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Killer Klowns From Outer Spacewas released by Scream Factory on May 14th, 2024. This review is in regards to the 35th Anniversary Steelbook.
Growing up, my Nana had a VHS copy ofKiller Klowns From Outer Spacethat she had recorded off of cable television. That’s an odd concept these days, but back then it was common practice. This film — along withEdward Scissor HandsandMac and Me— were on constant rotation every time I’d go to visit for a few weeks each summer.
As a child I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the strange alien clowns. I remember being confused and wondering, “Is this supposed to be funny or scary?” The answer is — of course — both with an emphasis on humor. I hadn’t seen the film since I was young, but I was eager to see how it held up all these years later.
Killer Klowns From Outer SpaceCritique
The thing that stands out most aboutKiller Klowns From Outer Spaceis the level of creativity and commitment to the bit. Why these alien beings look likeclownsis never really explained, although a theory is suggested near the film’s conclusion. Even more baffling is the never-ending supply of carnival themed weaponry they use to dispatch of their unsuspecting prey: cotton candy cocoons,popcornguns and — my personal favorite — carnivorous shadow puppets.
Rewatching it now it’s easy to see why I was perplexed by the film at a young age. I’d never seen a movie involving murder and dismemberment be so silly. It’s overflowing with puns and gags, each being performed by the grotesquely looking creatures with silly, squeaky voices. It takes the absurdity of its title and turns it up to eleven, seeking laughs over fear nearly entirely; although, there is one particularly eerie scene in the police station.
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The practical effects on display are nothing short of impressive. That’s not surprising considering it was written, directed and produced by the Chiodo Brothers. Whether you know the sibling trio by name or not, you certainly know them by their work. The special effects team consisting of brothers Stephen, Edward and Charles Chiodo have used their talents to bring magical elements to life in films likeElf,Pee-wee’s Big AdventureandDinner for Schmucks. It’s a shame this was the only feature they ever tackled, because it’s a cult-classic unlike anything else we’ve seen, and I desperately wanted more from them.
The Special Features
The film is presented with a brand new 4K scan of the original camera negative. It looks glorious. There’s also an audio commentary from the Chiodo brothers themselves, adding incredible insight to the story and production.
The featurettes “The Making of Killer Klowns,” “Komposing Klowns,” and “Kreating Klowns” are also included on the film’s Blu-ray disc, along with bloopers, deleted scenes and more.
Would I Recommend This Purchase? Yes! It’s a great addition to the Scream Factory library.
Is It Worth a Blind Buy? This one is a little tricky. The movie is so incredibly silly that some folks might be turned off by it. Maybe check it out before popping open the wallet.
Killer Klowns From Outer Spacewas released by Scream Factory on May 14th, 2024.
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Joshua Ryan
Lead Film & TV Critics Editor
Articles Published :322
Born and raised in Central Florida, Joshua Ryan has harbored a love for cinema since the earliest years of his childhood. Through endless hours of watching Turner Classic Movies, especially the works of Alfred Hitchcock, his passion for film and film criticism grew. As an adult, he channeled that passion into a career as the editor and lead critic of FandomWire’s film and television department.
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