The Film (3/5)

In Toronto Canada, there is a serial killer on the loose. His MO is gunning down pimps and hookers with a custom made sniper rifle. The rifle shoots darts, and has the added weirdness factor of having a camera connected to it. So once someone dies, there is a picture of the crime. One cop named Boyd (Richard Crenna) is determined to stop this madman at any cost. He also has his eye on a clever pimp (Paul Williams), with big connections.

STONE COLD DEAD (1979) is the right kind of happy surprise that makes being a fan of offbeat cinema so much fun. Made during the heyday of Tax shelter movies of Canada, SCD is a unusual blend of sleaze cop dramas, and the giallo. The film also boosts the same level of gloss as one of it's Italian cousins. Right from the opening credits, we are treated to a seedy world of prostitutes, drugs, and vanity.

Originally based on a novel by Hugh Garner, titled "The Sin Sniper", STONE is also mellow in some of it's more potboiler elements. In terms of drug use, the film is unsettling and dreary. But as for sex and nudity, the movie could almost pass uncut on daytime television. But in style in more then makes up. Plus it has a opening montage featuring Fire Down Below by Bob Serger.

As the casting side of things, Richard Crenna (FIRST BLOOD, WAIT UNTIL DARK) makes a likable lead. He handles the action scenes well, and looks like he is having a blast every second of the way. In the quieter moments, Crenna delivers some fine moments of regret and brooding. But not everything is sad, one fun running gag, is his obsession with his pet fish. He has a special feeding system rigged, so every time he calls his special unlisted phone number a little toy drops down their food. Paul Williams (PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE) is always welcome as the cheeky and moral pimp. Sadly he doesn't perfom any music in the film.

Audio/Video (4/5)

The disc comes with a English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Track. The soundmix is crisp with no hiss or crackles. There are a few sections where a light room tone can be heard. But overall no serious issues.

English Subtitles are not included.

As for the picture, we get a wonderful 1080p HD Transfer. There is some softness to the picture, but no motion blur or print damage. The black levels are smooth and the focus is mostly sharp. The colors are mixed bag, with the whites and grey looking hazy and the reds being vivid. Overall a above average picture.

Extras (4/5)

The main extra is a audio commentary with film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson. The track is lively and is bursting with trivia on the film, and Canadian tax shelter films of the period. Next up is a interview with Director Mendeluk, who discusses his career and the production of STONE COLD DEAD, and it's original source novel. Rounding out the set is a trailer gallery with STONE COLD DEAD, ROLLING VENGEANCE, ROSARY MURDERS, NIGHT ANGEL, and RAWHEAD REX. The blu-ray itself comes with a reversible cover.

Overall (4/5)

STONE COLD DEAD is a wonderful curitosy for genre fans. At times slow, but mostly a hidden gem with lots of fun details. Kino Lorber does it again with another unearthed gem in a nice Blu-ray package.