April Fool's Day

Like the best traditionalists, I have horror movie viewing traditions. Each Halloween, the 1978 classic "Halloween" gets dusted off for another chilling experience. Anytime the 13th calendar day falls on a Friday, one of the many "Friday the 13th" films comes out of the movie vault. And on "April Fool's Day," an outdated DVD from Paramount usually gets its turn. Thankfully, Shout Factory has finally released the 1986 horror/comedy on Blu-ray, so the April 1st tradition now gets an upgrade.

Marketed back in the day as a slasher film, "April Fool's Day" has a few slice-and-dice elements to it. But this fun and breezy story mimics films such as "And Then There Were None" and "Ten Little Indians." In short, it's a mystery/whodunit flick with a lot of humor and silly situations.

A secluded island home is the perfect setting for a horror movie, and Muffy (Deborah Foreman) has invited a few of her close friends for a weekend getaway. Two sets of couples, a constant prankster, and a nerdy female bookworm are some of the guests on hand. When one of their friends disappears overnight, it seems everyone is a suspect at this April Fool's Day party, and people start getting bumped off one by one.

The most surprising thing about "April Fool's Day" is the lack of bloodshed, especially since it has an "R" rating. And coming from producer Frank Mancuso, Jr., who was involved with three "Friday the 13th" films, one would expect bloody shenanigans and severed limbs. The emphasis is on comedy in "April Fool's Day," making it one of the most unique horror films.

Five new interview segments are part of Shout Factory's special features department:

"Horror with a Twist" – a two-part interview with director Fred Walton

"Well of Lies" – actress Deborah Goodrich Royce sits down for a spunky interview and reveals that she got her start in show business as a tap dancer

"Looking Forward to Dessert" – actor Clayton Rohner praises his fellow "April Fool's Day" actors in his interview segment

"Bloody Unforgettable" and "The Eye of Deception" – two separate interviews with the film's composer and cinematographer

"April Fool's Day"
Blu-ray
$29.99
www.shoutfactory.com