but for completeness sake it’s nice to have. may have been better with a commentary over it from any of the makers.
The original trailer completes the extras
Skinner is a well rounded release on 101 films black label and well worth your consideration and a must for any slasher film fans.
At the time of writing they have a 2 for £25 offer on their Black label films, so why not pick this and Howard the Duck up and have a really weird evening
Skinner is available to buy direct from 101 Films at the link below
