The Dungeonmaster
Official Synopsis:
“Paul, a young computer ace, is forced to put his physical and mental skills against unimaginable odds when a hulking wizard looking for formidable opponents picks Paul as his next challenger. Paul faces a series of seven spectacular and death-defying challenges and must survive not only to save his life but that of his girlfiend too! Jeffrey Byron (Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn) and Richard Moll (Night Court) star in this eye-popping thriller featuring an appearance by W.A.S.P.!”
When I saw the cover, read the synopsis, and watched the trailer for this film I will admit I already had some preconceived notions on the quality of The Dungeonmaster. However, what I witnessed can only be described as insanely fun!
During the boom of the personal computer era, films like Tron gave us glimpses into what the future may hold in the relationship between man and machine. The Dungeonmaster takes it to an entirely new level, exploring technology from the perspective of good vs. evil. With many films focusing on technology being the destruction of mankind, a film that suggests it can be an instrument of light against the forces of darkness that cannot comprehend it is a refreshing new take.
Most surprising of all is many of the aspects of technology The Dungeonmaster features which are just gaining popularity today: Smart watches, smart glasses, personal assistants, etc. Again, it embraces the pairing between man and machine, something which isn’t often done.
Another aspect of the film which took me by surprise was how good the acting was. I was expecting B-movie quality, but what we get is so much more. Jeffrey Byron fits the role of Paul well, not trying to oversell it, despite the insanity of the story. Leslie Wing as Gwen does well also, not just playing the damsel in distress, but stealing many of the actions scenes she plays a part in. The best part of The Dungeonmaster is, without a doubt, Richard Moll and his portrayal of Mestema. He plays the part with just the right amounts of crazy, evil, and sadistic.
The special effects are dated, but for the time they were cutting edge. Although a little hokey, they make the film a little more fun and are definitely reminiscent of 80’s films. The makeup effects were surprisingly well done for the most part.
Although I enjoyed a lot about the film, I do have a few problems with it. The ‘challenges’ that Paul must face aren’t much challenge at all! If the Devil has given you seven challenges to pass or else he gets to claim your soul, one would think these would be somewhat difficult. Each challenge lasts only a few minutes, then Paul is transported back to his staging ground where he and Mestema have a few minutes of banter until another one starts. Each one of these challenges are small segments that are written and directed by someone different, which may have seemed like a good way to lengthen the story, which was the purpose of this decision, but all it did was disconnect them from the main story.
Video
The Dungeonmaster is presented in 1080p 1.78:1. The source print is in pretty bad shape, with consistent roller scratches and blemishes throughout. In the darker scenes they aren’t that noticeable, and at times the transfer looks quite good.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. For a mono track, it sounds pretty good. There is a nice techno score at the beginning that really pops. The rest of the time you’ll be hearing laser blasts and dialogue.
Special Features
The special features are pretty bare, but include:
Theatrical Trailer
Interview with Director Peter Manoogian
The interview is informative, as Peter Manoogian directed a small segment of The Dungeonmaster, and also Eliminators. He talks about Charles Band and his time at Empire Pictures, and is definitely worth watching.
Eliminators
Official Synopsis:
“A mandroid – part man and part machine – seeks revenge on the evil scientist who created him. Enlisting the help of a beautiful woman and a mysterious ninja, he pursues the scientist in hopes of stopping him before he can further harm humanity. Andrew Pine (The Town that Dreaded Sundown) and Denise Crosby (Star Trek: The Next Generation) star.”
The only thing you need to know going into this film is the tagline… “Mandroid. Mercenary. Scientist. Ninja. Each one a specialist. Together they are… Eliminators”. That’s it. You, me, and everyone who reads this is hooked.
The most incredible thing about this film is the fact it was sold based on this tagline alone. No cast, no story; nothing existed before. There is definitely something to be said about this era of filmmaking that isn’t present today. There was a passion to tell stories, no matter how outlandish, no matter what the budget. This was the era of Empire Pictures and studios like it, the kind of studio that shot first (film wise) and asked questions later. That spirit courses through films like these, and despite the quality, there will always be a redeeming factor about them.
The acting in this is much better than I expected as well. Not too over the top, despite the main character being a ‘mandroid’ that rolls around like a mechanical centaur. Andrew Pine is excellent, playing a character whose identity has been erased by technological components, desperately trying to save the last shred of humanity he has left. I would have liked to see this explored more, as the character is very interesting. I think Denise Crosby is great in anything she does, and Eliminators is no exception.
For me, Eliminators went above and beyond what I was expecting. It captures a nostalgia that my generation grew up with, a sort of innocence and heart, and still manages to entertain.
Nostalgia doesn’t make up for everything, however, and as much as I enjoyed this film I did have a few issues that I think would have improved an already fun ride. The Ninja is introduced much too late in the story, and because of this we learn nothing about him. He is painfully under-utilized, and really doesn’t bring much to the story.
As strange as the story already is, it doesn’t explain the existence Neanderthals that attack the group later in the film. Presumably, it may be connected to a sub plot involving time travel, but that isn’t explained at all either really, so we are left to use our imagination on where they came from.
For me, these issues are just something you accept when you sit down at watch a film such as this. It’s fun as hell, and that is all that matters.
Here’s a clip from Eliminators from Scream Factory:
Video
Eliminators is presented in 1080p 1.78:1 in a new high definition transfer. The transfer looks quite good, and despite a few blemishes and scratches this is definitely the better transfer of the two.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo. The score for Eliminators is fantastic and I want to own it. It is easily my favorite thing about this film.
Special Features
The Special Features are listed under The Dungeonmaster menu, and unfortunately only include the one interview by the director who talks about both films. I would have loved to have seen more, especially from the cast regarding this film.
This double feature of The Dungeonmaster and Eliminators is well worth a blind buy for anyone who is a fan of 80’s science fiction. Scream Factory continues to bring us obscure films that otherwise may never see the light of day again. Thankfully, they are dedicated to ensuring a new generation has the chance to enjoy them.