Review: Homespun Horror "Skinned Deep" Arrives on Blu-ray Courtesy of Severin Films

While on vacation, a family gets lost and is soon abducted by a gang of deranged mutant psychopaths. Sound familiar? Filmmaker Gabe Bartalos knows that, especially since he spent years in the horror special effects field before moving behind the camera. Working on popular horror projects, including "Spookies," "Brain Damage," and all of the "Leprechaun" films, Bartalos clearly gained a lot of knowledge on what goes into a horror film. That's part of why his 2004 directorial debut, "Skinned Deep," feels so inspired. It may be the work of someone drawing from a wide variety of different sources, but its homage to schlocky horror films feels distinct in its throw-everything-at-the-wall approach.

Severin Films brings "Skinned Deep" to Blu-ray for the first time ever in the U.S. with a sturdy 1080p presentation sourced from a new 2K scan of the uncut original camera negative. The film was originally shot on 16mm, so there are limitations in terms of color depth and detail, but this new presentation is pretty solid throughout. Adjust your expectations a bit, as the original camera negative shows some wear and tear in spots. That being said, Severin clearly did a great job putting this film out on Blu-ray for blood and gore fans to pick up.

As much as "Skinned Deep" deals in absurdity after absurdity, Bartalos seems a bit fixated on developing every killer in the cast, which kind of detracts from the film's strengths at times. This is a homespun-feeling horror film. All of the special effects are fun and look a bit janky, but they're usually enlivened by whatever is going on in the story. It should be said that "Skinned Deep" isn't going to be for everyone. It doesn't offer much in the way of originality and underwrites the heroes, yet there's plenty of enthusiasm behind and in front of the camera, emphasizing just how important this film was for so many performers and craftspeople.

"Skinned Deep" is available in both a limited edition that includes a CD of the original soundtrack and a standard edition that just contains the Blu-ray. As for special features, there's a featurette attached that includes interviews with Bartalos and a couple of the key players in the film. They all look back fondly on the making of "Skinned Deep," and it becomes apparent that this was a passion project that everyone pitched in on. If you can get on its wavelength, I'm sure you'll have an enjoyable time with the film's brain-banging inanity.

Other special features include:

� Archival making-of featurette
� Audio commentary with cast and crew
� Trailer

"Skinned Deep" is now available on Blu-ray from Severin Films